The wilderness was a true place of autonomy with its beauty unparalleled by its ever-changing landscapes. The sun was at its highest peak with only a few fluffy clouds blocking its rays. Orianna breathed in deeply, the fresh air filling her lungs as she looked out onto the valley, standing on the edge of a rocky crevice with her hands on her hips. The city was a place of comfort in many ways, but nature always provided a sense of clarity. She felt grounded, more in tune with herself and everything around her when the hustle and bustle of civilization didn't cloud her mind.

A tiny high-pitched buzzing took her out of the moment as she slapped her palms together, giving a mosquito a quick death. The outdoors were probably not Astarion's cup of tea. She tried to picture it, him camping out in the bush, sloshing through mud and other terrain with a sour look on his face. The image made her giggle as she looked over to Tav who was sitting on a log, taking a moment to tie the laces on his boots for the third time. Now it was too obvious he was procrastinating.

"Are you alright?" She called over to him, jumping down off the rocks, her armor clinking from the impact.

"Ugh, I'm not usually this flustered..." He grumbled, fighting the urge to turn around and send a letter instead. Resting his face in his hands he sighed deeply. "To be frank, I'm a little out of sorts. I know Halsin said to visit him, and that he would wait in anticipation— but why do I feel so nervous?"

Orianna took a seat beside him on the log, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "He's important to you and you respect him, along with all that he stands for." She hummed, looking at Tav expectantly. "Are you worried his feelings have changed?"

He rubbed his hands down his muzzle, eyes shifting to her. "Perhaps that's what I fear. I've admired him and that free spirit of his greatly, but it also makes me think our relationship may be fleeting."

"My advice to you, don't worry about things until they happen." She smiled, showing off her pearly whites. "No reason to create all of these anxieties when we don't even know if they're true."

Tav nodded. "You're right." Standing up with his shoulders back he had regained his usual confidence. "I won't let my worries sully the moment." He then pointed ahead. "Thaniel's land should be down this way. We'll be there soon enough."

...

They continued down the path from Baldur's Gate a while longer, the top of Moonrise Towers coming into view.

"You wouldn't believe what this place looked like before." Tav commented.

"Glad I managed to miss that and all the other crazy things you've seen."

When they got over the crest of the hill Tav stopped in his tracks. His heart pounding in his chest, stomach fluttering with anticipation when he saw him standing there in the distance, gazing out on the horizon like he said he would. He would recognize that figure from a mile away, strong and dazzling like he remembered. It truly hadn't been that long since he'd last seen him, but after having spent so much time by his side a few months felt like ages.

He was worried his voice might crack under the pressure, possibly waver or sound weird off his tongue, but he couldn't stop himself from calling out to him.

"Halsin!"

He dropped his pack to the ground, not wanting anything to hold him back. His feet felt lighter than usual as they picked up the pace, jogging towards the druid. He was delighted to see Halsin do the same, a jolt of realization before running over to him with similar enthusiasm. The time it took to reach him was hardly any, but it still felt like moving in slow motion. As soon as he was in reach, he nearly crashed into Halsin, feeling his firm chest thud against his as they wrapped their arms around each other in a tender embrace.

"Halsin..." It was really him, right here in his arms. He let out a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding and nuzzled his nose into his shoulder. "I missed you."

Halsin gave another squeeze before separating enough so he could plant a kiss on Tav's cheek, and then a longer one on his scaley mouth. "I missed you too, my heart. It's so good to see you."

Orianna couldn't stop smiling as she leisurely flung Tav's pack over her shoulder and walked towards them, giving them time to savor their reunion. Witnessing these moments felt like a privilege and always warmed her heart. As she made her way over, Halsin gave Tav one more kiss before they both loosened their hugs and his attention turned to Orianna, a welcoming smile on his face.

"I see you have a new companion."

"This is Orianna Amberheart, a Cleric of Pelor, and a recent friend of mine and Astarion." Tav presented her with a wave of his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Tav has sung high praises about you."

"Has he now? If anyone is singing praise it should be me. This man here saved my life, the Grove, and Thaniel from the shadow curse. Not to mention all the other daring feats. I will be forever in his debt." His eyes practically sparkled when he looked at Tav, his voice thick with love and admiration.

The dragonborn cleared his throat, feeling bashful. "This sorcerer you hold in such high regard is actually here to ask you for help."

"Of course, what can I do for you? Knowing you, it's probably something of utmost importance."

"Nothing that needs to be done right this instant, but if I could call upon you to come to Baldur's Gate— I'll be needing strong allies."

Halsin placed his hands on Tav's shoulders. "If you need me, you will have me. Come, let's go inside where you can tell me all about it."

...

Orianna observed the state of the place as they followed Halsin. Thaniel's land was in the early stages of growth and rebuilding, much of the town was still in disarray from the shadow curse. There were also a lot of people, a mix of young and old who had been displaced after the events of the Absolute. So, this was what Halsin had been up to, helping the needy, the ones who were alone and required aid the most. They were the people that tended to be forgotten after the storm would clear.

When they reached Moonrise Towers, they entered past the gates and through the main hall where they were greeted by the laughter of children playing. One of them in particular noticed the druid's presence and rushed over with excitement.

"Daddy Halsin!" A small human child with auburn hair threw her arms up and he obliged, lifting her to him. He held her steady with one bent arm as her own went around his neck.

Tav's heart melted at the sight. If he'd been female, he might have just proposed they make some children of their own right then and there, since he suited the father role so well. As much as his heart ached when Halsin had left he couldn't deny he was destined to be here, to help others and take on the burdens of these children. How he wished he could stay here with him and leave his home behind.

"What you're doing here is an incredible thing, Halsin." Orianna felt humbled, remembering how she'd once been in a similar position, going wherever the people needed her most. What a different time of her life that had been.

"I do what I can. I'm sure a lady of your background has also been quite altruistic." He placed the child back on her feet and she scurried back to the other children. They sat at a round table, building flower crowns with a Tiefling woman.

"I used to be, but I was forced to take a break. I would be delighted to say a few blessings to the crops or help heal any of the sick. I have a reasonable amount of knowledge in medicine as well."

"Your help will be greatly appreciated and gladly received. After all, your deity and nature hold a special bond. Without the sun rising each day, life would never thrive."

Orianna rubbed the back of her neck and smiled sheepishly. It felt nice to have your deity be celebrated by someone who wasn't directly associated with her faith. It was a reminder that the things she had done and would continue doing still had purpose.

...

Orianna followed a few meters behind as Tav walked side by side with Halsin. They caught up casually about what they had been up to since seeing each other. The druid had obviously been busy working on restoring Thaniel's land and Tav had been taking it easy, trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his newfound freedom.

They arrived upstairs to a spare office that had walls of shelving and books, with some loose papers strewn on the desk. Halsin decided to lean against it while Orianna and Tav settled on a couple of armchairs. They both happily relieved themselves of their baggage and weapons.

"So, what can I do for you?"

"To say it in few words, Orianna has a vampire after her. A powerful one called Dragomir." Tav pressed his fingers together as he spoke. "We already dealt with a few spawns, but the dire wolf they had with them tracked Orianna's scent and escaped. We suspect a better plan or ambush to take place in due course."

Halsin made a sound in acknowledgment, crossing his arms together which showed off his biceps. "A vampire you say, but what does he want with Orianna?"

"He wants to take me back to Duskmire." Orianna's brow furrowed. "I realize I've already asked a lot from everyone. Tav and Astarion didn't need to help me, but they did."

"Orianna isn't some contract or small quest I picked up along the way. I see her as a friend." He smiled, trying to reassure her that she no longer needed to feel guilty about asking them for help. He was here for her because he wanted to be. "I'm positive Astarion feels the same."

Now that was surprising news. "Are we talking about the same Astarion?" Halsin joked.

"We certainly are."

He laughed, standing at his full height. "Well, a friend of yours is a friend of mine. I will go wherever you need me."

Orianna also stood up and took a few steps towards Halsin, offering her hand, he followed her movements and uncrossed his arms. She took one of his and clasped hers on either side. "Thank you, Halsin. Truly."

"Helping others in need is what I do. And Tav came here personally for this request. No matter how perilous, you can count on me."

Tav smiled, thankful once again for the events that had brought them together. He had true friends and real allies that were trustworthy, nothing like the ones he had before like Orin or Gortash from his previous life. It was comforting to know he could always come back to Halsin for anything, and he could do the same with him.

He then noticed Orianna collecting her things with the intention of leaving. "Where are you going?"

She gave Tav a knowing look. "You don't need a third wheel interfering with your reunion." She gave him a wink, letting herself out. "I'll see you in the morning."

Halsin grinned and Tav tried to conceal his bashfulness with a cough. The door closed behind her and now it was just him, alone with the druid.

"Uhm—"

He barely had a chance to think of something witty to say before Halsin pounced on him, grabbing his face in both hands and leaning in close. How he managed to figure out how to kiss a dragonborn, even Tav wasn't quite sure, he didn't exactly have malleable lips to match his movements. His mouth parted and moved against his as best as he could, tongues swirling in a heated battle for dominance that Halsin was easily winning. Tav could feel the collar of his potent robe being opened, fabric loosening as rough hands snuck past to rub against the scales of his chest. He shivered and tilted his head back.

Halsin took the opportunity to plant kisses on his neck and gently nibble the sensitive ridges along his jaw. "Are you nervous?"

Tav was breathing heavily, and they had barely started. "I thought about you a lot when you were gone. Now that I'm here it's almost too stimulating. Imagination doesn't nearly compare to the real thing... I don't think I can contain myself..."

"I feel the same. The first time I held you I could barely control the beast. Even now, it's difficult to restrain myself and not devour you."

Tav's heart fluttered with the knowledge that his previous worries had been for not. This man loved him freely, truly and honestly. Whether it was something that would last till the end of his days, perhaps it wouldn't. What mattered was that they loved each other right now. All they truly had was the present and he planned to enjoy every second.

"Don't hold back on my account."

(Explicit Content removed. For full version please go to "Moth to a Flame by Ringo101 on Archive of Our Own")

"Please tell me that door leads to a room with an ample bed... maybe even a tub..." His voice was a tad raspy.

Halsin's laughter was warm. "Don't worry, I had the foresight to bring us to a place we won't be disturbed. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off of you once we were alone."

Suddenly he whisked the man off his feet, carrying him like a fair maiden. Tav didn't have the energy to complain as he put his arms around him, his lower back aching now that the adrenaline had passed. He rested his head on his wide shoulder and breathed in his musk. As he was carried over he helped open the door, revealing a room that was indeed Halsin's. Even in a dreary stone fort like Moonrise Towers he was able to sprinkle in a little bit of nature with the color palette and plants. As they entered it smelled of sandalwood, black pepper and patchouli; a masculine scent that was subtle but comforting.

Halsin brought him over to the wash tub in the corner of the room, where Tav did a novice prestidigation cantrip to adjust the water from room temperature to warm. He was delicately placed inside and he sighed with contentment. He allowed his back to slide down until he was underwater, staying there for a few seconds before breaching the surface. He stretched his arms over the sides of the tub and beckoned his lover. The elf stepped in, water nearly sloshing over the rim as he settled in front of Tav and scooped up the bar of soap.

"Turn around for me."

Tav followed suit and turned his back to him, hearing as Halsin lathered the bar between his hands to create some suds. He hummed as tension left his body, feeling gentle hands massaging his tight muscles in the process of cleaning him, working out a particular stiff kink in his shoulder. His eyes closed, amazed at how calm and satisfied he felt, like he'd found the exact place he wanted to be.

To think his mind had been such an empty slate in the beginning, but now it raced with his own thoughts and desires. He wondered if it was okay to have all these wants and needs, if he could look to Halsin to fulfill them or if he should stay quiet.

He decided on the former.

"When you were away, I found myself spending a lot of time at the park or in the forest just outside the city. I wanted to try feeling connected to nature— I thought it would help me feel closer to you but alas, it didn't... I never realized until you were gone, how much I truly care for you... How much I don't want to be apart any longer..."

How he wished they could just stay in this room forever, or at least for more than a single day. Perhaps after he helped Orianna he would come back here to visit, maybe even permanently. Would Halsin's roaming heart allow it?

He swallowed the lump in his throat, his voice barely audible, even to his own ears.

"I love you."

Halsin looked surpsied. It was the first time Tav had ever said those three words or expressed his feelings so clearly. He knew him well enough that he was someone who had avoided any possible prospects of love, especially if it distracted from his main focus or could interfere with the approval of the ones closest to him. He already knew exactly what he wanted to say and didn't know why he hadn't asked him back then.

The elf shifted in the tub causing water to splash on the floor as his arms tightened around him, pressing his forehead to his shoulder.

"And I love you, my heart. Once your loose ends are tied up, come back here to me. Stay in Thaniel's land with me, where we can love freely."

Tav's heart fluttered, relief washing over him as he found the peace he was searching for.

...

Orianna watched the sun begin to set behind the horizon as she kneeled down in the fields by some freshly plowed earth, the distinct smell of dirt in the air. She closed her eyes and pressed her hands together as she murmured some prayers for plenty of sun and rain, fertile soil and a bountiful harvest. A soft yellow glow seemed to shimmer from within and floated around her like an apparition. Even though she knew her God to be real and true she sometimes wondered how much he was willing to give her. Were a few prayers and praise of his name enough? Would she ever be able to call upon him in her greatest time of need with divine intervention? The gods always felt so far away, even if she was closer to them than most.

Her eyes opened when she felt a presence walk up to her. A child with olive brown skin, short dark hair and unique horns that resembled tree branches. Part of her already knew who he was, like she could sense it.

"Hello, you must be Thaniel."

"And you must be Orianna. Halsin mentioned you arrived here with Tav." He took the vacant spot beside her, kneeling down in the same manner. "Thank you for your prayers. Day by day I'm feeling more like myself again."

"A spirit of the forest thanking me personally... I can say it's a first. I'm deeply humbled."

Thaniel stared at her like he was trying to solve a puzzle until his expression shifted to realization, a discovery being made. "I could sense that you were different. As soon as you stepped foot in these lands, I felt warm. Revitalized."

Orianna looked at him astonished. "You're one of the few that's ever noticed. Then again, you're not mortal either." She placed a hand on her heart, focusing on breathing slow as she calmed herself, the glow emitted from her body slowly faded into the darkness, making her look like any regular elf once again. "You can't tell anyone, for my own saftey. My life tends to become more complicated when people know..."

"Of course. Your secret is safe with me." He smiled, pressing his hands into the earth as he stood. "Don't you get lonely?"

"Sometimes." When she stood up she slapped her hands against her shins, brushing off the dirt. "What about you?"

"I used to be. I'm lucky to have Oliver around to keep me company. Halsin has been a true friend, but he won't be around forever."

She smiled solemnly at that. "Maybe one day I will find that forever friend."

Thaniel reached out and took her hand in his. "I can be your friend."

"That's really sweet of you. In the future I promise to come visit."

She was smiling but there was a sadness in her heart, like part of her wasn't convinced she would be able to. She needed to worry less, it wasn't healthy or productive to put her energy into all of the what-if scenarios. In a few weeks she would have her answer and a better picture of her future.