Chapter Text
Snow crunched under boot as Elody, Karlach, Wyll, and Lae’zel sauntered through Baldur’s Gate. The sky was covered by clouds, and the roofs of the houses were dusted with snow. Elody took in the view in awe; the place felt almost Dickensian under a cloak of white. The cobblestone streets were teeming with people visiting the Midwinter Bazaar. As soon as Elody had heard of it, she knew she had to go.
The place was magical. The square in front of Sorcerous Sundries had transformed into a bustling marketplace, where merchants from far and wide were showing off their wares and carts with hot beverages and mouthwatering snacks made everyone’s stomachs rumble. It was Christmastime. Well, Midwinter, they called it here. As it turned out, the traditions associated with the holiday were rather different than what Elody was accustomed to. She had to admit to feeling a little homesick in this strange world. But she had a plan, and she’d rallied all of her friends to help her. They had been excited to do whatever Elody needed.
To prolong the element of surprise, Elody had decided to teach her friends about one Christmas tradition at a time. While perusing the stalls, she’d started with the story of Santa Claus and the tradition of gift giving.
”Help me understand this Sandy Close, Elody,” Lae’zel mumbled as she inspected the stall they’d stopped in front of. ”What exactly is his proximity to you, and why is he sandy? Does he frequent the beach? Is it the beach that’s so close?”
Elody laughed. ”Santa Claus is this old man kids believe in. He brings gifts to people at Christmas… err… Midwinter.” She spotted a beautiful ring on the table in front of her, a delicate silver thing, with feathers engraved on the surface.
”Okay, so, say this Santa Claus comes to give you gifts…” Karlach chimed in, happily fiddling with the dagger she’d just purchased. ”Why are you looking to buy stuff for everyone? Why not just ask this Santa dude to bring us gifts? Seems convenient!”
Elody resisted the urge to roll her eyes. ”It’s just a story. Santa Claus isn’t real, nor are elves…” She immediately slapped her hand over her mouth. Here, in Baldur’s Gate, elves were definitely real. And, at Karlach’s place, a certain half-elf was waiting for her return. Elody’s stomach churned with longing. To be apart from Shadowheart, even for a day, even for a very good reason, was near painful.
They’d left Shadowheart, Gale, and Astarion at Karlach’s flat with a couple of tasks. They had been more than happy to tackle them, although Elody hadn’t told them exactly why said tasks had to be completed. Elody couldn’t help the smile that spread on her face at the thought of Shadowheart prepping for Christmas without knowing anything about it.
”If elves aren’t real, I have some sad news to deliver regarding your girlfriend and one of her parents,” Karlach grinned, interrupting Elody’s thoughts. ”Girlfriend about to turn into something more, perhaps?” She eyed the ring Elody had picked up meaningfully, making Elody flush and almost chuck the ring back onto the table.
”Stop it, Karlach! It’s way too early!”
Yet, Elody couldn’t help but smile. She’d never imagined committing to anyone for good. But, in Shadowheart, she’d found a haven she wouldn’t mind keeping forever.
”Come next Midwinter, you two will be betrothed to marry, mark my words.” Wyll winked impishly.
Next Midwinter… Elody hadn’t expected to still be in Baldur’s Gate in winter. She hadn’t even thought about next year. But those thoughts would have to wait. She still had to find something for Shadowheart. The ring was a little too presumptuous, after all. Next to it, there was a necklace, which looked like it was meant to match with the ring. The chain was made of meticulously plaited silver, and the pendant was shaped like a feather. The detail on it was astonishing, almost like the piece of jewellery had been plucked off a bird made of silver. Such a wonderful gift for her Raven.
”She’ll love it, Elody,” Karlach’s soft voice confirmed Elody’s thoughts.
Elody paid way more gold for the necklace than she’d wanted to. As it turned out, bartering in Baldur’s Gate was considerably harder than striking a lucrative business deal in London. It was worth every bit of coin, though. Elody took one last look at the necklace before pocketing it securely. Her heart took off in her chest as the group started to make their way out of the city. She could already imagine Shadowheart’s face when she would receive her gift. Elody loved making Shadowheart smile. The beautiful chain would wrap around her slender neck as Elody would fasten the clasp for her. Perhaps, Elody would then touch her lips to Shadowheart’s shoulder… The thought made butterflies flutter in her belly.
”Why aren’t we going straight to Karlach’s again?” Wyll asked as the group approached Rivington. Elody smiled mysteriously and winked at him. They still had some more work to do.