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

It's been quite a while since the last update, but I'm happy that I was finally able to finish this chapter and get it out of my head. 😊 I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for reading!

Summary

Talin and Astarion arrive in Silverymoon, a city known for its magic. They find the Ancunín estate and finally meet Astarion's parents, where they learn the truth about his forgotten past.

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Talin's loud gasp filled the air as soon as she stepped out of their carriage and set foot on the smooth flagstones. Her eyes widened in astonishment as they swept across the area around them, a wondrous blend of white polished stone and gleaming marble.

"The gem of the North," she uttered, barely audible as if she was almost out of breath. "It's breathtaking, Astarion. It's more beautiful than I imagined."

Astarion followed closely behind, but he, too, wasn't immune to the city's sheer beauty and its soaring slender towers, elegant townhouses, and charming shops lining the streets.

"I agree. It truly is magnificent."

Silverymoon rose gracefully along the Rauvin River, dividing it into the North and South Banks—two distinct districts, each formidable in its own way. The city itself pulsed with life and diversity. Elves, dwarves, and humans moved about, and the very air around it hummed with subtle magical energy, as though the city itself breathed enchantment.

"It's the center of magic," Talin murmured, her voice soft but tinged with admiration. Her hand brushed the edge of a marble statue as she paused to take in the majestic buildings and elegant bridges. "I can feel its aura..."

Astarion stopped beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. His crimson eyes flicked from the city to her, amazed by the way her entire face lit up with amazement. "You know," he said, his voice teasing yet surprisingly gentle, "I think I can feel it too. Or maybe it's just you."

Talin glanced back at him and smiled, and Astarion placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Her excitement spiked again, as her attention was drawn to the river below and she pointed eagerly. "Look! There. That must be the famous Moonbridge. They say it's made entirely of magic and can even withstand a dragon."

Astarion followed her gesture, his brow furrowing as he stared at the seemingly empty space above the water. "Impressive. But I don't see anything," he remarked, tilting his head.

"That's because it's revealed only by moonlight," she explained. "We should come at night, I must see how this magic works," Talin explained, then took out a map from her purse and unfolded it in the air, the edges fluttering slightly in the cool breeze. "According to this map, I think we need to head north of the river. The noble residences should be there. But let's ask for directions just to be sure."

Finding the House of Ancunín proved to be an easy task when you knew the right questions to ask—and had the right amount of coin to part with. Talin approached a nearby merchant stall and asked the vendor about the Ancunín family and where they could find them. The vendor, a jovial elf with a keen eye for opportunity, was more than willing to assist them, for a price, of course.

"House Ancunín, eh?" he said, squinting as if trying too hard to remember. "Yes, I can help you find the house, but it will cost you."

Astarion's crimson eyes narrowed, and his lips curled into a threatening smirk, as he leaned ever so slightly toward the merchant, a hand resting near his hip where his daggers were. "Oh, I'm sure it will. Or how about I loosen your tongue for free?" His voice, instead of the usual velvety smooth, now had a low and dangerous tone.