#father Keldran oc

[wellthebardsdead]

Falûne: *staring at the rubble that was the cloister where he was raised, most of it still standing but a great deal needing repairs and a great deal of its inhabitants needing healing and aid* …

Shadowheart: *pats his shoulder nervously* we don’t have to, closure doesn’t always mean confrontation.

Falûne: no… I need to see him… I need. I need to know.

Isobel: *looks at him, then at Aylin* no matter what his reasonings may be. He’s committed unspeakable cruelties in the house of the moon maiden and in her name. We will insure he is dealt with…

Aylin: Justice will be met with my hand if need be, child.

Falûne: *nods and looks behind him to see Halsin and Aura standing ready*

Aura: *gripping Halsins hand* behind you all the way, pup.

Falûne: *nods* thanks mama… *takes in a long breath before walking to the cloister, his eyes scanning the panicked masses before him, hundreds of new acolytes studying to earn their priesthood, now either laying dead or dying as the seniors try to aid them, and standing amongst them doing nothing to help-* Hello, Father Keldran. *opens out his wings wearing his cambion form proudly after spending his whole life forced to hide it behind a seal*

Keldran: *spins around, nearly collapsing in shock at the devil dressed in selûnite robes before him* F-Falûne?… you- but-

Falûne: I know the truth now… I know about my mother… I know what you did to her… I know you’re my father. I was born as a tiefling and when you killed her- I became a cambion with her dying breath… I know my grandfather is Mephistopheles. I know you placed a seal on me to hide my true form from me… and I know you betrayed our lady by turning to shar to curse my mind and memories so I may never remember all the pain you put me through. My hooves are still misshapen from being forced to wear boots and walk like I have feet. I look at my body still and I’m disgusted by what I see when there’s nothing wrong with it at all but you- you made me believe I was mauled and disfigured by a bear when I failed my rite but I never did my rite! There was no bear! It was a stuffed bear in the room you killed my mother in you made me remember!! All this… all this for what?… so I’d be raised good?… *sighs* why couldn’t you just treat me with love?… with kindness?… what did I as a child do to you that was so unforgivable that you resorted to everything you did?! *fighting back tears as it all comes back again* the broom closet, the beatings, the cold food- who- who makes a child wear a scorns bridle for speaking their birth language?! I didn’t choose to be a tiefling or a devil I didn’t choose to speak infernal! *chokes out a sob as he steadies his breath and steps closer* but even after all of that… I… *takes his hand* I forgive you…

Keldran: *expression souring from shock, to anger as he yanks his hand free and strikes him hard across the face* You vile! Ungrateful! Disgusting hellbeast! *raises his hand to strike him again*

Aylin: *grabs his wrist and snaps it in her grasp* In my mothers name. *lifts him off the ground by it to meet her gaze* you shall do harm. No. More. *hurls him into the rubble and charges at him with her blade drawn as the group rallies around her to beat the crap out of him, all except Aura, Halsin and Astarion who come to Falûnes aid*

Astarion: *lifts Falûne up off the ground, the cambion having fallen back in shock* come on. You’re too pretty to be sitting in the dirt… *strokes his hair back from his face* why didn’t you just kill him?…

Falûne: what good would that have done?… *looks to Aura as she stands before him, open arms waiting*

Aura: … *smiles and opens them wider*

Falûne: m-mama. *falls into her arms sobbing into her armour*

Aura: *smiles and kisses his temple and one of his horns as he nuzzles into her* shhh, im proud of you little moon.

Halsin: *rubs his back* so very proud.

[wellthebardsdead]

Father Keldran: *the high elven father superior to Falûnes cloister of Selûne* Don’t you look at me like that you manipulative little fiend. You can wait until everyone’s eaten or you don’t eat at all.

Falûne: *holding his empty plate staring up at him, literally doesn’t even know what manipulate means* I’m… I’m 7.

[wellthebardsdead]

Keldran: I should have known it was you. All my hard work trying to turn that wretched little fiend into an upstanding good person undone, because of you.

Raphael: He was a good person before you got your hands on him, you traumatised a perfectly happy kid! He’s riddled with anxiety!!! Look at him he flinches at his own shadow!

Falûne: *jumps in fright as his own tail taps his leg*

[wellthebardsdead]

Karlach: moonpie, did you keep just pigs and chickens?

Falûne: oh no, we also had a couple cows and a donkey, and father superiors horse before he died of old age, and we used to keep geese and roosters but we had to get rid of them.

Astarion: why’d you have to get rid of them?

Falûne: because they kept attacking father superior. The chickens called their final attack on him ‘doomsday’

*Doomsday*

One of the geese: There he is! This’ll teach the cruel bastard! For the blue boy!!

The roosters: CHAAAAAARGE!!

Keldran: *looks down as the geese and roosters rush him* GODS DAMN IT IVE HAD IT!! *runs and jumps back over the fence to get away* SHITE THEY CAN FLY!!

Falûne: *standing there watching it happen as he lets the chickens out of the coop* oh goodness not again.

[wellthebardsdead]

Falûne: *walking through the ruined city streets, taking in the sight of the carnage from the final battle as he makes his way from the lower city, through Wyrms crossing until ending up back at the remnants of his cloister and seeing an unexpected, still alive, face* …father?…

Keldran: *survived Lûnes rampage by the skin of his teeth, escaping while he was occupied with Gortash and burning the building to the ground with hellfire. Now quietly kneeling before several graves of dead acolytes with the sword he once wielded as a paladin before breaking his oath to seal Lûnes mind away long ago, the very same sword Lûne stole and returned to him when he started his journey* … *stands slowly and turns to face him, mauve skin sporting a burn and a claw mark across his jaw and throat from Lûnes first and only strike he laid upon him* … *offers him his sword* you turned out good… I was so blinded by my hate and regret that I… refused to see it… and it cost me everything… make it as painful as you wish, no doubt it’ll only be a fraction of the hurt I’ve done to you…

Falûne: … *walks to him and takes the sword*

Keldran: *kneels before him expectantly* …

Falûne: *places it on his shoulder and finally calls upon Selûne, accepting her presence and her power and commanding her blessing. Restoring his oath and priesthood* you’ve taken more from me than just my mind and my memories… you’ve taken my trust, my happiness, my innocence… and I will never have them back… *sighs deeply with a shaky breath* And though I choose now to work in selûnes light, I now understand the presence of loss more than most Sharrans ever will… You can never return to me what you’ve stolen… so give me this one gift in return…

Keldran: *in complete shock, rising to his feet as he feels selûnes magic return to him, her presence different now, almost threatening as he looks into the very silver eyes Lûne inherited from him* very well… by our lady of silver… *timidly and awkwardly takes back his blade, and places his hand on his forehead, casting a blessing of his own* it is my honour to name you a vessel of her order… a right I should have given you long ago…

Falûne: *tears pricking his eyes, this moment would have once filled him with joy, pride, a sense of fulfilment, and yet now… he only feels hollow* … *quietly steps forward, giving him a hug and resting his head on his chest, his horns threatening to slice the elf’s face if he so much as moves his head to look down at him* Goodbye… father… *lets him go and walks off out of the remnants of the cloisters gate*

Keldran: *left with a curse no magic can ever remove, the guilt that comes with being forgiven* goodbye… son…

[wellthebardsdead]

Falûne’s life before his journey, “blankets and curtains”.

———

Falûne: *sewing another patch over his torn up robe by candlight, his overgrown hoof a surprisingly useful shape for working the pedals of the sewing machine* done… *holds it up proudly before looking at the selûnite robe on the mannequin, one of many he’d made for the next batch of acolytes, one he’d never get to wear* … *looks back at his tattered robe* … *sighs and shuffles to bed*

*the next morning*

Falûne: *shaking as he brings Keldrans breakfast to his office, not knowing why he’s so afraid of him but just knowing he’s always left with a feeling of shame and literal pain after any time he asks for something* f-father superior? *knocks with his tail*

Keldran: come in Lû…

Falûne: *walks in quietly and places his breakfast before him before standing beside him, right hand over left and tail trained behind his legs* g-good morning father superior…

Keldran: good morning Lû… *ignores his presence and eats his breakfast as he looks over the budget for the newest recruits* …Spit it out then. *hand already reaching for the cane*

Falûne: I… *steps before him and lifts his apron sheepishly* m-May I have some extra fabric o-or make use of the old bedsheets father superior?…

Keldran: *takes in the sight of him and sighs* fine. You’re already enough of an eyesore without dressing like- this… very well, I’ll see what I can find…

Falûne: *legs giving out beneath himself in relief as he hugs his leg* thank you father superior! Thank you!

Keldran: *pats his hair gently* good lamb lû… go have your breakfast and recite your prayers before your chores.

Falûne: yes father!! *gets up and takes the empty tray before hurrying out*

Keldran: … *pulls a handkerchief and bottle of alcohol from his drawer, ‘cleaning’ his hand with it* filthy creature…

*that evening*

Falûne: *staring at the pile of fabric and scraps Keldran got him. Old sheets, and moth eaten curtains* … *prays quietly as he hugs his hands to his chest* I’m so very blessed. I’m so lucky you chose him as my carer lady Selûne. *giddily takes the fabric and starts cutting and sewing, working into the long hours of the night before having several pretty new robes, lined with lace and ribbons from the old curtains* it’s perfect it’s-… *looks at his old tattered robe* hm… *walks off to his room and places the robe down with the scrap fabric he uses as blankets* there… *crawls in and snuggles beneath it* perfect… *smiles staring at the clay pig figurine on his nightstand. his only light from the moon shining through his torn curtains, shining on his lumpy mattress, on his bed of scrap fabric, in his tiny broom closet of a room* …I’m so lucky to be this blessed hen…

[wellthebardsdead]

Falûne: *finally accepted his devilish heritage and grappling with his identity and purpose after astarions ascension* I’m going down to the bar does anyone want something?

Everyone else: *bloodied and exhausted after Astarions audacity nearly got them killed a second time in a day* aaaaghhhhhhhhnnnnnnn

Falûne: …I’ll bring back some ice packs… *walks downstairs and freezes seeing a familiar face at the bar, bruised and battered but unmistakeably him* father Keldran?…

Keldran: *deep into his third bottle of wine* I’m no father of anything except for you now, *hiccups* the moon maidens bitch of a daughter made sure of that. *sets the bottle down* but I deserve it, all of it… I acted out of fear and cruelty… I thought I was doing the right thing but… you proved me wrong.

Falûne: *looks up at him surprised but naively pushes away the dread at the back of his mind wanting to believe there’s good in the man who sired him* all I ever wanted was to be good for you…

Keldran: I know, and I’m sorry I never believed you- *wobbles a little and staggers back into the bar*

Falûne: *grabs him and holds him upright* l-let me walk you home, where are you staying??

Keldran: At the cloister still, *hiccups* such a good lad… *pats his hair seeing that sparkle of hope light back up in his eyes* my good lamb. *barely contains his smirk as Lûne helps him out of the tavern and through the city streets to Wyrms crossing, only to be stopped at the gates to gortash’s estate* oh great what n- k-Keldran- *turns around feeling him let go, thinking he fell or stumbled. Only to be met with a club to the forehead by one of the corrupt guards*

Keldran: *smirks watching Lûne drop like a fly from the hit* such a stupid devil…

*a few hours later*

Gortash: I must admit I’m sad to see it come to this, I was hoping to get ahold of you when you were younger and more compliant but, Keldran refused to hand you over to me, a decision he’s thankfully changed his mind on now.

Falûne: *shackled to an ornate chair at a dinner table, glaring at Gortash as he paces about* you- knew about me? Wanted- me? Why?…

Gortash: Firstly, for revenge… Your uncle only ever went on about two things whilst I was his slave. The crown, and saving you… gods did he carry on about you, it was rather annoying. Then when I heard of your immense power I wanted to utilise that for myself. And when I saw your beauty well-… I wanted all of you for myself… Sadly though Keldran kept you locked away, any opportunity I’d have to break your mind and will to see the world my way has long since passed… but there’s still hope… *snaps his fingers*

Falûne: *looks at the doors as they open and Keldran enters, grinning like a lunatic and carrying a silver tray with a lid, his movements slow and steady but with purpose wanting to strike fear in lûne with every step* father- wh-why?…

Keldran: because you ruined my life. That’s why. *sets the tray in front of him and lifts the lid revealing dozens of mind flayer parasites all writhing and screeching*

Falûne: *pushes back in his seat struggling against his restraints, eyes wide in horror adding up what they intend to do* P-please no!!

Gortash: Oh but we need a yes my dear… Keldran, make him see reason~

Keldran: yes, my lord… *grabs Lûne by his hair and yanks his head back as he grabs a parasite and holds it to his face* You always complained about being hungry you ungrateful brat!! Go on, let it in~

Falûne: *grits his teeth as his pupils dilate and form into pin like slits* I.. Was not. A brat… I… was. A. CHILD!!!! *snaps his restraints as his wings rip open from his back and hellfire licks the back of his throat* BURN!!!

*several hours later*

Falûne: *steps back into the Elfsong holding gortash’s stone in one hand and his head in the other, covered in blood and soot as the windows glow with the fire burning from Wyrms crossing* k-Karlach?… Karlach…

Karlach: Moonpie what’s w- *takes the head as Lûne hands it to her* he’s?… he’s dead?…

Falûne: *emotionally destroyed and exhausted beyond words* g-gift… I killed him… I gift… his head…

Karlach: … *tosses it out the window and pulls him into a hug* shhhh, th-thank you sweetheart… let’s clean you up now okay?… Halsin??? Halsin help!

Falûne: *looks up as the Druid runs over and lifts him up* d-dad…

Halsin: shhh I’m here now, I’m here son…

[wellthebardsdead]

Falûne’s life before his journey, “mice”

———

Falûne: *quietly unpacking the latest food delivery as Keldran goes over the inventory they already have*

Keldran: lû. Why have we gone through our oat stores so quickly?

Falûne: I don’t know father superior, I measure out each serving exactly as you ask.

Keldran: very well…

*that afternoon*

Falûne: *finished cooking dinner, quietly pushes the trays out to the dining hall*

Keldran: *watches him go before taking the grain bag and weighing it* … *writes down the number and leaves*

*several hours later*

Falûne: *finally finished the dishes, quietly eating his cold porridge and some of the left over vegetables thinking everyone’s gone to bed* hm- *chokes a little and quickly tidies himself up as Keldran enters* f-father-

Keldran: don’t talk with your mouth full. *walks past him to the pantry again, pulling out the bag and weighing it to see it missing at least several cups worth of weight* …

Falûne: father superior?? *ears pinning back as the moon elf turns to face him, grabbing a wooden spoon as he approaches* o-oh no… *whimpers as the curse activates*

*several days later*

Falûne: *starving as he goes about his chores, the acolytes eating everything and leaving no leftovers for him to pick at over the last few days, and now keldran not even allowing him to make extra for himself* … *looks down at the scrap bread and vegetable peels he feeds to the pigs and chickens* … *quietly starts picking at it and eating what isn’t covered in mould*

Chicken: why are you eating our food boy?? And what’s that over your eye??

Falûne: *naturally able to speak to animals* a-a bandage, I got in trouble again, and I’m sorry I know you need it but I’m just so hungry…

Chicken: well, alright then. I suppose it’s only fair since those mice keep eating your food and we get to eat the mice~

Falûne: m-mice?

“Lû.”

Falûne: *turns around to see Keldran approaching with several of the oat bags* y-yes father superior?

Keldran: *drops them* mice have been in the pantry, I suppose you were telling the truth then…

Falûne: I…yes… father…

Keldran: …You can make extra for yourself tonight… but I will be paying attention. The only thing worse than a devil is a greedy one.

Falûne: th-thank you father superior, I’m so grateful…

*that evening*

Falûne: *shuffles into his room and sets down a tiny bowl of porridge next to the hole in the wall by his bed* you guys got me in trouble again… now father superior won’t ever let me be an acolyte at this rate…

The mice: were sorry, we were only hungry, we didn’t think he’d notice.

Falûne: well he did and now he’s really cross with me… after everything he’s done for me I have to make sure I’m extra good for him… I have to be grateful for what I’m given… nobody else would be as kind as he is to me… *looks out the window as the moon shines over his bed* …I’m so blessed Selûne chose him to be my keeper…

[wellthebardsdead]

Falûne: *did all his morning and afternoon chores as he patiently waited his turn to speak to the father superior, arriving at his door with his lunch and tea as the last acolyte leaves after receiving their priesthood to be a cleric of Selûne* Father Superior? *knocks with his tail*

“*deep sigh* Come in, Lû.”

Falûne: *enters and walks to him setting his food down and taking his place at his side, right hand always over his left, and always silent unless spoken to*

Father Keldran: the pigs?

Falûne: Fed and their pen cleaned sir.

Father Keldran: the chickens?

Falûne: fed and eggs collected sir.

Father Keldran: the kitchens and dining facilities?

Falûne: Cleaned sir.

Father Keldran: the dormitory?

Falûne: beds stripped until the next arrivals and pans have been cleaned. The donkey is running the wash mill now sir.

Father Keldran: and dinner?

Falûne: prepared for you and the remaining priests sir. I’ll cook it at 5pm as always sir.

Father Keldran: good. *eats quietly looking over the papers on his desk, treating Lûnes presence like a piece of furniture rather than a person but feeling irritated already knowing the question hanging in the air waiting to be asked as he finishes his meal* you’re dismissed.

Falûne: *takes the tray quietly and steps back as he opens his mouth to let out what he’d been building up the courage to all week* Father su-

Father Keldran: *not looking up from his notes* no, lû.

Falûne: *bites his tongue, the curse already activating, a deep subconscious part of his mind hidden behind it knowing punishment is coming if he speaks up* b-but- but I’ve worked s-so hard and it’s a full moon tonight I can retake my rite and join the next acoly-

Father Keldran: ENOUGH FALÛNE! *slams his fist on the desk as he rises up* Selûne would never want or never need a foul blooded disobedient devil as her servant! You’re lucky I even allow you to live here as one when you’re clearly too ungrateful to even appreciate that! You always want more and more AND MORE! My answer is the same now as it always has been and always will be! *sighs grabbing a cane from behind his desk* and it seems I have to remind you of it yet. Again.

Falûne: *trembles and sets the tray down before facing the wall as he unlaces his high collar and slides his robe down his shoulders to expose his back* f-forgive me father…

Father Keldran: recite scriptures 1 through 5.

Falûne: *chokes out a sob as he tries to find the words knowing this’ll be a long and painful reminder* yes father superior.

*several hours later*

Falûne: *laying on the floor of father Keldrans office, eyes glazed over and glowing a faint purple as the curse erases the memory of the beating but leaves the painful and dreadful reminder of fear, his brittle horns splintering further and further as if something deep within himself is fighting back*

Father Keldran: *lifts him up and leans him against the wall as he heals his back and slides his robes back up, showing him the mercy of redressing him and gently stroking his tears from his face as he comes back to reality* What did we learn?

Falûne: *eyes returning to the moondust silver he inherited from Keldran himself, completely unaware he’s actually his real father* th-that I am very lucky, and very ungrateful for it sir. Thank you for reminding me t-to be grateful.

Father Keldran: *satisfied he’ll keep this reminder for a while* oh lû, my dearest little lamb. Why must you make me punish you like this? *strokes his cheek and kisses his forehead, holding him like a parent would their child, smothering him with love after breaking his body, mind and soul, a constant vicious cycle*

Falûne: *hugs back, trembling in his embrace* b-because I’m evil, a-and I will always be evil, but I’m good so long as I listen to you sir.

Father Keldran: exactly… now go on. I expect dinner at its usual hour.

Falûne: y-yes father superior. *takes the tray as he lets him go and shuffles out of the room whimpering to himself with his tail between his legs*

*that evening*

Falûne: *ate the cold leftovers after the other priests and father Keldran had eaten, just glad he didn’t have to cook for several dozen acolytes tonight. Now quietly crawling into bed after a cold bath, pulling off his boots to let his severely overgrown hooves be free for the night* I don’t understand Hen… *holds up the clay pig figurine* I did everything I was supposed to. I always do my chores, and I studied so very hard, I even learned to fight without breaking the new scarecrow this time… I thought I did everything right… *looks up at the moon* …it’s not fair…

“Come to my Altar dear child… Your new life is waiting.”

[wellthebardsdead]

Falûne’s life before his journey, “Milk thief”.

Falûne: *quietly preparing father Keldrans afternoon tea all the while sulking because he was denied a chance at becoming an acolyte again* I’m just as good as all of them, I’m better than all of them father made sure I was… good… *pauses, hand hovering over the milk bottle as he goes to add it to his tea* … *picks it up and pours it before corking the lid and pocketing it* it’s just a cup he’ll never know…

*that evening*

Keldran: *walks into the kitchen and to the icebox, seeing the butter Lûne made that day, the separated cream too, but no milk* what in the- *moves everything out of the way before giving up and walking to the inventory list for the day to see there should still be a nearly full bottle left* … *walks from the kitchen and to Falûne’s room, hearing him reciting a rite, not praying, but trying to invoke Selûnes presence just as he would do upon giving her an offering of milk* … *pushes the door open and watches him immediately cower to the floor, knocking the pan of milk everywhere* I should have known… what else have you been helping yourself to without my permission?!

Falûne: *eyes wide in terror as the curse activates* I’m sorry! I’m so sorry father! Father please!!

Keldran: oh. You. Will. Be. Sorry… *reaches down grabbing him by the horns*

*the next day*

Falûne: *blistered hands covered in bandages and trembling violently leaving the tea tray rattling as he shuffles from the kitchen to Keldrans office again, not with his usual prepared cup but everything pre-portioned for him to do it himself no longer trusting him to behave* f-f-father superior?… *knocks on his door with his tail*

Keldran: about time… come in, thief.

Falûne: *lip quivering at the title and his tone, not remembering the punishment but fully believing he deserved it and the pain it’s left him in* y-yes father superior… *opens the door and steps in bringing the tray to him and setting it down*

Keldran: *looks at it, then at the tiefling, still seeing a glimmer of silver behind his two black eyes and swollen cheek* what did we learn?

Falûne: *curse activating again* th-that I’m bad, and evil, a-and scalding milk h-hurts just as bad as being hit with the bottle?…

Keldran: and?

Falûne: th-that I’m an ungrateful thief… and very sorry…

Keldran: as you should be…

[wellthebardsdead]

Falûne’s life before his journey, “pig blood”

———

Falûne: *around 7 years of age, waddling after keldran in boots to hide his hooves, hands behind his back trying to mimic the moon elf he admires so greatly* where are we going father superior?

Keldran: you’re old enough now to start pulling more of your weight. So on top of milking the cows and feeding the chickens, you’ll be in charge of taking care of our first pig. *gestures to a young pig just barely too old to be a piglet* if you do well enough I’ll consider getting more.

Falûne: *puffs out his chest, proud to be given a task* yes father superior! I’ll take great care of her! *hurries to the pig hugging her tight* I’ll name you- Hen!

Hen: *oinks happily* “I like you, you smell kind.”

*one year later*

Falûne: *in complete shock staring at the head of the pig he’d raised as his best friend as keldran cleaves it off with an axe* h-hen?… *drops to his knees and shuts down completely as the pigs blood pools around him* h-Henny?…

Keldran: Ugh! Now look at what you’ve done to yourself. *yanks him up by his horn* now I have to clean your clothes again!! Useless boy! *drags him inside* quit your crying or I’ll give you something to cry about! it’s just a pig! You’ll be raising and killing more of them after this one!

Falûne: *sobbing and reaching for his friend as he’s taken away while she’s left to bleed out* HEN!!!

*that night*

Falûne: *cried himself to sleep, curled up in his bed hugging his tail tight, completely unaware of the unexpected visitor creeping into his room*

Korrilla: oh sweetness… I wish I could take you away from here… *strokes his little face* if only it were that simple… *sighs placing a little clay pig statue on his nightstand along with a tiny cake. Hens spirit tied to the figurine and the words happy birthday lû written in careful cursive on the cakes icing* happy birthday little one… your uncle and I love you very much… *disappears in a puff of hellfire, accidentally triggering the wards keldran placed on the cloister and awakening him*

Keldran: *jumped from his bed and grabbed his sword before running into Lûnes room worried he’s been taken by Mephistopheles or an agent of his* Lû-

Falûne: *sits up and rubs his eyes* father superior?… *looks up at him, not seeing the sword and instead noticing the gifts* I- *tears up and giggles jumping from his bed and running to him, hugging him tight before running back to them* thank you father superior! Thank you so much!!

Keldran: *staring at the gifts in bewilderment, casting detect good or evil over them but sensing only good from hens statue* … *sighs and decides it’s best to let him keep it and think he gave it to him* you’re welcome lû… happy birthday little lamb… *pats his hair before putting him back to bed and leaving, closing and locking the door as he does so* …how did they get in here?…