The Quest for Dawn

Chapter 4: The Ruined Temple

The ruined Temple of Lathander was a spectacle that made Tav catch her breath. Hidden deep within the perilous valleys of the Cloud Peaks, where forests grew and flourished unchecked by mortal hands, stood the ancient stretching towers of the Bringer of the Dawn. The Rosymorn Monastery couldn't hold a candle to the structure before them, even as it had been reclaimed by the hands of nature and growth.

Vines and moss covered the stones and columns, blanketing the meticulous and sprawling construction all the way to the domes at the top. A great waterfall spewed out of its central entrance, a river having diverted long ago to create a watery barrier all around the ruins.

Tavriel and Astarion sat on their horses, marveling at the broken towers draped in vines.

"So, this is it, then," said Astarion, trying to sound casual. The task of infiltrating the ruins was anything but, and Tav knew - he was nervous about this.

"Nothing good ever comes easy," she told him. At first glance, it seemed that the water that surrounded the temple was going to be a challenge. They would have to look for a way to cross. "That waterfall is beautiful."

"And deadly," he added. Tav gave him a quizzical look, and he had to explain, "Running water, love. Vampire. It burns like acid." The thought of falling into the water made him shudder. They had plenty of time yet to decide their next moves. They had started up the trail at sunset, when it was safe for Astarion to travel again. They could set up their camp somewhere nearby, and by some twist of good fortune, they found a cave. In a valley, the sun was shielded by the surrounding peaks, but neither Tav or Astarion were going to take any chances.

After watering and grazing their horses, and unfurling their bedrolls in the cave, Tav and Astarion took the supplies they needed for the climb to the temple. Scouting around the raging waters surrounding the ruins, they found an easily reachable crossing of sunken columns. The flat exposed capitals created a makeshift bridge that they could jump across, one by one.

Astarion, sure-footed and agile, was familiar with this territory. Tav, carrying her laden pack, lost her balance and nearly fell over the edge of the waterfall into the lake below.

"It's a long way down, my darling," said Astarion, trying to sound light in the face of peril. A jest to hide his fear for her. Tavriel was following behind him, bravely taking the next jump. Astarion managed to reach the other side, landing at the base of the ruins with ease before turning around to see how Tav fared. "Come on, then. One more." He reached out his hand, watching as she readied her next leap. She slipped.

Astarion caught her wrist, pulling her up toward him. "I've got you," he assured, taking a moment to steal a kiss. Tavriel gave him a smile. They paused for a moment to catch their breath, taking in the sight of the once-majestic sanctuary now overrun by the relentless grasp of nature. "Now, let's go steal a Dawnshard from a god."

The moon shone high above, illuminating the forest of vines that covered the walls of the impressive ruins. Astarion adjusted his studded leather, pulling on the hem of his gloves to make sure they were on securely, and strode forward with all the confidence of a rogue. He pulled out the dagger at his belt, cutting away the vines to reveal an opening - a break in the wall.

"After you, my love," he said to Tavriel. She passed him, throwing him a cheeky smile before ducking past the cut vines and stepping inside. She stood in awe. The heavy scent of damp earth and ancient stone filled the air, clinging to their senses.

The temple had long surrendered to nature's embrace. Vines hung like verdant tapestries from the ceiling, their tendrils intertwining with the ancient masonry. Roots snaked their way through cracks and crevices, as if trying to hold the crumbling structure together with a living net. Moonlight seeped through gaps in the masonry, casting dappled patterns of blue light and shadow that danced across the floor.