Talin walked down the hall and spotted a man leaving the house. It was a familiar figure. She rushed into her father's study. "What is Lord Eldrin doing here?" she asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice.
Her father's gaze lingered, a silent conversation playing out in his eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice low. "He came seeking your hand."
Talin's heart leaped to her throat. "Mine?"
"How many daughters do I have, Talin? Of course yours."
A knot of tension twisted in her stomach. "Father—"
He raised a hand, forestalling her words. "I have refused. It is not the first time suitors came knocking at my door."
A wave of relief washed over her. "Thank you," she breathed.
"Do not thank me too hastily," he cautioned. "This does not mean I approve of your... choices. But you are hardly more than a child in the eyes of our elven kin. Humans have a different understanding of time and growth, and here, their norms prevail."
"Speaking of choices, I assume you have not forgotten your promise. You are looking into the past of your… current love interest, aren't you?" Valyndor inquired.
"Of course not, Father. I have a lead, but it might take some time." A cold dread settled in Talin's chest. She was torn between two hearts. On one side was Astarion's reluctance to face his past, on the other, her father's growing impatience. The bond between her and her father was unbreakable, forged in years of unwavering love. The thought of disappointing him, of shattering his trust, was unbearable. Yet, her heart ached for Astarion too, understanding his fear even as she felt her father's disapproval weighing heavily on her.
"Good. I trust you'll do what is necessary." Valyndor's voice was like ice, his words piercing her heart. "Now, leave me, Talin. I have much to attend to."
"Always so busy," she smiled and brushed her fingers against the lightning shaped runes of her father's ceremonial weapon hanging on the wall. It was a storm scimitar, forged from silver and imbued with lightning magic. "All right, paps, I'll leave you to your duties."
With a graceful tilt of her chin, she turned and exited the room, her steps measured and unhurried. She took a deep breath as she closed the door behind her. "Alright, I have weathered worse storms. I will not falter," she thought to herself.
She fixed a stray strand of hair and slipped into her bedchamber. She noticed Astarion smoothening his outfit with an air of dramatic indecision. A soft laugh escaped her lips as she watched him consult the dog.
"So, Scratch, what do you think?" he asked the dog, unaware of Talin's presence. "Too flashy? Not flashy enough?"
"Is that what you're wearing to the Reunion party?" Talin inquired, eyeing Astarion's attire with a hint of concern, as she sauntered over.
Astarion glanced down at his outfit, a brow quirking up. "Well, yes. Why? What's wrong with it?"
"Wrong is a strong word," Talin countered with a mischievous smile. "Let's just say our ensembles lack a certain… cohesion. We wouldn't want to arrive looking like mismatched socks, would we?"
"Is that really a problem, Talin? Besides, this jerkin is rather stylish," Astarion defended, smoothing the fabric with his hand.
"Indeed, it is nice, but it lacks a certain flair. A celebration demands a touch of… pizazz!" Her eyes lit up. "You need something a bit more festive."
Astarion rolled his eyes playfully. "Talin, my dear, all this fuss about a party in our old camp? Besides, I couldn't care less about… pizazz."
"That's because you can't see yourself in the mirror to realize how much more striking you'd look in something more dashing," she smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Well, how sweet of you to remind me," Astarion replied, his tone laced with playful sarcasm.
"I meant it as a compliment. Don't get all grumpy on me. You might be immortal, but all that frowning could still give you wrinkles," she teased, poking him lightly on the nose to provoke a smile.
"Now, how about this?" She presented Astarion with an outfit that exuded an otherworldly elegance, a touch of the Feywild woven into its very fabric. "I had this made special for you," she said, her voice barely concealing her eagerness.
Astarion's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise and intrigue crossing his features. He carefully took the tunic from her hands, brushing the fabric with his fingers. The fabric felt incredibly soft beneath his touch, its intricate embroidery catching the light. "You had this made for me?" he asked.
"Yes," Talin replied, a shy smile gracing her lips. "Well, I didn't sew it myself, but I worked closely with the tailor. He did a wonderful job, capturing exactly what I envisioned."
Astarion's lips curled into a genuine smile, a rare sight that made Talin's heart flutter. "Are you trying to spoil me? He held the tunic up, admiring its craftsmanship. "I must admit, it's exquisite. You have impeccable taste, my dear. Thank you."
The tunic was long and flowing, crafted from a material that shimmered with an iridescent sheen. It was a midnight blue, the color of a starlit night sky. Delicate silver embroidery adorned the neckline and cuffs, swirling with intricate patterns that resembled elven script.
"Well, come on, try it on," Talin urged him, a playful impatience lacing her voice. "Don't keep me waiting."
With a graceful motion, he slipped the tunic over his head, the fabric flowing around his form like a second skin, hinting at his physique without being overly revealing.
Paired with the tunic were pants made of a soft, black leather that hugged his legs comfortably. The leather was accented with subtle embossing, depicting leaves and vines that seemed to climb their way up the garment. A length of supple brown leather, adorned with a silver clasp engraved with an intricate elven sigil, served as a belt. To complete the look, Talin offered him a pair of elven boots crafted from the same black leather, the toes curling upwards with a graceful curve.
Her eyes followed Astarion's every move as he donned the clothes she'd chosen. The fabric clung to his lean form, accentuating the lines of his sculpted body.
"So, what do you think?" Astarion asked, his voice a low purr. He struck a pose, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Talin's breath hitched. "Ravishing," she breathed, her gaze lingering on the way the fabric draped across his shoulders. She couldn't resist reaching out, her fingers tracing the fabric at his chest, drinking in the sight of how the soft material clung to his skin. Her touch lingered a moment too long adding a layer of unspoken desire. "Just as I imagined."
The sight of Astarion, so confident and alluring, made her heart race. Her breath quickened, her body humming with a longing she couldn't deny. But she knew patience was key. She had promised to wait, to give him the time and space he needed to heal. And she would keep that promise, no matter how much her body ached for his touch.
Her lingering touch sent a thrill through him. He yearned to pull her close, to feel the warmth of her body against his once again, to peel away the layers of fabric that separated them. The desire to explore every inch of her skin, to trace the curves of her body with his fingertips, was almost overwhelming. But the ghosts of his past held him back. "I can't," he told himself. "Not until I'm sure I can give her what she deserves."
Astarion took her hand resting on his chest, and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. He looked up, his gaze meeting hers. "Shall, we?"
"Wait, I almost forgot!" Talin exclaimed, rushing over to the nearby drawer. She pulled out a small bow tie in the same midnight blue color as the tunic.
Astarion raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that a bit tiny, darling?"
Talin chuckled. "It's not for you. Scratch," she called out, "come here, boy."
The dog approached eagerly, tail wagging with anticipation. She carefully fastened the bow tie around its neck, the color contrasting beautifully against its white fur. With a gentle pat on its head, she smiled warmly. "Such a gentleman you are," she cooed, her voice filled with affection.
"Now we're ready?" she declared.
Astarion arched an eyebrow. "Cute," he said, a soft smile curving his lips. "Alright, let's go."
They stepped through the portal Withers had conjured, finding themselves transported with uncanny accuracy to the exact spot where their camp had once stood in the wilderness.
The reunion was already a lively affair when Talin and Astarion arrived. A long table overflowed with food and drink, surrounded by a merry throng of familiar faces. As soon as they emerged from the portal, Scratch, with his new bowtie proudly displayed, raced ahead, his tail wagging excitedly as he recognized the familiar faces. Gale, Shadowheart, Karlach, Wyll and Halsin greeted the dog with welcoming smiles, while Jaheira and Minsc chuckled at his enthusiasm. Even Lae'zel, her spectral form shimmering slightly, offered a nod of acknowledgement from the Astral Plane.
But it was Karlach's booming voice that first caught Talin's attention. "Hey you're here."
"Good, I was starting to wonder if you'd show up," Shadowheart quipped, a playful smirk on her lips.
Talin feigned confusion, "Umm, who are you people?"
Shadowheart rolled her eyes, "Hilarious. You obviously missed your calling as a jester."
"Oh, come here you!" Talin exclaimed, pulling Shadowheart into a warm, heartfelt hug. Then, with a smile, she embraced each of them in turn, a genuine warmth radiating from her. "Gods, I've missed you all so much."
Karlach grinned, "Look at you, soldier, you're so clean! And Gods, you smell so good!"
"It's so wonderful to see you all again!" Talin exclaimed, her face beaming with joy. "I'm so glad that Withers managed to bring you two from Avernus. I've missed you terribly."
She turned to Lae'zel, her smile widening. "And Lae'zel, you even managed to join us from the Astral. That's quite a feat! Look at you, all shimmering."
"Quite so. It took an effort of a dozen gishes, a handful of stolen psi crystals, and two tendays just to conjure my projection, so that I could join." Lae'zel explained. "It was worth it. I missed this place. But more to the point, I missed you."
"Two tendays? Talin's eyes widened in surprise. "That's quite a lot Lae'zel. Thank you for making such an effort just to be here. I have missed you too."
She turned to Gale who was standing right next to her, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Professor Dekarios, I see you decided to grace us with your presence. Where's Thalia? Didn't you bring her?"
Gale chuckled. "Oh, she didn't want to impose. Said the night should be just for our little group. I'm sure there will be another opportunity for everyone to meet her."
"Do send her my regards, will you?"
The night melted away into a symphony of laughter and shared stories, as they settled around the table, their voices mingling with the whispers of the forest. Hours felt like minutes, the warmth of camaraderie chasing away the chill of night.
Gale, now a distinguished professor of the School of Illusion at the Blackstaff Academy, regaled them with tales of eager students who still had no clue that Gale's orb was no longer a threat. Shadowheart spoke of the sanctuary she'd built in the secluded cottage, a haven for rescued animals and a blossoming orchard where she grew her fruits and vegetables and brewed her own potent cider. Living a peaceful life with her parents.
Lae'zel's astral projection flickered as she recounted her ongoing diplomatic mission: to unite with the Githzerai and overthrow the tyrannical Vlaakith, bringing a new era of peace to her people. Halsin described the remarkable recovery of the shadow-cursed lands. Nature, resilient and tenacious, had reclaimed its domain, offering refuge to those seeking a fresh start.
Karlach and Wyll, their bond forged in the fires of Avernus, shared a saga of survival and defiance. They painted a vivid picture of their slaying hordes of cambions, and just for fun they started building a fortress from the very horns of their fallen foes.
The wine flowed freely, and Talin, emboldened by its warmth and the memories they shared, felt a familiar desire stir within her. The firelight painted Astarion's features in a captivating dance of shadow and light, amplifying his natural allure.
With a playful glint in her eyes, she leaned closer, the warmth of her breath ghosting across his cheek. With one hand she swirled the wine in her goblet and trailed a path along his thigh with the other, venturing dangerously close to forbidden territory.
"Remember that pretty clearing in the forest, not far from here?" she murmured, her voice husky and seductive. "The first night we spent together... The soft grass, the moonlight filtering through the leaves... We could slip away, just for a little while. I'm sure no one would notice."
Astarion's body responded before his mind could catch up. Her touch sent a jolt through him, his breath hitching in his throat. He remembered that night vividly; the taste of her skin, the feel of her warm body pressed against his. The desire to relive it was almost overwhelming. But the fear still lingered, holding him captive.
He reached for her hand, his touch a gentle plea for understanding. "Of course I remember," he said, his voice low and steady. He met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and regret. "But not tonight. Not yet."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Talin's face, but it was quickly replaced by a soft, understanding smile. "I understand," she said, squeezing his hand gently. "Whenever you're ready." She paused. "And I'm sorry. The wine must have gone to my head a little."
"Well, of course it has," he teased. "You chug that down like there's no tomorrow, darling. You have wine at home, you know." His expression softened. "But thank you. For understanding."
Talin opened her mouth to respond but just then, Karlach's loud voice boomed across the table, interrupting their quiet moment. "Hey! I almost forgot! You won't believe what happened! Wyll and I stumbled upon a map - directions and blueprints to Zariel's private forge! A fucking forge! Can you imagine? Do you know what this means? I could finally come to Baldur's Gate!"
"Karlach, that is most wonderful news!" Gale exclaimed.
"Fuck yes. You haven't seen the last of ol' Karlach yet. Our current plan is to find this smith, force him to fix my engine, or better yet give me a new model that can live outside Avernus, and get out."
"Now that… that is interesting." Astarion said.
"Indeed," Talin chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Now, as Karlach said, if we could just track it down, we could—"
Astarion nearly spat out his wine. "Wait, we?" he choked, one eyebrow cocked.
"I mean..." she stammered. "Well, you know, we should help them. We are going to help them, are we?" she asked, the excitement of the idea to embark on another adventure sparkling in her eyes.
"You want us to go to the Hells again?" Astarion asked, his voice pitching up a notch.
"Only to help them search. You heard Karlach, get in, find the forge, Karlach smashes a few skulls, forces the blacksmith to give her a new engine, and we get out. We're not going to fight demons and devils," Talin explained, her tone a mix of optimism and naivety.
Astarion couldn't help but smirk. "Oh, well forgive my ignorance," he drawled, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I didn't realize it was that simple. I was under the impression that demons and devils, you know, lived in the Hells."
Talin rolled her eyes.
"Trying not to get ahead of myself, but... I'm really hoping this works out. But hey, soldier, maybe I'll be knocking on your door before you know it. Wouldn't that be something?" Karlach exclaimed, her grin infectious.
"Well, this calls for a toast!" Talin declared, raising her goblet high.
The air crackled with shared excitement as everyone else enthusiastically raised their goblets, a chorus of clinking sounds punctuating Talin's toast.
"This is quite a gathering," Talin remarked to Astarion, a nostalgic smile gracing her lips. "It's good to see everyone again, and the old camp brings back so many memories."
Astarion grunted in agreement, swirling his wine thoughtfully. "Indeed," he murmured, his gaze drifting towards the lively group.
Suddenly, Talin's eyes lit up. "Look at Wyll and Karlach," she whispered, nudging Astarion playfully. "You know, I'm almost certain there's something going on between them."
Astarion looked at her curiously. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, like something romantic, Astarion," Talin explained. "Remember when Karlach mentioned that enduring Avernus is easier when you have someone you love by your side?"
Astarion raised an eyebrow. "She says that to all of us, Talin. It's hardly a declaration of love for Wyll."
"Perhaps," she conceded with a smile. "But there's something different in the way they look at each other, the way they speak. There's definitely something more there, I'm sure of it."
"Well, detective Talin," Astarion drawled, "nothing ever passes unnoticed by those keen eyes of yours, does it?"
He took another sip of his wine. "You know darling, as wonderful as it sounds to go venture in Avernus," he said slightly mocking, "it got me thinking… In the meantime, perhaps we can have our own little adventure. Just you and me," he suggested, his tone turning tender.
Talin sighed. "I thought you said you're not ready for this. We just talked about it, a few moments ago. You don't have to do this." A slight frustration crept into her voice.
Astarion smacked his lips. "No, not that," he corrected quickly. "Although I wished it was that."
"Oh? Then what did you have in mind?" she asked, her curiosity suddenly piqued.
"Well, this might not be the best moment to say it but, you know how you already pulled at the thread about my past? I think we should unravel it. We should find my family," he said, a mix of resolve and vulnerability in his voice.
Talin gasped. "Are you sure? I will do this only if you're completely ready," she responded, warmly.
"I will have to face it sooner or later. There's no point in waiting around," he said decisively.
"Astarion, this is wonderful!" She squealed, impulsively throwing her arms around him, her actions speaking volumes of her support and enthusiasm for their shared future. But her unrestrained squeal also pierced the lively chatter, drawing the attention of everyone around them.
"What is wonderful?" Karlach asked, her curiosity piqued.
Astarion's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of nervousness crossing his features. He glanced at Talin, but she recovered smoothly. "Oh, nothing," she said with a disarming smile. "Astarion was just telling me he... had finally read that book I recommended that I really liked."
"Must be a really good book, to get you that excited." Shadowheart teased, her tone light and playful.
Astarion leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. "Good save, darling," he whispered, teasingly.