Hey there! I'm totally new to this whole writing thing, but I've been so inspired by the amazing world of Forgotten Realms and Baldur's Gate 3 that I just thought I'd give it a shot, since I had all this ideas in my head. I love fantasy and role-playing games, and after playing BG3, I felt this urge to add my own little stories to this incredible universe.

I'm definitely not a professional writer or anything, but I really enjoyed writing this, I hope you will too. So, here goes nothing!"

So the first few chapters are all about easing into the story, introducing Talin and her family, and what happens to everyone after the main event.

The story will focus on Talin's and Astarion's life afterward—the challenging dynamic between a mortal and a vampire, especially one of noble upbringing, as they unearth Astarion's past, navigate her friendships, and all the new adventures that come their way.

I'm doing my best to stay true to the Forgotten Realms lore, but I might miss a few things here and there. The stories are definitely set in that rich world and draw inspiration from it, so hopefully, you'll forgive any little slip-ups.

Also, I want to make it clear that I don't own any of the Baldur's Gate 3 characters—they belong to their creators. But Talin and any other original characters you meet here are my own.

She moved through the rubble-strewn streets of the Upper City, her eyes a striking shade of light elven blue, pierced through the veils of light and ruin with unsettling fear, scanning for any sign of Astarion. The once grand buildings, now mere husks, offered a chilling reminder of the devastation. She struggled to breathe as the smell of smoke and ash assaulted her senses. She pressed on. Each shadow held the possibility of a hiding vampire. A partially collapsed warehouse, its entrance a gaping maw of darkness drew her eye.

She entered carefully, scanning every inch of the place. Her heart sank when she found Astarion huddled in a dark corner.

"There you are!" she sighed in relief. "I'm so glad you're safe. I got so scared when the sun scorched your skin. Are you alright?"

He looked up, a weak attempt at a smirk twisting his lips. "Oh yes, I'm fine. Just a bruised ego, nothing to worry about." he said, his voice trembling.

She sat beside him and reached out for his hand. "I'm sorry…" her brow furrowed and her eyes glistened. "This must be hard for you, knowing that you won't be feeling the sun on your skin anymore." Her voice trailed off, heavy with empathy.

He hesitated, trying to hide his disappointment. "I won't lie," he signed. "I will miss its warmth. But I guess the night has its own beauty, one I'll have to learn to appreciate… again." he looked down as he spoke.

"One we'll both learn to appreciate, together," she said, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Just imagine it, what could be better than a quiet moonlit walk, hand in hand, the stars shimmering in the sky like scattered diamonds." Her voice dropped to a whisper.

His piercing gaze met hers. A soft smile curved on his lips as he reached out, his fingers gently untangling a loose strand from the intricate braid that held back her long and luminous silver hair, shimmering with the faintest of blue. The familiar weight of it sent a wave of relief washing over him. "I'm glad you came after me."

Her eyes softened as his fingers brushed her hair. "Of course I came," she murmured, leaning into his hand. "Wherever you go, I will follow. You know that, don't you?"

"I think I do." A tremor ran through him as she closed the distance between them, her lips meeting his in a tender kiss. The taste of blood oranges mingling with something sharp and primal filled her senses, something uniquely Astarion. He deepened the kiss, his hand finding a home in the braids at the back of her neck.

With a sigh of relief he leaned into her, his head finding a haven on the soft rise of her chest. She held him close. The warmth of her embrace was a familiar feeling of belonging that chased away the fears and the darkness that entombed his heart. A comfortable silence settled between them, a shared understanding passing without words. Then a sudden realization washed over him. "So, they're really gone aren't they?"

Astarion's question hung in the air as Talin let out a weary sigh, the weight of recent events dragging at her. "Yes. It isn't fair that her only options were to die or go back to Avernus. For a moment I thought it was over. That we will lose her forever," she recalled. "but I'm glad we convinced her to get back. She'll be safe for the time being. I mean, as safe as one can be in the Hells. But, at least now she gets to live until we find a way to fix her engine."

"I'm glad too. She deserves to live." Astarion confirmed. "Besides, our Blade of Avernus gets to show his abilities in the Hells now." he smiled faintly.

"Yes," she chuckled. "Although, it makes me sad that Wyll didn't pursue the role of a Duke, but at the same time, I'm glad that he didn't. It was the only way Karlach would go back."

"Let's hope that Zariel won't be able to lay a finger on Karlach, with the Blade on her side." Astarion said.

"They'll be fine. I have no doubt." She paused for a while then spoke again. "And you know, I really hoped that Lae'zel would stay after everything we've been through. I know where her allegiance lies, and that she wants to embrace her new role in shaping her people's destiny, to rally her kin against Vlaakith's tyranny and spread the word of Orpheus." her voice trailed off, laced with a hint of frustration. "But I just wish she'd forge her own path, you know? Not just trade one leash for another. She said she'll never forget me." she smiled softly.

"Bragging much, darling?" He joked. "Of course she won't forget you. You're special. But I do agree with you. However, given the path she chose, she'd truly make a great leader."

"I have no doubt. The road ahead for Lae'zel would be fraught with challenges, but I truly hope that she would indeed find her true path, one that led not just to freedom for her people, but to her own personal liberation."

"And the others?" Astarion asked.

"They will meet us back at the Elfsong. And I hope Gale will find that stupid crown before someone else does." she frowned.

"Do you think he'll become a God?"

"I don't know." she paused for a while. "He will do what is right when the time comes, I'm sure."

Talin gave him a reassuring squeeze. "We'll wait here until it gets dark, then we can head back to the Elfsong and meet with the rest."

"Thank you, but I don't want to sulk here the entire day. I just needed a few moments to… adjust to the change. We could reach the Elfsong's old hideout through the sewers. We need a proper rest after all we've been through."

"Mhm, a soft bed does sound really nice right now." she smiled.

"There should be an entrance nearby." he added.

"But even if it is close, how will you reach it? It's dangerous."

"I'll be swift."

"No, wait! I have an idea." She focused for a moment, her eyes glowing with a faint blue light. "We'll need a bit of magic if we are to do this".

"But you're exhausted, my love. Your magic's depleted."

"I can manage a few more spells. Come."

A tendril of magical darkness erupted from her hand, swirling and coalescing into a cloud a few feet in front of the entrance.

Astarion raised an eyebrow "Clever."

"Stay close" she instructed. Astarion followed closely behind, the darkness a cool haven against the oppressive sunlight.

"There, near that wall. It's not that far." He pointed at a partially collapsed section near the docks.

They moved through the ruins, the darkness a protective bubble around them. Talin occasionally re-cast the spell on new locations, ensuring Astarion remained cloaked in shadow. Her movements were sluggish, and she swayed slightly as she stood. She struggled to concentrate, taking deep breaths in between spells.

Reaching the entrance to the sewers was tricky, but they managed. Finally they reached the wall. A dank, earthy scent wafted from the opening. "Here we are." Talin said, her voice barely a whisper.

Astarion leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. "Thank you, my clever one. You always know how to navigate the shadows." He kissed her on the forehead, then with a swift movement, slipped into the cool darkness of the sewer entrance.

She despised the undercity tunnels; a wet, smelly labyrinth where she would likely get lost if she were alone. Their walk was filled mostly with silence. There was much to say, so much to deal with, but with her magic depleted, she felt exhausted to her core. They both were. It was a long and dreadful night. All she could think about was the soft, feathered bed waiting for her in the inn's room.

As Astarion and Talin stepped into the dimly lit chamber, they were greeted by the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The tavern was alive with celebration, the air thick with the joy of a city liberated from the threat of the Absolute. Their battle-weary friends were gathered around a long wooden table.

"There you are, come, have a drink with me!" Shadowheart called out, her voice soft and cheerful. She waved them over with a weary smile, a goblet of ruby-red wine held aloft.

Talin chuckled, taking the offered goblet. She took a sip of the wine. "Where has this been all this time? Why did we have to drink that awful plonk before?"

They all laughed, the tension momentarily forgotten. The lively chatter dipped momentarily, replaced by a curious hush. All eyes turned towards the doorway.

Gale entered the room, his cloak billowing dramatically behind him. He stood tall and proud. Talin's eyes lit up, as she rushed towards him. "Gale! Did you find it?"

Gale's smile widened as he presented the Crown of Karsus before her. "Fear not, Talin, the object of our desire is... in hand," he smiled smugly, "A trifling matter, but with a touch of magic, accomplished nonetheless."

"What will you do now?" Talin asked, her happiness tinged with concern that Gale might still be tempted to reforge the crown and ascend to godhood.

"Don't worry. I will return it to Mystra, as I promised." he assured her.

Talin signed in relief. "Good. We should ensure that the crown doesn't fall into the wrong hands again. I mean as much as I disapprove of what Mystra did to you, I still think you're doing the right thing. You're a good man Gale. And you're going to be fine. She will remove the orb from your chest."

"I know. And thank you for having your fate in me, sincerely. It means a lot. You mean a lot to me."

"The feeling is mutual, Gale. " Talin smiled. "Now come, let's get some rest."

They drank, they laughed, and for a moment, all their worries faded. But exhaustion soon took over, and they eagerly headed to their beds for some well-deserved rest.

The weight of exhaustion finally settled on them as they collapsed onto the soft, welcoming bed in the Elfsong Tavern. Talin sank into the plush mattress. "Finally," she whispered, her eyes fluttering closed as exhaustion started to claim her. Astarion lay down next to her, but sleep did not come as easily to him. Despite the comfort of her presence beside him, an uneasy feeling gnawed at his insides, and questions began to swirl in his mind.

What would tomorrow bring? What lay ahead for them now that their destinies were no longer bound by the tadpole and the journey to rid themselves of it? He turned to look at Talin, her face soft and peaceful in the dim light. She was here with him now, but for how long? Was she truly willing to sacrifice so much just to be with a vampire spawn?

His thoughts raced, each one more troubling than the last. What if she went her own way, decided that the life of a vampire's lover was too much to bear? The mere idea of her leaving sent a pang of loneliness through him, sharper than any dagger. Without her, he would be alone, forever bound to the shadows, missing her terribly. He loved her deeply, but was that enough? Could love alone keep them together through the trials and tribulations that lay ahead?

The silence in the room pressed in on him, broken only by Talin's gentle breaths. He longed to reach out, to feel the warmth of her skin against his, to chase away the chilling doubts that threatened to consume him, but he did not want to disturb her peaceful sleep. He closed his eyes, and tried to enjoy this moment of peace. Slowly, the rhythm of Talin's breathing, steady and calm, began to soothe his troubled mind.

Exhaustion finally took its toll. His eyelids grew heavier, and the questions that had been gnawing at him began to fade into the background. As he drifted into slumber, his last conscious thought was of Talin, her presence a beacon of hope in his dark world. He clung to that image, letting it carry him into the realm of dreams, where for a few precious hours, he could forget his fears and simply be with her.