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You were tasked with rescuing First Druid Halsin of The Emerald Grove from Goblins. However, you didn’t expect him to be so tall, handsome, and strong. Immediately following his return to the Grove, a party was thrown to celebrate your victory. A few of your companions showed their interest in sneaking away with you and claiming you for themselves. Unfortunately, the only one you wanted to sneak away with was Halsin, but he would not have you.
“Go on, enjoy yourself. Seek out some wine before it runs dry— there are a lot of thirsty people around here.”
You took his advice and took an entire bottle of wine for yourself before going to Astarion’s tent. You made a place for yourself amongst the pillows and threw your head back.
“Drowning your sorrows, darling?” Astarion rhetorically asked. “You know, if you need a distraction we could always—”
“No. Not happening…”
“Hmph.”
Astarion put a hand on his hip and shifted his weight to one side. You threw your head back a second time and forced yourself to swallow the wine that tasted like vinegar.
“Well, what does Halsin have that I don’t? Besides… Those rippling muscles… And that smooth as silk voice that just makes you want to melt…”
You raised an eyebrow.
“What? You thought you were the only one who wanted a piece of that?”
You sighed as Astarion sat down beside you, taking a sip of his wine. He turned his head to catch a glimpse of Halsin in the distance.
“What do you think he tastes like?”
“Something sweet… Maybe like honey…”
“Hmm… A bit too sweet for my tastes… How about chocolate? Sweet with just a hint of bitterness…”
You hummed in agreement and took yet another generous swig of wine. The conversation you were currently having wasn’t helping the growing need in your loins.
“He wasn’t completely uninterested,” you mused aloud. “He seemed like he was attracted to me…”
“Then turn on the charm, or do I need to show you how it’s done?”
“You’re not as charming as you think…”
“Oh really? Cazador’s victims would say otherwise…”
“Why won’t he just take me already!?”
“Maybe you’re not as attractive as you think.”
You narrowed your eyes and stood up, stumbling a little. Astarion looked up at you as you looked down at him.
“I’m going… to try again…”
You walked away, determined to have the attractive Wood Elf tonight. The vampire watched you stumble in Halsin’s direction, leaning to one side.
“Well I’ll just be here— still available if you get rejected again!”
You paused and whipped your head around to scowl at him. Then, you proceeded to approach Halsin.
“Hey… Halsin…”
“Hello again, friend.”
“Hey…”
“Yes, hello. Enjoying yourself?”
Halsin could smell the wine on your breath and watched as you swayed slightly. Your thoughts were clouded as you tried to think of a suitable response.
“My night would be more enjoyable with you…”
“We already talked about this—”
“I think you owe me for savin’ your life… hm?"
“Yes, I do. I owe you my life.”
“I was thinking… Something else…”
Halsin breathlessly chuckled and ran a hand through his hair. He had to admire your determination.
“Would a kiss be sufficient?”
You giggled and put a hand over your mouth to stop yourself from looking like an idiot. Halsin gestured for you to come closer and took the bottle of wine you were holding. He set it aside and then grasped both of your shoulders to steady you.
“You are a very brave and special person,” Halsin stated. “I will never forget what you have done for me and the Grove as long as I live. You deserve this kiss and so much more.”
Halsin pulled you closer, and you closed your eyes to brace for his kiss. Your lips were cold, but your cheek was warm and wet. You opened your eyes to find Halsin towering over you with a soft smile.
“Hey— That’s not a kiss!”
“That is all I can give you for now.”
“But— But—”
Halsin chuckled again and then scooped you up into his arms. You pressed your palm against his hard chest as your head leaned back against his thick arm.
“Come, you’ve had a tad too much wine.”
A tinge of excitement ran through you, but that excitement was gone when he approached your bedroll and set you down. His hand brushed your hair out of your eyes, and he offered you another gentle smile.
“Rest is the best remedy.”
“Come closer…”
“Don’t worry, I’m right here.”
You outstretched your hands, and Halsin chuckled while shaking his head. He brushed your hair back once more with a fondness in his eyes.
“We’re in the middle of a party, so I can’t cuddle you. But, know that I won’t ever leave your side. I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.”
Halsin continued to gently brush your hair as you closed your eyes and reveled in the soothing sensation. In that one moment, the world seemed perfect. Nothing or nobody could hurt you, not even the tadpole squirming around in your head.
When you awoke, you had an awful headache that felt like someone was squeezing your head. The bright sun was too harsh to look at, so you averted your gaze. You also noticed that everyone in the camp wanted to speak with you about what transpired last night.
“Well… Looks like I wasn’t the only one who had a bit too much to drink,” Shadowheart said. “It was nice of Halsin to look after you.”
Afterward, you went to Lae’zel.
“I overestimated your ability to consume large amounts of alcohol. Halsin did not.”
Then you went to Wyll.
“How are you feeling? I saw you had a little too much wine last night… But it was a good thing Halsin was there to make sure you didn’t fall in a ditch. He’s a good man.”
From Wyll you went to Karlach.
“Got a little carried away, eh? Can’t say I blame you. That was fun! Still, I’m glad Halsin was there to take care of you.”
You then checked in with Gale.
“Ah, good morning. Pounding headache? Sensitivity to light? All normal side effects from drinking far too much wine. Trust me, I know the feeling. At least Halsin was at your side, taking care of you. I would have done the same— of course.”
You went to speak with Astarion after Gale.
“Darling… You were a mess last night. And you didn’t manage to sleep with Halsin but… He did stay at your side for almost the whole night. He refused to leave you until the morning came. I’m almost jealous…”
Finally, you went to speak with Halsin.
“Ah, you’re awake. Good. Here, drink this.”
Halsin held a cup of a mysterious green liquid toward you that looked like poison. You politely took the cup from him and sniffed the awful substance before locking eyes.
“Ummm… What is it?”
“An old remedy for drinking too much wine. You’ll feel better.”
You nodded and chose to trust him. The taste was bitter and disgusting, but he promised it would cure you of your hangover.
“Thank you, Halsin.”
“Anytime, my friend.”
“So um— about last night—”
Halsin put his hand up, stopping you. He knew exactly what you were going to say to him.
“Do not feel the need to apologize.”
“But— I made a fool of myself.”
“No. I do not judge you for your actions last night.”
“I still feel like an idiot...”
“You overindulged, it’s true, but one day you will look back fondly on this memory and have a good laugh. I know that I will.”
“So I didn’t make you uncomfortable?”
“Not at all. I’m flattered. Such determination will serve you well for what is to come.”
You sighed with relief and smiled. Halsin mirrored your smile and tucked your loose hair behind your ear. You were lucky to have such a thoughtful friend and potential lover like Halsin.