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Dinner was done. The camp was settled. Tavreth looked around, instinctively checking on the group they considered 'theirs'. They weren't quite sure how they ended up 'leader of the pack' as Shadowheart liked to put it, but it was something they had accepted. Mostly because they felt a bond, a desire to watch over them more than some need to 'take charge'. Besides, as Shadowheart said, they needed each other and it was safer together. Which made the latest addition just a little unexpected.
Tav turned their eyes from Karlach and Wyll playing some game that involved tossing dice as near as they could see. Their gaze passed over Shadowheart at her usual distance, but watching the pair with amusement. Lae'zel was meditating in her corner. Gale had retired with one of the books acquired in various adventures. Astarion had disappeared, which caused a twinge of worry, but it was unlikely he had gone far. He was probably just hunting for a meal since the stew Gale had made wasn't proper sustenance for him.
That left the last to join them. The druid Halsin. The tall, powerfully built elf was the only one of them not linked by the Mind Flayer parasites. His reasons were his own, although at least part of it lay in the Shadow-Cursed Lands the group had to travel through for their answers. It had been something of a surprise that he had so quickly surrendered his leadership of the grove and offered to come with them. Yet here he was.
Currently, the druid was off to the side. Alone. And if Tav was honest, Halsin looked a little awkward, or perhaps shy was the better word. Oh, he had a ready smile, a voice that was deep and soothing and was quite cheerful to talk to. Yet, he didn't approach anyone first that Tav had noticed. He kept politely to himself, happy to offer his strength and skill as asked but otherwise, alone.
Some of the group preferred a bit of space. Shadowheart and Lae'zel were the most notorious for it, but Gale needed some breathing room when he was feeling overwhelmed. Not to mention Astarion's habit of slipping away at the drop of a hat, at least after they had stopped to camp. Each of them wanted that solitude, that space, and Tav had taken to learning the signs to make sure not to impose. Halsin didn't give the same impression. The druid's hazel eyes were on the loudly laughing Karlach and the chuckling Wyll with something like longing. Yet he didn't approach.
For their part, Tav might have joined at another time, but they had a book to read and a pear snagged from the camp supplies. Their dues as they had forgone dessert to help clean and Karlach had devoured every bit of the cobbler made. The wood elf had laughed off the apology, reassuring the tiefling that they didn't mind and picked a favorite fruit instead. Sitting on a fur and leaning on a log, the ranger tucked their bare feet under them and proceeded to watch Halsin, biting into the pear.
Halsin watched the others in camp interact with the easy familiarity of a brotherhood born of necessity, but tempered by bonds. It sent a pang through him that made him miss the other druids of the Grove. Yes, he'd left willingly and didn't regret doing so, but it did not mean he didn't miss the familiarity and comfort. Plus, his last time joining a group of adventurers recently had resulted in him being captured and mistreated by goblins. Halsin had some difficulty not being a little cautious given all that. Still, he missed the comfort of friends.
He let his gaze drift away from the others playing dice and found a set of blue eyes on him. Halsin's eyebrows raised slightly as he met Tavreth's bright gaze. The ranger was curled rather prettily on a fur, leaning their left elbow on a log to relax. That hand held a pear that they took a bite of as they watched him curiously. Their other hand rested in their lap, holding a small leather book. He wasn't quite sure what to make of their stare, although it didn't seem unfriendly or troubled. Just curious. He found the urge to shift uncomfortably; it wasn't benefiting an Arch-Druid to shuffle like a naughty child.
Halsin was prepared for Tav to nod their head to the fur beside them, still watching the druid. When he blinked, not quite sure he had understood their intention correctly. Tav's lips curved in a smile and they lifted their right hand, making a small beckoning gesture and patting beside them. There was no question it was a summons now, although a rather gentle one. Somewhat confused, Halsin obeyed and stopped before them. "Did you need something?"
"Come sit with me?" Tav's voice was soft as it often was, touched with the pleasant musical accent of the wild elves. They touched the furs beside him. "Give me the pleasure of your company?"
Halsin hesitated a moment before sitting down slowly, taking care not to tread on the slim ranger. Crossing his legs, he kept his back straight and glanced at the other. "...Did we need to talk about something?"
"No," Tav murmured in a soothing voice. They turned those blue eyes toward him, their expression softening. "Halsin, you can relax. Nothing is wrong."
"Oh." The druid blinked and cleared his throat, shifting a bit to get more comfortable and settled quietly, watching the fire. He slanted occasional glances at Tav, silently trying to figure out what was expected. Surely something was. People did not call him over unless they needed, or at least wanted something.
For a few minutes, Tav opened the book, reading the pages with interest. It was a tale of fables that Gale had given them, citing that he was sure they would enjoy it. Tav had to agree it was rather enjoyable. They took another bite of pear, tilting their head slightly to look at Halsin. What they saw made them hum, closing and setting the book to the side again. For a long moment, the ranger simply studied the druid again, expression sympathetic.
It was clear words weren't going to work with Halsin. Not yet at least. And that was fair. He did not know Tav nor the others that well. He was grateful for their help, for their rescue, and seemed very determined to help, but he didn't know them. And Tav had a feeling that the man had been told things before that were either empty comforts or actual lies. Tav couldn't blame him for not simply believing everything he was told.
So instead, Tav leaned and reached over to rest a hand on Halsin's arm lightly. The druid gave them a startled look that he quickly covered, flashing a warm if slightly wary smile. Tav smiled back, rubbing the big elf's arm gently, squeezing lightly in a comforting fashion. "How are you, Halsin?" Tav asked softly, shifting a few inches closer and moving their hand to rest on the druid's back. "Are you all right here? You do not have to stay, you know."
Tav winced slightly at the startled, almost fearful look Halsin gave them. "No! No, not at all. Your camp has been most kind. I--"
Tav raised their hands in a calming gesture. "Halsin, easy, easy. I am just making sure you are comfortable. That is all." They lowered their hands, resting one on the druid's shoulder. "You have done nothing wrong."
They watched Halsin blush with a slightly worried look as the druid's eyes dropped. "My apologies. I find myself on edge as we draw nearer to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. I-- I want to help you, but I will not lie and say I don't have need of your help too."
The ranger's expression softened in sympathy. "And you shall have it. I gave my word."
"And I have given mine." Halsin lifted his eyes to smile again. "I will keep it."
Halsin thought that would be the end of it. That this conversation was the actual reason Tavreth had called him over. Instead, they gave him a look that was difficult to read. It was something a little worried, a little sad, but not one that bespoke of pity. And instead of a polite dismissal, Tav scooted a bit closer and their hand moved to his back again. Slim and warm, it rested there with small, comforting movements. It was pleasant. It didn't feel driven by teasing or lust, nor worse the kind of pat one might give a beast. That sort of touch he was well familiar with.
No, Tav's hand was gentle and friendly, like the touch they would give Gale's shoulder over dinner or the squeeze Wyll's hand was given when they helped him up. It was a touch of kinship and care that matched the troubled look in blue, blue eyes. "I know you will," Tav said quietly to Halsin's last words. "But I do not want you to harm yourself doing it."
The druid found himself staring at Tav, who met his gaze without flinching. For a long moment, Halsin just searched Tav's gaze and he found himself murmuring. "...You mean that."
"I do," Tav said quietly. "You have not told me everything, but I am not blind to the weight you are carrying, Halsin. And, while perhaps we have not known each other long, I do consider you a friend. That means I worry for you." A gentle smile softened the ranger's features. "I know the future is uncertain, but tonight, we are all safe and fed. And that is something." The smile widened and turned a little crooked as one side quirked up higher. "That also means I would prefer you not to sit to the side, feeling lonely. So I am glad you came to join me."
"I had not meant to be so obvious," Halsin found himself murmuring, looking away with a hint of shame.
Tav stared a moment and sighed. "Halsin." They put a touch of firmness in their tone as they moved their hand, frowning in concern when the druid's shoulders tightened a bit. Reaching up, they caught the druid's chin with a few fingers, turning the big elf's eyes toward theirs. "Stop apologizing. Please. You have nothing to apologize for." Tav gave a sudden huff, dropping their hand and suddenly leaning against the druid's arm lightly. "You realize I am trying to comfort you and offer you some company, yes?" Blue eyes lifted to look into Halsin's face. "As friends. I am not seducing you. At the moment."
Halsin blinked and gave a small, startled bark of laughter. "At the moment?"
Tavreth laughed as well, the sound warm and sweet as honey. "Yes. I make no promises in the future." They flashed a quick grin, eyes warming.
Halsin felt his face heat even as he smiled back. "Good to know."
Tav chuckled and sat up. "Now that we are clear," they hummed, shifting and leaning against the log. "Shall we sit together for a while and enjoy the company?"
"I would like that," Halsin said quietly, studying Tav a long moment. "Would anyone mind if I stayed closer to the fire tonight?"
The ranger smothered a small laugh. "I hope you are teasing. Of course, no one would complain if you wanted to be closer to the fire. There is plenty of room. You are welcome here."
Tav's eyebrows raised a bit when Halsin apparently took them at their word and shifted to start laying down. The ranger considered moving, but the memory of the lonely look in Halsin's eyes stopped them. Instead, Tav shifted their legs out of the other's way, watching a bit curiously. They were surprised when they ended up with a druid's head resting on their thigh. After a moment Tav settled their legs along Halsin's chest with a sigh, tucking their feet under his leg as he laughed. "What?" Tav chuckled, taking another bite of the pear. "If I am to be a pillow, you can at least warm my feet. It is only fair."
Halsin chuckled. "I suppose that is fair." He realized he was testing Tav's boundaries just a little, but a careful eye was kept for any sign of discomfort. It was a bit of a risk, but the other had offered contact first and he found himself craving it. Not necessarily that of a sensual nature, but more the comfort of companionship. It was easier when he was in his Wildshape and expected to act the 'beast', but he took the risk without the bear. He had been prepared to laugh it off as a joke if Tav showed tension or annoyance.
What Halsin hadn't expected was the other's free hand to touch his hair. Once again, it wasn't the pat of someone touching an animal they humored, but the caress of long fingers across his scalp. Tav didn't tug or tease his ears, or try and make it anything more. They just stroked his hair, smoothing the braids now and then as they picked out small tangles carefully. He had to admit the whisper of nails against his scalp and nape felt lovely and he found himself making a noise akin to a purr in his chest.
"Halsin?" The sound of his name made him tense a little, expecting to be asked to move. Or worse. Instead when he looked up, Tav was offering him the half-eaten pear. "Bite?" they asked as if sharing food between them was the most natural thing in the world. He blinked and opened his mouth without thinking, slightly amused that they held the pear steady for him. There was something rather stirring about the fact after he had his bite, they took their own from the same spot. Halsin relaxed again, the sweet taste of pear on his tongue and Tav's touch on his hair. The druid closed his eyes, letting himself relax more fully. If the bit of extra weight bothered Tav, they gave no sign. They just hummed quietly, offering him a bite of their pear for each one they took. An equal share, which for some reason touched him more than it should.
When the food was done, Tav was quite content to read their book and comb Halsin's hair with their fingers. They could feel the tension leaving the druid and gave him a fond look. Elves did not often sleep, but the druid's calm breathing and relaxed body were close to the trance. It was warming really. They weren't sure Halsin had fully relaxed in days. It felt like an honor that he had chosen to do it with them. And it made something stir in their chest like sunlight coaxing a seed to grow.
That was something to worry about another day though. For now, Tav was content to read in the firelight with Halsin's head on their thigh and his arm absently draped over them. They were content to feel his hair under their fingers and the steady, soothing rhythm of the druid's breathing against their legs. For now, that was enough and they were happy with it. Judging by the small smile he wore, Halsin was happy with it too.