"Hello, darling." Astarion spoke in a soft voice.
"Hello, you," Talin replied, smiling back at him. "How long have you been watching me? How long have I slept?"
"Not long enough, it seems. It's past noon already."
She rose from the bed, invigorated and ready to face the day's new challenges. She urged to the window to pull the curtains, then suddenly stopped. "I'm sorry. It's an old habit." She paused, her hand still on the curtain, realizing the implications for Astarion.
Astarion lowered his eyes for a moment, then turned to Talin. "You know, I was just thinking, we never discussed what happens after all this is over." He looked at her, and she recognized a vulnerability in his eyes that he didn't show often. "We dealt with the Brain and are free of the tadpole." he continued. "I'm free from Cazador, and I'll never be in someone's power again. But now I belong to the shadows." There was an unmistakable sadness and a sign of regret in his voice as he addressed the grim reality of his current situation. "However, the future feels exciting with you, even if we have no idea what we are doing," he smiled softly. "But, is a future for us possible, Talin?"
As she turned from the window, she took his hand and cupped it gently with her other hand, "It's uncertain for both of us, Astarion," she admitted, her voice soft but encouraging. "But I only just found you. I don't want to let you go."
"Well, we are rather excellent together. And we've had so much fun," he replied, smirking, recalling all their fun moments. "But I want to make sure you understand the burdens of my affliction," he said, implying the possible challenges they might face if they stay together in Baldur's Gate. "Is this what you truly want, Talin? I'd hate to let you go, but I'd completely understand if you wanted to go your own way. I can't ask you to stay in the shadows with me."
Talin took a moment to consider his words, even though she already knew the answer. "I know everyone thinks I'm irresponsible, but I am no child, Astarion. It will be challenging, and I understand that. But when have I ever backed down from a challenge?" she said, smiling cheekily. Then, her tone turned serious again as she looked deeply into his eyes as if searching for his approval. "Yes, Astarion. This is what I want."
"Good, because selfless as I am, I really did not want to let you go," he said with a smile and relief, squeezing her hand back. "I can't say what the future holds for us, but I know we'll be facing it together. And we're going to have so much fun."
Talin signed in relief and smiled back at him. For the first time, she felt a connection with someone that went beyond superficial attraction or political convenience, giving her a sense of belonging and hope. Astarion no longer cared about tactical alliances, even less so for political ones. And for her, that was a consolation.
Her expression turned even more serious, giving him an unwavering look. "And we'll find a way for you to walk in the sun again," she said after a while.
Astarion looked at her with a sudden glimmer of hope mingled with surprise. "You – you think it's possible to get rid of this affliction?" he asked, the idea sounding almost too good to envision.
"After everything we've faced so far, there has to be a way!" she replied with a soft chuckle, "Faerûn is a huge place, full of mysteries. We've barely scratched the surface."
"Then, I suppose there is a chance." Astarion conceded. "And if there is a chance, no matter how small, I'm going to take it. And it would mean setting off on another adventure together."
Talin smiled softly as she stepped closer and pulled him into a comforting embrace, resting her head on his chest. The only thing she longed for in moments like these was his heartbeat, and now she was more determined than ever to do whatever it takes to feel it for the first time.
She pulled back slightly backward to meet his gaze. "Oh, and – I'm keeping Scratch," she said with a mischievous grin, tilting her head towards the dog that was resting nearby.
"Wait, that fleabag? Are you serious?" Astraion asked, attempting to show indifference.
"Did you think I would just leave him? She chuckled, shaking her head.
"There are others, you know. Our group has grown quite large," he pointed out.
"Oh, come on. I think he's grown on you more than you'd like to admit," she replied, smiling.
Astarion sighed theatrically, but a small smile betrayed his fondness for the dog, "I suppose the beast does have a certain... charm, in a scruffy, slobbery sort of way."
They went down to meet with the rest of the group. The promise of their continued journey together brightened the world around them despite the lingering shadows.
"There you are. Come on, join us! Let us have one last meal together," Halsin called out as Talin and Astarion entered the room.
Their friends were already gathered at their usual table, appreciating the final moments of their journey together. She and Astarion took their seats, and it almost felt like nothing had changed, as if they were about to grab their weapons and set off on another quest.
As the gathering was drawing to an end, they realized that this might be the last time they sat together like this. The group exchanged silent, nostalgic looks.
Gale suddenly rose from his chair, drawing the attention of his companions. "My friends. The time has come for me to return to Waterdeep," he announced. "Sadly, this seems to be the point of our parting."
"Wait, you're not staying?" Talin asked with a disappointed look on her face.
During their travels, she learned to appreciate not just Gale's vast knowledge and eloquence but also his wit and the care he took in preparing vegetarian dishes just for her so she could eat well like the others. Gale's thoughtful gestures, like always having a special meal ready for Talin or always being delighted to speak to her for hours, were proof of his kindness and good intentions. Even if she loathed his pretentious over-explaining about arcane matters at times, now it was hard to imagine her day without his wisdom.
"I'd love to stay, Talin, but I'm afraid I must depart now. I need to send word to my mother soon."
"I understand," she said softly, her eyes glistening as she smiled.
She had grown quite fond of him, and as much as she wanted to introduce him to her family, it wouldn't have been fair to delay his return home.
"Perhaps, one day, our paths will cross again in Waterdeep, and we can finally meet your mother," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "I wouldn't mind sampling that famous Hundur sauce of hers. See who truly makes it better." Her tone was almost challenging.
Shadowheart chuckled, "Poor woman, she has no idea how famous she is here."
Gale couldn't help but smile. He loved cooking for the group and surprising them with special signature dishes.
"It would be a pleasure," he replied. "You are all welcome in my tower. Always." With the smile still lingering on his face, he turned his attention to Talin.
"Before I take my leave, Talin, let me teach you how to conjure a portal that leads directly to my tower in Waterdeep. It's quite handy if you master it properly, though I request a bit of forewarning before you pop in," he joked, his finger raised, giving her a playful wink.
Talin sighed, nodding in agreement. "Yes! That would be wonderful." Gale's last lesson promised them an easy reunion in the future, easing the pain of parting ways.
They moved upstairs to their quarters, where it was quieter, and Gale showed her all the hand gestures and specific incantations needed to open a portal. As he recited, the air around them swirled with magic, his hands moving through the motions easily. It took Talin several attempts to remember and repeat the gestures successfully, and she also wrote them down in her journal.
"Look at me. I'm summoning a portal!" Talin exclaimed, giggling, after successfully repeating every step of the spell correctly.
"Indeed you are," Gale encouraged her. "But, practice, please." She may have succeeded, but once again, he was her conduit.
When Gale's lesson concluded, they rejoined the group downstairs, still gathered around the table. The moment had come for goodbyes, and even though everyone was sad, they were eager to return to their old lives.
Shadowheart approached first, smiling softly. "Take care, Gale. And try not to forget us, little people, when you're back amidst your books and scrolls and… potions."
Gale chuckled. "Don't worry, Shadowheart. I doubt I could ever forget such a formidable company."
"Well, I guess this is a goodbye wizard. And do try not to die. We'd hate to lose a perfectly good Gale," Astarion said with his usual smirk, then hesitantly he added, "And… we'll miss you."
Talin looked at him, trying to hold back a smile. She knew Astarion had grown fond of Gale, even if he denied it.
Gale smirked, adjusting his robes. "Fear not, Astarion. I have no intention of leaving this world anytime soon. There are still too many mysteries to uncover, spells to master, and, of course, pies to bake. Farewell, my friend."
"Look after them, Talin. And remember, the weave connects us all."
"I will miss you, Gale. Do not forget me!"
With final handshakes, hugs, and a few laughs to ease the sting of departure, Gale stepped back. With a confident nod and an elegant gesture, he activated the spell. "Until we meet again!" A swirl of magical energy and light enveloped him, and with a last wave and a broad smile, he vanished, leaving behind a faint shimmer in the air.
The group watched silently for a moment as the spell slowly dissipated.
"He's right. The weave does connect us–in more ways than one," Talin spoke, breaking the silence.
Astarion raised an eyebrow, having no clue what she meant by that. Most likely, she didn't know either.
The rest of the group started saying their farewells.
"Perhaps I can visit you in Reithwin soon, Halsin," Talin exclaimed eagerly as Halsin approached her. "I can't wait to see it with the curse lifted."
Halsin's smile widened. "The very thought brings me joy, Talin. Reithwin will be waiting with open arms, and so will I."
She threw herself at him. Her slender arms could scarcely encircle his broad chest as she hugged him, her hands barely meeting behind his back. Despite their vast difference in stature, her embrace held a sincerity that mirrored the warmth in her eyes. Halsin chuckled softly. He gently lowered one hand to cup her head, returning the hug with a strength that held a tenderness that failed to justify his imposing physique.
The circle was getting smaller and smaller. As the others left the tavern, Talin, Astarion, and Shadowheart were the only ones in.