I am once again thinking about the fact that Halsin doesn't WANT to be told that he was a good leader at the Grove, and he DOES want exactly one thing.
Think about the scene where he gets the letter from Francesca. After Halsin laments that he might not have been meant to be Archdruid, you get a few options. First, the two that try to reassure him he was a good leader.
- You served the grove well, and found a worthy successor. No one can ask more of you.
To which Halsin says: Still, though... I cannot help but wonder if there was more I could have done. Perhaps, Oak Father willing, I may yet have the chance some day... Forgive me. The shadow curse occupied me so entirely and for so long... I almost miss the purpose it gave me. Now I must find a new one.
He's still glum. A bit hopeful he'll find a new purpose, but clearly not happy overall.
2. You could resume your position at the grove once we've defeated the Absolute.
To which Halsin replies: I thought that would be the case once... yet perhaps the grove will not need me.
He's given up on returning to the Grove, and is a bit sad about it, as much as he's relieved; he never wanted the position and was quite happy to leave, but seeing the ease with which the Grove recovered- didn't actually need him at all- has to hurt, and further his belief that he was never a good leader. Hence, not feeling remotely cheered up by the player's insistence otherwise, because he feels in his heart of hearts it's not true.
One option lets you gently tell Halsin yeah, he is a bad leader, but that's okay.
3. Not everyone is meant for leadership. There's no shame in walking away.
Halsin responds neutrally to this: Indeed. But I have roamed far and wide for years - whole lifetimes. I have seen much, done much, learned much. It would be a shame to not pass that on.
Because he is okay with the idea that he wasn't meant to be there. But he needs something more. He needs a purpose, and he needs something else.
4. Grove aside, I'm glad you stayed with me.
The only response Halsin gives his approval to, before he replies: As am I. I can scarcely imagine life without your company now, and of course I made a promise to help you - one I intend to fulfill.
He didn't just need to be told it was okay if he hadn't been the best leader at the Grove, and he didn't just need a new purpose.
He needed the promise that he belonged somewhere, in spite of it. That no matter what mistakes he made, someone out there still cared for him. That he could be Halsin Silverbough, not Master Halsin, First Druid of the Emerald Grove.
And that's why he's so happy in his epilogue: not just because he left the Grove, not just because he has children to care for, not just because he's done fighting, not just because he has a purpose, a way to serve others/nature... But because they care for him there. Just like the player does.
It's why he says that he no longer needs to roam now that he has somewhere he's meant to be, and why he says the struggles of balancing others' needs are diminished. And why he says so deeply and sincerely that he's pined for the company of the group.
He needed to be wanted, more than anything.