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Baldur’s Gate was a mess, with toppled buildings and illithid corpses to burn and, despite the victory, many funerals to plan. And yet, despite it all, there was so much celebration because the city was alive. They had seen a netherbrain rise above the city and yet life as they knew it would continue. There would be no Grand Design, no resurgence of an illithid empire. And, outside the gates, multiple wagons of refugees were preparing for the next stage of their journey.
“You are sure? I truly meant it when I said I would not begrudge you if you wished to join us later. Traveling with us now means you will miss all the feasts andcelebrations that will be held in your honor!” Halsin beamed down at his Wood Elf as she loaded her own belongings into a wagon. While he traveled lightly, Tav had been loaded down with gifts and tokens from the patriars of the city. Some she planned to sell, once they were a polite distance away from the city, but others she would keep. They would make for wonderful mementos of the journey and props for retelling the tale.
“And I said I won’t be parted from you for even a moment. Love without boundaries surely means I’m not required to keep my distance,” the redhead teased. He had tried very hard to convince her to stay, enjoy the celebrations and her taste of fame but she had been steadfast in her refusals, insisting on following her bear. And, as Tav watched the children board the wagons, she was glad that she had. These children needed clothes and food and shelter yes, but also cheer and laughter - exactly the sorts of things that a bard of experience can help with!
She was sad to see their friends go their own disparate ways but the mission was over. The threat of the Absolute had been ended and none of them had died - what else could she possibly hope for? The white dog Scratch had already hopped up into the wagon and was curled up on a pad of thick blankets whilst Bitey, the giant owlbear cub, hooted beside them all. He had several children on his back already and would be carrying various refugees all throughout the trip to Reithwin in rotation. Even Yenna and Grub, the child’s nervous feline, were in a wagon nearby. Despite the scattering of many of those Tav had traveled with as a result of the parasite, some remained at her side and she could think of no better outcome - short of having several Wish spells for Karlach and Astarion.
“Never!” With a bright laugh, Halsin lifted his lover off the ground to place her in her spot of honor beside him. While his lover couldn’t help but wish the others were with them, the long-lived Elf took the change with the ease that one might expect from him. He would miss their company and there was no denying that, but one does not live hundreds of years without seeing people come and go from their lives. And each were going to tasks or homes that suited them - though hopefully Karlach would soon be of the Hells, better she be there and alive with Wyll than dying here! “And, in truth, I am grateful you’ve chosen to come. Your songs and bright laughter will provide sustenance for the soul, even as cooking pots feed the body.”
“You overestimate my abilities, my love.” As Halsin lashed down the last of the boxes for their wagon, Tav watched his muscles work with great interest. It didn’t hurt her decision that traveling with Halsin objectively meant having better scenery. None of the wonders in Baldur’s Gate could compare to the sight of the burly Elf’s rippling muscles as he performed physical labor, both outside of and inside of the bedroom!
”If anything, you do not give yourself enough credit. You are the savior of the Gate and Grove,” he leaned in to nuzzle the tip of his nose against her own, his scarred and tattooed face split in a bright grin. That they had dozens, if not a hundred, witnesses didn’t matter to him in the slightest. After all, Halsin had the greatest treasure that the Oakfather had ever blessed the realms with, sitting at his side! As he climbed onto the wagon beside Tav, she pulled her lute into her lap and flashed him the smile that still gave him butterflies.
“Says the Druid who consistently underrates himself and his abilities,” Tav grinned brightly at her storied and yet incredibly modest lover. Whilst he tended to see only his flaws, Tav saw in him all the beauty of nature’s gifts - as he liked to put it. He let out a soft laugh and she let her head rest against his shoulder whilst the wagons started back to Reithwin and the lives that they would all create. The future seemed truly golden!