As they settled into the dining area, Talin beamed at her brother and then at her friends. "Let us drink to our victory. There's much to catch up on and even more to plan." Then, they each recounted their journey, the battles fought, and the bonds forged.
Valyndor looked around at the group, his gaze lingering on each member. "Thank you for looking after my daughter," he said sincerely, if not slightly surprised. "It seems she has found not just allies but a family."
So Thalion," Shadowheart leaned toward him with a glass of wine in her hand. "Do you have any interesting stories from when Lady Talin was a little girl?" she said, looking at Talin teasingly.
Thalion laughed. "Of course, I have plenty of those. But my favorite is when Talin's powers started to show. She gathered us in the family garden when she was young, determined to show off her new powers." Talion tried to contain his laughter as he spoke. "So, instead of summoning a storm, all she managed was to blow some leaves around and accidentally drench herself with a bucket of water." Talin's cheeks tinged with a soft blush as she rolled her eyes playfully.
"She's always been the heart of adventure in our family, always stirring up some excitement or mischief," he said warmly. Thalion's affection for his sister was evident.
"I see, so the mighty storm threatening to fry everyone alive began as a gentle breeze in the garden. It's oddly comforting," said Shadowheart, lifting an eyebrow, a slight smirk appearing on her face.
"Must you always bring up my most glorious moments?" Talin teased, playfully throwing a napkin at her brother. "Just remember, dear brother, that some of those stories include your heroic, or should I say, dramatic rescues," she retorted, prompting another round of laughter from the group. Leaning back in her chair, her smirk broadened into a genuine smile as she slowly sipped her wine.
While the chatter continued, glasses clinked, and stories flowed as freely as the wine.
As the night deepened, Valyndor rose from his seat and cleared his throat, his voice breaking the chattery mood. "Talin, Thalion," he began, his tone serious, "I need a private word with you both. In my study."
His commanding presence made everyone in the room quiet for a moment. As he turned towards his study, his long, neatly braided, silvery hair flowed lightly as he moved, reflecting the light.
Sensing the change in the atmosphere, Elanil intervened before anyone could respond. "It's such a beautiful night. Why don't we move this conversation to the garden?" she suggested.
"Lady Elanil. Would you tell us about yourself?" Shadowheart asked.
Elanil smiled and turned to Shadowheart. "I'm afraid I am not that interesting, my child. I don't have any magical powers like Talin or Valyndor. Instead, I've been involved in politics for a long time," she said. "I navigate the complex world of the important people in Baldur's Gate, making sure that our family's respect and authority stay strong while carrying out our responsibilities." Her voice showed that her role was complex and had a quiet strength.
Astarion leaned forward. "Impressive," he conceded with a charming smile. "So, tell us more about Lord Valyndor. What's he like?" His smile faltered slightly. He wanted to know more about the man behind the power, the one who had the greatest influence on Talin. Could he be reasoned with, or would his prejudice against vampires make that impossible?
"Well, Astarion," she replied, "How well do you know Talin?"
A hint of seriousness replaced Astarion's usual smirk. "We've been through a lot together, Talin and I. So I'd say I know her quite well."
"Then you've already glimpsed into Valyndor's soul," Elanil explained. "Talin inherited her magical power from him. However, her magic is more unpredictable and unstable. If not controlled, it could have serious consequences.
"What do you mean by consequences?" Astarion asked.
"As I said, her magic is raw," Elanil explained. "She was a danger to herself and everyone else around her. But, thanks to her mentors and many years of training, she mastered it."
"I… didn't know that," Astarion remarked.
"It was a long time ago. But I believe you were asking about Valyndor," Elanil noted, trying to steer the conversation back on track. "You see, it's not only the magic that Talin and Valyndor share." she continued to explain. "They're much alike in spirit. Sometimes, when I look at her, I see a reflection of a younger Valyndor. The same storm, the same intensity."
Elanil paused for a moment. The recollection of the younger version of Valyndor made her smile.
"Much alike?" Shadowheart asked. She didn't know Valyndor as well as she knew Talin, but she couldn't see the resemblance that Elanil spoke of either. "Are we talking about the same person? Lord Valyndor seems so… composed."
Astarion nodded in agreement.
"You know, Valyndor wasn't always this stoic figure you see now," Elanil said. "Years of serving the nobility have made Valyndor more peaceful. Despite his strong magic abilities, he doesn't often show them in public. He prefers the quiet power of political influence," she explained. Then, turning to Astarion, she extended an invitation, "Young man, would you care to join me on the balcony for a moment? It's a beautiful night, and the stars have never shone brighter."
"Why, Lady Elanil, how can I refuse such an invitation? After you." Astarion answered with a charming smile and bowed slightly, gesturing towards the balcony.
"So, Astarion," Elanil spoke as they moved away to the edge of the garden. Perhaps you can tell me more about yourself before these… unforeseen circumstances befell you." Avoiding mentioning his vampirism, she subtly tried to gauge his past and motivations.
Astarion understood the wordplay too well. "Lady Elanil, you are very wise and perceptive. You know what I am, and I understand that you might be worried that-"
Elanil interrupted him, smiling knowingly. "Worried? Not in the least. I know my daughter, and I trust her fiercely. Don't be fooled by her presence. Talin is far more capable than she appears." She paused for a moment, then turned and looked at Astarion directly in the eyes. "It's not my approval you need to worry about."
"It's your husband's," Astarion acknowledged, but he was also relieved that at least Elanil didn't see him as a threat.
"Correct. You see," Elanil elaborated further, "Valyndor and Thalion, they're both fiercely protective. But even Thalion can be reasoned with. Talin's bond with her father is unbreakable, built on mutual trust and respect. What I'm trying to say is that Valyndor won't take kindly to this."
Astarion looked at her, but he didn't know what to say. If Valyndor cannot be reasoned with, what hope is there for them?
"People see Talin and always assume she needs protection," Elanil continued. Her voice was slightly softer now, carrying a hint of understanding. "There's nothing she despises more than being treated like a fragile flower. But you, Astarion, you said you knew her. So, take this as a friendly word of advice." she smiled, slightly amused, "It will save you from many headaches in the future." Suddenly, the lightness in her voice faded, replaced by a somber tone. "There is a future, is there Astarion?"
"The truth is, I don't know what the future holds for us, lady Elanil. But I care for Talin deeply. She brings a spark to my existence I never thought possible." Astarion responded.
Elanil looked at Astarion with understanding. "I see. The way she looks at you speaks volumes. But understand this, Astarion. Promises are made easily, and actions speak louder. Show me you can be worthy of her trust and the light she brings into your darkness. If your intentions are true, then perhaps there is a future to consider."
Meanwhile, in Valyndor's study, the tension was obvious. "Thalion," he began, his voice firm and laced with paternal concern. "Explain this business with the vampire immediately. You are a paladin, for goodness sake, and your primary duty is your sister's safety."
Thalion's eyes narrowed in shame. "Father," he countered, his voice tight with frustration.
Before Thalion could elaborate, Talin stepped forward in her brother's defense. Thalion was ready to face their father's wrath for her, and she would not stand for this injustice of him being scorned by Valyndor. "Leave Thalion out of this, Father. He has done nothing wrong," she declared, holding her chin high. "I asked him to trust me, and he did. And you should, too, Father. I assure you I don't need protection."
Valyndor's jaw clenched, and his stare hardened even more. "Talin, I will not tolerate this madness. I will not accept my daughter to be involved with a monster!" His voice was rigid, imbued with both anger and fear for his daughter's safety.
"He is not a monster!" She tried to keep her voice steady but failed. Her frustration boiled over, yet her eyes pleaded for understanding.
"Oh, I'm sure he's very charming," Valyndor mocked. "But he is a vampire, and in my book, that's a monster. He is dangerous!" His determination was unyielding, fueled by a father's protective instinct and centuries of wisdom.
"He's not a true vampire. He's a spawn." Thalion tried to diffuse the situation, but Valyndor gave him a scornful look.
"Talin, need I remind you what is at stake here?" Valyndor's voice softened slightly, but his eyes remained stern, reflecting the heavy burden of his responsibilities.
Slightly mocking, Talin replied. "Oh yes, I know too well. What will the elite of Baldur's Gate say? Is that all that matters to you? Social standing?"
Talin knew the game all too well. From a young age, she'd been drilled in etiquette, propriety, and social graces. But her restless spirit yearned for adventure and liberation.
"Do not take that tone with me!" Valyndor's voice cut through the air like a whip. "You will put an end to this foolishness at once! There will be no more discussion."
"No, Father, I will not," Talin retorted. "Please, just listen to me,"
Thalion stepped forward to support his sister and try to reason with their father. He didn't approve of the vampire, but he hated seeing his sister miserable. Besides, he knew that the only way to stop her was to kill Astarion. "Father, please, give her a chance to-"
Valyndor turned his icy gaze upon him. "Silence, boy. If you had done your duty. I wouldn't have to deal with this matter now."
"So that's it then? You have decided my future based on what?" She stammered, barely containing her fury. "Prejudice? Unfounded fear? You would rather see me miserable than allow me the opportunity to prove you wrong?"
"You know your happiness is in the first place for me, Talin, but you're asking me to accept an undead creature. Even if I agree, what kind of future do you envision? A clandestine existence?" For a moment, Valyndor's voice carried a hint of vulnerability.
"Not a creature, a person," Talin pressed on, her voice resolute. "I… We will find a cure for him, eventually. It's not unheard of."
Valyndor's features softened with pity. "Your determination is undeniable, but this is a monumental undertaking." he sighed. "I am trying to protect you. I don't want to see you hurt, my child."
"Even if I'm making a mistake, shouldn't that be my lesson to learn?" Her voice softened further. "Maybe this isn't some grand love story the bards sing about, but with Astarion, I see a future filled with possibility and shared purpose. A future where we can face challenges together, have adventures, and grow stronger by each other's side." Her eyes shimmered with hope and conviction.
Valyndor saw the genuine happiness reflected in his daughter's eyes as she spoke, a happiness he couldn't deny. Perhaps, he thought, there was more to consider than social standing or prejudice. Perhaps she might succeed in her quest for a cure. He wasn't ready to give up, but Talin's persistence, which mirrored his own youthful spirit, tested his determination. He would do anything for his daughter's happiness, but this? This was madness. Yet he recalled his former self and the reckless things he did. The attraction to risk and challenge has always coursed through their veins.
After a while, he let out a weary sigh. Talin and her brother exchanged worried looks, and then they both looked at Valyndor, anticipating his next words.
"Very well, Talin. I will allow this for now. At least let me hear about his lineage."
Talin hesitated, stammering. "I… don't know much."
"What do you mean you don't know, Talin? Do you know anything about this man?" he demanded.
"I know that he is more than what everyone else sees in him because of his affliction. He was a magistrate before he was turned, or so he thinks," she explained. "His past involved a powerful and a very sadistic master. Cazador tormented him for two hundred years. His other spawn as well. He has very little memory of his life before that."
Valyndor's eyes narrowed. "Cazador? As in Cazador Szarr?"
"Yes…" Talin stammered, "You know about him?"
Valyndor turned silent for a while. "Yes," he finally spoke in a low and controlled voice. "The mysterious patriarch has a… certain reputation."
"But how?" Talin pressed. "No one knew he was a vampire lord!"
"Just because he hasn't been exposed doesn't mean people didn't know," Valyndor said. "So now I have to worry about his master as well? Do you know what you're getting yourself into, Talin?" Valyndor pressed, now even more concerned than before.
"No, you don't have to worry about Cazador. Because those chains no longer bind him. Cazador is dead."
Valyndor's eyes widened. "Dead? How? Did you…"
"We killed him. Astarion is free now. Free to shape his own future. And you have to let me shape mine. Please." It was a final attempt to break his protective barrier and appeal to his older self.
Valyndor's expression revealed amazement and disbelief as he stared at Talin. He was quiet for a while, then he spoke. "Very well. I will not deny you your happiness. Let us see where this path leads." His eyes softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "But you must find out about this man's past. And soon. I want to know what I'm dealing with before anyone else finds out."
"Thank you so much, Father!" she exclaimed, her face brightening with a wide smile.
"Come now, let us return." Valyndor urged.