Chapter Text
The year was changing into a new one, and the streets of Baldur’s Gate were teeming with people. A street party had been organized for New Year’s Revel in the Lower City, and Elody and her companions were eager to take part. As they walked along the dimly lit streets towards the large square outside of Sorcerous Sundries, Elody was entertaining the gang with stories about New Year’s traditions from her world.
”So you make some kind of promise to yourself at the end of the old year, and try to keep it for the next one?” Gale mused. ”Fascinating!”
”Yeah, but people often break their resolutions. It’s usually things like being healthier or learning new skills. But then people get bored or distracted and don’t stick with it,” Elody explained.
”And do these people get punished for breaking their oath?” Lae’zel asked.
Elody stifled a laugh. ”No, they don’t. Nobody’s holding anyone accountable.”
”What’s the point of it then?” Wyll furrowed his brow. ”Why make a promise you already know you won’t keep?”
Elody shrugged. ”You know what? I don’t know. I don’t see the point in New Year’s resolutions, so I never really make them.”
”How about promising something that’s really easy?” Karlach suggested. ”Something you were going to do anyway. Like, you’re going to learn to use your dagger better, so that could be your resolution.”
Elody gave the idea some thought. Karlach had a point.
”Tell you what, that might be my resolution this year,” she said with some determination.
An enthusiastic conversation ensued about what everyone would have as their New Year’s resolution. Only Shadowheart stayed quiet.
”Hey, what’s wrong?” Elody squeezed her hand.
Shadowheart shook her head. ”It’s nothing… It’s just been a strange year.”
Elody didn’t need to ask any further questions; the half-elf had truly been through the wringer, having left her cloister and the people she’d thought of as her family. Not to mention the goddess to whom she’d devoted her life since she’d been a child.
”I’m proud of you.” Elody reached over to kiss Shadowheart’s cheek, and was happy to see a small smile appear on Shadowheart’s face in response.
When the gang arrived at the square, the party was already in full swing. A few stalls along the side of the square were serving hot snacks and beverages. A merry band of bards was playing a bouncy tune on a wooden platform built atop the fountain in the middle of the square. The square was full of dancing people, young and old, ready to welcome in the new year. Above the sea of people, bunting in blues and purples was hung across the square. Torches and lanterns lit the scene in their warm glow.
”Look at this!” Karlach took in the scene, mesmerized. A childlike look of wonder was plastered on her face. ”Come on! Let’s go dance!”
Karlach grabbed Astarion by the arm and dashed into the crowd. Astarion nearly tripped, being pulled along behind the excited tiefling.
”Shall we join them?” Wyll eyed Gale and Lae’zel expectantly. He shot a quick look at Elody, too, who returned it with a wink.
It didn’t go unnoticed by Shadowheart.
”What was that about?” she asked as Wyll, Gale, and a reluctant Lae’zel disappeared amongst the dancers.
”There’s a little something I haven’t told you,” Elody said, her tone exaggeratedly mysterious.
Shadowheart raised an eyebrow. ”What’s that then?” she asked, her voice coloured by amused curiosity.
Like clockwork, the band’s cheerful tune changed into a slow, beautiful waltz. This was better than Elody could ever have planned.
Elody reached out her hand, bowing theatrically. ”May I have this dance, my Raven?”
Shadowheart’s eyes widened. ”Cloister life didn’t really prepare me for dancing, Elody. I don’t…”
Elody scooped Shadowheart by the waist, pulling her close. ”Live a little, dearest. Don’t worry. It’s just us.”
Shadowheart’s body relaxed against Elody’s and she allowed herself to be led a little further into the crowd. Elody placed one of her hands on Shadowheart’s waist, the other clasping her hand. Shadowheart’s other hand rested on Elody’s shoulder.
This was Elody’s final Midwinter surprise. As his Midwinter gift to Elody, Wyll had given her some dancing lessons in secret. She’d ensured that, for much of the chores that had to be done, Shadowheart would be doing something separately from Wyll and herself, so the two of them could sneak in a practice session here and there.
Elody started to move in a slow, three-count rhythm, leading Shadowheart gently and steadily. Shadowheart stared at her own feet for the first few steps.
”Shadowheart?” Elody’s voice made her look up at her. There was worry in her green eyes.
Elody gave Shadowheart an encouraging smile. ”Let my body and hands guide you, love.”
As they held each other’s gaze, Shadowheart soon got comfortable with the sway of their dance. Elody began to spin them around slowly. Shadowheart let her lead, and not too long passed before she was smiling, all of her initial fear forgotten. From the corner of her eye, Elody caught a glimpse of their friends, who were all staring at them excitedly. She could’ve sworn she saw Gale wipe a tear off his cheek.
Elody spun Shadowheart under her arm. Shadowheart let out a nervous giggle as she returned to be embraced by Elody. A little squeak escaped her lips when Elody suddenly lowered her into a dip. The feeling of triumph made Elody grin widely; it had taken many bruises for her to have learned this move. Poor Wyll deserved an award!
The band stopped playing, and Elody pulled Shadowheart in a tight hug.
”I love you, my Raven,” Elody whispered in Shadowheart’s ear.
”I love you, too.” Shadowheart sighed and pulled back only to touch her forehead to Elody’s.
A burst of fireworks lit up the sky. Both of them turned to gaze up at the display. The familiarity of this festival brought warmth into Elody’s heart. This was a small slice of home, without her having to orchestrate it at all.
The moment was perfect. Elody turned to look at Shadowheart. ”One last New Year’s tradition from my world,” she said.
”What’s that?” Shadowheart eyed Elody with a curious expression.
”You share a kiss with the one you will love in the coming year.” Elody’s voice was warm and sincere. She knew where she belonged - there, with her Raven. This year, the next, for as long as Shadowheart would have her.
”You don’t need any herbs and spices for this one, do you?” Shadowheart raised an eyebrow.
Elody rolled her eyes, remembering their kiss under the mistletoe. ”Shut up and kiss me.”
Their kiss was as slow as their waltz had been. The crowd blurred into nothingness while the two women were absorbed in one another. The moment was cut short; their friends were soon surrounding them, enveloping both of them in celebratory hugs.
”Happy New Year!” Karlach squealed.
The romantic moment was over, but the celebration continued under the fireworks. The whole square was now lit in flashing, colourful lights. The citizens of Baldur’s Gate were raising their glasses to loved ones lost and the hope in new beginnings. Elody took in the sight of her friends and the woman of her dreams, finally reunited in friendship. Shadowheart was smiling so genuinely, as, one by one, she received hugs and pats on the back from her friends. Astarion wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and Elody’s heart ached with pure happiness for her beloved.
All was well.