Halsin and Cella: Too Many Beds

[Author’s Note: This series of off the cuff stories was born of a list of “anti tropes” - instead of too few beds, let’s have too many and see what happens. Enjoy!]

"Just wait here, Cella. I'll get us a room."

Halsin had fretted and paced for days worrying about meeting up with the half drow ranger he'd been through so much with. The Grove, the goblins, the shadow curse, all the way through to the netherbrain and yet she somehow went through so much more. She had lost the man she loved to raw, blind ambition. He had ascended and cast her aside. Halsin had caught word of her returning to Baldur's Gate from Avernus from some of the companions and could not depart Reithwin Town fast enough to reach her.

There she now stood, pale violetish-grey features solemn as she only nodded in answer to the druid. Had she said three words since they'd met? He fretted inwardly, displaying outward confidence as he left her in the entryway of the bustling inn.

Cella may have been silent but she was not removed from the moment. Her pale grey gaze followed where the archdruid went, puzzled over his presence. Why had he fetched her? Why did he care at all? Sure, Karlach and Wyll would look out for her but that was different as they fought the wretches of Avernus together. This man owed her nothing anymore. Their fight was done. Her snowy locks were tangled in battered braids, her cheeks smudged with soot and her cobbled together armor reeked of brimstone. Who would want her now? She lowered her head in shame and simply waited, lost for what else to do.

The conversation between Halsin and the innkeeper was long and confusing. Those observing from afar saw the innkeeper terrified of Halsin's sheer size while Halsin maintained his gentle calmness even when the innkeeper behaved strangely. Finally, and with great exasperation, he was presented with a key. He crossed back to Cella with a proud smile as he returned to usher her along.

"A good bath, a good meal and a rest might be a great start for you I think," he announced, quite hopeful it would give her a chance to relax.

"Maybe," was her thin, distant reply. It was a reply though, so he took that as a positive as he sought the room marked on the key. It sat strangely atop two sets of stairs, the other well marked rooms on floors below.

"This looks like an attic," he muttered as he worked the key and open the door. He blinked several times, eyes adjusting to lower light before he stepped further in and beckoned her to follow.

They were both left with their jaws agape as they looked around the room. The long attic was pleasantly appointed if you were a staying with a large group of friends. Four beds lined each side of the room, plush with blankets and pillows even if they were single beds. Thick carpet dampened the sound of steps and light streamed in from windows in gables. A trunk sat at the foot of each bed, open and empty, and a table with several chairs around it along with two generous armchairs sat at the far end of the room.

"There's eight beds," Halsin observed in surprise. "For two people."

"Why..."

"I think ... You know, I don't know why he gave me this room," Halsin answered as he started to laugh. It was a deep laugh, from the belly and heart as he turned to gesture around. "He knew you needed rest but I think this is a bit much, wouldn't you agree?"

Cella put down her bag near the door and walked further in. The druid's mirth was not lost on her, though she stayed quiet as she touched the cover on one of the beds. She touched the pillow on the bed beside it, then the trunk at the foot of a third. Halsin watched, inquisitive but not intrusive. She sat on the edge of another bed for a moment, barely learning how soft it felt under her before she got to her feet and rushed towards Halsin to throw herself against his chest. He made a soft 'oof' sound, letting her set her arms around him so he knew how to answer the embrace in kind. His large arms settled around her too thin shoulders as he rocked her gently and let her hide against him.

"Eight beds and nowhere more soft than this," she said, reedy words almost completely muffled by his chest.

"Then sleep upon me tonight, dear heart. I will not complain," he answered back, his voice tender and caring. "But let's see you cared for first. As you deserve to be."

She peeked up at him, pale eyes bloodshot as she seemed confused. He bent to kiss her brow, letting his lips linger before he spoke again. "And we can jump on all of the beds, and you may have every sweet you like. I also have your gold, and your things from when you left the Gate. You're safe now, Cella," his warm voice strong and encouraging.

"You will not leave?"

"I will always return," he vowed instead. "Always."

His heart surged as he saw the most fragile wisps of a smile appear. There was the Cella he'd pined for, he realized. He seized her hand as the embrace loosened, bringing it to his lips to kiss. "And for now, you shall be spoiled," he said over her hand. "We'll push some of the beds together and have a nice sprawl while we enjoy a picnic. I will get all your favorites!"

"You know my favorites?" she asked, her quiet voice betraying surprise.

"How could I not? We shared a camp after all."

"I do not need all of them..."

"Then I shall surprise you with what I pick and look forward to seeing you eat a decent meal for once," he answered, so eager to please.

"You don't have to do this."

He grew still, forgetting he had been about to leave as he watched her. "You're right. I don't. I want to. Can't you see? I've missed you every day you've been away. My heart has felt hollow, my world has been a little more dim. I had no one to sit beside me while I whittled, no one offering quiet conversation and counsel by firelight the way you always did. The day you left, after all that happened...," he stopped himself, unaccustomed to the awkwardness he felt. "This is a gift, Cella. You are a gift."

He watched a tear spill down her cheek silently and closed the space between them to draw her against his chest once more. This time he kissed the top of her head, soothing her with the warmth of his steadfast presence.

"Halsin?"

"Hm?"

"Can we really jump on all the beds...?"

His laughter filled the room again as he lifted Cella up to twirl her around before he set her down again. She braved a stronger smile as she looked up at him and seized one more hug for now. Maybe it would be good to be home.