The Sorceress of Moonlight: A New Dawn in Baldur's Gate

Chapter 1: A Hand in the Darkness

She moved through the rubble-strewn streets of the Upper City, her eyes a striking shade of light elven blue, pierced through the veils of light and ruin with unsettling fear, scanning for any sign of Astarion. The sight was devastating. Flames engulfed buildings and destroyed homes. The entire upper city was in ruin. She struggled to breathe as the smell of smoke and ash assaulted her senses. But she pressed on. She must find him and ensure that he is alive. A partially collapsed warehouse drew her eye. Based on the direction Astarion turned to run, he might have found refuge from the scorching sun there.

She entered carefully, scanning every inch of the place. The air was heavy, filled with smoke and dust. Charred beams and boxes lay around, but luckily, the building was no longer aflame. Her heart sank when she found Astarion huddled in a dark corner, his head buried in his knees.

"There you are!" she sighed in relief and hurried towards him. "I'm so glad you're safe. Seeing the sun hurt you like that... I was terrified. Are you alright?"

He looked up, a weak attempt at a smirk twisting his lips. "Oh yes, I'm fine. Just a little burnt skin, nothing to worry about," he said, his voice trembling.

She kneeled before him, her hand reaching out for his face. She gently lifted his face, searching for his eyes. "I'm so sorry..." she said, her eyes glistening. "I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. But know that whatever happens next, I got you." She swallowed her tears. Astarion needed her strength now, not her despair.

He hesitated, trying to hide his disappointment. "It was nice while it lasted. I will miss its warmth on my skin. And the freedom to walk in pure daylight." He sighed heavily. "But I guess the night has its beauty, one I'll have to learn to appreciate... again." He looked down as he spoke.

"One we'll both learn to appreciate together. The tadpole is gone, but you're stuck with me now," Talin said, trying to encourage him and lighten the mood, even for a moment. "And I'm not that easy to get rid of."

His piercing gaze met hers. "I hope not."

Smiling, he reached out, his fingers gently untangling a loose strand from the braid that held back her long, luminous silver hair, shimmering with the faintest blue. The familiar weight of it brought a sense of relief. "I'm glad you came after me."

Her eyes softened as his fingers brushed her hair. "Of course I came," she murmured, cupping his hand with hers and leaning into his touch. "Wherever you go, I will follow. You know that, don't you?"

"I think I do."

She leaned forward, brushing a stray lock of his hair. Her soft, warm lips met his cool ones in a tender, lingering kiss. He gently slid his hand around her neck and deepened the kiss, savoring the intimate moment.

She settled beside him and held him close. With a sigh of relief, he leaned into her, nesting his head on the soft rise of her chest. The warmth of her embrace was a familiar feeling of belonging that chased away the fears and the darkness that entombed his heart. A comfortable silence settled between them like a shared understanding passing without words.

Then, a sudden realization washed over him. "So, they're really gone, aren't they?"

Astarion's question hung in the air as Talin let out a weary sigh, the weight of recent events catching up with her. "It's sad, isn't it?" She lowered her eyes, staring at a shattered plank on the floor. "For a moment, I thought it was over. That we will lose Karlach forever," she recalled. "But I'm glad Wyll stepped up. She'll be safe for the time being. I mean, as safe as one can be in the Hells. But, at least now she gets to live until we find a way to fix her engine."

"I'm glad too. She deserves to live." Astarion confirmed. "Besides, our Blade of Avernus will get to show his abilities in the Hells now." He smiled faintly.