#emerald grove devil au

[wellthebardsdead]

*The emerald grove devil Au, Papa Bear*

———

Astarion: That form you took on back at the goblin camp was, terrifyingly powerful~ why do you choose to walk around as a mere tiefling when that’s available to you?

Falûne: *tail hugging his leg* Because I don’t feel good in that state. All it’s good for is hurting people…

Astarion: Ugh, all that power and of course a mortal compass always has to spoil the fun. You could be ruling over the entirety of the sword coast with what you have at your finger tips, have everyone bending to your will and yet you’ve just been playing in the dirt and muck with the animals!

Falûne: and I’m all the better off because of it. I’m a devil by blood only and I’ve worked really hard to learn to control my emotions so I won’t hurt anyone with this power.

Astarion: Emotions?…

Falûne: I’m most likely to enter that state when upset… I thought papa was dead or hurt so I just… lost control…

Astarion: Interesting… So all we have to do is upset you and you’ll go off like a loose cannon?

Halsin: *gently tucks Falûne behind him and grabs astarion by his doublet* Whatever ideas you have dancing around what’s left of your tadpole addled brain, I suggest you get them out of your head now.

Astarion: *smiling nervously* A-ah of c-course. I was just m-making an observation.

Halsin: then I suggest you cease your observing before you observe the inside of a bears stomach. *drops him before ushering Lûne away* …I forbid you to have any form of relations with that man.

Falûne: it’s okay papa my eyes are on Gale and Wyll at the moment.

Halsin: Hm, good taste.

[aladaylessecondblog]

It Rhymes With House (Six Hours AU one-shot)

Author's Note: I haven't played Durge yet, but I intend to do a run next playthrough. This chapter's Durge is your bog standard one--white dragonborn. Dunno why he's here, he's just kinda chilling, because I've noticed the chillest people usually have the most shit going on.

I can't not torture Tav. Had an idea. In this I guess Raphael's 'Six Hours' offer was quite worse and Cald ended up at the Emerald Grove with Halsin. This is something I'd like to do but the buildup would be too similar to other fics. This one's a bit of a mess.

Yes I'm outright ripping Theon's shtick.

--------------

"Who in the hells is that?"

When the party turned back up in camp with an additional follower, nearly everyone was wary.

"One of Raphael's pets, I think," Karlach said, gesturing vaguely at the shaking figure nearby, "Poor sod begged to come with us. Said without Raphael there she was a sitting duck."

"We knows she's not a devil," Wyll started, "Doesn't look like a tiefling, she looks...a bit like me, actually. Given the horns, I mean--you know, they're just like his."

Durge crossed his arms. There was a pause, and a thousand-yard stare. He took in a sharp breath. "Where's Shadowheart? She could use some healing."

The woman backed away when Shadowheart approached.

"What is your name?" Shadowheart asked gently, noting the fear written all over the woman's face. There were scars here and there, but none on her face or hands.

"Mouse," the woman said shakily, as she looked up and around the campsite. "I...I don't remember much else. Something terrible happened to me, so the master took--took most of my memory. So I would not...be burdened by the past."

Durge stood close by, trying to ignore the scent of blood.

As Shadowheart healed her wounds Mouse muttered.

"Mouse, Mouse, it rhymes with house, the house of hope, and death of the same."

She looked to be a drow, but vitiligo had stolen the color of large chunks of her face and hands, and when the healing was done Mouse looked up anxiously.

"What do you want in return? Which of you do I serve now?"

"Nothing, and none of us. I'm sure you'll feel better after you've eaten," Shadowheart said, "You say you remember very little...where's Halsin? I know he's still got some noblestalk."

"Please, I've got nothing to give you in return," Mouse said anxiously. "I already owe you for the healing, and noblestalk is expensive. The master--"

"Your master is dead," Karlach finally spoke up, "Dead, do you hear me? He's not coming back, I beat the shit out of him with the hammer he didn't want us to steal."

Mouse lowered her head. "I know, but...I've nothing to offer you for all this, I already owe you an enormous debt for letting me go back with you, and..."

She trailed off at that.

Remember, Mouse. You are only worth what someone is willing to pay for you.

"Halsin should be back soon," Durge finally called out. "He went on a supply run with the boy."

-------------------------------------------------

My name is Mouse.

It was the first thing the master had taught her, and she remembered it when she'd forgotten everything else. Too painful, he'd said, really, he was doing her a FAVOR, cleaning it all out of her mind. Family, friends, all of them gone because of the mindflayers, and yet she was lucky--for there he was to save her!

There to keep the tadpole from turning her into an illithid.

Yes, yes, very lucky she was. Even if sometimes--sometimes, it would act up. The tadpole would make her remember things, and she would be disobedient...she would remember disobeying, but not what she'd remembered to cause it.

She only got pain she deserved, but the master preferred it to be non-physical. Locking her up alone, or having everyone in the House simply ignore her. Making her earn the right to be noticed again.

Mouse, Mouse, Mouse

He was always there to make things better, too, and to remind her of those that lurked outside the House of Hope. Those other devils, who would be far less kind masters than he was. That without him there to protect her, she would be ripped to shreds.

Then these strangers had come...killed Haarlep, stolen the hammer. She'd begged them to take her along, and for some reason they'd done it, with no guarantee of payment or return.

Then they'd brought her here, kept her warm by the fire, given her food even.

It was...they were...nice. Moonlight above, grass below. She'd forgotten the green of it, the soft light of the moon, everything she was feeling and seeing right now.

The tadpole squirmed in her head.

No, please, don't make me remember--

The master was dead. He was DEAD. She kept telling herself that but still the fear rose. A fire, like this one, four bedrolls, and three of the others she was seeing around camp.

Every time the tadpole stirs, it causes trouble. It makes you remember things, and those things make you forget who you are. And who are you? Tell me.

M-Mouse. My name is Mouse. It rhymes with house, the house of hope, and death of the same

The master was the only truly clear thing in her mind. Lurking behind every stray thought. Waiting to punish bad behavior, or praise the good.

The memories were shady, though, only half-real. Half-remembered, on the very edge of sight she had to squint to see at all. But the tadpole stirred again...

"MAMA!"

A jolt.

Has anyone told my husband?

Nothing is more precious to me.

Mouse flinched when a body suddenly collided with her own, wrapped her neck in a tight hug.

"Mama, you're--you're back! Mister Durge said they killed the devil that took you!"

She looked up shakily when the boy drew back. Dark eyes--

His eyes.

--fluffy white hair.

"She says she doesn't remember anything," the white dragonborn said, "So go easy on her."

The boy's expression dropped, and his eyes misted instantly. "He made you forget me?"

"He-he made me forget everything that wasn't him," Mouse said. "I'm sorry, I..."

"Here," said a stronger voice behind the boy. "Give her this, it might help."

Mouse looked up, then back down immediately. The elf before her looked even more concerned than the others, and sat down beside her once he'd handed off something to the boy.

"You truly don't remember, do you? To live so long with the memories you carried, and then to forget them...before you could even know that someone else shared them, too. Such pain I would never wish on another, no matter how foul."

The boy sat down in front of her, and held out--a mushroom. "It helped Shadowheart and Mister Durge remember things, so maybe it'll help you too."

"Noblestalk," she said, taking it, "That's expensive, I don't have--"

"We can spare it," Durge called from somewhere, "We just robbed a devil, we've got PLENTY."

"Eat it, mama, please."

The boy begged her so earnestly, she could do nothing but listen. She ate, and after a pause the illithid began to twitch in her mind again. A flash of memory of the boy before her, showing him the contents of a box she'd kept hidden. Rings and whiskey and...boots? Then it shifted, and--the master--appeared. Words from her own lips, she heard in her own voice in her mind--

I will do anything if it means protecting my son.

The boy before her...the same as had been beside her in that memory.

"You...you are my son," Mouse said, "Cald...is that right?"

The boy smiled and nodded eagerly.

The large elf spoke again. "You sold yourself to that devil to protect him from the same foul vampire to torment our star."

"How did--where have you been all this time, then?" Mouse asked. "Please tell me you've been alright."

"You sent me to mister Halsin here when...when the devil visited. He's nice...some of the other druids weren't, but he was."

"And we were lucky," Halsin said, "That I recalled the time before, else...else things may have gone ill, considering the views of the druids of my grove. I was not aware before. But I was this time."

There was a pause.

"My heart, I am...so sorry that you have had to go through all of this. When they freed me from the goblin camp, I feared the worst..."

"I told mister Halsin who that devil was and he was pretty sure we were going to meet him later. I already knew we would...I wanted to come when they went to go kill him but they wouldn't let me."

"He's as dead as a devil can get," Durge called from his tent.

"It would not do to lose you when we had only just found your mother," Halsin said, "I imagine you must have many questions you want to ask of him, Tav, so I will leave you to--"

"No, no, my name is Mouse." It was hard not to include the rest of it, she almost felt she'd break her jaw trying.

"No, mama, it's Tav," the boy said, "My name is Cald, this is Halsin, and you're Tav."

Please, someone, anyone, talk to me.

The large elf--Halsin--seemed to decide on a look from Cald to stay exactly where he was.

"Perhaps time in nature will help. As a druid, you must be relieved to see the greenery again."

"I don't...I don't remember...being a druid. I don't remember any of this. We didn't have many plants in the House of Hope, and...I was told not to pray to any gods there, so even if Silvanus COULD hear me..."

A pause.

"My contract," she said, "Did you see my contract while you were there?"

"They brought back some I helped them burn," Cald said, "We're still looking through a big stack."

"Perhaps we can burn mine together."

Raphael was not dead, not truly, but if she could get the contract burned at least she would not be compelled to obey afterwards.

At least, not by the contract.

[fatherramiro]

may I enquire after "wyllstar anastasia AU"? please and thank you!

HELLO YOU MAY

this began as me saying casually to my wife "wyllstarion Anastasia AU when?" and then it grew from there. more beneath the cut because im just rambling my entire plot at you im so sorry

the premise is that this is a no tadpole AU, and about ten years before the events of the fic, duke ravengard's only son disappeared during some sort of attack on the ravengard estate. now, ravengard is offering a very hefty reward for anyone who can return his son to him. enter astarion, who is still a vampire (this time with a handy ring of walking in the sun or whatever the actual item is called in the lore) and who goes off to find the aforementioned son so he can collect the reward.

the twist? astarion isn't technically going of his own accord. cazador, who is trying to gain and keep more power in baldur's gate, has sent him to find the duke's son so that astarion will bring him back to be used as a hostage/bargaining chip. see, cazador was behind that attack on the ravengard estate years before, and astarion "accidentally" let the boy escape during the chaos. this is his chance to make it up to cazador. astarion Does Not Want to do this but he's tired of trying to fight back after 200 years of garbage so off he goes.

he's somewhere around the emerald grove when he runs into the blade of frontiers, who happens to have the same name as ravengard's son. wyll is all of 24, has been on his own for as long as he can remember (which isn't that long, he can't remember anything before he was 14), and he desperately wants to find his family and where he belongs and hopes that maybe he'll find that on his heroic journey. he is currently pursuing a devil named karlach per his demonic patron (because mizora, the jackass, found it so easy to manipulate wyll into taking a deal. she will get her ass kicked in this story). so after that sidequest gets resolved, wyll and astarion (as well as karlach) set off for the gate as astarion promises wyll that he can find him answers about his family, etc.

shenanigans ensue! wyll's trauma is actually addressed in a meaningful way and astarion and karlach get him out of the pact with mizora by the time they reach the city! wyll and astarion fall in love! and when they reach the gate, and astarion realizes that this is very much the real wyll ravengard, and also accepts the depths of his feelings for him, he does what he hopes will be the last selfless action of his entirely too long and miserable life. he doesn't bring wyll to cazador, and instead brings him to his father and then walks out of wyll's life forever. (or so he thinks)

im working in a political plot involving gortash and reasons why others might not want the grand duke's son returning to the gate, and obviously this all culminates in a dramatic series of events in which wyll makes choices that grant him agency and he chooses the life he wants, and he and astarion absolutely wreck cazador's shit. finally free from both mizora and cazador, the pair run off together and live Happily Ever After.

its very dramatic. im very obsessed with it, and right now have written a couple bits but am mostly working on fleshing out wyll's arc and the adventures en route to baldur's gate because fuck if i'll write a story in which wyll's journey and interiority are not addressed with equal importance to astarion's. and im very excited to write this tbh.

[imtryingthisout]

Sanders-Tale: The Falling Child

(A fic based on @nachosforfree Undertale Au, check it out)

Running.

Running: Tiny twig-thin legs carrying a skinny body as they desperately ran.

Faster- faster

Ducking under branches and leaping over stones

Faster- faster

The black and grey cloak was made of heavy fabric. A winter’s cloak in the middle of summer.

Faster- faster

It weighted the child, for it was a child who was running, down slightly. Not enough to slow down, but heavy all the same.

Faster, hurry, faster.

The forest surrounding the mythic mountain was thick and treacherous . The trees grew wide and untamed for no logger or lumberjack wanted to brave the mountain, not even to obtain the plentiful wood and other resources that lay there. There were stories about those who ventured up to the mountain top, and those stories rarely ended well.

They say those who go up to Mt Ebbot don’t come back down.

It was dark, making an already dangerous journey all the more perilous. The child could not see the moon nor stars. The child could barely see the sky at all, over the blanketed canopy of branches that lay over their head.

Raindrops fell heavily from the growing storm, making the earth below wet and slick. Mud clinged to the child’s clothes, clogging up the groves in their shoes, making it harder to not trip over the many treeroots and other obsticals that lay in their way. As they ran up the mountain.

Faster and faster.

Soon the terrain changed from the unpredictable muddied earth to the cold certainty of stone. And so the child stopped running.

Two unnaturally bright violet eyes- demon eyes the villagers whispered- tried in vain to see what lay ahead in the dark. The child had seemingly wandered into a cave at the top of the mountain. Seeking shelter from the storm- the child wandered in further. Taking short cautious step to avoid the myriad of roots that grew into the cave’s mouth from the forest.

Step by step the child crept further into the cave, and step by step the child gained more and more confidence. Till a burst of thunder cause the child to jump—

—a foot got caught in a twisted vine that curved upward making the child slip—

—and fall into a great pit that was unseen in the darkness of the night making the child fall

Further

And further

And further down into the great abyss

The child didn’t even have the time to scream before darkness overtook their exhausted vision.

………..

.......

....

...

..

.

The first thing the fallen child noticed was sunlight streaming down from the top of the cavern, ricocheting of the warm brown stone just to hit them square in the face.

“Hellooo? Hellooo? Hey, are you dead?”

The second thing they noticed was that they were not alone.

“Oh good you’re not dead, that would’ve sucked” said the… person in front of them? It certainly didn’t look like any person the child had ever seen. It was short- with two baby goat horns poking out of its forehead. Wide dual colored eyes looked down at the child as if it was the most curious thing on earth. Green and Red like holly berries and leaves.

The child let out a pained groan. They must have hit their head too hard when they fell, because this was the weirdest hallucination they had ever seen. Or maybe they were dead- or bleeding out at the bottom of a pit where no one would ever find their body- not that anyone would have bothered to look, but still it was the principal of the matter.

“Where… am I? And what the devils are you?” The child rasped out, their voice gaining more strength as they went on, till it ended their question in a pointed tone.

The creature blinked owlishly. “Uh you’re in the underground dummy- where’d you think you were?” It said as if those words were the simplest thing and the child was very very stupid for not knowing. “Well technically you’re in the ruins, but the ruins are part of the underground soooo” it’s voice trailed off.

“Ugh great, my death bed hallucination is a smart ass. Perfect”

“What?!” The creature exclamation, quite dramatically too- it put his hand over its chest like some histrionic uptown woman who had just been delivered unthinkable news. “I’m not a hallucination! And you are certainly not dead… though I think you might have hit your head cause you’re acting pretty dumb right now. Honestly, what monster forgets what the underground is?” It said rolling its eyes.

“I’m not a monster” the creature-monster?- startled, looking back at the child oddly. “What? What do you mean you’re not a monster. How could you not be- you’re either a monster or you’re—“

“Human. I’m a human”

A pause. A single beat of stunned silence before the monster pounced- literally pounced! - on the human child, squealing with excitement.

“Holy Stars! I’ve never seen a real life human before! What’s it like on the surface? Do you really eat naughty monsters who don’t finish their supper? Do you have fields of wildflowers and fruit that you can just go and eat whenever? What’s the sun like? Do you still have magic battles? Did you really paint yourselves with the dust of your enemies and dance around bonfires? What’s—“

“GET OFF OF ME” the child yelled, shoving the monster. “What are you even talking about? Magic? Monsters? What’s going on?”

The monster seem confused at child’s questions, “what do you mean you don’t know? Humans locked all monsters under the magic barrier after we lost The Great War. Don’t they teach you guys about this stuff?”

“No? What war?” The child could not remember being told about any war, especially one with monsters. “Also magic isn’t real.”

The creature rolled its eyes at that, “uh yeah it is. Monsters are pretty much made of magic so how could I exist if it wasn’t real.”

“I’m still not convinced this isn’t my brains last fuck you before I die via fall damage”

“Uh! How can I convince you that this is real- do I need to pinch you or—“ the child flinched away violently. The monster frowned at the sight. Biting it’s lip in concentration as it thought of a way to prove to the human that, yes, this was real.

The creature was a colorful sort, the child noticed, with curly rusty brown hair that was streaked with silver and gold. It was a chimera of features all cobbled together.

Mixed-mashed eyes, wolf like ears, two baby horns, just to name a few. It seemed to have some sort of paw-feet, for it wore no shoes and the child could see the dog-like toe beans that carried the monster. The parts of the creature that were exposed flesh seemed to glisten slightly in the light, creating little rainbows that swarmed the child’s eyes. There was pattern of some sort, thin even lines separating the diamond-like shapes, crawling up its arms like the scales of a snake. With deeper patches showing pigment more clearly, the spots of a copperhead.

“I know! What if I show you?” The monster exclaimed, finally coming up with an idea. It also Startled the child out of their venomous thoughts. “Show me what” the child demand- their mind already swarming with numerous horrible possibilities. But the monster carried on unconcerned, “Magic dummy”

The child started blankly. “You… can do magic?” maybe the incurious tone was a bit snide and rude, but the child had had a very rough day and couldn’t help but be unimpressed with the thing-monster in front of them. But the creature just nodded vigorously, eager with anticipation “Yuh huh- here,watch this”

The monster closed its eyes, focusing on its outstretched palms. It seemed to be concentrating very hard if the tautness in its expression was to be believed. The child was about to retort with a smart ‘don’t strain yourself’ when their words died in their mouths.

Suddenly the atmosphere grew heavy and dark, like a cold winter’s night. The human felt a sharp tug at the center of their being that set their heart racing. Looking up the human couldn’t quite believe their eyes. As the monster seemed to be holding light itself in its clawed hands. All manner of formless colors shifting and spiraling in beautiful and terrible patterns. Behind it tendrils took shape, the child likened them to the limbs of the kraken. The legendary monster that old sailors that hung near the edges of town would curse.

All around it innumerable shapes were called into existence. The bold streaks of color shining in the dark like a beacon.

Pink, yellow, blue, red. The colors where solidifying now. Gaining depth and hue.

Green, orange, navy, teal. They twisted up out of the monsters hands. Curling around one another and Blooming like a spring rose.

Red-yellow-orange-white. The colors where mixing with each other . Loosing themselves and being reborn as something new.

Blue-black-red-pink. Cancelling each other out. Some darkening, some lightening, as they blended.

Navy-gold-yellow. Swirled together till they were inseparable, to form a marvelously rich deep green.

Blue-pink-red. Each one coming together in glorious cacophony - until-

A burst of white light engulfed the room, chasing away the dark and lifting the atmosphere. The crushing weight on the child’s soul let go as cavern returned to itself, the shadows subsiding.

The child was on the ground breathing heavily, “what… was .. that!” They demanded in between pants for air. The monster ler out a gap-toothed grin. “That my human companion, was magic! Look-“ the creature shoved its hands in front of the child.

There in its cupped hands grew a flower that was unlike any the child ever saw. Its stem was a rich emerald green, the color of jewels they could never dream to own. The petals were dotted with specks of gold- buttercup yellow, but the majority of the flower was-

“purple” the child whispered, voice with wonder. The same freakish color of their eyes, down to the very shade, but the flower wasn’t freakish. It was beautiful.

“Soooo, do you believe me now?” The child nodded mutely, not trusting themself to answer. “Good!” Said the monster it (he? She? ) seemed quite pleased now. It passed the magical flower into the humans hands.

“I’m Romulus by the way” he said extending his (paw?claw?) hand to shake. “What’s your name?”

“Virgil” said the human, using Romulus grip to hoist themself up. Their clothes were -predictably- ruined from the storm, forest, and fall. Not that they were great to begin with, but still. Most of the fabric had been torn to shreds by thorns and branches. And what wasn’t reduced to rags was soaked with mug and dirt. Combine that with the cuts and bruises that painted their body, Virgil looked like crap.

Romulus seemed to be thinking the same thing. Since he offered to take Virgil to his house to help them. Apparently one of his dads knew some healing spells and would be willing to fix them up.

Virgil wasn’t one to go home with strangers, but what choice did they have? Besides Romulus didn’t seem bad- egocentric and ditzy brained, yes- but not dangerous. Maybe it was the fact that he wasn’t human, or maybe they were just too tired to care. But Virgil allowed themself to be guided by Romulus, the purple flower tucked neatly behind their ear. Listening to their new (friend?) companion as he regaled them with dramatic stories and adventures. All the while never knowing how this one action would change everything for good.

[wellthebardsdead]

*the emerald grove devil, understanding*

———

Falûne: *seated up on the wall of the grove, hugging his knees to his chest as he watches the party from afar and fights back tears, Halsins scolding still running through his mind* …

Halsin: *walks over holding food, his heart aching seeing his son in such a state. Driven to the edge just to save him only for him to blow up in his face* … *sits beside him and places the food down* …I’m sorry.

Falûne: *hugs himself tighter with his tail and looks away* I only wanted to help…

Halsin: I know moon flower… I know… *sighs* I had no right to raise my voice at you like that… I was just, so afraid I’d lose you-

Falûne: well I would’ve lost you if I didn’t come to save you… those goblins would’ve killed you… *sniffles* then I’d be all alone… all because you keep chasing after a ghost you were too scared to say ‘I love you’ to.

Halsin: *never thought of it like that or from his perspective before* …You’re right… and I’m so sorry… this whole time I’ve tried to keep you safe while I chased a memory… I never once thought I may be leaving you behind just like… she left me behind… *sighs* when I look at you… I still see the little babe I found beneath selûnes light right here at this gate… I have to accept that you’ve grown up now… I’ve missed out on so much of that growth chasing the past when I should have been embracing the present to see your future… can you ever forgive me?…

Falûne: … *looks at him teary eyed*

Halsin: *raises his arm as if offering a hug*

Falûne: *shuffles closer and snuggles in against him* I forgive you papa… I’m sorry I disobeyed you…

Halsin: It’s alright son… I’m sorry I hurt you…

Falûne: …I don’t think she’s a ghost… I think she’s still alive…

Halsin: *chuckles* perhaps… she was a stubborn as a rothe… just like you… though you’re not blood related… you’re definitely her son.

Falûne: *smiles* maybe… we might… find her, when we go to moonrise?…

Halsin: maybe…

Falûne: there’s always hope right?

Halsin: yes… there’s always hope… *offers him the food before looking back at the party and seeing Dammon and Rolan both looking around wondering where he is* after you’ve eaten, you’d better go join the party. I see a few faces wanting a dance with you~

Falûne: even though, they know I’m a devil now?

Halsin: Wylls a devil and they seem to be enjoying his company. *points to Karlach cheering on a group of kids dragging Wyll over to dance by the fire, mol snatching his underwear and making a run for it in the process*

Falûne: *giggles* maybe I’ll… fit in better than I thought.

*meanwhile*

Jaheira: *walking to the edge of the barrier, seeing Aura seated by the bridge, staring out at the darkness* Waiting for the ghosts are you?

Aura: *whines looking back at her* no… *ears flicking as she looks back out at the darkness, the glimmer of a unicorn catching her eye, and the chime of shells in its mane ringing in her head* I’m watching for a sign…

[wellthebardsdead]

*emerald grove devil, hell hath no fury*

———

Falûne: *storming through the gate covered in goblin guts, eyes locked firmly onto Aradin*

Zevlor: THERE ARE CHILDREN HERE YOU FOOL!

Aradin: we was runnin for our lives!

Zevlor: You lead the goblins straight here to us and you lost the Druid to- *looks past him in a mix of shock and horror as Falûne spreads his wings, revealing what he truely is in a fit of unbridled fury* and now your fate is sealed…

Aradin: whot- *wheezes as claws grip his throat and Falûne lifts him off the ground as he grows in size invoking his full devil form* y-you-

Falûne: Answer. Carefully… Where. Is. My. Dad?

Aradin: th-the goblins took him and one of my men.

Falûne: *squeezes tighter* you let them take him. And. Me. *squeezes even tighter as he evaluates his soul, seeing nothing but evil in his midst* why should I allow you to live?…

Zevlor: *doesn’t even care that he’s a devil having witnessed how sweet and calm he was before this, and heart breaking seeing how badly the betrayal and worry has warped his gentle heart* you shouldn’t…

Falûne: You’re right… *grins darkly as he marks him with a curse before hurling him into the gate, knocking the wind out of him and breaking a few bones before roaring at his men* LEAVE!!

Aradin: *whimpers as he gets up, the gates opening as the tieflings above him stare at Lûne in equal terror* f-fine- l-lets go, COME ON!! *stumbles out of the grove with them*

Falûne: *snarls before freezing as Zevlor hugs him from behind* I… *looks down and immediately comes back to reality as he sees his height, how his legs have snapped backwards to form that of a beasts hind legs, his claws longer and tail almost spiked from the raised ridges* oh gods… *shrinks down, resuming his usual sweet tiefling form and hugging Zevlor back as he starts shaking*

Zevlor: deep breaths.

Falûne: *starts to cry into his shoulder* p-please don’t be afraid I’m-

Zevlor: you’re good… shhh, I never had any doubts that you weren’t good. You’re just worried for your father… *rubs his back and rocks him slightly like he would any of the young in his care* I’m just glad you’re okay…

Falûne: th-thank you Mr Zevlor…

Zevlor: Shhh, I’ll keep holding things down here. You just focus on getting your father home safely.

Kanon: *runs over, narrowly survived by Falûne shooting the arrow aimed for him in midair* You.

Falûne: I- *wheezes as he’s pulled into a hug*

Kanon: *smiles and lets him go* thank you… I owe you my life. *pats his shoulder* Dammon and Rolan were right. Of all the Druids here, you’re a sweetheart~ *hurries off back to his post*

Falûne: *turning bright purple* o-oh!

[wellthebardsdead]

*The emerald grove devil, the Nautiloid*

———

Halsin: *packing healing potions and a staff as he prepares to leave*

Falûne: *walks over clad in his armour and wielding the pale oak staff* I’m ready.

Halsin: what? *looks at him and sighs* You are not coming with me Falûne.

Falûne: That bastard of a man called me a foul blood!! I’m not trusting him or his companions with your safety papa! Whatever is- *goes silent as Halsin embraces him*

Halsin: I need you here to protect the grove son. You know how to run things here better than anyone else… so please, don’t fight me on this…

Falûne: b-but they’re horrible people, I know they are! They’re worse than Khaga they’ll abandon you the first chance they can get dad!

Halsin: shhhh… *strokes his cheek and wipes away the tears already spilling over from his full heart* I will be okay… I promise I’ll be home come nightfall…

Falûne: …okay papa…

*that evening*

Falûne: *sitting on the wall, staring up at selûne as she reaches midnight, her rays shining on the temple in the distance beyond the forest and bridge* …to hells with this… *spreads his wings and takes flight, gliding over the forest and the desecrated village, staring in horror as he sees goblins on the rooftops, and beyond it a burning hellscape* what in the- *looks down to see Aradin and his men crouched behind a bush in terror, his father no where in sight* y-you vile dog!! *swoops down, staff at the ready* Where’s my father!?

Aradin: shhhh!! You stupid devil you’ll get us- *looks past him as the drow they were running from bludgeons falûne over the head with her mace* shit…

*several hours later*

Falûne: *blearily opens his eyes and nearly screams in horror as he’s confronted with the tentacled face of a mindflayer* n-no- p-please no! NO PLEASE- *squirms as it forces him in place and a parasite slips into his eye socket* h-hnnn!! *struggles against the pod as it closes up and he’s forced back into a stasis* p-papa…

*literally only a few minutes later*

Falûne: *running through the Nautiloid with Us, Lae’zel and Shadowheart following him, his wings out and staff drawn as he runs into the helm of the ship* Shit- *watches as a mindflayer lunges for a cambion, his hands moving on their own and blasting it with a frost missile allowing the lieutenant to fly out of its reach*

Zhalk: *looks over in shock to see him* my lord… *summons forth his forces* PROTECT THE PRINCE OF THE 8th! OR MEPHISTOPHELES WILL HAVE YOUR HEADS!

Falûne: l-lord? Prince? Mephistopheles??

Shadowheart: now isn’t the time for questions this ship is going down!! GO!!

Falûne: r-right!! *spreads his wings and takes flight, gliding past the cambions and the mindflayer before grabbing hold of the helm and connecting the tendrils, his eyes looking up to see a dragon staring back at him* sh-shit…

*a few hours later*

Falûne: *groans awake to find himself on a very familiar beach* I’m alive- I- I’m?… alive?… *looks over himself for injuries before taking note of where he is* home… I’m home! I’m- wait… PAPA!!!

[wellthebardsdead]

*some emerald grove devil au with a spicy mama??*

———

Falûne: *gliding along just above the group, lazily doing loops and twirling in the updraft beside the risen road* Those gnolls must’ve been the ones that attacked the Tieflings the day they came to the grove, they tore right through those people- hm? *looks ahead seeing blood and charred earth leading towards the river*

Gale: At least we found Lihalas lute. I’m sure Alfira will be happy to see it safe, at least she can hold the memory of her teacher within the music she plays.

Astarion: that or remind her of her gruesome slaughter- where’d our friend go?

Wyll: *looks up to see Falûne’s tail disappear over the trees* … *runs off after him and freezes in shock seeing him approaching Karlach* LÛ GET BACK!

Falûne: *looks back at him* She’s hurt! *steps forward* hey it’s alright, I’m a friend, are you okay? *backs up as the tiefling stands tall and flames billow off of her*

Karlach: Me? *grins* never better! *eyes up his wings and devil like characteristics* A shame for you then devil! *readies her axe*

Wyll: DONT YOU DARE LAY A HAND ON HIM FIEND!! *grabs Falûne and yanks him back to safety*

Karlach: well I’ll be damned, the blade of frontiers cavorting with devils.

Wyll: He’s a devil only by blood, but his heart is pure. Unlike you. *draws his blade* Your end is- ARGHHH!

Karlach: *recoils as her tadpole connects to his and Lûnes, her eyes seeing through the blue devils and finding only kindness and love, nature all around him and the blessing of a unicorn* wh-what was that?!

Falûne: *seeing the hells up close for the first time through her eyes. The horror, the suffering, the bloodshed and the roaring heat of hellfire… and feeling an odd sense of comfort from all of it* I- *focuses harder and sees a faceless figure, then karlach herself being dragged through to the hell’s themselves, sold into eternal servitude against her will* it was, the tadpole- you… You’re not a devil… you’re a tiefling! You were sold to Zariel!

Karlach: Well fuck me, you, you’re really a kind devil then… there’s a first for everything it seems.

Wyll: No! You can’t believe a word she says she’s lying to you!

Falûne: I know a lie when I hear it, Wyll… you should know how hard it is to lie to a devil… she’s telling the truth.

Wyll: No! She served Zariel! She-

Falûne: Against her will, *walks in between them and gently places his hand on his blade, lowering it* listen to reason now… please…

Wyll: Shit… Shit!! *sighs* you’re right… I’ve been mislead then… you really are no devil.

Karlach: whew… thank the gods, I was worried I’d have to take your head off.

Wyll: hm, you would have died in the attempt.

Falûne: someone set you on Karlachs tail, and I’d like to know who.

Karlach: aye, me as well, go on then wyll. You’re among friends.

Wyll: in a few days time you’ll find out, and no doubt I will pay my penance then.

Falûne: penance?… should I be worried?

Wyll: you’re not in any danger. From what I’ve witnessed, you’re a far more powerful devil than her anyway.

Karlach: another devil? How many have you been dealing with??

Falûne: well there’s me, my uncle and now this mysterious third but- *recoils a little as the flames suddenly grow hotter and Karlach grones holding her chest* Sh-shit you’re still hurt! Let me-

Karlach: no no, that’s all healed- ughhh my engines what’s aching.

Falûne: engine?…

Karlach: my engine. *smacks her chest* zariel stole my heart and replaced it with this contraption… now she’s sent her yappy little attack dogs after me to get it back it seems. So called paladins of tyr, they cornered me outside the tollhouse.

Falûne: hm, let’s send them back to her with a warning then.

Karlach: Fuck yes!

*30 minutes later*

Falûne: *holding Anders by his throat* please work- Karlach, come here.

Karlach: *engine boiling over with rage as she stalks closer, axe ready to kill* Tell Zariel I said h- *blinks as Falûne’s hand reaches into her chest, his skin feeling cool like ice, claws gently smoothing over the blistering infernal metal as he grasps hold of it* huh?? What are you?

Falûne: Sending the warning. *lets go of Anders throat and plunges his other fist into his rib cage, grabbing hold of his heart and with a small spark of fiendish magic, switching it with the engine* EVERYONE BACK UP! *grabs karlach and pushes her back as Anders suddenly begins to blister and boil from the inside out, clawing at his skin and screaming in agony as the engine cooks him alive before exploding all across the room in a smouldering pile of entrails*

Karlach: *staring at it in shock, the engine nestled amongst it* you- *gasps as the engine and pile of flesh crumbles into ash, no doubt respawning in hell back at zariels feet where the deal was made* you just?… *feels her chest, a heartbeat soft and gentle thrumming away* I have, a heart again?…

Falûne: you do… h-heh I can’t believe I actually did it! I-

Karlach: *pulls him into a hug and holds him tight* th-thank you. Thank you so much I- *sniffles as she starts to cry* I’m going to live!

Falûne: yeah… *smiles and hugs her back* …You really need a bath you stink of hellfire.

*that evening*

Mizora: Karlach meets the criteria by having no heart.

Falûne: Karlach has a heart though, look.

Mizora: what no she- *shuts up seeing no vents left on her skin, no flaming glow, no flames, nothing* what?…

“Which means your contract with Wyll is now Null and Void and my contract will now take its place.”

Mizora: *face dropping in a moment of panic as she spins around to see Raphael sauntering over* A-Ah, l-lord Raphael, I had no clue you were involved with my little pet, surely we can resolve this amicably.

Raphael: we might, if my nephew wishes so. *looks over at lûne*

Falûne: *shakes his head*

Raphael: *nods and snaps his fingers suddenly binding Mizora in infernal chains* Karlach, you may have the honours.

Karlach: *grabs her axe* Fuck yes!! *runs at Mizora*

Raphael: *summons wylls new contract* just sign and you’ll have everything you need from me.

Wyll: the only requirement is keeping lûne safe?

Raphael: believe it or not I do actually care about my nephews wellbeing. The contract is just a security to be certain he’s in safe hands.

Wyll: huh, what happens if I fail?

Raphael: do you want to find out?

Wyll: nope. *signs it quickly and jumps as a rapier of infernal metal appears in his belt*

Raphael: wonderful. Now then- *suddenly plucks out wylls eye and seemingly crushes it in his palm before reshaping it with runes to communicate with him directly* I’ll be keeping an eye on things through you now. Do not disappoint me Mr Ravenguard. *tosses it at his face making it land perfectly back in his eye socket*

Wyll: ah-

[wellthebardsdead]

*Some of the emerald grove devil au with a Hag in the mix*

———

Falûne: Auntie?? Auntie!! *runs ahead of the group to Ethel* thank the gods you’re here, you’re the only one besides papa who can fix this!

Ethel: Calm down sweetie! What could have my little blueberry in such a pinch? You haven’t been playing near that nettle patch again have you?

Falûne: it was one time and I was 7! *huffs* n-no I- I got a mind flayer parasite in my head and it’s been tampered with like the drow one I showed you, you said it was sick right?

Ethel: Oh dear… Sick is one word for it. Evil is more like, whatever’s got ahold of those worms is dark magic even by my standards hmph. I’m afraid I can’t help you honeybun. And if your magic isn’t able to rid it then I’m not even sure your father can.

Falûne: o-oh… this is really bad then…

Ethel: oh come now don’t look so blue dear. Why don’t you come by my home before you go save your father. I’m certain that’s what you’re planning on doing isn’t it?

Falûne: y-yes auntie.

Ethel: Right! I’ll head off now and have a bag packed for you. Not letting my favourite little devil get himself killed now. *disappears in a burst of spores*

Wyll: that- wasn’t normal for a little old lady…

Falûne: Oh! *giggles* Auntie Ethel’s a hag! A powerful one at that too. She… can be kind of mean and she tricks people a lot but. She seems to like me and everyone in the grove. She’s never asked anything of us and has always protected us too.

*meanwhile Raphael*

Raphael: *paying off Ethel with unimaginable artefacts he stole from his fathers vaults* right, that’s this years payment sorted.

Ethel: ah come on now at this point there’s no need to keep up paying me. I love the little fella truely!

Raphael: Yes, but I’m a devil of my word and we had a deal… And keep that nettle rash ointment on hand he’s very clumsy still.

[wellthebardsdead]

*the emerald grove devil, rescue*

Falûne: *covered in blood and guts as he steps over the corpses of hundreds of goblins, wings spread and claws sharp as his whole body twitches in a hellish rage, eyes locked firmly on the goblins standing outside Halsins cell, all three of them backing up as he stalks closer and bares his fangs* I will paint the walls with your bowels… the earth will not remember you!! *lunges to attack but skids to a halt as the cell door falls and crushes the goblins, Halsin charging out and embracing him as he changes back into an elf* p-papa?…

Halsin: that’s enough now lû… enough…

Falûne: … *shrinks down and returns back to his tiefling appearance as he hugs him tight* p-papa, you-

Halsin: *grabs his face and looks into his eyes as he senses the same vile magic from the Drow, and from the goblin leaders* no… Oak father please no… NO! *lets him go and stalks about pulling at his hair in a panic*

Falûne: p-papa it’s okay y-you’re safe now you can fix my-

Halsin: NO I CANT FALÛNE! I CANT FIX THIS!!! The only possible cure is at moonrise towers and the only way there is through that damnable cursed shadow!! *sighs* and I’m still no closer to finding a way through. You should have never of left the grove, you disobeyed me again and now I’m going to lose you just like I lost your mo-… mother… *finally realising he’s never confessed why he was so desperate to find aura, having never admitted he loved her to him*

Falûne: *tail tucking between his legs and tears pricking his eyes as he clenches his fists* I-I… *sniffles and storms off, grabbing his staff from Wyll as he pushes past the group and out of the room*

Halsin: …Gods… now I’ve done it…

Astarion: I’ll say!! He came all this way to save your sorry hind and that’s how you speak to him?!

Wyll: *taps his arm* Astarion, shh. *shakes his head knowing the pain there both feeling all too well*

[wellthebardsdead]

*the emerald grove devil, new friends*

———

Falûne: *tucks his wings away and walks to Shadowheart, kneeling down and taking her hand as he checks for a pulse* please don’t be de-

Shadowheart: *groans awake and looks up to see him checking her pulse* I-I’m alive! You’re alive! How??

Falûne: no clue, I’ve found out plenty of times I’m hard to kill but you. Divine intervention from your deity perhaps but… Shar isn’t one to favour her disciples so… keenly.

Shadowheart: you, know i worship the dark lady?

Falûne: Your armour is a length of fabric and a lick of paint short of being a dark justiciars garb and your literally baring her symbol on your forehead. I’m not an idiot.

Shadowheart: clearly, but you’d be surprised at how few pay attention to obvious signs. So, do you have any clue where we are?

Falûne: I do actually, my home is literally just up there over the hill, but… I need your help… my papa is the only one I know who can cure this but he’s been captured and-

Shadowheart: I’ll help you free him if he can get this damned thing out of my head.

Falûne: *sighs with relief* thank you, let’s go!

*a few minutes later*

Astarion: *holding Falûne down with a knife to his throat* Nod~

Falûne: *headbutts him and kicks him in the groin as he gets up* nasty little ra- *recoils as the tadpole connects to him, a vision of dark alleys in a city polluted by corruption* Ughh-

Astarion: Arghh!! What was that?!

Falûne: th-the tadpole, it’s connected us…

Astarion: the worm… of course… And to think I nearly painted the ground with your innard-

Falûne: I made the decision not to impale your head on my horns. Youd better start apologising. Fast.

Astarion: Ah, r-right, f-forgive me. I always took you Druid types as a peaceful sort of people.

Falûne: I am a devil blessed by the Huntress herself. I am peaceful, but I am not afraid of bloodshed.

Astarion: Is that so~? Well, I think we will get along quite well. My names Astarion, I was in baldurs gate when those beasts snatched me.

Falûne: I am Falûne Silverbough, Faithwarden to the Emerald Enclave and honorary unicorn chosen by Mielikki herself.

Shadowheart: *visibly impressed to see someone so favoured by divinity*

Astarion: a pleasure. So, do you know anything about these worms?

Falûne: plenty. More than most. They’ll turn us into mindflayers.

Astarion: turn us into- ha! Hahahahaha- ha… of course it’ll turn me into a monster, what did I expect?…

Falûne: you should expect the unexpected… we should have turned already… something’s very wrong… your chances are better with us, come on.

*a few more minutes later*

Falûne: *hooves pushing against the cliff side as he pulls gales hand* for fuck sake wizards are always so clumsy- Come- OOOON!!! AUGHH! *hits the ground hard and wheezes as Gale lands on him* h-hello…

Gale: *grunts as he gets up* oooffff, hello to you too, I’m Gale of Waterdeep.

*a few more minutes later*

Falûne: *runs up the hill to see Lae’zel in a cage* WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU IDIOTS DOING?!

Damays: *spins around* it’s- the faithwarden!! Thank the nine you’re alive!! We captured one of the creatures that killed our scouts!

Falûne: you mean the Githyanki from the mountain pass?! Because she’s not one of them you morons!! You sound just like the people who call us foul bloods!

Nymessa: I… you’re right… w-we- are you sure she’s not-

Falûne: I’m sure, she’s not from faerun. Now leave. I’ll see you both back at the grove.

Damays: but-

Falûne: GO!

Damays: *backs off as his tail tucks between his legs, nodding to nymessa before walking off with her*

Lae’zel: enough Gawking, get me down!

Falûne: …Say please~

Lae’zel: never.

Falûne: *snickers and sets her free*

[wellthebardsdead]

*Matchmaking with the emerald grove devil*

———

Falûne: So, Karlach, now that you can touch people again have you got eyes for anyone?

Karlach: hmmm Wylls pretty cute, but I’ve seen Fangs making eyes at me. Though I think he just wants a nibble.

Falûne: perhaps you should take him up on said nibble? Not just because I’d like him to stop feeding on me and papa I mean but… I think you two would be cute together.

Karlach: really? Hm… I suppose I could take him for a spin…

*meanwhile*

Shadowheart: You still have eyes for our little devil even after his father threatened your life? If you want hellfire warmed blood so badly why not go for Karlach?

Astarion: because she can snap me like a toothpick, she’s a brute, she’s dull and she’s… annoyingly kind and it makes me want to be kind back…

Shadowheart: sounds like someone has a cruuush~

Astarion: I do not. Have. A. Crush.

Shadowheart: fine, keep telling yourself that~ but I think you should give her a chance… you two would be good for each other.

Astarion: hm… *glances over seeing Karlach playing with her hair and glancing at him* …maybe…

*that evening*

Falûne: *peers over to see Astarion and Karlach sneaking back to her tent giggling* Yes!

Shadowheart: *high fives him*

[wellthebardsdead]

*some emerald grove devil au with a devil you know*

———

Falûne: *a little baby devil, howling his lungs out as his horns and wings give him unimaginable growing pains, running a fever from hell and nearly turning purple in the face*

Halsin: *been awake for 3 days straight trying to comfort him through this and fight the fever, rocking him and cooing softly not even realising his own tears pouring down his face as he breaks down seeing his baby in pain* shhh, shhh, l-let your sleeping soul take flight, take me through the night- p-please lûne-

“I’ll take it from here.”

Halsin: *jumps as Raphael appears before him and takes the baby* I-i-

Raphael: go, lay down, have a bath, have something to eat. Korrilla can you help him get comfortable for me?

Halsin: *looks past him as a dwarf woman walks over and takes his hand* I-i- but lûne, he’s-

Korrilla: shhhh, it’s alright. You’ve done so well. Come on you need a break. We’ll keep him safe, he’ll still be right here when you wake up. *smiles and leads him off to get tidied up and rested*

Raphael: *watches him go before sitting down* now then, let’s take away the pain… *starts applying a noblestalk balm to his forehead and wings* I know it hurts… but you’ll be okay… *smiles watching him calm down* you’ll be okay…

———

Falûne: *now a toddler, clip clopping about like a baby deer and giggling as he climbs out of his play pen chasing after a squirrel* AaaaEhhh?? *kicks his legs as he’s lifted up and placed back in his pen by a crimson tail* aaahh??

Raphael: Stay put you.

Falûne: *looks up at him curiously before giggling and hugging his tail, gumming on the spade shaped point* mmmmbbbb!

Raphael: I- Ughh, disgusting! *yanks his tail away*

Falûne: *blinks and reaches for it before he starts crying*

Raphael: I- no- nonono none of that, no sad feelings sad feelings are bad, bad we do not want bad feelings because you go feral with bad feelings shit- here! Here just take it- *gives him back his tail*

Falûne: *sniffles and looks at it before hugging it again and resuming gumming* mmmmbb! *bites him with his new baby teeth*

Raphael: YOUSONOFA- no no calm I’m calm-

———

Falûne: *now around 8 to 12 years old, fell out of a tree and remarkably only has a scrape and mild heart attack to show for it. Sitting on the ground and crying more so out of shock than pain*

Raphael: *walks over and lifts him up, dusting him off and healing his scrape* how is it every time I come to visit you try to get yourself kill-

Falûne: *hugs him tight* uncle!

Raphael: I… *awkwardly hugs him back* yes hello nephew. I’m happy to see you too.

———

Falûne: *tears stinging his eyes as Raphael appears before the group, the older devil walking to him and gently lifting his head to look at the soulless parasite behind his eyes* …

Raphael: … *pulls him into a hug* it’s alright, we’ll fix this okay?… you’re going to be okay. *looks past him to Halsin and mouths* ‘what the fuck happened?!’

[wellthebardsdead]

*Some more of The devil of the emerald grove au~*

Falûne: *sighing as he looks over the groves wall* … *stands up and goes to spread out his wings*

“Hey!”

Falûne: *jumps and looks back recognising the voice as the cute blacksmith* o-oh! Hello! How are you settling in?

Dammon: good, though admittedly I could do with some non wooden tools, beggars can’t be choosers. I’m afraid I left most of my equipment in elturel and well, what I did bring is either here or lost on the road between the toll house and here… *shudders* we threw off nearly everything we could to slow down those beasts…

Falûne: I’m so sorry to hear that… it’s been quiet for so long and suddenly goblins and gnolls are popping up everywhere, papa won’t let me leave the grove without him or someone to protect me… *sighs and sits back down, getting an idea in his head to try and woo the handsome tiefling* hm…

*that evening*

Halsin: *getting ready to do patrols* there you are flower, had fun?

Falûne: *brushing his teeth* mhm! *spits before rinsing and unfurling his wings finally* the Tieflings are really nice! That Rolans a bit of a cranky badger though but I’ll get through to him! *sighs* I just wish… my wings wouldn’t scare them… my horns and lack of ridges already had their heads turning… are devils… really that terrible papa?

Halsin: only ones raised without love. *smiles and pats his hair* it won’t be long, we’ll house them and they’ll be on their way when their ready and you can go back to flying around freely.

Falûne: not very free when I’m not allowed to leave the grove…

Halsin: *sighs* son…

Falûne: I’m strong dad! You know I am! Remember the displacer beast?? The Owlbear?? I can help! I-

Halsin: Will stay where it’s safe, lûne. Whats out there right now are no mere beasts! They’re intelligent enough to catch you off guard and if I lose you it will leave me with another wound that will never heal!

Falûne: *ears pinning back at being scolded* I… I’m sorry papa…

Halsin: *sighs and pulls him into a hug* I know you think you are ready son… but you don’t know the truth of the world as I do, and the cruelty that exists beyond and within natures dwelling…

Falûne: I know papa… I’m sorry papa… *hugs him back already regretting his decision for tonight*

Halsin: I’m sorry too… *sighs* I know you only wish to help… go on now, to bed with you.

Falûne: *nods* y-yes papa… *walks to his room and climbs up the ladder to his comfy hammock bed ignoring the one on the floor by the fire, curling up into a ball and waiting* …

*stone creaking as Halsin leaves*

Falûne: … *pushes up the hatch/sunroof above him and climbs out, spreading his wings and taking flight out of the grove and into the night*

*several minutes later*

Falûne: *lands on the bridge between moonhaven and the grove, giddily running to the broken wagon and rummaging through it* broken lute- plates- A hammer! Yes! *starts following the trail of tools from the wagon all the way near the entrance to the forest, his ears immediately pricking up to the sound of a twig snapping* huh? *looks into the darkness and feels his blood run cold seeing red eyes staring back at him and the glint of a dagger*

Ned’Cirannis: DIE NON BELIEVER! *charges forward realising he’s been spotted, his dagger catching Lûnes hand before being sent flying off the bridge as a bears claw rips through him*

Falûne: *drops to the ground, eyes wide in shock and feeling nauseous as a poison floods into his veins. Unable to kill him, but enough to harm* p-papa- *whimpers as vines shoot up from the ground, shielding him as Nettie runs into view, binding the drow down as well letting Halsin land the killing blow* n-Nettie-

Halsin: *transforms back into an elf, rising to his feet and turning to lûne* What in the hells are you doing out here Falûne?! You disobeyed me! And now- *pauses hearing squelching and squeaking, looks down to see a tadpole wriggling from the corpses face before jumping free and running right for his son*

Falûne: h-hnhnn!! *kicks at it and shields his face as it jumps right for him*

Nettie: *catches it in a jar* GOT YOU! Nasty little thing… *sighs and looks back at Lûne to see sweat pooling on his face already* he’s been poisoned- *steps back as Halsin lifts him up*

Halsin: *scooping Lûne up into his arms, a quiet and heavy sense of disappointment in the air* I expected better of you son… *waits for Lûne to hold on before fishing an antidote from his pocket and helping him drink it*

Falûne: *takes the bottle and drinks it without question, guilt tangling his insides into knots more than the poison ever could* I’m sorry papa, I-I’m so sorry! *sniffles as he breaks down and starts to cry, more hurt over breaking his trust than his injury*

Halsin: *sighs and nuzzles his forehead against his horns* I know son… I know…

*the next day*

Falûne: *sick in bed from the poison, his head snugly resting against his pillow having a great view of the dead drow laying sprawled out on the table a room away* … *sighs and looks at the tools he’d collected in his bag, wondering how pleased dammon will be* … *smiles and curls up a little to sleep*

[wellthebardsdead]

*The emerald grove devil Au, where Lûnes life started off filled with love*

———

Keldran: *travelled all the way from baldurs gate, holding a basket in his hand with a tiny baby nestled within, unable to bring himself to kill him, but unable to obey Selûnes demands to keep him imprisoned, never mind so close to where so many cultists of the lord of the 8th could easily find him. Now walking through the empty streets of moonhaven, no signs of life beyond borded up windows of a village that never fully recovered from a century of assault, and heart heavy knowing he only has one option left before him and hoping natures chosen will find mercy even his own goddess feels unwilling to give* shhh… *sits down on a rock and lifts the baby from his basket, giving him his bottle and rocking him in the night air. His mind clouded and unable to see him as his own son despite having his eyes, unable to forgive the fact he’d been tricked by the spawn of Mephistopheles into siring him, but in this life deciding not to blame him for it* shhh… this is for the best child… *looks over at the wall barely hidden behind the rocks* …May silvanus have a kinder heart than our lady of silver… *looks down at him as he finishes the bottle and settles back to sleep* May you be given the love that I cannot give… *places him back in his basket and walks to the gate of the old oak grove, setting him down with a note pinned to his blanket, before casting blessing over him and praying Selûne will have mercy on him* good luck, Falûne… *walks off into the night leaving him there*

Falûne: *blinks awake slowly no longer sensing the swaying of his basket or the soft hum Keldran sang to keep him calm* h-heh- Heeeh!! *starts to cry and scream his little lungs out, trembling in the darkness of the dim moonlight, his shrieks so loud they cover the noise of the gate opening, only silencing as he’s lifted into two large hands* h-hweh! *looks up to see two warm eyes and a scarred but gentle face*

Halsin: oak father preserve me… where did you come from little one? *looks down at his blanket and sees the note, a long warning written on one side of who he is and who made him, of the ruin he will bring if not raised with care, and on the front, his name* Moon flower… Falûne. *smiles* hello little one… You can call me papa… *picks up his basket too and carries him into the grove*

*20 plus years later*

Falûne: *hanging upside down by a tree branch* you mean none of you smelt them? Only me? A bunch of funky smelling rats turn up at the grove and nobody bats an eye?

Rath: none of us expected them to be shadow Druids! *sighs* no matter. Khagas facing her punishment. I can only thank silvanus your nose picked up something off before they could do harm.

Falûne: hmph. Papa should’ve never let her reach the position of arch druid to begin with, she treats anyone different to her like salted earth…

Rath: she’s just-

Falûne: a racist. *jumps down* and I’m tired of everyone pretending she isn’t. *trots off across the bridge leading to the gate and the hollow, only to freeze as he sees Halsin guiding several wagons and other Tieflings into the grove, all of them exhausted, battered and weary* papa? *walks over and looks up at him* who are these people?

Halsin: refugees, from Elturel son, I found them while out scouting, they were attacked by gnolls and goblins.

Falûne: more attacks, I can hel-

Halsin: No. I won’t be having this conversation with you again either son. For the time being you stay within the grove unless you leave with me.

Falûne: but I can fight! You taught me-

Halsin: … *folds his arms*

Falûne: *bristling to argue but holds his tongue and pouts, hugging his staff* yes dad…

Halsin: good lad… *pats his hair* why don’t you help the refugees settle in? I saw a few around your age who could do with a friendly welcome.

Falûne: huh? *looks at him then at the caravans, catching the eyes of a certain blacksmith and a sulking wizard* I- *visibly blushing dark blue before hiding behind halsin*

[wellthebardsdead]

*Some of the emerald grove devil au as Halsin tends to Lûne following the Drow poisoning~* and Aura belongs to @stoplickingthedamnbear

———

Halsin: *walks into his and Lûnes room, laying him on his bed and removing his clothes to ease the fever and sweats as the antidote fights the poison* …

Falûne: *voice and breath shaking as he speaks* I-I’m s-sorry p-

Halsin: be quiet son… *removes his shirt and sighs with relief seeing no further injuries beyond his hand* deliberately disobeying me is one thing. But leaving the grove at night without telling anyone and not even wearing a hint of armour to protect yourself. I’m disappointed in you Falûne…

Falûne: *tears stinging his eyes again, his words and disappointment hurting more than the poison* I j-ust wanted t-to help-

Halsin: You can’t help anyone if you’re dead Aura- *covers his own mouth in shock* I-…

Falûne: *staring up at him in equal shock*

Halsin: … *sighs* you’re just like her…

Falûne: …did… did Aura… run into danger often?…

Halsin: more often than most… and usually I was the one who ended up hurt by chasing after her and running head first into said danger to save her… but for every time I saved her… she saved me… and then… I lost her to that accursed place…

Falûne: you never… told me why she went there…

Halsin: her rite… her own stubborn honour for whatever foolhardy reason demanded she assume the form of a wolf and make the journey to every circle across faerun as only a wolf. When she’d return with all the blessings of the arch Druids, then she would take her place as Faithwarden to serve this circle along side me… I begged her not to go, I warned her the harpers had told of Ketheric mobilising an army… she promised she would be back before I assumed my role as arch Druid… and then my warning came true… *looks out at the mural of dark justiciars* she would have been nearing moonrise by that point… to receive the blessing of nature itself as her final one before my own… and then… then the darkness came… and she never came home… *looks at him with a sadness in his eyes he’d tried so hard to shield from his son* Promise me Lûne… You will never ignore my warnings ever again… I’ve already lost her… I cannot lose you as well.

Falûne: *heart heavy seeing the pain in his eyes and hearing it in his voice* I-i promise papa…

Halsin: … *leans down pressing his forehead to his* thank you son…

Falûne: *nudges his horns against his forehead* …

Halsin: you’re grounded for a month by the way.

Falûne: UGHHHHHHHHHHH JUST LET THE POISON TAKE MEEEEE!