The Green Dress

by SybillaStillwater

Chapter 12: From Acorns to Great Oaks

Summary:

Tav has a health scare. Halsin’s past and fears haunt him. The Druid struggles with his nature and his future while she takes the impact of his tortured thoughts. Astarion is the backbone that holds them together. It’s a powerful chapter, and at 17K+ words the longest one yet.

I hope you enjoy this development and build into chapter 13.

Chapter 12

 

From Acorns to Great Oaks

 

 

Sunlight floods the tent as Astarion pulls back the canvas door. “I will never tire of that.” He inhales with a smile. He slowly turns and looks at Tav; his red eyeshine hauntingly and hungrily glows at her.

“Good morning, my sweet.” He purrs with a slightly curled lip. “You…” His nostrils flare, his head tilts, and he pauses. “Do you feel alright, darling?” His single, slow blink is almost startling compared to the stillness of his body; he fractionally leans in closer. He stares at her with a tight jaw, wry-mouthed as he awaits her answer.

Tav squints, shifting her hand back and forth; the iffy gesture tells Astarion what he suspects is accurate. The slender, fragrant rogue keeps her eyes locked on his as she slides herself on top of a sleeping Halsin with a stealthy, sneaking glide.

Astarion’s ruby eyes unnervingly track every catlike movement she makes with predatory precision. Charged with desire.

Taking a length of her hair between her fingers like a paintbrush, she strokes and tickles her Druid’s face and nose to wake him. Gently pushing a plait from his neck, Tav snuggles herself into him so she can kiss and mouth the spot where Astarion had fed on him. She runs her hand appreciatively over his chest hair; Halsin’s tanned, naked body feels hot and hard beneath hers, like a draft horse or a field ox. Strong, worked.

“Wake up, Bear.” She lightly blows air against his ear, hoping to rouse him from his trance in a pleasant way. “Halsin, my love, wake for me.” She gives his nose a tiny little boop.

When his eyes finally flutter open, Halsin finds Tav's blackened mask and amber sunlit stare already intently focused on his.

“Hi.” She happily whispers with a sweet smile, inches from his face.

He gasps in a breath, becoming wide-eyed. “I knew it would be you.” Halsin urgently declares, grabbing Tav; she falters as he catches her off guard.

The large man holds her against him tightly, as if they were being reunited after many years apart. He exhales a hitched sigh of relief, slowly spinning them both so he can look down into her eyes, pinning her beneath him. She doesn’t know what to think.

He huskily whispers, afraid to ask, frightened his dream would be tainted, his future destroyed and burned away by the rising sun. He holds his hand up to her face, hesitant, scared to touch her.

“Are you real? Speak to me.” His sudden tears well up and shake, threatening to rain onto her with each shuddered breath and blink. He stares at her lips; his tattered braids hang down in tangled knots, just like his thoughts.

Tav admires the living greens and golds in Halsin’s soulful eyes for a moment; there’s a split second when she feels spellbound, and she questions her own reality. If he were real. If he were hers.

The rogue finally speaks. “I…I’m real.” She stutters back, moved by his tenderness but unable to decode his body language or what he meant with his first statement. She doesn’t know what has come over Halsin all of a sudden; she searches his eyes that carefully explore hers. When his hand cautiously touches the side of her face, she softens and presses her cheek into it. “I’m real.”

Everything Halsin has ever wanted is staring right back at him and held in his gentle grasp. His mind quiets as his heart beats in time with hers in a calming, connective duet.

“Silvanus, guide me.” He prays, draping himself in a weightless collapse over Tav; he holds himself on his knees and elbows. His chest pushes her into the ground with each indulgent inhale that he takes. She says nothing, only using her hands to console him. Tav gently holds Halsin as he releases a few self-soothing, centering breaths. He seems a bit shaken and confused.

He carefully brushes her hair away from her face and moves it so he doesn’t lie on it. He shifts and puts a little of his weight on her as he relaxes.

“There’s so much I want to share with you.” Halsin rubs his rough face against hers and rests his lips on Tav’s forehead before he looks into her eyes again. He brings his large hand to her torso and instinctively glides small circles on her lower stomach, touching her out of care and affection, not for sexual pleasure. He leaves his warm hand on her; he likes that she’s soft there.

Tav can't help but close her eyes as she enjoys Halsin’s attentive touch. She knows he must be incredibly tuned into her.

His voice is desperately low and gravelly. “Let’s go to the river; I’d like to bathe and take care of you today. Allow me to serve you. I missed you so yesterday.” He continues to enjoy rubbing his face on her and breathing her in.

“I’d like that very much.” She whispers. “A lazy day then.” Halsin just nods his head against her.

She addresses Astarion. “What say you, Fangs?”

Halsin tilts his head up and jokingly huffs; he fondly admires his pale, closed-eye, sun-worshipping vampire. “You smell of Astarion; his scent lingers on your skin.” He loosens up and laughs with a wink and a smile when the pale elf hisses a “Shush” at him.

Halsin lowers himself and moves Tav's necklace so he can nuzzle and roll his face between and over her breasts. He gently cups one in his hand and breathes a contented moan while delivering small licks and sucking kisses to her hormonally perfumed skin. She lovingly scratches his head and pets his hair.

Halsin wishes he could feel her heartbeat against his face and her body under his all day. He covets the scent she is giving off.

“I beg your pardon, Tav and Dog, but you both need a bath.” Astarion scrunches his nose. “She reeks of you. Your scent is as strong as hers…they’ve…changed.”

Tav can see the slightest glow in Halsin’s eyes when he opens them. He shoots Astarion a warning glare, which is answered with raised eyebrows and a “What did I say?” look.

Tav cranes her neck to see Astarion from under Halsin, and he quickly fakes a dashing smile. She laughs with a hoot and a holler. “If you could see yourselves.” She looks at her own body as Astarion and Halsin sit up to look at each other's. Sure enough, all three have black smudges on their faces and bodies from her painted mask.

“This is beyond lipstick on the collar, Tav.” Astarion scoffs, looking at his chest. He has stencils and stamps on his skin from her sleeping on him. His high-pitched, annoyed question makes Halsin snort. “Must you wear this to bed? In fact, no more makeup at night…we’re here now; you don’t need to hide anymore.” His eyes try to drive his point home.

“What even is this kohl, wagon wheel grease?” He rubs a smudge, testing its removability. “Ugh.” He sneers disapprovingly. “Gods help you if you stained my satin pillowcases, thief.” He teases. “Halsin, HA! Your face!” He laughs loudly as he points.

“Excuse me.” Tav quickly asks as she motions to Halsin to let her up. She rises to her feet so gingerly both men can tell she’s in pain. “I’ll meet you by the water in a few. A little privacy, please, boys.”

“Understood.” Halsin nods; Astarion follows his lead but stays silent.

She grabs her towel and her waist bag and exits the tent with haste. Halsin reaches for the last of the sun tea and quickly downs it, gasping for air when he finishes the chug.

“Damn it, she smells so good.” He pants and flops onto his back, raising his arms over his head and pointing his toes; his muscles ripple and flex with his stiff stretch. “She might as well have a dinner bell around her neck...and her waist. Oak Father, give me strength.” He covers and holds his groin like it’s almost painful.

Astarion does not hesitate; he begins slithering his way towards Halsin, trailing his nose up his Druid’s frame. “I could say the same thing about you right now. She smells of the need to breed and blood, a curious mixture indeed. You…you, however, smell of sex, cum, and something…else. Whatever is going on with you, it makes me want you even more.”

Astarion crashes into Halsin; he speaks between his kisses. “She’ll be out of commission today; play with me instead?”

The vampire pushes his bear, and he quickly stands up, getting ready to flee. Astarion’s pupils dilate as he waits for Halsin’s reaction. “Chase me.”

Halsin growls as he starts to move to his feet. “I will give you a head start, bloodsucker… 3-2-1. RUN.“

Astarion lets out a quick cackle as he grabs a linen sheet and takes off like a bat out of hell. Meanwhile, the larger elf takes his time to stretch, scratch, and grab his hygiene kit from his tent before he leisurely strolls to meet him.

“Well, that wasn’t very nice! You, spoilsport, you.” Astarion pouts with a disappointed whine when Halsin finally comes down the path and walks into the treeline away from the river.

“I’m not running with morning wood and a full bladder.” Halsin laughs over his shoulder as he tucks his kit under his arm, turns his back to Astarion, and begins to relieve himself.

“I’m going to chase you when I want to chase you. I don’t mean a hunt for cunt either, Astarion, a real hunt. That’s a challenge I think we both need and would thoroughly enjoy.” His head falls back, and he sighs.

“Fair enough.” Astarion smirks, then grins as his imagination runs wild. “Actually, I can’t wait. Consider it a date.” The pale elf tilts his head, appreciating Halsin’s backside from the water. “You think tonight, maybe?” His eyebrows lift, and he sighs at the thought. “We could…” Astarion’s excitement stops mid-sentence as Tav's tadpole reaches out to him.

Her voice scares him. “Halsin…help…please.” Astarion is nervous, and Halsin can see it on his face when he turns to see why Astarion stopped speaking and was hurriedly splashing his way to shore.

“What is it?” As Halsin finishes up and begins jogging towards him, he catches what’s wrong on the air. “I’m on my way!” He yells to Astarion as he turns and starts to sprint back towards camp.

“Halsin’s coming; we’ll be right there!” Astarion calls out to her.

“Faster, you bastard!” Halsin tells himself.

As he gets closer, Halsin can hear Tav whimpering. Then he sees her stumbling down the path towards him with her towel tucked and wrapped around her. His terrified eyes follow the trail from her blood-spotted feet up her legs. It’s as if time is in slow motion.

She can see the whites of his eyes, wide with fear.

“Something’s wrong.” She weakly cries out. Before he can reach her, Tav gives up, doubling over, she collapses. The sound of her body's impact with the ground makes Halsin flinch.

“Oak Father! PLEASE!” He races and falls to his knees beside her.

“It hurts.” She writhes and winces, curling herself into the fetal position, pushing her pale, sweating face into the dirt and grass. Her hands balled into fists with the pain.

“Easy now, let me look at you.” Halsin gently moves her and begins to open the towel, but she stops him.

“No. Don’t.” Tav turns her face away from him and tries to push his hands back.

“Trust me. Please.” That is all Halsin says. He takes her hands into his and squeezes them supportively. “You know you can trust me.”

She winces again, then nods her consent, allowing him to examine her. Halsin reluctantly moves the towel, and he fights back his reaction. He lifts his chin, then quickly tucks it to his chest, and he swallows thickly, composing himself. His mind flashes to the horror of the night Astarion attacked her when he sees the unnatural amount of tissue and blood between her thighs. He squeezes his eyes shut tight and keeps his face as neutral as he can, but inside, his thoughts are on fire.

As Halsin palpates her abdomen, she groans, grabbing and pushing his hands away, smearing blood on him and stopping him. “I know. I’m sorry, but I must.” He gives her a moment before he continues. “I have to ask. Did you feel a lot of pressure or cramping before you started bleeding?”

Tav barely nods, keeping her face turned away from his. “My moon has never been this bad before. I didn’t even make it to the privy. There was so much, so fast. The cramps aren’t as bad now.” She blows out a breath.

As Halsin examines her, he sags a little, his fear slowly fading, his body becoming less tense. “I think I know why. This will help.” Halsin puts his hands up and calls out. “Te Curo!” as he casts Cure Wounds. He stares at her blood on his hands and fights back his panic as he waits.

Her relief is immediate. “Oh, thank the Gods!” Tav exclaims with an exhausted pant. “That’s so much better.” She starts to wipe the sweat from her face and sniffles before she spits out some sand that had made its way into her mouth. “Sorry.”

Tav swipes at her running nose again with her forearm. The pallor begins to leave her face as her pain fades. An embarrassed pink flush takes its place rather quickly. She clears her throat and smoothes her hair back. She hates looking vulnerable.

Halsin helps, knowing she’s rapidly trying to look as normal as she can before Astarion sees her. She didn’t want that image in his mind, and neither did Halsin; he quickly covered her up and wiped her blood from his hands on the towel.

The flash of light makes Astarion shield his eyes as he runs up. He stops about ten paces from them; he can’t get any closer. The smell of her blood is almost overwhelming. “Is she alright? What’s wrong? What can I do!?” He shifts his weight from side to side with worry; he stands at an angle so as to not directly look at her.

Halsin calmly replies to ease his mind while he protectively collects Tav into his lap. “She’ll be ok. I think she shed her decidual cast.” He gestures with a rolling wrist to extend his explanation to both Astarion and Tav. “Her uterine lining was expelled quickly; it’s not common, but it happens at times. Her body is being very impatient.” He shakes his head and hugs her apologetically.

Halsin wipes more dirt from her face with the back of his hand and kisses her forehead. “Astarion, would you go back to camp and heat up some water for tea?” Halsin searches his thoughts. “Place the bag of hot stones beside the coals as well, please. They’re in my tent. We shouldn’t be too long.”

When Astarion hesitates, Halsin reassures him as he cradles Tav. “From what it looks like, the worst has passed, and I’ve taken care of most of the pain. She’s alright, I promise.”

Astarion’s internal monster stares at Halsin’s. The look they exchange is knowing as they check in with each other's beasts. “I’m ok too; I am in control. You have my word; go ahead. I’ll explain more later.”

Astarion turns to her when she starts speaking. “I’m ok, Star; you don’t need to worry.” She tries to console him. Tav addresses Halsin before she buries her face in his chest. “Take us to the river, please, Bear. I need to clean up.”

“Of course, my heart.” Halsin adjusts her in his arms as he stands, nodding and expressing to Astarion that everything would be alright.

“If you need anything else, just ask.” Astarion hangs their bags on Halsin’s wrist and retreats quickly, staring at the blood on Halsin’s hand that remained. The vampire squeezes and rubs his now empty palm with his other hand. His jaw ticks, and his eyes drop as he turns to go back to camp. He looks at Halsin one last time and mouths, “Thank you.” To which the Druid gives him a slow blink and an understanding, thin-lipped smile.

As Astarion walks the path back to camp, he follows the trail of Tav’s blood. He kicks the ground with each step that he takes, spreading the dirt to sadly bury every drop under dried, broken earth. He bites back his guilt and his tears the whole way.

 

———

 

“Let’s get you fixed up, Blackbird.” Halsin kisses the top of Tav’s head as he carries her towards the river. When they get there, he puts her waist bag and his kit on the basking rock beside Astarion’s abandoned linen sheet before walking into the water with her still in his arms.

He puts her into a float position and moves the towel. He gives it a few dunks and wrings before laying it on the rock to dry in the sun.

“I’ll be right back, just a moment.” She watches as Halsin easily swims downstream about fifty or so yards. He finds and collects a palmful of red wintergreen berries from the shaded, sandy shoreline. On his way back, he stops to gather a few things from her bag before he returns to her.

He shields her face from the sun with his large hand. “How are you feeling, my heart?” Halsin’s expression is half concern, half guilt, but all love as he asks. He can’t help but watch her long hair swirling around her in the water; it looks like her shadow is dancing with her.

“Night and day.” She replies. “That’s never happened to me before. It was so painful; I was scared. I’m sorry you had to see me like that. I was panicked and incredibly embarrassed.”

“Worry not, you must know by now that I am not fazed by blood or natural bodily functions. Do you still doubt me? I mean, really, Tav, you’ve sat on my face. I love your “peach,” my peach.” He laughs, rather loudly, and she follows with an easygoing nod and eye-roll of acceptance. Halsin leans in to give her a small kiss on her cheek.

“Peach.” She blinks at him, unamused.

He playfully widens his eyes at her in jest and offers her a small red berry. “These will soften the last of the pain. Open.” He feeds her some after he pops a few in his own mouth first. “That’ll wake you up.” He inhales and squints, pushing his tongue to the roof of his mouth.

“Thank you.” Tav gently smiles at him and chews. The strong flavor also makes her sweetly scrunch her face, and that makes Halsin laugh.

“Here, take these.” He gestures to the linen washcloth and vial of her bath oil he holds in the crook of his elbow before returning to the rock to give her some privacy. He gathers their toothbrushes, dips them in his minty charcoal powder, and puts his in his mouth as he wades over and offers her hers.

Tav and Halsin laugh at each other’s smudged faces and blackened mouths as they brush their teeth. He notices she still holds her items in her hand; she’s waiting for him to bathe her.

“That’s better.” Halsin smiles widely at her after a rinse and a spit to shore. “I feel like a new man.” She hands him her toothbrush when he puts his hand out, and he goes back to the rock and gets something else from his bag while she swishes her mouth and finishes up.

The smell gets Tav’s attention right away. When Halsin turns around with a joint in the corner of his mouth, she starts to laugh.

“Care to partake with me? Enjoy some of Green Father's natural pain relief? A little wake-and-bake relaxation?” He smirks at her and puts his finger to his mouth for her to keep his secret. “It’s not just ceremonial.” He whispered cheekily.

“I knew you were sneaking off to smoke now and then.” She laughs with a hush at him. “You Druids, Jaheira was right.”

Halsin makes his way to her. “It helps these aching old bones of mine. Quiets some noise as well.” He taps his temple. Halsin inhales and offers her his mouth for insufflation since her hands are wet.

Tav accepts, and he moves into position, teasingly close, but not putting his lips on hers. She can’t help her nervous energy during their intimate exchange of smoke. Taking the air directly from Halsin’s exhale is sensual and erotic, and it’s a bit naughty as well. She feels her clit start throbbing, so she squeezes her thighs together and tries to keep a straight face.

Halsin pulls back as she leans in further for a kiss and asks. “So what exactly did Jaheira have to say about Druids, which I’m assuming is me?” His teasing smile makes her smile. He extends his hand, and she takes a toke directly from the joint this time.

“Well.” She moves closer to Halsin; he crouches down in the water conspiratorially next to her. Tav blows the smoke out of the side of her mouth away from him before she looks around quickly and hisses with an exaggerated, gossiping whisper. “She told me secrets.” Her eyebrows lift, then she squints, nodding her head slowly. “Secrets about you, Druid.”

Halsin’s focus lovingly traces the thin tattooed line that runs from her lower lip to her chest; somewhat distracted, he looks at her mouth and throat while he listens. “Secrets?” He squints back at her.

Tav disappears under the water for a moment, submerging herself with a humorous, mysterious disappearing act; the water bubbles where she once stood.

“Really…” Halsin’s eyes begin to track back and forth as memories of his long life flash and play in his mind. When only the top of her head, the tips of her ears, and her blackened mask surface, he asks. “What kind of secrets?” He huffs with a wrinkled brow as he smokes.

She lifts out of the water and teases. “Embarrassing ones.” Tav kisses Halsin's cheek sweetly. “All sorts.” She now kindly and simply answers. “Some surprised me, but everything I learned about you made me love you even more. She leans in for another drag.

“I’m relieved.” Halsin sighs and smiles at her. “And thirsty.” He quickly takes a lick of the water off the side of her face and laughs with boyish mischief. He loves her.

She tucks her items under her arm and turns to Halsin, placing her hands on his face, caressing his flexed, tight jaw. His long, wet hair drips, and the water droplets create a small song. Her touch is calming and welcomed. His smile fades into a tender expression.

Tav looks at Halsin with an apologetic love. The yellow in her eyes always seems so much brighter when she’s emotional. “Thank you for always taking care of me. I’m sorry you went for so long without someone in your life to do the same.”

The weight of her words knocks the wind out of Halsin; his chin quivers as he gathers his thoughts before he speaks.

“Silvanus answered my prayers when he sent you to me. All I had to do was wait.” He puts his hands on hers to release himself; before Halsin turns around, he kisses her fingers, then goes back to the rock. He needed a moment to swallow his emotions; she made him feel so happy and loved, seen.

He turns and holds eye contact with her, making sure she knows without a doubt the truth in his words. “You are always welcome to everything I have; you are never a burden.” He turns around and takes the final drag before extinguishing it and splashing his face with water. He then busied himself with the contents of his bag once again.

“Halsin, why did you ask me if I was real? You have asked me several times now, and it throws me each time you’ve asked.”

Tav’s question makes Halsin stall before he sets her comb and his leather hair tie down on the rock. “Ask me later. I’d like to bathe you now.” He resigns and smiles at her over his shoulder.

“Thank you, Green Father!” Tav suddenly laughs. “Woo!” Her eyebrows raise, and she dunks herself.

He giggles back at her. “Been a while?”

“Actually, not at all. I told you I visited Jaheira yesterday…” She smirks.

Halsin laughs so loud that it echoes, and he opens his arms to hug her. “You are a rare bird, aren’t you?”

She moves to him in the water, and he lifts her up, wrapping her legs around his waist. He delicately drapes her arms over his shoulders and rubs his hands over her back and down to cup and hold her ass. He squeezes and pats her cheeks and thighs; he loves to feel her under his hands.

“I could stay here all day.” He grins at her.

She takes him and cradles his head against her breasts. He sighs and rumbles a contented exhale. “If only we could.”

Halsin presses kisses and slides his face across her, gathering her scent, and starts running his tongue over her skin. Like a bathing animal, he gives her long, slow, lingering licks. He enjoys the salt of her sweat and the taste of her. Her body relaxes into his, and she starts to move and breathe with excited little sounds as he loves on her.

“You drive me crazy, Tav.” His eyes unfocus and close as he indulges. He rolls and rubs himself into her underarm with pure lust. He doesn’t hide how much her scent turns him on. Halsin cannot help but grind and thrust his hips as he inhales; she’s a threat to his senses, all-encompassing, intoxicating, sweet, and deadly. His pretty poison indeed. He pulls her to his mouth to kiss her passionately, deeply, with unapologetic primal infatuation and instinct; she answers him with the same amount of energetic enthusiasm.

“Do you want me?” She asks, panting, searching his face.

“Always.” Halsin replies.

She moves herself on him so his cock slides against her entrance and rubs her clit with her slow bounce. Even in the water he can feel her excitement coat him; he glides over her like silk. It makes him grunt with each movement. Her hormones are out of control, and so are his.

The water sloshes against them as their bodies collide and rock together.

She tries to move herself so that he slides inside of her, but he pulls his hips back.

He gathers himself, and his head falls back with defeated clarity.

“We should wait.” He wants her so bad, but he feels she needs time to recover. “For penetration, at least, let nature work.” Halsin moves in to kiss her as he uses his cock to rub her clit and tease her. “I can still pleasure you, if you desire.” He rests his forehead on hers.

“I need it.” Tav whispers.

“Me too.” He answers.

Before he even finishes speaking, Halsin starts dutifully caressing her as she clings to him. His hands hold and feel her breasts; they are noticeably fuller. He shakes them in his hands and enjoys them thoroughly, voraciously sucking her nipples and taking as much of her breast into his mouth as he can. His intensity makes her cry out. Halsin can't help the sounds that come from him as she playfully smothers his face between them.

He trails his mouth over her chest and up her throat, stopping at Astarion’s favorite spot below her left ear. His tongue flicks her scar there, and he growls; it makes her hair stand on end.

He hisses in an inhale. His voice is as threatening as it is full of promise. “I’m going to give you a matching one….” He stares into her eyes as he slowly moves in front of her face to the other side and lightly brushes his lips against her. “Here.” He whispers against her neck, pushing into her with a throaty groan. Halsin bites her hard enough to make his point, but not so that it hurts.

Her head falls back as he speaks to her. He moves his large hand between her legs to rub her clit with the pad of his thumb.

He puts his mouth to her as he holds her firmly. “Right here…” He warns her before he sucks a bruise into the targeted spot. She gasps, and he moves to kiss her hard, taking the air from her lungs with its length. He releases her and teases. “But not right now.”

She teases him right back, removing his hand from her; she pushes herself against his cock, spreading her lips and rubbing her clit with him like her own personal toy. She presses the head of his cock against her entrance, biting her lower lip as she enjoys herself. Tav begins to roll her hips and slides against him with a frenzied urgency. It drives the savage in him wild. "You can have this…but not right now."

Halsin grinds himself against her, his chest and cheeks flushed red. He’s lost in pleasure. “Fuck, you’re going to make me cum like this.” He pulls her up and fits himself closer to her hips to fuck the space between their bodies; he starts with long, slow thrusts, then increases his pace, and she starts to climb her own building orgasm. He grabs her breast and squeezes it, giving her nipple a firm pinch that makes her buck. He watches her unravel under his touch.

“You smell so good it makes my head spin. Fuck, I feel out of control. Kiss me again, my love. Kiss me hard. Kiss me while you cum.” He leans into her, and she fists his hair, roughly pulling his head back as she plants her lips on his, her hips rocking against his.

She starts to make that telling high-pitched sound he loves so much; it makes his blood boil with pleasure. Her hips gyrate, and she moves faster as she uses him. She is close, so Halsin holds on as long as he possibly can until she finally explodes.

Her body stiffens and jolts around him as they both lose themselves. Their tongues twist and taste each other with eager, hungry lapping. Neither one of them holds back; their sounds of pleasure fill the air. He’s sure Astarion can clearly hear them as they both peak. Knowing that makes Halsin’s orgasm even better. He desperately needed this release, and so did she. He grunts with each exhale, and his body shakes; he gets goosebumps as he rides his high.

Halsin’s eyes open, and when he looks at her, Tav can tell with certainty that her future is held within the verdant haven that gazes back at her. Nothing can hold a candle to the trust and love they share at this moment.

They don’t need to say a word, and they don’t.

Halsin carefully cleans her with gentle, familiar hands. He tends to her, washing her hair and bathing her body. His hands roam her without any embarrassment or reservation. She returns the care with the same trusting touches. Their bodies are shared as one; nowhere is off-limits.

Still aroused and heated, they continue to touch and rub against each other, enjoying the feel of one another’s presence. Kissing, stroking, and petting away the stress of the morning. They gently roll around in the water with each other, playfully quieting each other’s anxieties with only the contact of their bodies in nature.

“You’re still so hard.” She smiles at Halsin.

“I want you.” He simply answers.

“Lay on the bank.” She orders him.

“It’s alright, my love. I feel a lot better than before. I can wait; it’s tolerable.” He laughs.

“Well, I can’t. Do as I ask.” Her yellow eyes stare at him with a mischievous yet stern command.

Halsin makes his way to shore, and she follows him. He lies down on the lush grass, and she crawls to him on her hands and knees. He watches her carefully. She wants this as much as he does.

Tav slides her hands up his legs to his thighs. Her breasts and wet hair drag over him as she moves; the overstimulating sensation makes him twitch and shiver, he takes a deep breath in. His cock, impossibly hard, pulses and drips.

She stops and holds his gaze; she lightly kisses and licks the cum from his head before she starts moving again. She turns around and straddles Halsin, sitting on him and leaning forward to expose herself. His favorite maneuver of hers is almost too much; he curses. “For fuck’s sake, Tav, you tease me to no end.” He growls as she deep throats him. "Gods, yes, just like that. Take it." He pants. “Take it all.”

She leans over, and Halsin appreciates her frame as he watches her body writhe and roll as she enjoys him.

“Your cock is perfect.” She gasps. She spits on it and uses both her hands to pump him as she catches her breath. “I want it all the time.” She looks over her shoulder, and her eyes are absolutely black, her pupils unnaturally wide; he’s never seen her like this before.

The look she gives him is almost enough to make Halsin cum. He puts his hands out to grab, slap, and squeeze her ass. He spreads her more for his viewing pleasure, and she lets him. “Fuck, yes, let me look at you.” He admires how pink her cheeks get with his handling.

“I want you all the time too.” He grunts before he spits and rubs circles over her ass with his thumb with a tease. “I want to fuck you here… own you, fill you. I want to share you with Astarion so we both pour out of you.”

She throws her head back at that statement. She wants that too.

When she returns her mouth to him, he unapologetically thrusts to purposely make her gag on his cock. He watches her whole body clench, and it breaks him. “Fuck, I’m going to cum again.” He grabs her hair, winding it around his wrist, and pulls her back so she sits on his chest. She can’t help but ride and grind her beast. Her dominant position on top of him is driving him wild.

Taking his cock into his hand, Halsin roughly gets himself to the point of no return. “Now.” He releases her hair, and she obediently leans over him and lets him explode in her mouth and on her face. Tav eagerly tries to swallow every drop he gives her, but there’s so much. She drips with excitement that he can feel and see coating him while she straddles his chest.

She dismounts and spins herself around so she can look at him while she cleans him. She’s feral for him; she nibbles his thighs and moves to lick and suck his balls. She strokes his still-hard cock and begins teasing his ass with her tongue.

“I want things as well.” She moans.

“I bet you do.” He breathes.

“I want to fuck you too.” She tests his reaction, slowly massaging the space between his balls and his ass with gentle pressure. She finally moves her finger and touches him there.

He sits up on his elbows with surprise and stares at her. She keeps eye contact with him as she takes his heavy cock into her mouth again. Tav continues to pet his ass with her finger in a slow, pressing circle while she bobs and slurps.

Halsin's head rolls to the side with pleasure, and he repeats. “A rare bird indeed.” He moans. “You can do with me what you please; I am yours.” As his arousal finally starts to settle down, she releases him, and he pulls her up on top of him. “That’s for another time though; apparently I’m spent.” They laugh as they lazily hug each other with relaxed, seemingly boneless arms.

After a few minutes she gets up to grab their bags for them. They need to finish up and get back to camp; she didn’t want to be rude and keep Astarion waiting.

Tav begins the task of untangling and braiding Halsin’s unruly hair. She gave him a scalp and shoulder massage as he shaved and softened his hands by rubbing them with sand, a recently acquired habit that she and Astarion both appreciated.

When they are thoroughly freshened up and rinsed off, he carries Tav out of the water like a proper mermaid. Halsin decides to drape the white linen cloth over her, and they return to camp with her in his arms. Thankfully the others still aren’t back yet.

 

———

 

“Well, aren’t you a perfect, blushing bride?” Astarion cheerily jokes as they approach. He places his hand over his stomach, collecting himself, and takes a deep breath. “You look like yourself again.” His glassy, relieved eyes track over to Halsin.

“We shouldn’t be too long.” He rolls his eyes, putting his hands up to quote Halsin. “Feeling better, are we?” He jokes, adjusting his growing erection. Astarion smiles out of the corner of his mouth at them. His hands make a “pardon me” gesture. “Thank you, Halsin.”

After his quick composure, Astarion continues. “Dammon’s courier was here; your parcels from town arrived. They are still wrapped and untouched. I see you shopped till you dropped.” He wiggles his fingers with agitated anticipation. “They’re inside your vestibule.”

He presents Scratch to her with open arms and a bow when the camp's companion trots up. “This gentleman here wouldn’t let me near them. Would you, boy?” He smirks with condescension. “I’m guessing you told him to guard them… From me, of all people.” Astarion looks at Tav with disappointment, placing his hand over his heart. “Darling, I’m hurt.” He coyly smirks at her.

Halsin laughs loudly and smiles at Scratch. He silently thanks him and gives him a friendly nod.

“That’s a good boy, Scratch!” Tav is so eager to pet him and retreat to her tent to open her orders that she squirms impatiently in Halsin’s arms to be put down.

“Alright, alright!” Halsin snorts as he lowers her feet to the ground and wraps the cloth around her butt. She reaches down to thank Scratch with a good ear rub and pet before she wiggles her way to her door with small steps so as not to expose her bum.

When she pulls back the flap, she stops. To her surprise, the interior has been cleaned. It’s fresh, organized, and cozy.

“I hope you don’t mind.” Astarion’s soft voice spoke from behind her as he rounded the corner of her tent. “It was a bit grubby in here, and I needed to keep my hands busy, if you know what I mean.”

“Yes, I’m sorry about that.” She smiles at him. “My housekeeping has been neglected recently.” Her cheeks redden. “I’ll take better care of this space now. Thank you for making this hovel a home.” She smiles as she walks into Astarion’s arms. He eagerly wraps them around her and lays his head against her with a sigh.

Halsin discreetly brushes Astarion’s thigh as he passes him to go to his tent. He gets dressed and takes some supplies to the campfire. He calls out, “I’ll be making tea.”

“Ok Bear!” They answer Halsin in unison. It makes all three of them laugh.

Astarion runs his nose from one of Tav's shoulders to the other, enjoying her. “You’re welcome. Mmm. Gods, you still smell so good. I see you’ve been into the catnip too, huh?” He winks at her. “I bet it helps.” He rubs her back gently. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better now, thank you, Star. I’m sorry that I scared you.” She whispered. “Are you ok?” Her eyes hold his as her hands start to creep towards his waistband. “How are you feeling?” She repeated his words back to him but with a low, sensual voice.

Astarion moves directly in front of her and places his cold hand on her cheek. “My sweet girl, never mind that. Is there any way I may be of service?” His anxious eyes look into hers while he pushes her hair behind her ear.

He trails a finger over it with affection. “Your ears are longer than mine.” Astarion remarks as he dotes on her. “How did I not notice that before?” The look he gives her is thoughtful; he enjoys how the sunlight dances in her eyes. “Come and sit.” He leads her inside her tent and leaves the door open for Halsin.

Astarion lies down and invites her to him. He busies himself by gathering her hair and braiding its length as they wait.

Halsin returns with two mugs; he explains the contents of hers. “This tea is for any other lingering effects, made from a blend of fleabane, yarrow, fennel, and angelica root, sweetened with a large dollop of honey and a few mint leaves. It’s not great, but it’s tolerable.” He cheers his own mug full of his own custom blend. “Give it time to steep and cool a little, my love; don’t burn that tongue.” He tries to hide his laugh. “Excuse me, your mouth.” He smirks.

Halsin sets the mug down in front of her; without a second thought, she wraps her hands around the vessel. Tav holds the mug until she can’t anymore. She turns and takes Astarion’s hands into hers for him to feel the extra warmth of her touch. He closes his eyes and stills, immediately relaxing. Halsin and Astarion are both moved by the unique gesture.

After she’s had about half her tea, Halsin goes back to the fire and returns with a leather bag full of round, hot stone rocks. He motions for Tav to lie down. “Get comfortable, Blackbird.”

Astarion and Halsin remove her linen cover and settle her into position.

She uses Astarion’s lap as a pillow. He strokes her forehead and ears, running his thumbs over her eyebrows and the bridge of her nose before kissing it from above. He traces her face and jaw, gently caressing her features in a tranquil manner.

Halsin drizzles warmed sweet almond oil on her, his face tight with concentration as he makes sure not to drip or spill any on the fabrics.

“That’s lovely.” She inhales.

“Truly.” Astarion adds.

Her men begin to rub and massage her. They work together to relieve her stress from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. This act of service from lover to lover, man to woman, was more like ritualistic appreciation and care, not a seduction technique.

Alright, maybe there was a little teasing; she was obviously aroused, and so were they. Their goal was solely appreciating and thanking her body for its natural, healthy beauty, yet they couldn’t help but stare at her hard nipples and goosebump-covered, tanned skin.

Halsin explains the stones after he cleared the lump in his throat. Reaching his hand into the bag, he shows her they will not burn her before he places the bag on her thigh so she can feel its heat. He starts placing the stones one by one as he reaches into the bag, their size dictating where they go.

He lays a line under her collarbones, over her lower abdomen, in the ditch of her elbows, and on her palms, wrists; even placing small ones between her toes and on her forehead. He asks permission before he places a warmed, damp cloth over her eyes.

“That’s heavenly. Thank you, my loves. I’ve never been so cared for.” She blindly smiles at them both.

“Well, that’s unfortunate. Get used to it.” Astarion pets her and gives Halsin a steamy look. “It’s my turn next, right?” He jokes.

As their laughter fades, Halsin clears his throat again. The large elf speaks in a rushed but calm confession. His glassy eyes are stressed, and his voice is rough. It is hard for him to look at Tav as he confesses; Halsin had placed the cloth over her eyes with more than one reason in mind. He continues to stroke her legs and feet as he speaks.

“I must tell you both something.” His somber tone is telling. “It’s a sensitive subject, so please bear with me.”

They both chuckle.

When his pause is longer than expected, both Astarion and Tav know that whatever he is about to say is serious.

“I smell so good because it’s my season. My animal form is part of me as much as I am a man. Her body craves me in ways I will never fully understand, but it’s why she is so hormonal. Her feminine intuition can tell that it is my time, man or beast, and her body is doing everything it can to entice me and prepare itself.”

He addresses Astarion. “Even you said I smell good; it’s my pheromones this time of year. I cannot help it. I certainly cannot hide it from you either.”

“Well, you certainly smell.” Astarion nasally laughs at him as he holds his nose shut with his fingers dramatically.

The joke rubs Halsin the wrong way, and he snaps, interrupting Astarion. “I caused what happened to her today! Must I remind you that you did as well! Stop joking, damn it!” He stiffens before he hangs his head. “I’m also fully aware I stink of lust and musky sweat. I’m sorry if it’s overpowering; bathing doesn’t make it go away.”

Tav begins to move, and Halsin stops her. “Stay.” He commands softly.

“Oh, shush, I’m just teasing. We rather like the way you stink, you silly man…. You know this!” He gestures for Halsin to come closer to him; when he reluctantly does so, Astarion buries his face against his neck and ear and whispers. “It makes me fucking hard. Just as hard as she makes me.”

Astarion takes Halsin’s hand and moves it to his cock. “See, I’m not lying. I more than desire you.” The pale elf kisses him, and Halsin grabs him, kissing him back with a heated roughness. Astarion nibbles and sucks Halsin’s lip but doesn’t break the skin. Halsin’s throat rumbles with a starved groan.

“It makes me bleed.” Tav interjects, laughing, but keeping as still as she can as not to disturb the rocks that balance on her.

“Don’t you get it? This is not funny, Tav!” Halsin barks, pushing himself away from Astarion. “I won’t tolerate this…this…ridiculousness! It’s serious!” He stands up so quickly he hits his head on the tent's ceiling. “Ow! Damn it!” He pushes his hair back and punches the canvas.

She sits up quickly, removing the cloth from her eyes; the stones fall from her in a clatter. She wags her finger at him. “Oh, come on, Bear, we are just teasing you! You’ve made your jokes recently too, you know. I feel much better now!” Her tone tried to convince him she’s totally fine. “Are you alright?”

“Don’t be so sour.” Astarion chimes in. “We are fine. We…” He motions to the three of them. “are fine.”

Halsin hangs his head. “I’m alright. I apologize. Please excuse me. I am ravenous and hormonal as well. Shamefully, I have also neglected my prayers and meditations. I feel uneasy…off balance. I’m hungry, so very, very hungry.”

Astarion shoots Tav a look.

Halsin composes himself. “I need to commune with Silvanus before we celebrate the solstice.” His short and frustrated speech makes it clear that he is stressed beyond his limits.

The pair soften and stop their playful teasing. “Of course, Bear. Take all the time you need.” Astarion offers without sarcasm or snark. He genuinely means what he says. “Go ahead.” Astarion and Tav’s faces hold kindness and understanding; they encourage him.

Halsin leans down and kisses Astarion's cheek before kneeling to kiss Tav on the mouth. “I’m ok; I just need a little time.” His sorrowful heart is heard loud and clear. He asks Astarion, “Can you take the reins here and watch over her?”

“Of course, darling.”

Halsin nods a thank you and goodbye, leaving the tent to be alone with nature, his god, and his thoughts.

Astarion replaces the stones on Tav and keeps her company, communicating their shared concerns about Halsin until the stones cooled. He collected them and brushed her hair again before bringing her a fresh drink and a plate of sliced apple and cheese. He left her tent to let her get some rest.

 

—————

 

As soon as Astarion is far enough away from her tent, Tav starts to snack and carefully unwrap and inspect her parcels. So many beautiful items, worth every bit of Halsin’s gold that she spent. Her fingertips reach out to touch the soft details and metal buckles. Silk and leather, flowers and feathers. Ribbons of velvet and lace. So many different textures and textiles.

Her eyes almost glow as she holds up an emerald green corset. Its golden hardware and black leather match her eyes. Garters, matching gauntlets, bangles, and more. She accounts for all the items, laying them out in front of her like a high-risk score.

The fragrant parcels she keeps closed and sealed; she knows what they are, but she doesn’t want to open them just yet.

She sees a small chest with Jaheira’s insignia on it, and she smirks. Quietly suppressing her excitement as she opens it. “How…?!” Tav grins a mischievous, devious smile. “Druids.” She laughs.

 

 

———

 

 

Hours have gone by. Everyone had returned from town, and dinner was bubbling over the fire they surrounded. They drank and laughed, catching up with one another and recounting the antics of the night spent in town.

Tav tells Astarion via tadpole she’s going to check on Halsin, and she quickly dismisses herself.

Astarion finds himself lovingly watching her dirty feet as she walks away. He’s starting to understand why Halsin is so taken by them. He smiles at himself with disbelief.

When she makes it to the brook by the cave, it’s almost dusk. There she finds the sequestered Halsin with his broad, sunburnt back to her and his legs in the water. He has a large, neatly stacked pile of harvested sweetgrass beside him. He’s been braiding and weaving the pieces together with skilled accuracy, keeping his hands busy for hours by the looks of it.

She knows she is downwind from Halsin, so she takes the risk. Tav smiles like the thief that she is as she crouches and creeps towards him. Her bare feet silently contact the ground as she stealthily stalks him. Quiet as a field mouse.

When Tav gets closer, the fragrant aroma of the sweetgrass surrounds her; she naturally inhales deeply to enjoy it.

Halsin jolts at the sound, spinning around with speed; he pulls himself out of the water so quickly that it splashes her.

Her mouth opens to scream, but she can’t make a sound. Tav falls and flattens herself to the ground, cowering from him. She puts her hands up in an “X” over her head, protecting herself. Her eyes filled with fear.

“It’s me!” She trembles, staring at him. She wipes the water from her face and starts to crawl and kick herself backwards, away from him. She's terrified of the way he is looking at her. She knows if she runs, she’s done for. She curls up on her side and awaits her fate.

Halsin’s long teeth are bared, and his large eyes are swirling with that ominous fiery glow. He towers over her, shaking and panting, absolutely spooked. His eyes do not blink nor soften; he stares with a piercing, fearsome glare that’s chilling; he holds no warmth for her there. He drools, and his lips curl into a terrifying snarl as his monster emerges.

“You fool! Don’t ever do that again!” He seethes. “What were you thinking? Do you want me to rip you apart!?” His voice was loud enough that it carried through the woods.

Her eyes narrow, and she yells right back at him while prone. “You dare speak to me this way?” She explains. “I was coming to see if you wanted dinner, you ass… I was only fooling around! I thought you would be happy to see me…. What’s wrong? I thought you were in prayer all day. You look like you’ve seen a ghost!” She glares at him, catching her breath.

“Ghosts?” He spits, yelling. “I am DONE looking for ghosts; I’m looking for PEACE!” Halsin sneers at her. His anger is noticeably unrelenting. “Do you not understand that? Can you not see that I am no good for you?!”

“My love...” She pauses, confused. Her forehead wrinkles with her weak reply, and her eyes lose their shine. He can see her deflate. He sees the exact moment she questions everything and shuts down.

The disappointment of his actions and the truth overwhelm him; he breaks.

“Love.” He folds.

“Love hurts… Hate is free.” He grinds his teeth.

Halsin throws the grass from his hand and kicks a pinecone on the ground with an annoyed punt as he leaves her, alone, beside the water. He doesn’t even help her up. He doesn’t want to touch her; he can’t; he won’t.

He turns to stare at her like a hurt, beaten animal for a moment as he realizes exactly what he’s done; his face twists, and his eyes flicker between pain, despair, and rage.

He wild shapes into his panther form and runs into the forest without another word.

She tearfully yells after him. “Halsin, don’t go! Stay with me! Please! I’m sorry!”

He runs even faster.

She screams at him, an awful cry.

“DAMN YOU, DRUID!”

Halsin runs until he can no longer hear her sobs; he runs until he can’t anymore.

 

———

 

When Tav makes her way back to camp, her tadpole reaches out to Astarion’s.

She lies to him.

Tav’s voice is her own usual self; there is no hint of distress or issue. “I need a nap. Find Halsin and help him blow off some steam; he’s so stressed.” Her voice becomes sultry. “Go to him; he needs you.”

 

———

 

“Halsin.” Astarion calls out. “Halsin, I know you’re watching me.” Mildly irritated, he complains. “Come out and play with me!” The vampire waits. “Come on, Bear. Must I beg?” He wills him to appear.

There’s a blink in the darkness of the woods. “There you are.” Astarion locks in on the eyes. “Aw, look at you. I see you still come to your name being called. Good boy.”

A giant blue-black panther emerges from the shadows. His stalking eerily makes no sound at all as he directly approaches. Astarion watches in horror as the giant beast comes closer. “Oh shit.”

Halsin flashes back into his elven form and shakes his limbs. He rolls his neck and arches his back with a wince.

“Well, thank the fucking Gods. I thought I was about to become an entree; that certainly was an entrance, Halsin. That form makes me nervous; you’re even quieter than I am.” Astarion realizes he’s babbling with unnecessary chatter. He reverts to tomfoolery. “Sooo, do I need to do a tick check on you or…?” Astarion jokes, but Halsin isn’t having it.

“What’s going on with you?” The pale elf bluntly asks while frustratingly putting his hands on his hips and jutting out a leg; annoyed, he taps his shiny, pointed boot. “Secrets don’t save sinking ships, Halsin. I demand to know.”

“Fuck, Astarion, I scared her.” Halsin starts. “I lost my temper, and I yelled at her for nothing of her doing.” He continues, “I bared my teeth at her, I called her a fool… I insulted her… and I abandoned her. I told her that I’m no good for her.”

“You did what?!” Astarion yells with a gasp. “No wonder she told me to find you.” He’s furious and pushes into Halsin’s space. “You better apologize to her, or I’ll blacken your fucking eye! You damn jackass! What were you thinking? Halsin, I’m shocked.”

Astarion turns and walks away so he doesn’t attack him. Looking back towards camp quickly, he begins to circle around Halsin, his red eyes focused on him menacingly. He wants to hurt him; he wants to hurt him badly.

“Explain yourself! Now! I want answers!” He points his finger directly down as he stomps his heel; Astarion is pissed.

Halsin’s voice rises with exasperation, his eyes following the moving target that is Astarion. “I will, I’m sorry! She startled me… I was in my head. These dark thoughts, they don’t stop!” Halsin frustratingly admits. “This isn’t easy for me either, you know!” He throws his hands up. “I’ve spent decades in my head; I can’t just turn that off. I have a hard time believing what is real anymore.” Halsin breaks down. “I screwed up. I fucked it all up, didn’t I? She probably hates me now.”

“After thinking about what happened today, I’m afraid to be near her. You didn’t see what I saw, Astarion, what I did to her body without even touching her.” Halsin puts his hands over his eyes. “The pain I saw her in, fuck, she’s as fragile as a flower, and I feel like I trampled her. I’m scaring myself.”

Astarion starts to visibly calm down, and he softens; he’s a little torn, but he puts his feelings aside to comfort and console his friend. “Stop. Stop this nonsense this instant.” He hugs Halsin tight. “She doesn’t hate you. She loves you.” He straightens himself and looks into Halsin’s eyes so he sees he means what he says. “You needn’t explain any further, Halsin. I get it… I’m also…hungry…starved, and scared."

Astarion decides to proposition him to break the cycle of thought in Halsin's mind. He offers, “Hunt with me…kill with me. Tonight…Now.” Astarion tries to persuade him with his expression and the quick change of subject. Pulling in his cheek and twisting his arms in a shy ask. “Please, Bear, we need this.”

Halsin knows what he’s trying to do, so he accepts. “Of course.” He nods and calms himself down and straightens his back. His shoulders wide and proud again, he looks into his lover's eyes. “You must be rather famished as well. What would you prefer to track?”

“Wild boar. I’ve had my fill of venison recently; pigs are faster, and they scream.” Astarion licks his lips at the thought; it excites him. “The two of us will have more fun; it’s more of a challenge, nothing will go to waste either. Let’s hunt like fiends and eat like kings; clear our heads and fill our guts.” His enthusiasm is infectious.

“Boar it is then. I’ll follow, drive, and flank. I’m a little tired; you can make the kill. Astarion… Impress me.” Halsin grabs him, and they passionately hold each other's gaze. Astarion leans in and teases Halsin with his tongue, a flick and lick on his lips before he leans back and makes the Druid come to him.

Halsin bends down and pushes himself into Astarion’s neck. His now elongated teeth drag over his cold throat. The pale elf goes limp in Halsin’s arms as he enjoys the attention. Then, with a teasing booming laugh and flash, Halsin changes back into his enormous panther form again.

Astarion curses and laughs. “That’s one way to get my adrenaline and my dick up. Fucking hells.” He salivates. “Let’s go kill something!”

It doesn’t take long for them to find their prey; within an hour, both are fed in many fulfilling ways. 

Halsin and Astarion make their way to the river to wash the blood and viscera off their elven forms. The duo bathe each other in a kind of brotherhood. Hunting and killing beside each other was a true bonding experience, not to be glossed over; they wanted to spend a little more time together alone before going back to camp. Their full bellies and high endorphins needed time to digest and relax.

“Do you feel safe enough with me to give up your control?” Astarion asks Halsin with a firm but caring tone. “I’m not talking about fucking you; not tonight. You need more than that right now. You need to take care of yourself and get your mind together. I’m talking about her.”

Astarion leans into Halsin, gently moving his head in his hands to bare his vulnerable neck to him. He summons him with his gaze. “Kiss me.”

An eagerness creeps into Halsin’s eyes. “Help me.” His plea to Astarion holds a crushing weight.

"I will." He puts his arms around the large elf. Astarion runs his hands over Halsin. Trailing his nose up his neck, ear, and into his hair.

He could hear his vampire inhaling deeply, and it turned him on. “You really do like my scent, don’t you, Star?” Halsin panted, pushing himself into Astarion. They rub against each other with impatient hands.

“I told you, it makes me hard.” Astarion’s body language says more than his words. “So does your exquisite blood; it’s decadent.” He pushes his face into Halsin’s neck and hair again with an egregiously filthy vocal sound of pleasure.

Astarion whispers into Halsin’s ear with a secretive and almost hostile hiss. “I, too, share the same terrific hunger as you. I understand being insatiable; I know what it’s like to be out of control, starved.” Astarion’s voice lowers to a shamefully secretive volume. “She makes me lose control too…. I mean, you know how she’s made me lose control.” He shuts his eyes tightly as he remembers. “I’m painfully aware of all of our recklessness. Tav included. None of us are perfect. I’m sure you will be forgiven by our darling, hormonal assassin.” He squeezes Halsin with a caring hug.

Astarion gently offers some advice. “Before we rest tonight, go to her, apologize, talk to her. Tell her how you truly feel. Tell her your secrets, your dreams. She won’t be mad; you know in your heart she won’t be mad. She loves you, Halsin. I’ll arrange things. You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.”

Before returning to camp, they decide to keep their kill to themselves; they don’t inform the others of what they’ve been up to.

 

———

 

Tav is sitting around the fire pushing her dinner around on her plate when Astarion and Halsin walk up. Their wet hair lets her know that they’ve bathed. They try to play it cool, but everyone can tell they are both taken by the other, obvious lovers.

Astarion tugs her hair playfully in greeting as he passes behind her and goes to grab a bottle of wine from his tent. He gives her a slow wink, letting her know everything has been smoothed over. “Eat your food, my darling.” He silently requests.

Halsin submissively and sheepishly makes eye contact with her for a split second before he busies himself pouring hot water into his herbed mug and quickly dismissing himself. He does take notice she is using the spoon he carved for her, and it makes him feel a little glimmer of hope.

They go back down the path towards the cave. Tav silently watches them walk away, Astarion’s arm adorably linked in Halsin’s. She finally starts to eat her meal.

They make their way over to the sweetgrass that sways in the breezy summer night. Its gentle whisper and wonderful aroma are soothing to the beasts inside the men.

They comfortably sit side by side under the open sky, their bodies resting against each other. They say nothing, just enjoying the quiet summer night and the comfortable silence between them. The fireflies wink and blink hello, while the other crawling and winged insects seemingly know to leave them alone. Astarion is secretly relieved that he doesn’t need to swat at anything, lest he lose a hand for doing so.

Halsin nests his mug in the vegetation so it doesn’t tip, while Astarion holds onto his bottle and has a few small sips before setting it down in the same fashion.

The open air makes both their hair blow in the breeze; the sound of the wind has an obvious calming effect on Halsin. Astarion can see him decompress as he lays himself down in a comfortable position and welcomes the vampire to snuggle into him.

“I feel unworthy of your company and the blessing nature is sharing with us right now. I was cruel today. I was cruel, and I was unfair. I feel awful about it.”

Halsin shakes his head at it all. “My body and my mind still feel so clouded by the shadow curse. I feel…things. Things I cannot place my finger on, nor find my way through.” He gestures to Astarion, hoping he understands what he means. “I’m trying. I am.”

“I know you are. We all are. You’re not alone in this. How can I help?” Astarion genuinely offers as he settles himself into the larger elf. “I don’t like seeing you so upset, Halsin. I know it’s bad when even you can’t keep positive. It depresses me. Tell me, what do you need?” Astarion sits up so he can look him in his eyes with concerned care.

Halsin’s eyes close, and he wiggles himself even more into the flattened tall grass. He easily pulls Astarion onto his chest as if he were a blanket and wholesomely hugs him like an inanimate stuffed animal.

The pale elf nearly squeaks with Halsin’s too-tight embrace.

“I need you, and I need her. Tomorrow is very important to me; I’m looking forward to spending the night in celebration with you both. I need to make things right with her before then.”

“You will; it’ll be fine. Don’t get yourself worked up again.” The charlatan changes the subject, sitting himself up on an elbow, his chin resting on the heel of his hand. He looks at Halsin with adorable excitement. “What should I wear for this special occasion? I assume there is some sort of dress code, despite the lack thereof.” He laughs.

“All I ask is that you wear respect and have an open mind, nothing else.” Halsin sits up to regard him. “You’re already so pretty, but I wouldn’t mind if you fussed over yourself all day.” He gives Astarion a handsome cheeky smile. "She bought…"

Astarion holds his finger up to his lips, a silent request for Halsin to stop talking. Tav’s sweet voice rings out in his head.

“Where are you? Can I come over? I’m lonely.” She sounded sadly desperate.

“To the east of camp, we’re in the array of sweetgrass; just follow our trail. Don’t pick a fight; everything is ok, I promise. Act normal; Halsin feels bad enough.” Astarion silently informs her. “See you in a few, my sunshine.”

Astarion informs Halsin. “She’s on her way; act natural, and have your talk later.” He quickly whispers to Halsin. "Now is not the time, not with me here; it's between the two of you."

Halsin agrees and just nods his head and tries not to look like a scared little boy. He leans into Astarion. "Calm me down; please kiss me."

The pale elf complies without a second thought. He delivers a kiss that nearly makes Halsin forget his own name.

"I needed that. Thank you." He exhales and fixes his hair. “Do I look alright?”

Astarion wipes his mouth with a job well done and sits back on his elbows, crossing his ankles in a relaxed, proud manner. He grins at Halsin. “You look beautiful, big man.”

Halsin shyly smiles.

When Tav finds their tracks, she starts to get a little nervous; she hopes Halsin isn’t mad that she’s coming to join them. She tries to seem as unaffected as possible by their last interaction. She swallows her awkwardness as she approaches.

"Don't say anything stupid, Tav." She repeats under her breath as she makes her way. "Be brave; you can do this. Keep your cool." She tries to pump herself up.

When she finally sees them, she fakes a believable smile. “Did you lovebirds have a nice date without me?” Tav wags her eyebrows at them before feigning jealousy. “It’s cozy in here.” She sits down next to Astarion in the nest of grass, making sure to keep her distance from a staring Halsin.

The two men start to scramble for an answer before Halsin cryptically interjects. “When a man is thirsty, he becomes increasingly desperate for water.”

Astarion chimes in. “Sulphur and brimstone, sweetheart.” He replies with a devilish grin. "Apples to oranges." He claps his hands together. "And you have no cock, my darling, so you can’t compare in the slightest." He smiles at her grandly with his pointed teeth and opens his arms for her to hug him. "No offense, of course."

"None taken!" She replies, rather speechless.

Astarion's crooked grin is comical and yet sexy. “We had a wonderful time, didn’t we, my darling?”

Halsin nods but stays quiet. He watches and waits for her reaction.

The three lovers break into healthy laughter. They hold space for each other’s needs and wants with ease. It's refreshing.

"You know, I've been wondering, Astarion, does she make that little sound for you too? You know the one. The whine that sounds like a music box being wound too quickly.” Halsin tries to hold in his laugh, being as serious as possible.

“You mean this?” Astarion imitates Tav with a sarcastic rendition that’s nothing like her, and she swats at him with a huff.

“I don’t sound like that!” She laughs. "Do I?!" Her eyes go wide with question.

Both Halsin and Astarion tighten their mouths and try not to laugh; she obviously does. Her surprised and hilariously offended eyebrows almost lift to her hairline. “Oh my Gods, you two are such children!” She throws her hands up and stomps off as her lovers apologize between their belly laughing.

Astarion adds insult to injury when he drags it out with a sexual. “We were just kidding… Tav… I’m sorry! CuUuuuUuum back!” He makes a chugging motion with his arm with the sound before falling onto his back, hysterically laughing.

Halsin hollers and doubles over into Astarion. They roll around on the ground, heaped together; the two fondly hug each other and give one another a small kiss, which turns into more kisses. Heated ones.

She jumps at them from the shadows, throwing herself onto them in a laughing dogpile; she’s not mad in the slightest. It feels natural to share such silly banter with her men. "Any room in here for me?" She teases.

"You're the main course, my darling. There's always room for you." Astarion declares. "Isn't there Halsin?"

"Indeed." He answers as he stares at her with want. He craves her touch. He pulls her against him, and Astarion moves to sandwich her between them.

“You smell so good.” She laughs at her own actions as she quickly snuggles herself into Halsin and wiggles against Astarion. She sniffs her bear man like Scratch does, and it makes him giggle. He's relieved she is being pleasant towards him. Her touch immediately quiets the bad thoughts in his mind.

Astarion smiles. “Pew.” He sticks his tongue out at Halsin and pulls Tav back against him with a squeeze. “What about me, Pet?” He licks the length of Tav's ear, and she playfully grinds her ass into him while they both look at Halsin. “Oh, you naughty bitch, don’t tease me, you little hussy. I want compliments too! Tell me I smell pretty and how handsome I am.” He pinches and tickles her side, and she squirms even more.

"You always smell nice, like the proper princess you are." She kisses the tip of his nose. "Whoa. You’re so warm, Astarion.” She presses her cheek against his and leans against him more. "You both feel amazing. You must have eaten. Good.”

Halsin and Astarion can smell she's becoming more and more aroused. There's a discussion that needs to be had.

“I’m very warm everywhere.” He thrusts against her, and she moans. “Impatient, are we? I guess you’re feeling better?” Astarion breathes into her ear while still holding deep connective eye contact with his bear.

“What do you think, healer? Can she be had?” The darkness in Astarion’s voice excites her, and they all inhale deeply.

“If she feels comfortable.” Halsin doesn’t answer for her. He looks into her eyes until he loses his nerve and looks back down at the ground.

Tav pants. "I'm feeling like I need to be filled." She laughs softly. "My moon came and went; Halsin, you fixed me right up. I feel like myself again." She gives him a look that could undress him.

“Anytime,” Halsin blushes.

Their vampire interrupts them. “Thank you, Halsin, but you should know a little blood doesn’t bother me one bit.” Astarion flashes him a fanged smile and a double raised-brow smirk, licking his lips. “Next time.” He mouths to him.

Astarion rolls his body against hers. “Well, then. Who am I to deny you?” He slowly dips her back like a dancer and places small kisses on her windpipe. It makes her neck look elegant and long. Delicious and distracting, both men stare at their black-haired elven anomaly. She's wild and beautiful.

“Even well fed and happy, I want to taste you. Fuck.” Astarion hisses. “Isn’t she just scrumptious, Halsin? Our sweet, tasty pet.” He kisses her collarbone that is exposed from Halsin’s large tunic falling off her shoulder.

“I only like this shirt when it’s not being worn. You bought camp clothes in town; must you wear this hideous thing?” Astarion snarks.

“It smells so good; I like wearing it.” She laughs. “It’s also comfortable; I don’t have to wear underwear.”

“Well, you’ve won me over.” Astarion slaps his thigh. Halsin and Tav both laugh. “So, does that mean you’re not wearing any now?” He moves to playfully check, and she pushes him over. He jokingly cranes his neck even further while on the ground.

"You creep!" She laughs. "You’re an insatiable pervert." Her voice has lowered, and it’s more inviting. "So am I." She throws her head back and laughs loudly.

“Yes, yes, I am. In many ways.” Astarion’s straight-faced answer is heated with need. “Get over here.” Astarion moves to gather her up and gets comfortable behind her, putting his arm under her head for her as a pillow. He drapes the other over her and walks his fingertips up and down her side.

Halsin admires the handsome embracing couple. They look natural and beautiful together. They “fit.” Halsin's deep voice remarks. “It’s funny how things work out. How a grain of sand can become a pearl.” He lets out a single low laugh.

Halsin looks at Astarion, who is protectively holding Tav in his arms with a full heart and love in his eyes. “My beautiful pearl, take our love to bed.” He strokes Astarion’s face with his thumb before he leans over and kisses him with purpose. “Take our love and keep her safe as I say my prayers tonight, but allow me to apologize to her first.”

Halsin and Tav look at each other. They both know they need to talk to one another. As uncomfortable as they feel right now, they are glad Astarion was being a mediator again at the moment.

“Go back to camp, my darling. There are some things I need to discuss with Halsin.” He slaps and squeezes her ass as she starts to get up. "We won't be too long." He quotes Halsin, putting his hands up, he laughs.

"Go rest, my heart." Halsin agrees.

Tav does as she is asked and makes her way back to her tent, where she nervously snuggles herself into her bear rug and waits. The more time that passes by, the more anxious she becomes thinking about her fight with Halsin. Her thoughts overwhelm her, and she can't help but cry.

 

———

 

Some time later Tav hears Halsin approaching her tent. She knows he is being purposely heavy-footed to announce his presence; he doesn’t want to scare her.

Halsin crouches before kneeling in front of her doorway. She can hear his leather pants creak at the bend of his knee. He doesn’t touch the door to her tent; he doesn’t even reach for it.

There’s a strange energy in the air as she waits for him to speak. It was like the canvas was a force field or barrier he couldn’t cross. He was scared.

Halsin finally gets the courage to call out to her; his deep voice was like velvet in the night air.

“Are you awake, Blackbird?”

Tav wipes her face and her nose, but she doesn’t respond. She thinks for a long, hard moment if she should reply to him or let him go to bed to lie awake in tears as she has. She decides to spare him the heartache. “I am.” She tries to hide her sniffle in one of Astarion’s pillows.

“Do you feel well enough to come watch the fireflies with me?” He reaches only his arm into her tent and holds his open hand out for her to take, seeing if she will accept his attempt at an apology. Thankfully, she does, and his hand curls around hers when she places it in his.

When she exits, Halsin pulls her to him. He hugs her with her arms still tightly held against her body; she doesn’t react or reach for him. She doesn’t even look at him.

“I am so sorry, Tav. I don’t want to be the reason you cry. The reason you bleed. I don’t want to bring you pain with my presence.” He props her stiff body in front of his. The tip of her nose and her cheeks are red; her eyes and lips are puffy. She remains silent. He’s hurt her, and the evidence he sees of it fills him with guilt. He lowers his face to hers.

“Forgive me. My mind is still trying to catch up with my heart. This love that courses through my veins makes my head spin sometimes. It’s a selfish love I am so unfamiliar with. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Upsetting you is the last thing I want to do. I was miles and years away. None of my anger or resentment is towards you.”

She knows she’ll cry if she looks into Halsin’s eyes, so she doesn’t. She avoids his eager eye contact as he desperately tries, even ducking and turning her head away from him. She busies her hands by tracing the stitching on the hem of his tunic that she wears instead of reaching for him. Her pout is deep and tight, her teeth grinding to stop herself from crying.

Halsin holds her chin and makes her look at him. “My heart. Come, let me explain. I beg you. Please don’t cry.” He bows his head lower, seeking her forgiveness. Her brutal silent treatment seems to last eons. After a few tense moments, Tav relents and begins to stand. He quickly moves to his feet and helps her up.

“Alright.” She breathes.

He swallows and nods, pulling himself together. He tries humor to lighten the air between them. “We must beware the woods at night. The sprites, pixies, and brownies will play tricks on you if you let them. Two sets of eyes are better than one. Keep a lookout.” He tests a small smile at her; he’s cautious and nervous.

She can tell he is trying his best.

“Come.”

Halsin makes his way through the foggy, quiet moonlit forest, holding her delicate but deadly hand in his. He leads her through winding trails, alongside streams, and up an incline to finally the base of an enormous, gnarled white pine that overlooks the valley. The tree is so large even three of him couldn’t hold hands if they wrapped their arms around it. It’s very old, and the mounded bed of dried orange needles beneath it is soft and pillowy. He gestures for her to sit in the glow of the moonlight.

He claims the space beside her and asks permission before he makes a move towards her. “May I hold you?”

Tav’s nod is barely visible. Halsin gently picks her up and settles her across his lap, snuggling her into him with his strong arms. He picks and brushes a few pine needles off of her. His voice is low and filled with a nostalgic haze as he begins to speak.

Tav’s eyes close as she leans against him and listens. The comforting vibration of his words against her body and the scent of sweetgrass on his skin make her almost sleepy. He pushes her hair over her shoulder so he can stroke her skin.

“When I was a young man, I had an argument with my father.” He squeezes her a little and smiles. “You would have thought him handsome. I look a lot like him, especially as I have gotten older.” Halsin acknowledges that fact for a moment; so many years have gone by. His smile slowly fades as he reminisces.

“Anyway, we had an argument, a decent disagreement of some sort. It’s been so long I can’t remember exactly what it was about. I was young, foolish. I have meditated on it for many, many moons, but it escapes me to this day. What I do remember is my father gave me an acorn. I got to choose the spot for it, and we buried it in the ground together. He told me that when the acorn finally became a great oak, I would understand.”

Halsin’s voice fights to keep itself level. “I watched that sapling grow and reach for the sky for years. It’s bark hardening with each ring and turn around the sun. It survived storms and lovers carving their initials in it for decades. It provided shade and food for a century and more.”

Tav solemnly watches as Halsin’s strength erodes in an emotional release of tears and pained words.

“When I watched that tree burn down from a lightning strike shortly after my father’s death, it broke my heart, along with everything else inside me. His final lesson to me was that everything comes to an end, no matter how great, powerful, or helpful… How quickly something can be no more. How fragile life is.”

Halsin’s voice softens, breaks, and crumbles. “Now, look at me; I am the last of my line, the final Silverbough. Everyone is gone, and in a flash I can be too, just like that magnificent oak.” He snaps his fingers, cracking the silence and the peace of the night.

He exhales and resigns himself to his truth. “One day, I will die. There will be no one to place me in the earth or say a prayer over me. I will slowly be reclaimed by the insects and animals until what is left of me is washed away by the rain. The curse of a long life is the death you must endure. A few hundred years. A thousand cuts.”

He disintegrates, and she holds him. Halsin’s quiet cry becomes a silent sob. He hugs and rocks her, or maybe himself; she cannot tell, but she clings to him, whispering. “You’ll have me, Halsin. You have me. You have me.”

Her eyes focused on his bicep garter for some reason. She could see how his large frame blinded others to his needs and his softness. She dies inside a little for her sensitive, gentle giant.

His hiccuping chest bumps Tav a few times before he collects himself enough to speak. “I was so afraid when I saw you bleeding today. I felt that same heartbreak again… I thought." Halsin presses his mouth to her hair, unable to speak such words.

He turns and wipes his face and his dripping nose. “I thought that you may die… I thought you may not be able to have children.” He looks at her with such sadness and regret. “That you wouldn’t be able to have not just my children, but any at all, because of me…. That was one of the worst thoughts that I have had in centuries. A massive crushing guilt. The way it made me feel…” He stops to stifle his cry. “I’m not saying we ever need to; don’t misunderstand, I had given up the idea of my own family many years ago. But that feeling, it broke me.”

Halsin shakes his head. “You’re so precious to me that I’m frightened. I don’t want to lose you.” He coughs and chokes on his words as he admits. “I’m sorry, but I’m so frightened, Tav.” He grabs her and holds her tight, almost too tight; she wheezes.

Tears roll from her eyes as she listens; his declaration is heartbreaking and equally as beautiful. She consoles him with soft shushes and pets, gentle touches, and slow breaths. She pushes her cheek to his and presses kisses to his hair, ear, and face. “Steady, my love. Steady. I’m here. I’m alright. It’s okay. We’re okay.”

He hugs her possessively to him. “I’ve been stewing thinking about everything that’s happened. All my life that was taken from me. All those years I spent watching everyone and everything I love continue on, while I struggled to keep it together, unsupported, loveless, forgotten. I was so lonely before you saved me and lifted me out of the fog. I’m bracing for the silence. I feel like I am still expecting to stir from this dream.”

Halsin leans back, creating a space between them. He looks down for a moment, preparing himself. “That’s why I asked you if you were real. Sometimes I worry that I’m still lost in that bleak darkness, waiting for someone, anyone…knowing all the while that nobody was coming to help me. Afraid and alone, I still waited a very long time.”

Halsin’s voice drops with a sad realization. “We’ve all been through so much. Hope does strange things to a person, and waiting to die is not living.” He shakes his head with a sad recognition of the sacrifices that have been made. “I no longer feel numb, or small, or caged; I’m free because of you.”

“I’m awake.”

“I breathe.”

“I grow.”

He slowly reaches into his vest and extends his closed hand to her. His long fingers open to reveal a small wooden box with a carved crescent moon sitting in his palm. It’s very old, worn, and stained from the ages.

When Tav lifts her eyes to him, he whispers. “Open it, my heart.”

She takes the small box in her hands and stares back at him at first. He comforts her with a small nod. “Please.” She lifts the delicate brass-hinged lid cautiously.

Inside there sits a single acorn nestled in deep green velvet. It glows the faintest hint of blue with Druidic magic.

“This is from your tree?” She stares at him with wonder, and her hands visibly start shaking.

“It is.” Halsin confirms. His warm eyes lovingly watch her reaction. He closes her hands around the box and takes them into his; he holds her close, face-to-face.

He speaks. “I want to watch acorns grow into great oaks with you. I want to bake you bread from the flour of its fruit and make love to you under its shade.”

Halsin pauses, and he looks at her; he really looks into her soul. “My spirit needs you. I would cut a lifetime's worth of firewood to keep you warm. I would haul a hundred buckets of bathwater a day and more. I will love you, my beauty, until the seasons change so many times that your black hair turns grey, slowly as gentle falling snow, and the silver in it matches the gold in your eyes.”

Halsin lifts his face in prayer. “Oak Father, help me.” He looks back at her with an intensity she’s never felt before. “I feel like I would be lost without you.” He bites the inside of his cheek and thickly swallows. He looks deep into her eyes, his words filled with truth. “I see my future when I look at you. I see a life filled with peace and hope, companionship and joy, love, lust. To be by your side would make what time I have left worth the years of hurt.”

The canopy of stars above them twinkles in her amber eyes, like small explosions in the sky reflected back at him. He cannot help but stare; he loves her so dearly.

“The way that you look at me, the way you touch me, bold actions that feel as though there is a debt to pay when I don’t feel you. Your voice makes my mind still and my body vibrate. I want to be close to you at all times. The trees whisper your name to me, I can smell you in the air, and I can feel you when you are near. How many nights I would have died to hold you, killed to be beneath you. When I trance, I dream of you. Spring, summer, autumn, winter. I will love you every season of your life.”

Halsin’s heart speaks. “You make me a better man. I finally have someone to care for and someone who will care for me. I can finally let go. There’s power in surrender. I can recharge in your grace. I can enjoy your shade where the shadows play. Everything, nothing. I could bask in your vibrant light and bathe in your waters forever in eternity if nature would allow me. I will be your home if you will be mine.”

He holds her firmly. His glassy eyes do not move from hers. He delivers his words with a strong voice and a straight face.

“A simple request: Be mine, forever.”

He tilts his head with a gentle plea, his lower lip and chin quiver. “Be mine?”

Halsin says nothing more; he patiently awaits her words.

Her voice breaks the silence. “You were disobedient today, you threatened me, you made me cry, and you left me. I would never do that to you.”

Halsin’s heart begins to pound; he’s sure she can feel how his chest begins to heave.

“You will make it up to me.” She tells him as she traces the tattoo on his face.

“Yes.” He answers.

“Now, say it again, Halsin.”

He can taste the delicious power she has over him. He doesn’t think, hesitate, or stutter.

“Be mine.”

“Again.” She whispers.

“Be mine.” Halsin lifts his eyes to keep hers as his head bows.

She holds him. Her embrace is a promise, the missing piece that makes him whole, that safe space he needs. They know they cannot be apart in this life. There isn’t anything more that can be said. They were one.

Halsin breathes into her ear. “I want you to go to Astarion tonight; have his arms hold you. Make love, take pleasure in one another. Dream of me, my beautiful assassin, my beautiful thief. I want my rogues to dream of me all night long.”

Halsin picks her up and carries her the entire way back to camp as she rests comfortably in his strong arms. Her bare feet never touch the ground.

When they arrive, Halsin dismisses himself quickly.

“I will see you in the morrow, my love.” He kisses her cheek as he squeezes her hand before retreating to his tent.

 

———

 

It’s rather late by the time Tav takes a hot bath. Bare-faced and beautiful, she heads to Astarion’s shelter so Halsin’s scent is washed from her and she is as freshened up as she can be.

His tadpole reaches out to her. “I can already tell you’re walking over; come in and close the vestibule flap behind you. Keep it casual.”

Tav bursts into his tent. He laughs at her when she crawls inside towards him. Astarion speaks. “Real stealthy, Tav. How may I be of service, my temptress?” He notices something is off about her. “Is everything ok, my pet?

“No.” She climbs on top of Astarion, kissing him hard. Their bodies naturally move against each other. Wordlessly they slowly follow each other’s cues.

He pulls back from her with a smirk. “Shall I continue to kiss you now? Or do you want your surprise first?” He gives her a quick squeeze and presses his lips together tightly as he hides his teeth, smiling with his secret. His eyes squint and his cheeks round.

“A surprise? Presents? What did you steal for me?” She laughs uncharacteristically loud and playfully at him while she sits on his lap.

He motions with both hands for her to lower her voice. “Calm down and close your eyes, my sweet, and don’t open them until I ask you to. Yes?” She only nods at him, “Good girl. Take off that awful shirt for a moment, please. Keep those pretty eyes closed. Don’t make me get the blindfold again.” He warns, holding in his giggle.

She obliges him and does as she is asked. He moves her to the side and gets up. There’s a small rustling sound, and then she feels him beginning to clothe her, and she complies, assisting him.

“You’re actually not fighting me for once. No snark, no rebuttals… Do I need to make sure it’s actually you and not a doppelgänger?” He pokes her.

“It’s me, you ass.” She clicks her tongue.

“That’s more like it. Ok, up you get; I will guide you. Come with me.” Astarion takes her hand and elbow, but she stops moving and pauses nervously. “Everyone is asleep, I assure you.” Astarion compels her as he helps her out of his tent and leads her through the quiet camp past the fire. She can feel its warmth in the sand and on the right side of her body as he walks her past it.

They reach their destination, and he stops. He fixes and fusses with her hair, gives her a small kiss, and then moves to stand behind her.

“Open your eyes.”

Tav stands in front of the large mirror. She almost doesn’t recognize her reflection.

“Astarion!” Her quiet, breathy cry surprises him. When he examines her expression, it takes a few seconds for him to understand. Tav pivots to look at him with tears in her eyes. She is stunned speechless. Her eyes well up as she twirls in a circle.

She finally finds her words. “You made this…for me? It’s beautiful, Star; I feel like a goddess! Thank you.” She poses in the mirror for him, turning and spinning as she watches herself. “That’s actually me?” She can’t believe her eyes.

Astarion’s voice drops an octave as he looks at her. “My goddess.”

Tav looks at her reflection. She shifts her gaze to look at Astarion in the mirror and realizes she cannot see him behind her. For a split second it scares her, and Astarion can smell it. “Sorry, I forgot about that.” She whispers.

The vampire puts his hands on her shoulders comfortingly, but it’s filled with an energized sexual touch. “Don’t turn around.” He licks the long length of her elven ear until he gently nips the tip of it between his sharp teeth. His cold breath hissing against her makes her shiver.

“The first of your solstice presents, my lovely.” I copied your green dress and added my own flourishes. I’m glad to see it fits. I’ll need to make a few alterations.” Astarion slides his hands over the smooth, night-colored fabric on her body until he reaches the hem. “Seems a little long here.”

Tav watches in the mirror as a ghostly hand lifts up the dress and exposes her. She looks down to watch Astarion’s pale touch make its way up her thigh to stroke her pubic hair and finally slide his fingers to rub circles over the hood of her clit.

“I’ve been lost in thought thinking about what lingerie you will pair with this.” He breathes in her ear with a desperate hiss. “For now, we have to take this off; I don’t want it ruined before Halsin sees you in it.”

He watches her face in the mirror and looks at her skin. “Look at you. So flushed, so pink. You’re so excited.” He leans in closer to her so his lips touch her as he speaks. “Me too.” Astarion drags his teeth over the pulse point of her neck but holds himself back as she freezes in anticipation.

“Come.” He drops her dress, grabs her hand, and leads her back to his tent in the far corner of camp.

Astarion undresses her and hangs the dress up. He tosses Halsin’s tunic to her. They lay down together, saying nothing, just sharing space and holding one another in a quiet, decompressing stillness.

She grabs his hand and squeezes it between hers. “I’m going to check on our bear man before bed. I’ve got to do something first; don’t be mad.” She points at him and raises her eyebrows. Tav quickly bands and braids a length of her hair. “Don’t be mad.”

When she leans over him to grab his dagger, Astarion’s eyes soften; he knows what she’s about to do. “Want help?” He discreetly smells her when she hovers over him.

She sits back down and doesn’t think twice before effortlessly slicing the section of her hair off.

“Nope.” She smiles, holding up her hair proudly like a caught fish.

“I’ll take that.” He gingerly removes the dagger from her hand and returns it to its place.

Tav runs the plait over him first. Astarion is honored to be included. He gives it a silly loud peck when she holds it out.

He watches as she then focuses on herself, trailing the braid behind her ear, down her neck, over her breasts and underarms, between her legs. She makes sure she collects the scents from all of Halsin’s favorite places.

“Be right back.” Tav whispers, sliding towards the door. She throws the tunic back on. “Open or closed?” She asks with her hand on his tent flap.

“You know I’m nosy. Open, of course.” Astarion gives her a slanted smile. “Yours or mine?” He leans for his wine bottle.

“Mine.” She smiles back.

“Give him a smooch for me. See you in a few.” He purrs as he shoos her away and takes a drink.

When she pops outside, she can immediately smell sage in the air, and it makes her stop for a moment. She knows Halsin is praying to Silvanus and battling some inner turmoil. She closes her eyes and just enjoys the scent in the air and breeze on her skin in the quiet of the night, stealing a moment of serenity for herself.

When Tav scuttles over to Halsin’s tent, he isn’t there. She calls out his name with a loud whisper. “Halsin? Are you here?”

The Druid observes her from the cover of the tree line as she spins, hopefully checking each direction for him. He can’t help but feel a bit guilty that he doesn’t respond to her, but it’s better that he doesn’t, though he cannot help but feel like there is a canyon between them at this moment.

She kneels inside his tent and places her own offering on his bedroll for him. Her elven eyes carefully scan his belongings among the scattered flowers and herbs that hang inside. There are very few personal items. She thinks a man of his age should have more physical memories. Instead she sees only books and the small carved animals that keep him company; it’s abysmally profound.

He was a delicate heart, and she wanted to protect him so badly. She sadly looks around once more before she gets up and fixes his worn and torn blanket. She would love to make their bed one day, a bed with a quilt and clean pillowcases that she washed and dried on their clothesline that he hung. Her hands slowly reach out to touch the frayed edge of his only comfort item as she daydreams of another life.

She tenderly pats the spot where he sleeps.

When Tav leaves his tent, she speaks her vow out loud to the open sky, the stars, her witness. “I will make it right, Halsin. I will make it right… I will keep you safe.”

Halsin watches as Astarion strides from his tent towards her. He gently guides her by the elbow to hers. When she suddenly stops at her door, Halsin’s eyes narrow and focus, blinking rapidly in disbelief. His mouth drops open, and he takes a shocked breath as his eyes go wide.

He studies Tav as she bends over to retrieve the ladle from a newly placed water bucket. It looks just like his dream. She rinses and washes the dirt off of her feet before she takes one last look over her shoulder to check if she sees him.

She lifts her arm and waves goodnight, somehow knowing that he is watching her. Tav takes Astarion’s pale, outstretched hand and joins him inside, pulling the flap closed. Halsin keeps his eyes on the door until it fully shuts before he vanishes into the woods, leaving his two loves to enjoy their night alone.

 

———

This song is on repeat:

(It’s also my wedding song.)

 

~ Sistinas ~ By Danzig-1992

 

Take my hand

You'll never find

Another, quite like mine

If you look

You'll see that I'm

A lonely one

I lost my soul

Deep inside

Oh, and it's so

Black and cold, deep inside

 

Sistine smile

You'll never know

The trap it's set

And if you did

You'd never look

Into its eyes again

lost my soul

Deep inside

Oh, and it's so

Black and cold, deep inside

 

And the sun don't shine

The wind won't blow

When you go hide

and without your love

I'm lonely

Deep inside

 

Take my hand

You'll never find

Another, quite like it

And if you did

You'll see that I'm

A lonely one

I lost my soul

Deep inside

Oh, and it's so

Black and cold, deep inside

 

And the sun don't shine

The wind won't blow

When you go hide

and without your love

I'm lonely

Deep inside

——

Chapter 13 is heavily under way, and it's as hot as fucking lava. slams hands on table. Damn, it's good.

Notes:

I really hope you enjoyed the story so far!

 

I have no beta reader.
Please excuse any errors.

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