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For the first time after leaving the Underdark and arriving at Baldur's Gate, the group could breathe in peace. Everyone rolled their sleeping bags and made preparations for an early sleep, hoping for a night well rested, as much as possible. Tav could see in everyone`s eyes the melancholy and their resolve.
Tav saw Astarion slip into the shadows and decided to not question, he earned his meal. Shadowheart took her chain ornaments out of her hair and began to unbraid it, chanting some song to soothe herself. Karlach flexed lazily, finally holding a book without burning it. Tav found it adorable that she was trying to keep attention on the small letters, but kept getting distracted by Scratch and the Owlbear cub playing in the background.
Lae'zel, despite being exhausted, abused the training dummy with all her remaining strength. Wyll and Gale chatted with no energy, both of them bound by duties from pacts they cannot escape from. And far away from the hustle of the camp, on the balcony on top of the ruined building they're camping in, loomed Halsin.
His body tensed, fists clenching and unclenching. Jaw muscles tightening and his eyes scanned the horizon. It must be extra difficult for him to leave his comfort around nature and embark on an adventure into unknown lands. From there, they could see the lights coming from the many settlements around the entry to Baldur's Gate. Tav kept a quiet company, leaning on the wooden railing. Their presence must have startled the Druid.
"Oh, you surprised me, I didn't notice you at all. Apologies." His voice was hoarse, he kept silent from the moment they left Thaniel and Oliver behind. "It's so… noisy, but none are familiar to me."
"Are you feeling homesick?" Tav turned to look at the Druid, and noticed that his expression turned sad, confirming their question.
"I've been around the Druid's Grove for so long, seen children being born and helped raise them, watched the season turn many times, had lovers come and go, of course you're bound to get comfortable and think of it as your haven." Halsin then turned to Tav with a soft smile. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not regretting coming with you. I promised to stay by your side to the very last moment of your journey, and I won't go back on my word."
"Thank you, Halsin." The man-bear radiated warmth. Tav leaned more on the railing, Feeling the cold breeze on their face and their hair tangling on itself.
Tav wondered what would've happened if they never got into the nautiloid, never got this parasite in the first place. Would they even get to meet each other? Even though not much time passed from the beginning of their journey, Tav found that they couldn't remember how life was before the worm. They got attached to the new bunch as if they were family.
"What's on your mind?" Halsin asked, eyes never leaving Tav's face. "Beside your little wiggly companion."
Tav chucked at the comment. "I'm grateful to have you with me, I don't want to part ways when this is all over."
The Druid's eyes widened for a moment, then a big smile splashed across his face. "Then don't. I don't think I want to go back to the Grove again for a while, I got to see different places because of you, and I want to see many more after this. I know this to be a bold proposition, but would you let me be with you in your next escapade?"
Tav went speechless. They look back at their campsite, everyone doing their own thing, having their own plans for after saving Baldur's Gate from the Elder Brain. Would they also share the same feeling as Halsin? Tav returned their gaze to Halsin, eyes meeting with mutual desire for company. The wind blew a bit hard, Tav's hair covered their face for a second before Halsin held it back behind their ear. Face full with vulnerable warmth, still waiting for a reply.
"I'll be very happy to have you with me, Halsin." They bit their lips, face warming under the other's gaze. The elf approached Tav with swiftness and embraced them, squeezing the other under his now relaxed muscles. Tav returned the gesture, nuzzling into the man-bear's soft pectorals, wrapping their arms around his waist. They felt a kiss on top of their head.
Both Halsin and Tav didn't move from their embrace, neither wanting to let go. But alas, they had matters to attend. He was the first one to break their bond.
"Go to sleep, Tav. We still have many things to do and you'll need your energy for what's to come." With another kiss on Tav's forehead, he disentangled with them. "Good night."
Tav nodded reluctantly, but stepped away from the warmth and into the cold night air again. "Good night, Halsin."
With a last glance before going back to the campfire, Tav saw Halsin's gaze already back to the horizon. Not melancholically anymore, but filled with determination. Tav felt their worm wriggling deeper into their brain while coming back closer to the others, the pain being part of their routine now. They needed a pause, hopefully tonight, they all could get a good night sleep.