Talin and Shadowheart sat cozily on the soft cushions of the benches among the flowering magnolia trees and wisteria vines, drinking red wine. The cool night air gently swirled around the garden. The scent of blossoming flowers filled the air, mostly from the white rose arches and the calming lavender bushes along the stone paths. The soft trickle of the fountain added a sense of serenity to the atmosphere. They had already emptied one bottle and started a new one.

"I remember you telling me about this garden," Shadowheart said, "I can see why you were so fond of it… it's even more beautiful in person than I imagined."

"You're right. I spent countless nights here, simply gazing at the stars." Talin smiled, remembering the time when life was much simpler.

For a moment, they were both quiet. Shadowheart's thoughts drifted toward the secluded spot they found in the Sharran cloister, where she grew up. It was the only place where she could find peace and solace as a child, engrossed in reading, surrounded by her favorite flowers, the night orchids.

"Gods," Talin chuckled, suddenly remembering when they first met after the crash of the Nautiloid and their earliest encounters. Shadowheart was so secretive and elusive, which made Talin even more pushy.

Shadoheart couldn't resist smiling, intrigued by Talin's giggling. "What?" she asked.

"I just remembered when we first met. You were so broody and evasive. But once you opened up about your worship, you wouldn't stop talking about Shar. Every time you opened your mouth, it was darkness this, darkness that." Talin said, mimicking Shadowheart's voice and gestures a bit more dramatically than it actually was.

Shadowhear smiled softly. "I've had my moments that I'm not very proud of. But what about you? You weren't any better, acting like a little snob all the time."

"Oh, come on, I wasn't that bad." Talin protested slightly.

"You had outbursts, even for the smallest inconvenience. You punched Astarion in the shoulder that time when he broke our last lockpick and failed to open that chest. You got mad when Gale tried to warn you about that strange mechanism, but you didn't listen, and you got us all trapped instead." All these memories seemed to have amused Shadowheart. She picked up her glass and took a sip from the wine, enjoying its rich bouquet.

"Oh right, the mechanism," Talin chuckled sheepishly. "I thought I could pull it off, but the next thing I knew, we triggered all the sentinels."

Shadowheart almost choked and spat the wine from the sudden urge to laugh. " You triggered all the sentinels," she said once she managed to swallow the wine and clear her throat. " We barely made it out alive. And guess who had to take care of you after that? She teased, hinting at herself. "You were covered in so many bruises. Your back looked like a map."

"Honestly, I think Lae'zel was only holding back from knocking some sense into me because she figured my ordeal did enough damage already."

"Not just Lae'zel," Shadowheart added, chuckling at the memory.

"Well, at least we made things interesting," Talin concluded.

They looked at each other, barely containing their smiles, and then both burst into laughter.

When they finally managed to compose themselves, Shadowheart's expression turned slightly serious. She sipped from her wine before she spoke. "I know I was unbearable back then. I was a blind fool, and you saw beyond the worship of Shar. ' There's a kindness in you, Shadowheart. It shows when you think no one is watching.' You told me that one night, while we sat by the river, stirring the cool, clear water with our feet. For the first time, I felt safe and closer to you."

Talin's eyes glistened when she looked at Shadowheart and met her sad gaze. It broke her heart that Shar had ruined Shadowheart's innocent childhood. In her mind, she always pictured Shadowheart as a sweet young girl about eight years old, caring for every animal she found on her way. Even though it cannot make up for the time lost, she was glad that Shadowheart turned her back on Shar. "That was the moment when a small hope kindled for a future where you might step away from the sorrow and servitude," Talin replied softly, recalling the moment at the river that filled her heart with warmth. "You know, I couldn't believe that you were ready to kill me to become a Dark Justiciar. I thought at that moment that I would lose you forever."

"How stupid I was. You pushed me when I needed it and believed in me when I couldn't. You helped me find my way back, not just to my parents, but to myself."

"That's what friends do, right? We hold the torch for each other in the darkest times."

"You certainly did." Shadowhear smiled softly.

"I enjoyed our nights together when we shared a glass of wine or two." Talin laughed. "Remember how annoyed Lae'zel was from our giggling?"

"She would have us ration our smiles as we walked into our doom if she could," said Shadowheart. "Oh, and it was eating Astarion from the inside that he couldn't hear the gossip."

"Oh, Gods, yes, like a carnivorous fungi," said Talin, and another wave of laughter washed over them.

"I'm glad you're fine, Shadowheart. Truly. Seeing you reunited with your parents and getting the chance to make up for the time lost makes me so happy."

Shadowheart shifted in her seat nervously. Talking about her parents reminded her that she had an announcement to make. She enjoyed every moment of normalcy with her friend, but it was time to move on and start a new life. "Speaking of my parents," she began hesitantly, "there's something I've been wanting to tell you."

Talin looked at her, slightly worried. "Is everything all right?"

"Don't worry, it's actually good news," Shadowheart said. "Remember how I've been talking about settling down, starting anew?"

Talin's face brightened. "Absolutely! I've been waiting for you to find something that would make you happy."

"Well, I think I might have," Shadowheart continued, her cheeks blushing a little. "There's a small cottage outside the city. It's abandoned, half-ruined, like many others, after the Absolute's armies. I've been keeping an eye on it for a while in case anyone returns, but it seems the previous owners weren't so fortunate." There was a moment of sadness and hesitation, but then her smile returned. "Anyway, I spoke to my parents, and we're thinking of rebuilding it and making it our home. They seem to love the idea. And we can finally do something together. Make up for the time we missed."

Talin's face brightened significantly, realizing how excited Shadowheart was. However, she couldn't hide her concern. After all, Shadowheart was planning to start a life outside the city. "Shadowheart, that's wonderful! But…" she paused for a moment, searching for the right words. "Is this truly what you want? You grew up in the city."

"You saw the place where I grew up in Talin and what I had to endure there," Shadowheart said. Her voice was softer now, if not a little vulnerable. "I never got to explore the city the way I wanted to. It was only darkness and obligation for me. Somehow, now I find myself yearning for a little peace and quiet. A touch of normalcy," she paused for a moment, her eyes softening and her gaze drifting in the distance. "And the green grass, the flowers… you should see it, it's all so perfect. And with this… freedom," she paused, the word feeling unfamiliar on her tongue, "I could finally have all the animals I've always wanted."

Talin listened intently, sensing the longing in Shadowheart's tone. "Well, that last part certainly sounds like you, Shadowheart. If this makes you happy, then I am happy too. Truly."

"Thank you, Talin. And yes, it does."

"Though," Talin admitted, "I'll definitely miss having you around."

A shadow of sadness flickered across Shadowheart's face. "I'll miss you too. And this garden. But we will visit each other. I promise."

"So, when do you envision starting this grand project?" Talin asked, a hint of excitement bubbling in her voice.

"As soon as possible. I've already wasted enough time. But don't worry, I haven't forgotten what we talked about the other day. I will help you with your… little research," she assured her.

"Thank you. Speaking of which, how about we hit the library tomorrow?

"Absolutely! The sooner we delve into this research, the better. Who knows what that vampire of yours is hiding." Shadowheart teased.

"Don't sound so eager," Talin said with a playful swat at Shadowheart's arm.

"Then we better get some rest," Shadowheart said, a yawn escaping her lips. "I didn't realize it had gotten so late," she stretched, "This was lovely, Talin."

Talin felt a warmth bloom in her chest. "Indeed," she agreed, her voice tinged with contentment. "It's the little moments, isn't it?" She met Shadowheart's gaze, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Rest well, Shadowheart," Talin said, "May your dreams be filled with visions of a peaceful cottage and lots of animals."

Shadowheart offered a small smile. "Goodnight, Talin."

Talin stayed there for a while, leaning against the railing, gazing into the stars, and sipping her wine. A smile graced her lips as she took in the beautiful sight. She finished the glass and placed it down on the little table, then headed to her quarters.

The door of the bedchamber creaked open, revealing Talin swaying slightly as she entered the room. A mischievous glint danced in her eyes, and the scent of wine lingered in the air.

"Astarion!" she exclaimed, her voice a touch too loud, "you'll never guess what! We had the most delightful evening with Shadowheart."

Astarion, perched on a nearby chair, one leg crossed over the other, with a book in hand, glanced up, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "Is that so? And what delightful activities did you partake in?"

Talin plopped down on the bed, nearly missing entirely. "Wine! Lots and lots of wine. And secrets!" Her attempt at focus was slightly unbalanced.

Astarion chuckled, setting his book aside. "Really? Did these secrets involve anything remotely interesting, or was it mostly about how to find the perfect hairpins to match your dress?"

"Hairpins…" She giggled as she rose. "No, silly. Plans. Big plans! For the future!"

Astarion leaned back with a playful smile. "Sounds intriguing. Tell me all about them."

"Those secrets, Astarion," she declared, poking a finger into his chest with surprising firmness, "we need to unlock them first. They're hidden deep down, but we can dig them up! But not now. We need a plan. Yes, a plan!"

He raised an eyebrow in confusion. "I agree, not now. With all that wine swirling around in that pretty little head of yours, you can barely keep balance."

A sudden realization dawned on her. "Did you enjoy your tea?"

"No, darling, I concluded that the tea doesn't work for me." He stood up, reaching out a hand to help her. "But come, let's get you to bed."

Talin giggled, completely missing his outstretched hand and nearly tumbling onto the floor. Astarion caught her with a swift arm around her waist, gently guiding her down. "Careful, now," he murmured, his voice soft but firm.

"Right, bed," she patted the space beside her, a sleepy smile gracing her lips, "You know, at least you tried. I hope the book was good."

"It was a fine read," he helped her get comfortable, tucking the covers around her, "now, get some rest, Talin. You'll discover all the secrets after a good night's sleep."

And so she slept.