They were an odd pair, both functionally immortal, though Astarion could not touch the sunrise again after the Tadpole's removal.
But Halsin had done what he could. He'd furnished deep caves with plush carpeting that could withstand a large bear of course, filled them with fine furniture and private areas Astarion could comfortably rest and take care of personal hygiene and cleanliness as was his preference.
Some people were taken aback that Astarion often came out of the evening in an interesting variety of outfits. The other druids of course, cared little, but outsiders, it was odd when the vampire came out, sometimes in rough leathers, sometimes in magic robes, often in a fine dress.
Halsin gently stroked the earrings he was wearing, then the necklace, still loose around he's neck, but tight enough, you could tell it was not originally his own.
They were functionally immortal. Only them, the others, over time, had all passed on in one way or another.
The dress Astarion was currently, happily flitting amongst the current guests in was once Shadowheart's, as were the earrings, one set in Astarion's ear and one in Halsin's, as well almost choker tight necklace around Halsin's neck.
It was her birthday today, they were celebrating with just the druid circle today.
Even with Astarion wearing it often, the dress was still almost as pristine as the day it arrived at the circle after... The funeral.
He eyed the one mark it did have. An outsider who had been a little too... Comfortable trying to use Astarion's former spawn status against him.
Halsin had felt no guilt using his large hands to smother the cries of realization it would not work out of that one's mouth as Astarion had himself a fine feast that night.
It was not the first or last time.
People often mistook good as for the weak. And kindness as being placid in the face of cruelty and evil.
Halsin was neither of those.
Those from outside the grove learnt quickly. Even if they'd not done something cruel enough for the grove druids, Astarion or Halsin to intervene directly, they often still found themselves out in vast woods, filled with many wild animals, and a grove full of druids not willing to intervene on their behalf either.
Druids after all were in harmony with nature. Nature is as harsh as it is kind.
And so are Druids.
