#falorin

Enters the area of the Arcane Tower in the Underdark.

Gale: Well, given that we are both quite familiar with the sanctity of a wizard's tower—

Falorin: Actually, I've never had my own tower.

Gale: Whatdoyoumeanyouneverhadyourowntower?!?!

Falorin, with pride: I have my magic emporium in Baldur's Gate! Not much space for a tower in the Lower City, silly.

Gale, in a terrible attempt to flirt: Ahem. Fair enough, but I mean... Do you want a tower to call your own?

Failed Insight Check with a Nat 1.

Falorin: Why? Are you looking to sell?

Gale: By the gods, no! It's just that we work so well together, and I figured that, uh, you know.

Falorin: Ah, I see!

Failed Insight Check with a Nat 1.

Gale: You do?

Falorin: Yes, and I feel the same way, of course!

Gale: Oh, what a relief! I thought that I was coming on a bit too strong there for a moment.

Falorin: Well, this is all a bit sudden, given everything, but I would love to be your research partner!

Gale: ...

Falorin: ...

Falorin: Uh oh, I missed something important, didn't I?

Gale, screaming internally: It's fine, truly.

Falorin: Come now. What was it?

Gale: Later, my dear. I promise. For now, there is much to be done!

Falorin: I'll hold you to that.

Probably won't expand on this because I have a few wips at the moment, so I decided to share. Speaking with Elminster in multiplayer last night went as well as to be expected for Falorin. Had a burst of inspiration, so I had to get this out of my system. Fal's definitely taking this new development well. :)

...

The instant they were out of earshot from the others in camp, Gale reached for his hand, only for Falorin to snatch away from his touch. He turned on Gale, an ember of anger sparking quickly into an inferno of rage.

“Don't touch me!” he snapped, wrapping his arms tightly around himself, as if that was the only thing keeping himself from falling apart at the seams.

Gale stood there at a loss, unused to such heat compared to Falorin's usual positivity. His hand hovered in the air between them, uncertain, until it eventually fell back to his side.

A cold emptiness prickled along his skin like goosebumps.

“Fal,” he whispered, “please, let us talk this through. Is that not what we're best at? Communicating with each other?”

“And what good will talking accomplish, when you seem so set on accepting the hand that you've been dealt?” Falorin countered. Head held high, he blinked in quick succession. Even Volo's prosthetic started to feel a tad bit irritated, Falorin's other eye glistening with unshed tears. “What do you expect of me, exactly? Shall I rejoice in knowing that your death would be ‘heroic’?”

He sneered at the word now.

“You know that I try to do what is best for everyone, but why is it that the ones who give their all are often the ones who receive nothing good in return?” 

His face fell.

Tears streamed down his left cheek, leaving streaks of makeup in their wake.

“If this is the path of heroism, then I don't want it! To the Hells with it all!” Falorin exclaimed. Then, his voice softened as he met Gale's eyes, each word a shattered mess of vulnerability. “I want you. Oh, I would gladly give up all of the comforts of my old life if it meant spending another day with you.”

“Fal—”

“I care for the others, of course, each in their own way,” Falorin rambled on, “but with you…” He took a deep, bracing breath. “With you, I don't feel so alone anymore.”

He averted his eyes when his breath hitched.

His bottom lip wobbled, and a sob broke free.

Before he knew it, he was in Gale's arms, wrapped up in a warm embrace.

I have so many WIPs right now, but this was the one that demanded my attention today. Big warning for this one is that there are references to past domestic abuse/violence for Tav, so be mindful of the ao3 tags please. 🙏

...

“Can we talk for a moment?”

As if anything good ever came from such words.

Falorin watched, suddenly uncertain, as Astarion's face briefly pinched up. A curl of his lips. A flash of his fangs. Then, just as quickly as it came, it was gone. He smoothed his expression out, plastered on an amicable smile.

It was a mask, one that he wore well.

Falorin knew what it was like to hide behind a facade of his own making.

He swallowed thickly, staring down at his shoes as they dug into the dirt.

His stomach twisted itself into knots, but some things needed to be addressed before they proceeded.