It is said that time heals all wounds, however Talia knew well enough by that point in her life, it was not the case. While one could get used to the pain, somewhere along the way becoming even numb, she has yet to discover the ritual or spell that could actually heal wounds left behind on the heart.
Summer went by as fast as it came, autumn carrying on its wings the last gush of warm air. Nights became colder, sun losing its power in favor of rain poured from dark thick clouds. Fog concealed the Sanctuary, tents barely visible, however not many remained illuminated at the camp site.
As November rolled around, marking the calendars all over the world, a meeting was set one day in order to reach a conclusion. Winters were harsh up in the heart of the mountains, majority of the workers returning to their homes, leaving behind a skeleton crew.
Felix Rosier was the first one to volunteer, he rarely went back to England, majority of his time being spent at the Sanctuary. Charlie Weasley also opted to remain and help with everything, especially since he just had the entire summer spent with his family. Lastly Talia also decided to remain, despite hatting the cold and harsh winds that came with winter in Romania. She may not have been a Dragonologist, however lately, she had put in the work as much as the next person.
"Last chance love, are you sure you want to stay behind?" Charlie asked as he placed an extra blanket on Talia's shoulders, who was already shivering despite being near the fire.
Turquoise pools turned to look at him, her lips pursing slightly before smiling "Yes, I'm certain. Don't worry about me." She tried her best to keep her teeth from clattering together, however failed miserably, causing Charlie to throw his head back, loud laughter booming inside the tent.
"How about we have a drink?" he spoke heading to retrieve a bottle from his bag "This will surely get the blood flowing."
Winking, Talia agreed "Why not, last time we drank that we got back the golden trio."
Once Charlie returned from his trip to Egypt, he could not help seeing certain changes, in Talia especially. While she was not hiding her natural eye color or scars anymore, she was not so quick to talk and share with him the stories that he missed, always being busy with work around the Sanctuary.
He had to find out from Felix, one night, as they sat near the fire, muscles strained from the work they had to put into that day. His carefree nature prompted Felix to finally spit out what was actually bothering him. He had witnessed his friend distance himself from Talia, not bringing her coffee or checking up on her as he usually did. It was odd the see their dynamic change so drastically, especially while he was away.
Eventually, Felix gave in, throwing the line "She is in love with that Winger guy. There is no room for me alright?" Charlie being surprised she actually told him. As Felix turned a pair of wide eyes his way, telling him that Talbott actually visited the Sanctuary, some things finally clicked "I don't know what she told him, but that guys hates me."
"All I told him was the truth, stories and adventures we have been on, nothing more." Both men turned to see who has managed to creep up on them without a sound, Talia watching them with a raised brow "Don't think I didn't notice the pissing contest, but I can't control the scenarios he created inside his head."
That night they also opened up a bottle of alcohol, Talia telling them the only reason why Talbott even came was in order to end things between them. Felix remained silent for most of the time, feeling he had already said too much, while Charlie would not shut up, expressing his opinion about the situation, words varying from wanker, to knob head, to absolute git.
However it had been the first time in a long while the three of them sat together, subject changing shortly, them listening to Charlie's stories about the summer adventures, laughing and talking as if there had never been a rift between them.
Talia remembered it with fondness. It helped her, gave her the power to actually talk about Talbott. It provided her the strength to start writing back to those that have been left behind in England. There was no clear path towards healing, however for her it started with a very nosy red head.
Pealing off the second blanket brought, she tilted her head to the side, drink swirling inside her glass "Seriously, no? How about if the woman had a giant dragon tattoo on her back, like a big Charlie beacon?"
They could not remember when they started asking each other personal questions, but there they were, heat licking their faces, half a bottle gone, Charlie holding onto his stomach, feeling his muscles hurt from so much laughter "Probably, wouldn't that be wicked?"
"Just because she would have a dragon tattoo." Talia shook her head as the smile on her face grew.
Charlie leaned closer, his voice dropping low, despite it being just the two of them inside the tent "So did you two at least" he paused, giggling like a school girl, alcohol already muddying his brain, flushed face accentuating his freckles "you know." the suggestive eyebrow wiggle had Talia doubling over in laughter, a bit of her drink spilling, Charlie taking it out of her hand "Oi no wasting this."
"Merlin's beard you are already drunk, you lightweight." she playfully pushed, a snort leaving him, causing Talia to laugh even harder "And no, nothing of the sorts."
"Who travels to Romania without having the balls to make a move? I knew he was a particular guy, but blimey." despite her telling him exactly what happened, apparently the alcohol drew new questions from his brain.
At that moment Felix entered the tent, shivering as he tried to shake the cold from his bones "Perfect timing mate." Charlie's voice boomed as he approached the fire they were snuggling up against "Answer this, would you travel far away to see a woman and not do the deed?"
Glancing at Talia, he shook his head, choosing to ignore the inebriated state of his friend. Poking his sides, Talia flashed him a charming smile "It would be rude not to answer a direct question Rosier."
Taking a blanket, Felix sat down between them, taking a swing directly from the bottle, eyes travelling between Charlie and Talia eagerly waiting for his reply "I am not nearly inebriated enough to deal with you two."
Waving her hand dismissively, Talia retrieved her glass from Charlie, raising it "By all means Rosier, drink, get over your emotional constipation."
As Felix rolled his eyes, laughter exploded inside the tent, he himself cracking a smile at their good disposition, feeling the cold slowly leaving his body. Taking a few good gulps, he lit up a cigarette, letting the smoke dance between them as he finally relaxed "Guess it depends on the woman."
Charlie perked up at that, pointing a finger at Talia "For argument's sake, what if it was Talia?" her playfully slapping his hand away.
Feeling the heat spreading up his neck, Felix took another long drag "The people here are not subject for debate." Only for his eyes to dart to Talia's face since she was mocking him, copying his movements "Fine." He sighed "For argument's sake" he locked eyes with her "I would be a fool not to."
He could not help losing himself inside the depths of her wide clear eyes, at how her pupils grew spreading the darkness across color. She analyzed, blinking slowly and he wanted nothing more at that very moment than to close the space between them, his gaze lowering to her lips.
Startling both of them with a loud clap, Charlie got up "What is this a funeral home?" him stumbling slightly as he went to turn on some music, Felix and Talia laughing. As Charlie swayed to the music, he approached his friends, yanking Felix by the arm.
"Let go you big oaf!" however his strength was no match to the broad shouldered red head who yanked him from the floor, wrapping him in a big hug, Felix flapping his arms not being able to push him away as in one hand he had the cigarette and in the other he sported the bottle. Talia's bubbly laugh echoed as she also got up, swaying to the music, pirouetting slowly as to not spill her drink "Get off me!"
Charlie giggled, leaning in "You smell like cigarettes and bad decisions." Before erupting in a fit of laughter almost causing him to fall with Felix. Grabbing Charlie by the hand, Talia invited him to dance with her, winking at Felix who just mouthed a "thank you", looking positively fed up as he sat back down near the fire, enjoying his drink and the music in the background as Charlie and Talia made complete fools of themselves.
Morning found them sleeping on a pile of blankets, Charlie snoring softly as he slept face up, arms around his friends, Talia's head on his chest, Felix's on his shoulder. A loud thud made him open one eye, Talia stirring slightly, but only to position herself better. A second thud caused Felix to stand up, groaning as he felt his head spin, Talia also opening her eyes to look at Charlie "Get up love, packages are here." She sighed, rubbing her cheek as she slowly got up "Can you get mine too, my arms have fallen asleep."
Talia just grumbled something as Felix helped her up "You get them, I will start us on some coffee." Felix also bending trying to get Charlie up on his feet. Wrapping a blanket around her shoulders, she jumped as another thud was heard, Talia bracing herself for the cold morning winds.
As expected, as soon as she was out of the tent, the sharp winds hissed against her ears, the currents feeling like razor blades against her face. Squinting her eyes, she wrapped the blanket tighter around her body as she searched for the three packages. A few days ago, the three of them spent time to write letters, letting everyone know that it would more than likely be the last one sent across until the weather was kinder and spring would once again make itself known in Romania.
By the time she made her way back inside, her hair was a mess, her nose was running and her boots were covered in mud, however she had been successful in her hunt. As Felix provided her a hot cup of coffee, they all sat down to open up the packages.
Charlie proudly presented each of them sweaters his mother made, his mouth already full of cookies Molly sent across, as his eyes scanned the letters. Felix was smiling as the latest coffee blend received, alongside various expensive sweets, slapping Charlie's hand away, telling him he would have to wait until Christmas to try them out.
"Talia?" Felix's voice hitched, his throat going dry as he looked at her. She was smiling, however tears were relentlessly falling from her eyes as she scanned a letter.
"Dear Talia,
It saddens me to hear we won't be able to talk to each other until spring. If I had known the winters were so vicious over there, I would have never in a million years thought the Dragon Sanctuary as a good idea. I know how much you loathe the cold and how you can't handle it.
I can't say I am surprised you remained, however I somehow wished that you would have made the decision to return. Not for me of course, but for a chance at some comfort. Perhaps we could have met for a cup of coffee, after bumping into each other in the city. London may be vast, but I know it's not big enough for two people's paths to intersect.
Forgive me, just wishful thinking.
I will write more, so consider this my first attempt, as bad as it may be. Perhaps this way, despite how we left things, you won't be sad anymore. Perhaps we will be able, no, I will be able to find the courage that you deserve, be better for the off chance that our paths will cross again and you will hold my eyes with that soul shattering confidence you have and will smile my way.
We may not know where we are or what we are, however you did leave me with a grain of hope.
I have placed inside the package something for you. Keep it safe for me would you?
Love, Talbott."
Placing the letter down, she retrieved from the box Talbott's necklace, placing it around her neck with shaky hands.
Charlie placed a hand on her shoulder, a small smile shaping his lips "Everything alright?"
Sniffing her nose, she nodded, tears still streaming down her cheeks, Charlie pulling her to his chest, caressing her hair as she cried. Looking over at Felix, he rose his eyes, frowning as he mouthed "Bloody Winger."