#bloodwin

@bloodtwin asked: "❛ there’s bravery in being soft ❜"

From: Things Spoken in an Adventuring Party (Part 3) || Accepting!

Normally Balasar might have argued with that sentiment coming from Puck. But, the Dragonborn knew that, deep down, there was truth to that. Balasar had gone almost his entire life holding the idea of always being the most intimidating one in the room, refusing to open up to people about anything and seeming to push people away if they got too close simply due to his fear of the Urge ripping all of that away from him.

But hearing what Puck said couldn't help but make him start to wonder... Should he have been more open with others? Should he had moments where he wasn't as soft as he had been in the past? Did he need to keep holding up his intimidation strategy now that he had severed the connection with Bhaal, even if the Urge still was a part of his life, as much as it ever had been?

There were a lot of questions the Dragonborn had about heading down that sort of path, but he had to admit... The idea of opening up to people, to share his feelings with them and everything... was a thought process he could get behind, even if this was likely a lot later than what it probably should have been so many years back.

A sigh fell from his lips and he didn't look at Puck for a few moments, just... pondering about it. He finally did turn his head to look at him and gave a smile. A genuine smile. One of the first he had in a long time.

❝I'm thinking you might be on to something, Puck... I've always imagined being intimidating and not letting people into my life was for the best, to keep people from getting hurt when things went south, to avoid anything that happened, and to limit the people who approach me. But...❞

He sighed heavily and shook his head for another brief moment. He imagined that everyone felt this sort of way every now and again, especially if they were anything like Balasar and letting people into their lives for the first time. While he knew there still had to be that intimidation he had been carrying for years at this point, it wouldn't hurt to be a bit soft. At least... every now and again.