Work Text:
Balancing Act
Halsin had known from the very first moment he'd set eyes on the Drow woman that there was something special about her. He'd been inexplicably drawn to her since she and her companions had rescued him from the Worg Pens of the Goblin Camp. He'd often wondered if this attraction had begun because of the golden dragon scales that adorned her cheekbones and forehead, or the animalistic way she moved as she conjured flames to the palm of her hand to toss at the Goblins who'd been throwing rocks at him through the bars of his cage. She'd easily incinerated the lot of them, with very little effort.
Unsurprisingly, his instincts had been right. If there was one lesson he'd taken to heart over the course of his lifetime, it was to trust those initial feelings that originated somewhere deep in his gut.
But he never would have guessed, even in his wildest imaginings, that the woman he'd been drawn to was actually a Bhaalspawn. The revelation had shaken every companion in their camp, though it hadn't shaken Halsin's trust in her. He'd seen her fight against those urges that haunted her and made her who she was. It was refreshing to know someone who seemed to value every life they encountered in a way that other misguided souls never would have considered. This unparalleled level of self-control was yet another aspect that he admired about her.
He watched her from where he sat beside the hearth that lit the room they'd rented in the famous Elfsong Tavern, trying his best to appear busy as he chipped away at the scrap of wood clutched in his hand. The quiet murmur of conversation from the few others who had already retired to the upper floor of the establishment for the night was a soft lull that mixed with the crackling of the nearby fire. A surprisingly relaxing environment hidden away in the bustling city of Baldur's Gate.
Faeryl stood with Astarion, her chosen mate, and Halsin tried to calm his aching heart as she met his gaze from across the room. She was almost a different person when she was around the Vampire Spawn. His presence made her softer, kinder, more patient. She even laughed at some of the ridiculous things the Spawn would say in that ostentatious tone of his, which always drew a wicked smile to the man's face.
Even from this distance, the effortless nature of their relationship was apparent. He was overcome with an eager apprehension as her cheeks darkened and she turned her gaze back to her mate. He found himself wondering if she had yet broached the subject of his proposal with her mate or not.
He could wait for her answer. After all, he'd waited as they'd trekked through the Underdark, braved the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and journeyed to Baldur's Gate. He had only recently confessed his attraction to her, as respectful as he always was when asking to bed someone he knew to already have a partner. He hadn't been sure what sort of answer to anticipate from her, but she hadn't shied away from the subject, and had instead promised to discuss it with Astarion.
Her bond with the Spawn ran deep, which was why he'd originally kept his distance. The man's scent clung to her like a second skin, marking her in a way that would typically discourage any other hopeful pursuants. Halsin had not been deterred.
Halsin casually glanced up from his work and stiffened as he noticed Faeryl turning away from Astarion. She strode past Gale and her sister, Matilda, who were lost in their own conversation. Her mismatched golden and blue eyes met his gaze unflinchingly and he froze, his heart skipping a beat as he realized she was heading straight toward him.
"Sylvanus, guide me," he silently begged of his God. He'd need all the help he could get to navigate through this conversation without making a fool of himself.
"Good evening, Halsin," Faeryl said in greeting as she stopped in front of him, close enough that he had to look up at her from where he sat. Her tone was inviting and sultry, setting his heart into a gallop.
"Good evening, Faeryl." He cleared his throat nervously, aware that his greeting had sounded entirely too formal. "Care to join me?" he asked, motioning toward the chair beside him with an inviting grin. He felt suddenly flustered as she smiled down at him before moving gracefully toward the spot he'd indicated. The golden scales on her face stood out against her purple-tinted complexion, glinting softly in the glow of firelight.
"Hope I'm not... interrupting. I'd hate to be a bother," she stated as she leaned back in the chair, crossing one leg over the other. Halsin's gaze was drawn to the movement and he rolled his shoulders in an attempt to relax his tense muscles as she smiled knowingly at him.
"Perish the thought! You could never be bothersome to me," he assured her with a broad grin. She held his gaze, shifting her body toward him. A gesture that suggested she was keeping her focus solely on him. "I sense there's something on your mind. Perhaps we have something to discuss?" His eyes flicked toward the Spawn on the other side of the room and he almost jumped as he realized Astarion was watching them, unabashedly. He turned his attention back to Faeryl as she responded to his query.
"I may have had a conversation with Astarion that would be of interest to you," she answered with a sly grin. Halsin's brow rose at her words, but he kept silent as she seemed to have more to say. "I actually had some follow up questions. About what you had proposed before."
A hearty laugh escaped him as he adjusted the objects in his hands, setting them down on the small table that rested between them. He reached toward her, clapping her on the shoulder affectionately. "I'm happy to answer any and all questions you have. Both you, and Astarion."
For the first time since she'd approached him, Faeryl seemed to falter. Her eyes quickly darted toward her mate before she pressed on. "I've never... been involved with two people at once. Or, at least, not that I can recall. I just need to know how this is going to work."
Halsin looked at her with an understanding expression. It had been centuries since he'd been new to the idea of multiple partners, but he remembered the trepidation he'd felt at the time. "The exact terms can be discussed between the three of us. It's important that everyone communicates their needs, and sets their boundaries. It's a balance."
Faeryl nodded her head as she considered his response, uncrossing her legs and leaning closer to him. A distinct aroma wafted toward him with the movement. Her sweet lilac perfume held a metallic copper edge as her scent mingled with her mate's. Halsin found it both intriguing and alluring. He found himself wondering what she tasted like.
"Can I kiss you?" he asked, swept up in his own curiosity.
She smiled as she stood up and stepped closer to him. She reached toward him invitingly, prompting him to stand. He followed her silent command, heart hammering in his chest as he looked down at her.
Firsts were always important, and Halsin knew this would be no exception.
Her hand cradled softly against his cheek as she drew him closer, pressing her soft lips to his. She tasted more divine than he could've imagined, and suddenly Halsin worried that he'd never want to stop kissing her. He needed every ounce of his self-control to pull away from her, not to devour her right here in the middle of the room.
He'd save that for another day.