Archive of Our Own

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Narrator: It's over, and it's all because of you. You, who were destined to become a thrall. Thanks to you there will be no illithid empire. No death gods tyranny. You have earned your place amongst the legends of the sword coast. You are the saviors of Baldur’s Gate.

~

   “It’s curious. After all the wonders and monstrosities we’ve witnessed, waking beside you seems more unreal than any of it.” 

   Gale watched as she turned her head to look at him, eyes still half closed to the morning sunrise peeking through the curtains of the quaint little room. The city still being half destroyed it was a wonder finding a building still standing, and for it to be the Elfsong felt fitting to end a hero's journey. And a hero she was, to everyone, but especially to him. His heart fluttered as she yawned, smiling so sweetly and calm. An overwhelming sense of calm, at last. He sighed, sliding his hand across her side, dipping and rising with her curves.

   “I’d forgotten what it felt like, to greet a sunrise without fear of it being my last.” He mused. Gale watched as Tav rose up onto her elbow, sitting up now with him in the shabby bed they slept in. Together for the first time, although without much excitement. Instead, the all encompassing weight of relief took hold over them and carried them both into their well deserved respite of a long, drunken rest.

    The end-of-days celebration that was held on the night of their grandiose victory was exceptionally lively, honoring life, freedom, and drinking enough to forget the weeks long ache of adventuring and battle. The celebrations with remaining friends and allies bittersweet. They drank to say goodbye to the Githyanki and to mourn dear Karlach. They drank to lives to return to or lives to make anew. Eventually Astarion even returned once the sun had been long forgotten about inside the Elfsong, although he too was indignant about his return into the shadows. Alfira filled the building with such wonderful music and song and in all the merriment the wizard could scarcely believe it was all real. 

   But what more, in between the chaos of cheer,  it dawned on Gale that he’d finally realized what he wanted.  At last, what he must ask. This was a request not lightly made, and certainly not one made out of a state of drunken hubris, this he was sure. Across the room Tav danced with Wyll a courtly dance, and between the spinning of heels and arms locking together, she kept her eyes pinned to his, goading him to join her. Gale put down his goblet and gave into her request, but his mind was elsewhere entirely. He watched his hero come out of an unmistakable end of worlds scenario alive. And so was he. Against all odds, she had saved him from himself, Mystra’s decree be damned.

   When the party had reached an acceptable lul, Gale pulled her away. Together they slipped upstairs without the notice of anyone and found their secluded little room. It was drafty with part of the ceiling crumbled and open to the sky. The stars above Baldur’s Gate were faint, but not unlike a familiar curtain he had made for her once before. 

   He closed the door behind them, and at first there was a pregnant pause. Waiting for either of them to make a move in a direction that would lend itself to the remaining night. With a held breath Gale took her in, his smile cracking gently on wine soaked lips. She returned his smile and reached out for his hand. Without word, Gale stepped toward her, gently taking her hand that pulled her into a deep and exhausted embrace. He felt her hands squeeze his back, her face pressed against his chest. The markings of the orb gave out a slow pulse of light in response. 

   He held her under the stars for a long time, until eventually they crawled into bed and slept in that embrace. He was almost afraid that if he’d let go of her, she would slip away and he’d wake up back in that nightmare they narrowly escaped from. 

   But she was here, still next to him as he woke the next morning, the taste of wine stale now on his tongue. He watched as she stretched her arms, rolling her shoulders and her neck free of the remaining tendrils of sleep. Her stretched hand came to rest on his chest over the markings. Gale smiled and took her hand in a firm grasp. 

   “Soon, I will deliver the crown to Mystra, and be rid of the orb at long last. I’ll be free.” 

   She chuckled, bemused by his excitement. “And what does freedom mean for Gale of Waterdeep?” 

   “Oh him,” Gale hummed. “I’ve been thinking a lot about that.” Gale scratched his beard. He looked up into the open sky above them, the light blue and picturesque clouds peeking behind the exposed beams and broken brick a mere backdrop for his thoughts. “ ‘Gale of Waterdeep’, sounds a bit… Pompous, dont you think?”  

    There was a weight on him then. The culmination of all last night’s wistful daydreams coming to a head in his mind, and the creeping nervousness in his chest threatening the very question he had on his lips. To distract from this feeling Gale pulled himself up to sit against the wooden headboard, the thin sheet slipping to pool over his lap. He grinned and shrugged slightly as he spoke. “I thought I might take this opportunity to reinvent myself. Or uninvent myself, to be more accurate.” Gale turned to her and bent at the waist. “You’re now in the company of plain old Gale Dekarios - a most brilliant wizard of intentionally limited renown. At your service.” 

   The sound of her laugh lifted Gale's eyes to meet her gaze. His heart ached with affection and he could not stop the smile from his lips to grow into his cheeks, matching hers. With his Orb due to be removed, he accepted this new life of his openly. A new life, he fully intended on living again, and this time not in a tower alone. He felt his heart tighten, quickly clearing his throat as he leaned in close to her, taking both of her hands into his. With a quick breath, Gale continued. “Now, I believe this is the moment where I should get to my point, so to speak.” 

    Tav arched her brow, her smile subsiding into a curious twist of her lip, her head tilting ever so gently as she waited for him to speak. Gale looked into her eyes, his expression turning serious but tender. He felt her squeeze his hand, urging him to continue. 

   “I love you,” he said. “More than I ever loved anyone; mortal or immortal. And you’ve proven your love for me in more ways than ever the greatest mathematicians would dare count.” Another loving smile cracked through them both. Gale continued. “That being said, I wondered if you might consider accompanying me back to Waterdeep as a new member of the Dekarios Clan?” 

    A pause, then an expression Gale could only hope was bemused disbelief as she spoke. “Are you asking me to marry you?” 

    “I suppose I am.” He nodded, mind racing.  “Tara would be delighted, not to mention my mother. But I’ll be just as happy without such a ceremony. So long as we’re together. “ 

    “I accept. I’ll marry you, Gale Dekarios.” 

   “You will?” Gale’s voice betrayed his surprise and a sigh of relief passed through him, falling back against the headboard.  “Oh, thank goodness for that. We’ll need to make the arrangements of course, the Dekarios clan is scattered far and wide, and you’ll have invites of your own to send out, I'm sure.” He caught himself, stopping to take a deep breath. Gale withdrew his hands from hers, placing one on her knee. “But that’s all to come. The day is young, and there are thousands more days ahead of us.” 

    The wizard could study her expression no longer as Tav closed the distance between them, grazing her hand across his cheek as she kissed him. Her hand, callused and hard, traveled to the base of his neck, until resting finally on his chest. A gentle glow radiated between them, parting their lips to contemplate the karsidic elephant in the room. 

   “And what about your orb? Surly with the crown still lost there's no haste to travel from here yet.”

   “No, you're right.” The wizard nodded, leaning out of bed to grab his shirt from off the dusty floor. “Mystra will not be so patient now that the crown is free from the illithids. I estimate there will be a dozen or so surviving cultists competing for this powerful treasure as well. She will summon me soon enough, but I’ve put a lot of thought into the recovery mission already. Should the submersible be salvaged from the wreck down at the harbor, I could use it to dive and retrieve the crown. What remains of the Gondians could repair it, if need be. Perhaps I could conjure a spell that could illuminate the netherese magic buried deep in the dark waters. And perhaps you could use that honey tongue of yours to convince the mermaids to assist in these efforts. I doubt they would give you much resistance, what with saving the world and all.” 

    Tav rolled her eyes with a smile, sliding herself from the bed's edge as she stepped across the room to pick up her clothing and armor. Gale watched her of course, taking pleasure in the fleeting moments he could admire her body without the bulking veneer of shiny heavy armor. In all their long nights at camp, her simple garb would be a welcomed sight, but Gale would quickly learn of her curious predilection toward the hard exterior, and the fascinating contradiction it made against her kind hearted mind. ‘A symbol of hope’ she called it once, a beacon she was anxious to maintain against the darkness of doubt. Perhaps to convince herself, even. But such ponderings did not last long in the wizard's mind, as he had no inclination to adorn himself in something so restrictive. Moreover, the way Tav moved this morning was enough to bring him out of such memories of conversations past. He was distracted by her bending over to gather her trousers, the subtle glance over her shoulder as she did. The way she lifted her arms up above her head to subdue her locks of messy hair into a ponytail, her slender neck exposed,  the supple curvature of her chest exposed to him openly, inviting his eyes to gaze upon them. She was teasing him, he knew this. She coyly arched her brow as she got to work braiding the locks of hair on either side of her head. 

   “Something the matter?” She asked. “Did you hear a word I said?” 

   “Hm?” Gale blinked. “No, I’m sorry. Tell me again, please.” 

    “Lost in your ruminations again I see,” Tav chuckled. “I’ll be out at Wyrm’s rock, helping with the reconstruction of the bridge. The city will need them to retrieve more supplies for the building efforts, as well as allow for more refugees to come in and out.” Tav buckled her gauntlet tight with each tug of the leather straps. “Probably strategizing with Duke Ravenguard as well, seeing how he’ll likely take lead over the city until the pedantic politics of it all will return.” She tugged at her breastplate with a satisfying sigh. “And,” she continued. “See what I can do about the wavemother priestess’.” 

    “Your heroism never ceases to amaze me, love.” 

   “Good.” Tav smirked, now fully dressed, her armor clacking as she walked to the bed and gave him a final departing kiss. “Should we not see each other again today, I’ll be back here come nightfall.”  

   And away she went, closing the door behind her as the half naked wizard sat alone in bed, mystified at life, his sheer luck, and the greatest adventure all the authors of his cherished library could not rival. And an adventure with a happy ending, no less. Gale sighed deeply through his nose, and following her motivation roused himself out of bed to begin his day’s folly. 

   The tavern below was a messy sight to behold, but one not undeserving. Gale surveyed the room, details of the remaining night left for him to piece together. As he expected, half the merry band had left already, Astarion and Shadowheart namely. Halsin was naked and snoring loudly on the bar, and to his surprise Minsc was in the kitchen, whistling as though nothing was amiss at all. From his peeking position at the door Gale could see Boo the hamster sitting across a splayed cookbook, pointing aggressively at the words and pictures of the recipe. He took his leave, rather not having to decipher what exactly the ranger was attempting to make. Just as he had begun to think he’d escape the tavern unnoticed, a familiar voice caught his attention, sitting on a bench just outside the tavern door on the rubble strewn porch. 

   “Going somewhere already, wizard?” Gale turned to see Jahira holding a mug of something hot between her hands. “Minc has promised a mighty breakfast to cure the promised hangover. It is mainly eggs, I think. How something so fragile survives an Illithid attack, this I do not know. “ She said, shaking her head with a squint to suggest the pounding headache residing within. 

   “One could say the same about us, Jahira.” Gale surmised, earning a low chuckle from the druid. “Alas, I must go seek what remains of the crown before anyone else does. Failure in this could be ruinous indeed.” 

   Jahira wordlessly waved her hand to him, permitting his departure it seems, as she took a long sip from her mug. “Go then, but expect no help from me. My bones are old, and after stopping the dawn of a horrible empire, I shall take my rest here. Clothe that party animal in there when he comes to.” 

   He set off, the sounds of the city waking up, broken and battered, but jubilant and victorious. The sun shone warmly across his face, the sea breeze a sweet reminder that before long he would return to his beloved tower once again. 

~

N: Unbeknownst to you, behind the rubble of the Stormcoast Temple doors, the statue of Mystra remains undamaged. The purple haze of the magical weave wisping alight, tendrils of magic wrapping slowly, methodically around Mystra’s likeness, before blinking away ominously. Unbeknownst to you, the goddess waits for your return to Waterdeep. 

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Narrator: Your recovery efforts were well on their way when you finished preparing for your departure. The city breathed anew, and despite the protest of its fair people, the city no longer needed you. It would survive on its own now. Your promised journey awaits as the crown beckons. 

~

   While Gale spent his days diving into the Chionthar she did what she could to help the city, including erecting a forever burning brazier alongside the docks to honor the fallen, but to whom most of all, for Karlach. Etched into the base was a prayer, and a reminder that she was the very flame itself, the smoke that twisted into the breeze, the never-ending ball of light amidst the dark. Tav spent a long time sitting before the stone brazier. She prayed, and when Gale came to gather her that evening, she wept. 

   The other shrines the city had made were of her, although she did not prefer it. Standing tall and brave like Balduran himself. If only the city knew what she did about the legend. How she shared his thoughts and, ultimately, killed him in all his illithid hubris. But a hero of yore was more important to the people wrapped in the enigma of fiction. So too was she now, a celebrity of heroic deed and exaggeration. The mighty Paladin of Baldur’s Gate, standing to smite the evil and heal the good. All the more reason she was ready to leave home to become nothing more than a rumor among the Waterdavian people. 

   Shadowheart left the city with Isobel and Dame Aylin, seeking to find herself on the Moonmaidens path. Wyll begrudgingly agreed to help his father until the city was restored before adventuring out to smite evil throughout the storm coast. Astarion returned to stalking the night and reluctantly took on the mantle of leading the new hoard of vampires living under the city. Halsin took Tav’s owlbear cub into his care as he headed back to the healing shadowlands to aid Thaniel. Her cub left her feathers as a parting gift. Minsc and Jahira left without ceremony, one could only guess to rebuild the Harpers. But before each of them left, a wax sealed letter was given. To open in a tenday if they could stand to wait that long, with an invitation to a small ceremony hosted by their leader and her wizard. 

   On the seventh night in Baldur’s Gate after the battle with the Netherbrain, Tav sat alone in the now quiet and empty Elfsong. All other allies have either made their way back to their path, or found other accommodations more suitable than a half standing tavern. Tav attempted to busy herself, writing the last batch of letters to her family far away on icy isles about her departure to Waterdeep and a nuptial banquet held there for the families to gather and make merry. But her words could not be parsed, as her anxious mind made her quill unsteady. She couldn't begin to imagine how her family would behave, or worse, if Gale’s family came to dislike her. She was much unlike her belovéd, no familiarity with scholarly pursuits and learnéd pastimes. She had quite a different upbringing than that of university and study. Tav looked up from her page. Speaking of which, her belovéd scholar was unusually late to arrive back. A cool breeze drifted through the open windows of the Elfsong, and an unbearable silence rang in her ears. A knot grew in her gut, stashing away her half written letter Tav rose from the table, grabbing her sword and shield and heading straight for the docks. 

   The felt cold dread sent shivers through her as she sped along the narrow and broken streets. As she got closer and closer to the water more and more civilians milled around. As she came to the top of the steps of Grey Harbour she saw lines of people across the wet cobblestone, all working together to pull massive chains out of the water, and the metal top of the submersible peaking just above the water as it slowly ascended to the surface. 

   Her breath went still as she ran down the flight of stairs, pushing sailors out of her way to get to the end of the dock. Down the creaking wooden planks Tav reached the waters edge. By this time the submersible was close enough and mostly above water. 

   “Gale!” She shouted, and waited. After a moment, the creaking of the top hatch cut the chatter of the crowd ashore. The hatch opened, and out came a hand, and then a box. And then, pulling himself up with a grunt popped her wizard. He was soaking wet, with soggy strands of sea grasses clinging to his arms and across his shoulder. His long wet hair flattened back with curling strands clinging across his neck and cheek

   With a whisper and a misty step, Gale stood at the edge of the docks with a small chest magically locked and sealed under his arm and the largest accomplished smile across his lips. Karlach’s light dancing over his glistening face.  Tav ran to him, and up into his arm he spun and swept her off her feet, straining not to topple over and to keep the chest firmly clasped in his hand. 

   “Apologies for the delay.” He whispered into her ear as gentle as a kiss. 

   “You did it!” Tav, now back onto her feet marbled and the box pulsing with magical energy. “You found it?” 

   “Was there any doubt?” Gale lifted a finger, “-Actually, don’t answer that. You probably had a few and for very good reasons. It wasn’t exactly easy and as you might expect. Judging from my sorry appearance, things didn’t go according to plan. But fear not, the crown is now safely secured. All the parts of it, anyway. I didn’t have the time to restore it, as gratifying as stimulating may it be. Come then, to the tabernacle forthwith and then we’ll depart at sunrise, just as I promised.” 

   Gale spoke of the misadventure all the while on the road back to Basilisk gate. When his magical locator finally detected the netheresse pulse of the crown it quickly turned to blows below the ship as fishy fiends and dishonest stowaways attempted to make a break for the crown. Luckily enough, the crown fell into his hands and quickly sealed, bound by his magic word to a chest. The final act of revenge for seizing the crown was having a hole blown out of the side of the lower rooms of the sub, but he was able to swim out just in time before the security locks on the door closed the room off for good. 

   “They care a lot about that back home, you know. Powerful swimmers of all the children in Waterdeep.” Gale said, peeling yet another strand of wet grass off his person. “After that it was as simple as sending out a rescue beacon and the anchor chains being shot out and hauled ashore.” Gale wrapped his arm around Tav’s, pulling her closer to his side. “And having a beautiful woman waiting upon arrival doesn't hurt either.” 

   The two came to the foot of the Stormshore tabernacle. Tav watched as Gale stood, dripping with trepidation and saltwater. His lips thinned into an uneasy grimace, the very precipice of a cure at the hands of his very impatient patron, all in exchange for the most powerful magical artifact in Faerûn. The orb almost groaned with desire as its light was barely muted by Gales' robe. 

   “Shall I go with you?” She asked. Her hand lightly grasped his forearm. Gale sighed and shook his head. 

   “No. Wait for me, please, at the base of the statue. The whims of Mystra are mine to bear, I’m afraid. Should she have anything else up her sleeve for her chosen, better I confront her alone.” Gale grimaced. “Hopefully her chosen, anyway…”

   “Are you afraid?” 

   "I am.. terrified. I will not claim otherwise. My face could scarcely conceal it even if I sought to deny it. I've already defied Mystra. Had I followed her command there'd be nothing left of me but a smoking crater. With any luck this will make up for it, and I can have this cancerous weave removed once and for all. What she’ll do with the crown perhaps we’ll never know, but I pray it’ll be safe within her domain.” 

   Whenever Gale spoke of his patron, an uneasiness stirred within Tav. She knew not whether it was jealousy for his devotion to the goddess, or the looming threat of envy Gale held for the immortal realm and to seize ascension. But in this moment she felt something else. Fear of the displeasure a goddess could have for her mortal favorite? Or perhaps, the possibility that her mortal favorite would be hers to claim freely once again? 

   Tav patted his back, and together they stepped around the rubble and shoved aside beam and bolder to stand before the visage of the goddess of the weave. Like before, the magical connection in the air was palpable, the channel was made, waiting for Gale to step through it. The idol, despite the damage to the building, remained unbattered. It was bathed in beautiful moonlight.

   Tav stepped back, and with a flash her mate was gone in a purple haze. She sighed, hands wringing together as she found a fallen pillar to sit on and wait. The silence of night filled the room. The smell and taste of sweet weave permeated through the air. Rosewater, a candy-like sweetness Tav came to associate with the enticement of Mystra's magic. It should have relaxed her, cupped her like a warm hug, but she was tense, and as much as she reveled in her mind being silent and her own after weeks sharing it with a writhing illithid worm, she wished for nothing but to hear something other than her own anxious thoughts. She stilled herself, taking in a deep slow breath, and reciting her oaths as a manta under her breath. 

   Halfway through her third oath, a low hum caught her attention, pricking up her ears like the sound of a wind harp. It was a whisper, barely able to parse, but words spoken to her. Words from the statue. 

   “Look for me in Waterdeep.” Said the voice, a fair womanly one. Tav felt the words wrap around her consciousness like the sounds from a parting dream. It was not a request. Before she could think, a purple flash of magical light and Gale was back into the world material. He was frowning, his eyes lost in a tangle of thoughts as he rubbed his chest. Tav stood with a jolt. 

   “Is it done? Has she removed the orb?” 

   “Yes.” Gale said, but not with the energy or excitement she was expecting to come from this moment. Gale unclasped his robe and pulled away at the fabric, exposing the black swirling lines left behind. “A reminder, she said. A scar that reveals the failure of man's folly for ill-gotten power. A harsh lesson as they go, but one not unexpected of her. The orb is gone, though. My body is my own once again, as it shall be yours.” Despite his troubled mind Gale offered a weak smile and melted away Tav’s concern. They folded together in an embrace. Before long Tav lifted her head and pushed the fabric aside as she traced the lines of the mark under her fingertip. 

   “Did you speak of anything else? What she intends to do, perhaps?” 

   “Surprisingly, no, not much. A bit of a lashing, but where comes the sting, honey follows. She was pleased to have me back as her chosen and said our correspondence would return in due time. She said little else aside from that.” 

   Tav squinted slightly, and she could perceive there was something more he wasn't telling her about the encounter. But Gale held his privacy close, and should he not tell her something openly, there was probably a reason for his concealment. 

   Tav hummed. “So… How do you feel now?”

   Gale caressed her chin and his expression lightened. “I feel the weight of a thousand burdens lifted from me, not just from my chest, but also from my mind. The guilt I carried for countless fretful nights, the risk of thousands of innocents put to rest for good. In truth? It’s an exhausting revelation. Come now, back to the Elfsong. A final night in this town before a homecoming at last. With proper accommodations, better wine, my library and tressym purring at our feet. And,” Gale reached out, taking her hand into his as he rolled his thumb over her fingers. “I know an excellent jeweler back home. Fine craftsmanship for a fine hand. I mean to take you there without delay.” 

   As the two leisurely made their way back to the tavern next door, Tav’s mind could not shake the words she heard from the goddess. As brief as it was, it lingered in her heart. What could the goddess of magic itself want with her? 

   Scratch met them at the door, tail wagging with delight to see them. He barked and Tav pet him as they walked inside, closing the barely hinged door behind them. 

   The early morning hours sank into their bones as they fell into bed. Daybreak would come soon, and then away from the city and back onto the storm coast roads. Tav curled up into Gales' side, hand still tracing the markings just below his collarbone. The orb would normally glow gently, buzzing ever so faintly under her fingertips. But it was unresponsive and silent as the grave. Truly, what harbored inside him was gone. 

   “It all seems too easy, doesn’t it?” Tav looked up as Gale spoke, his eyes tired, half awake, thinking aloud. “The netherbrain has been vanquished along with our tadpoles. The crown recovered and my orb afflictions cured. I’ll never thirst for a magical artifact to satiate me, never hunger for power that’ll doom me to oblivion. And yet. Even beyond this epilogue to our tale… something yet lurks in the shadows, but I cannot say what.” 

   “You had the crown in your hands, and you still gave it up. I’m proud of you Gale, please do not regret this choice.”

    “Regret? No, it’s not that.” Gale shook his head and yawned. His eyes closed softly as his cheek rested against her forehead. “At least, I don’t think so. Just a sensation that after everything that we’ve worked for, it’ll all just slip away. Much like the weave, the fates pull at our threads.” 

   Tav sighed quietly, kissing him goodnight before sinking back into her pillow. “Rest now, my love, and let the challenges of tomorrow wait for us then.” 

~

N: The road from Baldurs gate to Waterdeep was long and winding, but in truth it flashed before you as though some magic had sped the days along. Each spring in your step vaulting you vast distances. But there was no magic save for your companion, your lover and newly titled fiancé. The spring in your step was the excitement and relief for the beginnings of your new life. A life you didn’t think you’d still have a tenday ago.

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Narrator: Entering the city of Waterdeep was a whirlwind of emotions for you. A cosmopolitan city, the streets welcomed you with culture and pride. It was a wonder your arm did not rip from its socket as the elated Wizard dragged you though the well paved streets, pointing every which way at landmarks and memories past. All the while, you kept your eyes peeled for a face you did not see, a visage from a warning, still ringing in your ears; “Look for me in Waterdeep”.

~

   “Here we are!” Gale's eyes shimmered. “City of Splendors! Crown of the North!” 

   “Home at last,” Tav leaned back into her seat, the oxen pulling their humble cart they rode on swaying her gently with every roll over protruding cobblestone. She fiddled with the straps of her greaves, sparing her heavy metal armor for a more appropriate leather set. At least, as appropriate as meeting the inlaws of the sword coast's most renowned wizard could be. “Although I wonder, being here again, would you retain your moniker?” 

   "Hm.” Gale frowned. “Perhaps not, but it's been so long since I used my proper name. Gale Dekarios cuts a poor figure next to the wizarding prowess of Gale of Waterdeep. " He said with a flourish of his hand sparking a light visual cantrip to illustrate his point. 

   It was a long ride of twists and turns through the city streets before they could see the Dekarios’ estate. It sat in the middle of the a long line of similar row-homes built against the very edge of the water with old stone steps between each home leading to the personal docks below. Before them stood an iron gate, finely crafted in the elven style with magically lit lanterns on either side of the entrance, its blue flame flickering in the sea breeze. The small garden before the house was beautifully maintained, but not enchanted like the grove was. It held a collection of raised beds within an ornate greenhouse, partially obscured behind the home’s stone archways that upheld the veranda. Tav’s eyes marveld the building, taking in as much as she could.

   The house itself blended into the architecture of the town, if a little fancier and bigger. Its terracotta roof added a warm touch to the structure which was otherwise boxy in exterior with exposed beams. Its base consisted of large stacked stone that blended into a pale yellow brick. The pinnacle of the structure being at the back of the home against the shoreline. The tower itself,  but not one round and off-kilter like Tav expected for a wizard to reside. This one was square much like the house and in line with the surrounding architecture, and although she could not see it from her point of view, a charming stone terrace overlooking the sea just as she remembered from Gales' illusion. It had a few arced windows nestled within curved beams, culminating into a slant roof with a metal chimney rising from the tower's side, unlike the brick chimneys the rest of the house bore. 

   As Gale swung the gate doors open and led her down the pathway, an elderly woman exited the greenhouse, her arms full with a basket of herbs and foreign flowers. With her knowledge of nature, Tav could deduce an alchemical harvest, but the names and uses for such plants were beyond her knowledge.

   “By Mystras mantle, Gale? Is that you, my dear?” 

   “Aunt Gilda,” Gale rushed to her, clasping her hand. “It fills my heart to see you in good health, no thanks to your renowned potions I gather! Is mother home? This is rather urgent.” 

   “Yes, she got your letter. She’s expecting you inside.” The woman said, although she paid no mind to her nephew as she peeked around him with all the giddy delight of an elder with no further need of decorum. “And your lady friend?”

   Gale laughed and stepped aside, gesturing to Tav. “Please, I want you to meet the hero of Baldur’s Gate.” 

   “Tav,” She bowed her head respectfully, bashfully dismissing her newly acquired  title.

   “Is that short for something? Tavendere? Octavia, perhaps?” The old woman asked, the title of no apparent interest to her, either.

   “Just Tav is fine, thank you.” She responded, shifting her weight uncomfortably. 

   There came a bark and Scratch ran through the garden, stopping and bowing his nose to the ground, nostrils flaring wildly before running elsewhere, tongue cascading past his canine teeth. 

   “Oh my!” Gasped the woman. “Oh how exciting.” she said, and without goodbye dawdled after the animal. The confusion in Tav by this departure did not last as Gale took her hand into his.

  “Come now.” He gestured his head in a nod toward the house. “Let me show you inside.”

   The interior was much more stately than the austere facade would lead one to believe. It wasn’t ornate, but it was decorated lavishly. Across the dark wooden floors splayed beautiful rugs and finely carved mahogany furniture. A collection of art adorned the walls between bookshelves and display cases. In the sitting room just beside the foyer where they stood, tav could see a cozy fireplace and lushly upholstered armchairs. A writing desk pushed against a large paned window, and a circular tea-table with a lanceboard. 

   Ahead of them connecting to the foyer were wide glass doors that looked into a beautiful dining room, allowing for the doors to be folded back and make the house feel open and welcoming.  There was a hallway on either side of the foyer and glass doors that stretched the entire width of the building, a curving staircase on either end leading to the private rooms upstairs.

   “Quite the gallery.” Tav mused, looking around in wonder. 

  “Not overwhelming, I hope?” 

   “A little,” She smiled up at him. “But I like it.” 

   A door closed in the distance, the clicking of heels and around the corner came the madam of the house herself. 

   “My son,” She greeted with a tired but tender voice. She was most inexpressive, thought Tav, unlike her son who smiled brightly, his chest puffing with pride and standing a hair taller in her presence. 

   “Mother, gods it's wonderful to be home. I have someone very special with me, mother. Tav, hero of Baldur’s Gate, and our newest addition to the Dekarios clan. My wife to be, with your blessing. Will you give it?” 

   Madam Dekarios was a serious woman in appearance. Her hair was entirely gray with only a hint of the brown that was there before. She wore fine clothing with elegant black spectacles and an apron tied around her waist. She crossed her arms as she turned to Tav. 

   “I am impressed, Gale. I like her better than those frail classmates you’d bring home with you, way back when. Finally, a girl with some meat on her. May her wide hips bless her with easy childbirth and continue our lineage.”

   “Mother!” He scolded, an embarrassed flush crossing his cheeks. With a huff he turned back to Tav and whispered. “That's mostly a synonym for yes, by the by."

   “What? A mother cannot tease her only child? Come, son, we have much to do and rooms to prepare. Give the young lady a tour of the grounds so that she may not become lost, and meet me back in the kitchen. Your cat isn’t much help roasting potatoes but she can catch a fine pheasant for me.” And with that, the woman bowed her head and returned to her work, her hands brushing against her apron as she left.  

   “What did I tell you, a wallop she is.” Gale sighed and glanced at Tav with all the sheepish boyishness of a young lover. 

   Tav could only shake her head. “I think you and I have different definitions, there.” 

   The rest of the house came and went, matching the decor of the first rooms Tav entered, but all the while he waited for the one room she’d seen before. She wanted the illusion to become reality. Gale knew this, saving the best room for last. It was clear that the house was a scholarly and faithful tribute to Mystra. Up the staircase in the center of the hall sat a humble home altar to her, well maintained and spotless. It within an ornate piece of furniture Tav could only surmise was a kind of curio cabinet in an elven style, with finely carved filigrees and small circular platforms holding offerings, levitating by some magical means. It was beautiful, but it set her on edge. 

   Gale didn't seem to pay it any mind when he passed, taking her hand as he led her up the last set of stairs. When the time finally came, he opened his door with an incantation, his wards falling away as the doors swung open before them. Gale took a step back, gesturing forward with an ‘after you’ wave of his hand. 

   “The center of my world.” He said with awe. “Welcome back, no illusions this time.” 

   He was right. It looked exactly the same as it did before, the fire magically coming to light as she passed the fireplace, cracking warmly. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, smelling the books she could not before, the dust and the salt lingering in the air. She turned slowly in the center of the room, her eyes floated up the spiral staircase to the lofted space above her. His bedroom, perhaps? And above that, specimens and magical mobiles and ornaments hanging down from the ceiling beams, twisting and dancing in the air. When her eyes returned downward Gale had already crossed the room, opening the double doors to the terrace and stepping out. The sea licked breeze wafted through the stale air of the room like a breath of life. He turned to her, his smile so warm and tender. Gale outstretched his hand for her to take. 

   She passed his cluttered desk, his  lush armchair and self playing piano. She crossed the plush carpets and stepped out into the sunlit terrace, where she took his hand that pulled her into a tight embrace. He pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face and behind her ear, caressing her cheek. 

   Tav hummed softly, her words an intimate whisper within their closeness. “Back home again, just how you showed me. I find it so beautiful here, like a living dream.”

   “It delights me to hear you say that.” He nodded, an unspoken air of relief in his manner. “I find it so, too. I used to find many things in this sanctuary of literature and fascination, my amalgamation of my life's work within these walls. It was all I needed, until now. But, what divine intelligence that you could be standing here with me that puts all of  this to shame. If I find nothing else, it is only because I find you so irresistible.”

   Their eyes held each other longingly before the magnetic pull brought their lips together. Tav’s eyes closed blissfully as she pulled her arms around Gale’s neck, feeling his hands hold tight around her waist and down across her hip. 

   “You’re family will call us soon,” 

  “Let them wait.” 

   A soft sigh for air, their noses brushing delicately as they kissed, again and again until the sudden thud and flap of wings startled them both out of their reverie. 

   “Mmrrump?”

   The two looked up to the sharp feline eyes of the tressym, blinking slowly flexing her wings. She perched at the top of the wooden railing. 

   “Tara,” Gale began, voice scolding but his cracked smile forfeited what serious tone he could muster to see his old friend. “What have I told you about spying on me?  What brings you up here?”

   “Well Mr. Dekarios,” Tara huffed. “It appears like you’re under attack! A band of ruffians and their priestess are approaching as we speak. I thought it best to warn you.”

   Gale paled. “An attack? Here? Of all days-“

   Suddenly there came the sound of a war horn ringing through the air. Tara hissed and flew from the terrace. Tav also jumped back out of Gale's hold, but her face alighted, a giddy smile wide across her lips. 

   “Father is here!”

Chapter Text

N: You remembered your home akin to the setting of a fairy tale. Its winters were long and harsh, but when it finally melted a lush emerald replaced the silver snow. You remember playing with your siblings in the mud and fighting off a wolfcub from your hens. You remember your mother so angry as she healed the bite marks from your leg, but your father looked on so proud. You would chase willow wisps and fish for pollock. It was a serene time without illithids or dark magic crowns. It was safe. It was home. 

~

   Anticipation was palpable in the air as Gale and his beloved stood in the home's foyer as the front doors swung open. The small crowd who walked through were…Certainly not what he expected, but from what he could gather from afar, they did seem mighty interesting. 

   The first to enter was a bulking giant of a man, a big barrel of a chest exposed by a half buttoned and dirty sailing shirt. His breath is enough alone to start an internal engine back from cold coals. He was decorated by dark leather bands and bracers, his boots heavy and lichen covered. His hair, though braided around his ears like his daughters, a fiery frizzy mass behind his shoulders. His more salt than pepper beard framed the wide and toothy mouth. He looked very dwarvish, for a human. A curious bloodline in him anyone could glean. But Tav’s mother retained all the grace of a half-elf that matched her daughter. 

   Both she and her husband had furs slung over their shoulders, clasped together by large silver brooches slung together with beads of bone and stone. Tavs mother was petite, but none less rugged with coal painted eyes and a metal ball piercing below her lip. Unlike the red auburn hair of Tav and her father, her mothers was a fine mousy brown in a loose braid, graying elegantly to round out her more refined appearance. Pointed ears peaked through the strands, also heavily pierced.  A sharp juxtaposition, Gale mused. Not what he expected at all. 

   “Come here, my little goose!” He roared, trunk arms flinging wide.

   “Father!” Tav ran into his arms, laughing alongside him. 

   “Little goose?” Gale asked himself under his breath as four more men clambered through the door. Not quiet in size to the father but similar in stature. Brothers of varying ages in similar sea-fareing clothes. One brother, the eldest by the look of it, had his once pointed ears docked, the scaring well healed over. When her father finally put her down her mother was next with a gentler embrace. 

   “A decade’s too long to keep us waiting, girl.” She stroked her daughter's face, noting its effects of womanhood that replaced the girl untouched by time in her memory. “But for a good reason, I’ll allow it.” 

   Suddenly the attention of the whole family fell onto Gale. His jaw clenched in a nervous smile as he bowed respectfully and offered a hand. Before he could reconsider his action, Tav’s father grasped it roughly, nearly crushing it as he shook. Gale smiled politely through the pain. 

   “The man of the hour, at last!” Tav’s father spoke loudly, and Gale came to realize the man perhaps lacked the very grasp of an ‘inside-voice’. “Call me Callach, or Da- if ye dare! Haha!” 

   The brothers circled him, smirking and whispering between themselves with quick glances. “Small aint ‘e?” Said one. “Nah,” Shrugged another, “Just them book type.” Another sighed. “How borin’.”

   “Enough, boys.” Spoke the matron, and just as quick the men fell in line, parting and giving her a wide berth as she approached Gale herself. She considered him at first, eyeing him up and down, before her thin smile cracked and she offered a hand palm down. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gale Dekarios, Archwizard of Waterdeep. Deirdre of Fjord, my Tav has written all about you.” 

   “The pleasure is mine,” Gale with all his courtliness bowed again and took her hand, lips pressing the back of her hand before withdrawing. She was a cleric, he realized. A high priestess of some divination unknown to him. 

   “It was quite the curious letter we received a tenday ago, Mr. Dekarios. Imagine my shock to find my only daughter was to be married without first asking our permission.” The priestess smiled like a cat with a mouse between its claws. Just behind her, her husband crossed his arms, his good-natured and infectious jocularity attitude disappearing in an instant. “Were she to be courted back on our humble isle’s, we would have made a private council between parents and dowries exchanged.” 

   Gale glanced to his side, a silent plea for help out of the noose of parental judgment, but it was too late. The poor paladin was encircled by her brothers as they laughed and jeered in that sibling way, pulling her under their arms and fussing up her hair for fun. 

   “Ah look at ‘er go, savin’ d’world, yet havin only womanly notions of marriage.” 

   “Pah, y’know y’get married first and then jump into battle, stupid.” 

   “Maybe it was an accident! Stumblin’ into fights, as usual.” 

   “Hmph. Happy you’re alive, sis.” 

   Gale cleared his throat. “Right. Of course, I meant no offense to your customs, and had I known them before had I could have certainly and obediently followed in due diligence and with all respect--” 

   “Haha! I like ‘im Deirdre,” The father cut the tension with a big toothy smile, slapping the wizards back with the force of a giant and knocking the air out of him. “Tradition-smadition. The Baldur city is in rubble and they yet live! A mighty battle for the fate of Faerûn, what better courtship to prove a worthy mate?” 

   “Mother,” Tav’s voice put an end to her parents' toying, breaking free from her brother’s and stepping back to Gale’s side. “We were not expecting you for another three days at minimum.” 

   “The winds always prove their favor to us, my dear. Especially at such a pressing matter as this. I commanded the sea to lend their squall that I might see my only daughter married in time.” 

   “And what a blessing your arrival is!” Gale wrapped his arm around Tav. “We are happy to have you. I’ll let mother know the change in dinner plans and we’ll set out a feast to honor your company. I have the perfect stash of homemade hundur sauce and all appropriate accompaniment that will delight your tastebuds. ” 

   Further introductions were made and not long after, dinner was served. The sun had set by then, the streets empty and quiet as the dinner party gathered around the table. The two families sat opposite one another with Tav and Gale at the center of both on their respective sides. The table was decorated beautifully with food and garnishes, with goblets topped off with wine and a small tower of bread rolls at the center. The ones who spoke the most was Callach, jabbering on about sailing and his helpful sons and their small home village. Tav was very interested in all that happened over the years without her there, but was also humoring their questions with her own adventures. The nautiloid, the mind flayers, things more gruesome and perhaps graphic for Gales taste of dinner subjects, and certainly most unwelcomed to his mother from what he could see by her frown, but such conversation seemed right at home for the other family.  Gales mother cleared her throat, shifting the conversation before another mention of brain eating and ceremorphosis can be further discussed.

   “I am very interested to know the upbringing of your fine family. Are the educational systems back at Fjord isles very intense?” 

   “Oh aye, knox being the fiercest.” 

   “Knox? How very interesting, I cannot say that I am familiar with such a university.” 

   “Don’t ye now?” The father’s grin grew wider, as did all the mens smirks, a stifled snicker slipping out from the youngest. “School of hard knocks will rattle yer skull in no time!” A chorus of laughter, and from the corner his eye Gale watched his mother’s frown deepen. “T’be honest, We have no such need for books and readin’, bit of a waste of time if you ask me,” he said with his mouth full, only pausing to empty his goblet. Tav sank her face behind her hand, hiding her sheer embarrassment and rubbing the knot forming between her brow. Her father continued, “My time s’better suited aboard my ship and at home rearing my young, haha!”

   Gale's mother glanced across the table to the siblings, all eating as voraciously and ill-mannered as their father.

   “I see.” She said, flatly.

   “We uphold an oral tradition.” The cleric explained as she swirled her wine. “Our bards are sacred and protected members of our society. Historians, as much as they are entertainers. It is a great honor to listen to their poetry.” 

   “Ah, fine art, poetry!” Gale interrupted, alleviating the awkward air with his polite interest. “ The accumulation of beauty into the thought provoking word, coaxing the imagination from fiction into reality. Mystique and wonder for the senses. We have quite the collection of great masters here should you wish to pursue our library.” 

   Tav’s mother nodded approvingly. Gale could barely contain his sigh of relief.  

   “I gather it's been some time since you’ve seen your daughter then.” Gale’s mother continued. “How did that come to be? Is it custom to send one’s youth out into the world?” 

   Tav’s father shook his head, his demeanor shifting into a serious one. His humor so easily shared, withheld upon this subject. “No. It was ill circumstance that she should leave our clan.” 

   Tav protested. “Father, please, not again.” 

   Callach leaned back into his chair, his chest puffed out as he began his tale. “My boys and I, we are but sailors. We transport goods to all across the sword coast, to and from our isle. My daughter, we raised to join ‘er mother to inherit the honor of being our village priestess come our passing. She was a natural in helping the hurt, her heart was as big as the great sky stag watching over our wood. My girl grew restless of this. She was too much like ‘er brothers. “ He shook his head. “Strong spirited. Stubborn as ram. She insisted on joinin’ aboard the crew and get ‘er hands dirty. One day we transported a band of paladins returnin’ home to their city of Baldur. On this journey I watched as my girls' eyes shimmered in wonder at their tales, spinnin’ ‘er stories into ‘er ear of their deeds. It was then I knew my little goose was to fly from my coop. When we docked there was no convincin’ ‘er. That heart of gold set on joinin’ the paladins and calling the Baldur ‘er new home. My little Gustav.” 

   “Heh, I knew it was a nickname.” Aunt Gilda snickered quietly to herself as she rolled another roasted potato onto her plate. 

   “We know why you left, my dear child.” Deirdre looked upon her daughter with gentle eyes as she consoled her husband. “The fates put you on the path of righteous goodness for all, not just for ourselves.” 

   “Blast the twisted perverted fates!” Callachs fist came down on the table. “She was sixteen by gods!” 

   A terrible silence washed over the dinner party. It was only broken by the eldest brother, the reserved one of the lot, taking after his mother. With a glass in hand, he stood quietly. 

   “I propose a toast.” he said. “To our goose. She flew to harden feathers to steel, and beak to razor. She, who ‘came the tide to oath taking, battled the storm we may never have been saved from. The torrential death we avoid, thanks to she.”

   “Aye! To she!” Roared the other brothers, also standing with their glasses raised. At this display of brotherhood, her fathers sour expression lifted, and back from the fog of past despair his big smile returned. He too stood, as did her mother. 

   “Aye, to them both!” He added. “Fasten together to save the world, they will fasten their hands to save each other.” 

   “Well said.” Madam Dekarios slowly rose herself, taking her glass. “To my son for seeing this fine bird through it all.” 

   “Here here,” Said aunt Gilda. 

   With the party on their feet Gale took his love’s hand and ushered her up. “To the hero of Baldur’s Gate, and the thief of my heart. I dont deserve you. Truly. But I will do my utmost to deserve the right.” 

   Tav blinked back tears in her eyes as she looked around at the party around her, speechless and heart bursting with love. She looked to Gale who captured her smile with a kiss. Glasses rang with silverware and loud cheers roared in her ears, but she could not but close her eyes and sink into him. 

  Dinner concluded soon after. Tav’s two young brothers played with Scratch, roughhousing with a thick cord of rope and chasing each other around, all the while her older brothers and father sat before the fire, crystal glass of waterdavian whiskey in hand, and all the drowsy accord of a post-meal reprieve. The eldest of the brothers was softly singing some melancholic tune very low, the perfect seaworthy lullaby. The mothers occupied themselves in hushed whispers at the table still, a smaller serving of port and bitter-sweet desert accompanying them. Aunt Gilda had left their company just as dinner wrapped up, so all that was left was the couple, free at last from the obligation of socialization. 

   Tav stood up on her tippy toes from behind the wizard, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she brushed her lips against his ear in a whisper. “I think now’s our chance.” 

   Gale smirked, lightly caressing her arm. “And deprive them of the pleasure of hearing my nocturnal postulations? I could never be so cruel.” 

   “Gale please,” Tav held tighter. 

   “Very well.” He hummed. “I gather they’ll sort themselves out without us.” 

   He took her hand and together made their way back up the stairs towards his tower. After a beat of silence a laugh pressed at Gales lips. Tav arched a brow at him, leaning to see his face. 

   “What? What is it?” 

   Gale’s lips curled with mischief. “So… Gustav?” 

   “Please, just Tav.” She sighed, eyes rolling. “My parents, they… Well, they did not expect a girl. Like my brothers, they named me well before I was born. I guess they decided not to change their mind. I always answered to Tav. -And goose, but you mustn’t tell anyone about that.” 

   With great amusement Gale lifted his fingers to his lips, twisting them in a key locking motion and miming the key tossed behind him. “Your secret's safe with me.” 

   “How can I be sure?” Tav pressed against his chest as he stepped backwards into the tower doors closed behind them. Gale held his hands up playfully.

   “Oh, feeling wily are we now? Best cast silence on me now before I make way to the papers.” 

   “You’d think I’d cast spells on a lover?”

   “Oh you’ve put me under your spell I assure you. But,” Gale took her hand upon his chest and turned her around, guiding her through his tower. “Don’t discount the notion too prematurely. "I learned many a fine trick or two by those more mischievous than myself in that regard.” 

   “Tell me more.” Tav blushed

   “Oh don’t tempt me. I could, permission willing, cast hold person on you, for example, and tease you with masterly diluted shocks in sensitive places, all at the tips of my fingers.” His tone turned soft and sultry, his eyes gleamed with silent desire. Tav curled into his chest, humming with interest. 

   “And then what?” She pressed. 

  Gale held her shoulders gently. “And then I’d do what any sensible man must do when their collective family rests downstairs and withhold any further lascivious fantasies.” 

   Tav dropped her forehead against his chest with a grunt. “You tease.” She scolded, but Gale was far too amused to comfort her. 

   “Come here,” He said, taking hold of her hand. “I’ll make it up to you.”

    He led her back to his favorite spot, his beloved balcony, now the perfect viewing deck to the stars and shining silvery moon. He sat her down upon the velvet bench, but he did not sit beside her. He instead got down on one knee, brushing his thumb over her knuckles as he contemplated for a moment before meeting her gaze. His dark brown eyes a mirror for the stars above. 

   “With our families blessing of this clan, I believe time has come when it’s my turn to bestow to you a magical item. It is the very least I can do for all that you have done.” Out from his pocket came a small box. Tav blinked in surprise, unaware he had it on his person at all. “You see me as I am and do not find me wanting. With these stars as my witness, I swear, I will live out my days I once thought lost to honor and love you, so that I may deserve my place by your side.” He opened the box and withdrew a simple silver band, shimmering gently in essence of magical attunement. “Simply recite the words, Venio ad latus tuum , and I will be there.” He whispered as he slipped the ring onto her finger. “Say it will be so, Mrs. Dekarios?” 

   “Yes,” Tav weeped as she pushed herself off the bench and into Gales arms. “It will be so.” 

~

N: Together you fall back onto the cool stone terrace, your arms wrapping around each other as your hearts beat as one. You are cloaked in the reverent silence of the night. The cradle of eternity, the timelessness of lovers. The most beautiful of fantasies.

Chapter Text

N: You told yourself wedding preparations took your mind away from Mystra’s warning, but the cold chill on the back of your neck told you better. The eyes from the shadows watching, waiting. The words rung in your mind when you closed your eyes at night. 

“I am waiting.”

~

   The Waterdavian marketplace was much the same as the street markets back in Baldurs Gate, but where her old city lacked in variety Waterdeep made up for tenfold. There was an immense diversity from stall to tall, complex aromas filling the air from piles of spices to street food venders. Some sold brass pots and ornaments, others magically attuned trinkets, others cakes and small bitter coffee made in hot sands. Dogs barked and children ran through the streets recklessly. Fish lay across beds of ice and featherless birds hung upside down in slow roasting cases. 

   Tav was lost in thought as she walked the streets with her mother on her arm. The thoughts of Mystra infiltrated her mind so much Gale had begun to notice her absent in thought. She was embarrassed and ashamed to admit the truth, an omniscient ex-lover sending her warnings, pressuring her for an audience about gods know what mere days before they are to wed. She bit her tongue, babbled some excuse about wedding nerves. She noted something uneasy in him but he made great effort not to show it. He asked if her family gave any reason to dislike him, a question that broke her heart. With some convincing on her part Gale was satisfied. It was agreed then that her uneasiness came from being cooped up in the house, so an outing to the market was determined to be a prompt remedy. A breath of fresh air with a mission to purchase a new dress for their union. 

   For her part, her mother was always a patient listener. As they walked the cleric consciously remained silent, waiting for the moment her daughter was ready to speak on whatever troubled her. Occasionally they would stop to observe a booth or two, pick up some produce and examine goods. But it was when Tav stopped before the woodcarving tent that the Claric spoke up. 

   “If you keep rubbing that ring you’ll have nothing to wear come the ceremony.” 

   “Oh,” Tav looked down at her hands, pulling them away from each other quickly. “I didn’t notice.” 

   “Indeed. You noticed something else.” She said, gesturing to the craftsmen’s idols on display. 

   Tav nodded solemnly. She pointed her chin to the most beautiful idol on display. The upward tilting face and arms outstretched with a ring of stars set behind her. “I feel her eyes, mother. She does not leave me.” 

   “Then why run away, child?” 

   “I’m not running-” Tav scowled, but her mothers cynical eye called her out. “Fine.” She shifted uncomfortably. “I am. I… I am worried about what she might say. Gale is her chosen, mother. She has many reasons not to endorse his devotion to another.” For obvious reasons, Tav never disclosed how close the relationship Mystra and Gale had together. It made things all more a tangle in her mind of woes thick with jealousy and unknown consequences. 

   “I never knew my daughter to run from anything.” Said Deirdre. “I knew her to run into the unknown headstrong and curious. You do not fear, you protect what you feel is threatened. Your mind is threatened by ruminations and you protect yourself with ignorance. May the gods honor you both, but may it be that they’re not too interested in the mortal triflings, either. Our god Dagda is ever amused by us, may accompany us discreetly, but even he knows better than to get too involved.” Tav’s mother squeezed her arm. “Face your summons, child. It is answers you seek, not assumptions to avoid. Come now, we must find you a deep blue dress to wear.” 

   Tav’s spirits lifted as the day went on. Her mothers encouragement took an immense pressure from her chest, but the distraction was all the better. She returned back into the estate with a long garment bag slung over her shoulder. Her mother darted away towards the kitchen to put the produce away. Scratch barked and ran up to her, tail wagging behind. 

   “You smell good today!” He said happily, leaning into the chin scratches. “I missed you. The master went upstairs after you left and the cat-bird wouldn’t play with me.” 

   “Is Tara still scared of you, sweet boy?” Tav frowned playfully at her pup. 

   “Not scared. She says I’m too loud.” Scratch whined. 

   “Give her time, she’ll warm up to you eventually.” 

   Tav made her way up toward the tower, stopping briefly before the Mystra altar. She could almost hear foot-tapping of an impatient rhythm, but a gong hit, and it was only the grandfather clock further down the hall. 

   “Tonight.” She said under her breath. “I’ll come tonight.” 

   The tower was a sanctuary that Tav relished. Upon closing the door behind her she truly felt at ease, her tense shoulders relaxing, the knot in her brow lifting. She felt at peace here. She looked around but no wizard was in sight. She took the garment bag with her up the spiral stairs into the loft space above. Like below, the walls were all a dark wood shiplap, but with rich purple curtains hung against it,  tied back with a golden tasseled rope. At night the curtains would come down to a great canopy of velvety darkness. A great red carpet spread across the floor with other piles of books as similarly below. A consistent decoration, Tav smiled to herself. The wardrobe was large like the kind in fairy tales, the bed was finely carved with a gorgeous spread neatly made. There was a mirror in the corner with a few prongs set in to hold jewelry and dangling earrings for fine occasions, and above all that were hanging ornaments and twinkling jewels. Mobiles and trinkets, magical items that spun and twitched to currents unseen. Some rotated like a globe, others bobbed gently in the air. She could stare at them for hours, especially as they twinkled in candle light. 

   Tav layed her garment bag across the bed and unclasped the first few fasteners that held it closed, glimpsing her dress to be. A girlish giddiness welled up within her like a shiny new set of armor did. It was gorgeous. And a secret. 

   “It’s good to see you spritely once again.” 

   Tav spun on her heel. Gale stood at the last step of the staircase, hand resting on the ornate newel post. “Don’t peek!” 

   “I’m just curious enough to make the attempt.” The wizard took long step forwards, smirking devilishly as his love pushed back onto his chest and away from the bed in protest. Gale laughed, submitting with a few steps back. “A great ask, but I will resist the irresistible and sate the temptation.” 

   “Good.” Tav nodded. “Now close your eyes while I put it away. 

   Gale leaned back against the railing of his loft, crossing his arms with a smile as he closed his eyes. “How did you find the market?” 

   “It was lovely. Exactly what I needed.” 

   “It’s hard to beat. A consolidation of the sword coasts most excellent goods all found within the city block. A wonder to behold. I had a colleague who sold books there many years ago. Quite the collection on offer, but a real miser about it. Charged outrageous prices for Khelben Arunsun compendium. Not even first editions, either.” 

   Gale felt arms wrap around his waist, the weight of her head resting against his chest. He opened his eyes and looked down to his love, enveloping her in his arms. 

   “Are you alright, love?” 

   “Thank you for being so patient with me.” 

   Tav blinked as an unexpected sound escaped him. A laugh, his real laugh she loved to hear, as it came so rarely. Chuckles that pressed mirthfully at his lips waiting to break free. The kind of laugh that he held his chest for, his knuckles against his lips to conceal his smile that kept himself from spilling over.  

   “My patience?” He repeated in a quick breath and a shake of his head. “A quality I am not well known for possessing. It should be I to thank you for such a thing; for sticking with me through my melancholic nihilism; for agreeing to join me here; for everything. You need not ask such a thing for it is yours unequivocally, my love.” 

   “Still. I know that I’ve been acting foolish. And I know you are worried. I didn’t want you to know, to expose you to my feelings.” 

   “Were I a less considerate man this is where I would remind you the importance of being honest with one’s spouse. But fear not. I shall bite my tongue.” Gale winked. 

   Tav rolled her eyes and stepped away, freeing him from the loft railing at last. “And don’t even think about trying to look for that dress. I’ve hidden it very well and I will know if it's been disturbed.”

   “Blast, and here I thought my pilfering days were alive and well.” 

   In the stillness of night Tav slipped away. With Gale fast asleep in bed she slowly peeled out from the duvet. Her bare feet stepped across the floor with all the dexterity she could muster. She snuck quietly down the stairs and out of the tower. 

   The altar was the only source of light in the dark hallway.  Misty beams of light floated in the dark like northern lights, the sweet aroma filling the air. The channel was strong and powerful. Tav stood before the altar, unsure what to do. She didn’t know how to use the channel, didn't have that pool of magic like Gale did to draw from to grab the mystic handle, so to speak. So instead she kneeled and waited. 

   There, at the foot of the altar came a soft glitter, then a glow, a circular platform expanding out of nowhere. It’s mutable palate awash with purples, pinks, and silver. It reminded her of the reflective water from the Outer Plane that Gale took her to once, very briefly. There at the center of the platform started to materialize a figure, from toe to head adorned by the most opulently woven dress, transparent at first, solidifying with every passing second. 

   Tav paled. An illusion? No, more than any mere trick of the eyes. The platform was created for Her to enter and stand amongst the mortal plane. For the first time, Tav laid eyes on a sight so familiar to her love. The goddess of all magic and the weave. Mystra. 

   Her heart sank. It was in that instant that Tav felt wholly and utterly inferior. A small, powerless, ugly thing to behold by comparison to the goddess. Mystra was simply radiant, tall and slender, feminine and elegant without effort, bathed in iridescent ever shifting light of pure weave. Her piercing blue eyes that shimmered with a lilac fluorescence, cold and judgmental. Her blond hair was finely coiffed around her, pulled back and long down her back. She was both sharp and soft. She held no tenderness, but her beauty could easily be mistaken for it.  Tav's mind flooded with insecurity. How her skin was calloused and riddled with scars from battle, her hair an untamed fiery mess, her body not so slender but bulky with muscle. It felt like a form of unspoken vicious mockery. She could not move, she could not utter a single word. She froze, unwillingly awaiting permission to speak.

   As the goddess towered over her, her expression remained baleful and unimpressed. “So,” She began, slowly, unhurried in her assessment. “This is the one. The hero of Faerûn. The savior of Baldur’s gate and the dissuader to Gale of Waterdeep.” 

   “How… How are you here?” Tav asked, her voice a timid sound she had not heard pass her lips since she was a child. 

   “I am everywhere. I go where I please.” 

   “Why aren't you summoning me to the astral plane? Like-”

   “Like I do for my chosen?” She puffed. “Your body so unaccustomed to the sheer power of pure unfiltered weave? It would destroy you in an instant. Without any magical fortitude it would pull your very cells apart, the threads of your life’s tapestry unwoven and loomed back into the fabric of magic itself. Gale of Waterdeep counts among the very few capable of withstanding such a feat. Do not mistake my mercy to withhold my full power to bask in my audience as a mere slight against you.” 

   Tav swallowed. The superiority in her voice was palpable, and the goddess' air of arrogance set her teeth on edge more than the magic that radiated off her. 

   “Goddess of magic, why come to me? Gale did as you asked, he submitted the crown to you.” 

   “Not before you had convinced him to disobey my will. I do not take kindly to that, but it was as Ao insisted. You've played your part, kept my chosen alive and now cured of all affliction. Without a threat to my domain, he would slowly be welcomed back to my side and feel my love once more. But you've overextended yourself, haven't you? You've taken his heart from me, twisted his spirit against devotion to me. Did you think I would not notice his withdrawal? " 

    Tav’s memory flashed back to the tabernacle. The conflict that riddled Gale’s eyes as he withheld his words from her. Could this be it? Is what Mystra asked to return to her side? Mystra continued.

    "Be that as it may, he has made the decision not to return, so now I come bearing warnings of tidings yet to come, mortal. I watched from afar as he became obsessed with the very notion of power, blinded with visions of grandeur just as Karsus was, only then to be inflicted with the orbs curse that would have consumed everything in its path. Know how this obsession began, mortal? Absolute devotion under the guise of love. Think you not a substitute now? You, hero of Faerûn? With the power to bend the world by your inconsiderable will?  Do you think he would not seize that as well, given time? Savor the boon your title carries? Push at its very boundaries to see how close it takes him?” 

   “Stop it. Gale isn’t cursed anymore, he would never ask that.” 

   “The curse of Karsus did not start his lust for power, mortal. ”

   Tav clenched her jaw, she was right. Tav was risking her neck by glaring at the goddess, somehow still poised and unbothered, although a slight crease in her brow failed to conceal her annoyance.

    “He thinks only of preserving himself. Under my love and watchful eye Gale is safe from spells of grandeur. He will follow my command now that I have spared him. I have everything he desires with the power to restrain him.” 

   "You were no lover to Gale.” Tav spat. “ You kept him as an amusing pet, a loyal dog that would do anything for your omnipotent affection.  You subjugate him. That is not love. A true lover would not demand death just to please you.” 

   Mystra gave way to a pause. A magical flare like sharp static ran through the air, but just as quickly died down into a low, subtle buzz. “Hm...perhaps.” She nodded, a thoughtful reaction most unexpected after the piercing words Tav spoke from her heart. The goddess admits this? Why? Her superior wisdom grew taxing against Tav’s acrid defense of her beloved. “A trial then shall commence. Any suffering that follows, be it on your head, mortal. We shall see how deep this love of his goes. Gale of Waterdeep will have one more chance to determine his fate, once and for all. For your sake, I hope he has learned the error of his ways.” 

   In a flash, the goddess was gone, leaving behind nothing but the sweet aftertaste of rosewater in her wake. Tav crumpled as streams of tears came rushing down her cheeks against her will. She could not control herself. Senseless, she stared at the floor as her mind raced. Gale would not deceive her, right? Not pursue her for her power, help save the world for his own selfish means of dominating it himself eventually through her? The goddess filled her heart with vile doubt. It tore at her heart to even think such horrible things, and yet she knew that side of him. That desire to expand to more than just himself gnawed at her. She knew he was enamored to become something more than just a human grounded down in the material world. 

   She felt something soft caress her arm, pushing itself under her elbow and onto her lap. 

   “Tara…” Tav sniffled, free from her spell of sorrow with the distraction as she rubbed her eyes dry. The Tressym mewed softly, standing on her hind legs to lick the moisture off her face. Tav smiled weakly. “Thank you.” 

   “Mrs. Dekarios shouldn't be crying on the floor.” Said Tara factually. “She should rest in bed. It's soft and comfortable there.” 

   Tav nodded, picking up the fantastical cat creature in her arms and carrying her back up the tower. She purred as she was cradled, her head swiveling around to see all that they passed. 

~

N: Sleep could not save your anxious thoughts. Your dreams were memories of your days past before the battle at Baldur’s Gate. You relived the moments of meeting Gale, and his handheld projection of Mystra. You recall the way his eyes gleamed with the prospects of the crown.

Chapter Text

N: Your mind was wrought with an anxiety you’ve never known. Being in the presence of a god sapped you of your energy, greedily feasting on your spirit itself. The hours of night waned and sitting upon the balcony, the sunrise greeted you with a new day, and new questions. 

~

   Gale reached out, his fingers splaying onto cold, empty sheets. His eyes, groggy at first, cracked open to find an emptiness beside him, suddenly bolting his system awake. He sat up and looked around, before a familiar feeling in the air caught up with him. Floating in the air like a soft mist, weave to be sure, Gale thought. 

   He flung himself out of bed, hastily wrapping his velvet night robe around himself and darting down the stairs. Just as he was to call out for her, he caught sight of a fluffy white tail out in the sunlit balcony. His panic slowed to a curious concern, tying his robes sash as he walked across his tower. Gale stood in the doorway of the terrace and watched Scratch’s big brown eyes woefully look between him and Tav, who sat on his bench overlooking the sunrise golden rays dance across the sea, waltzing between whitecaps and ripples in the water. Unmistakably, the smell of rose and sweetness overpowered the salt spray, the echoes of weave still whispering around her. Gale saw how her cheeks were wet, but her eyes were steady, lost in difficult puzzles behind her eyes. He’s seen that look on her before, but that did not ease his fretfulness. 

   “Forgive me,” Gale said, startling Tav out of her trance. She looked over to him quickly, trying to hide her tears but failing. She pulled her knees up to her chest as Gale crossed over and sat at the other end of the bench. Scratch watched them both, ears back and nostrils flaring in a worried huff. “I know you better than to think your uneasiness this past week was a mere case of cold feet. The real conundrum here is why weren't you honest with me? Now I must ask, and I expect you to answer truthfully this time. Unburden yourself to me, what’s happened?” 

   His sincerity caught her off guard, although she knew it shouldn’t have. As affable and lighthearted as he was, Gale was passionate in all things, vulnerability especially. Tav bit her lip and turned away, tearing her eyes away lest he see the tears that well. The stupid, emotional tears she hated feeling in front of him. It made her feel weak when she was most comfortable being strong for those around her. Her self-image of a beacon crumbling in her eyes. She felt his hand upon her knee and she sighed shakily. 

   “Her.” She choked out finally. 

   An unfortunate recognition dawned on him. He nodded somberly to himself. “I see. She spoke to you. Reached out to you, peacocking herself?” 

   Tav nodded, swallowing back her tears and clearing her throat. “She called out to me back in Baldur's Gate. I ignored her call for an audience as much as I could, but I caved. I went to see her last night.” 

   Tav heard him sigh, then felt his warm hands rest on either side of her arms, his squeeze gentle and reassuring. “I’m sorry that happened. I prayed she would be better than that. But as I’ve told you before… She is a jealous goddess. Please, my love, do not let her viperous words inflict your mind.” 

   “But she will always be there, can’t you see?” Tav stood abruptly and stormed inside, her emotions choking out her words as they boiled within. Gale followed on her heels. “You are her chosen, and she is your magic.” 

   “Tav, I understand my relationship with my goddess is complicated but it isnt the end all be all. Strictly business, so to speak. My magic does not change that I am wed to you and only you.” 

   Tav crossed her arms, keeping her back to Gale as she could not stand to see his expression. “And what if I cannot provide for you like she can? What if I’m not enough?” 

   “What are you saying, dear?” 

   “I cannot compete with a goddess, Gale! How could I?” 

   “Compete?!” Gale repeated, agast. “Egads woman! Where is this coming from?” 

   “I am just.. Mortal. With scars and bruises and crooked teeth. Another humanoid no different than anyone else on this plane.”

   Tav felt his strong grasp on her as he spun her, his hands firmly planted on her shoulders and he stared into her eyes, locking their gaze at last. His expression was serious, intense, but also hurt. 

   “And I love you all the more for it. You chose the mortal version of myself. The fallible, corrupted ticking time bomb of humanity that yearned for power and life eternal. You saw something in me that I had failed to understand at the time. But I do now, because of you. I see that mortality reflected in you, beaming so bright and wonderful. You live life to the fullest, not for yourself and what it can do for you but what you can do for others. You experience it all wholly and unapologetically. You are beautifully flawed, just like me. And there's no goddess that could convince me to leave that love behind. Not anymore. Who needs the stars when I have you. More than that! You’re a supernova, an explosion of wonder and unpredictable brilliance. Surely you must understand this!” 

   A stillness first, and then a softness crept through the air. Gale's grasp on Tav gave way to a caress, and then a willing pull into his chest as he engulfed his arms around her. At once the fatigue her body felt after meeting Mystra ebbed away. The bits of weave that clung around her like a spell were absorbed by the wizard, and Tav felt her spirit fill her once more. Tav squeezed him tight, burying her face into his shoulder. He felt her nod her head into his collarbone, mumbling something muted by the robe. 

   Gale brought his fingers to her jawline and lifted her head. His nose brushed down the slope of hers as he drew close. She thought he would kiss her, but instead he rested his forehead against hers, eyes closing as he held their closeness. 

   “Gale.” Tav breathed against his lips. “I’m afraid that she’ll take you from me.” 

   “Never.” He whispered back. “With you I forget my goddess. Sometimes even the power of the weave seems mundane compared to how you make me feel.  I love you.”

   “I love you too, Gale.” 

   “I love you as well master!” Scratch barked, trotting around the couple in circles, tail wagging. “May we leave the tower now?” 

   Gale signed with a smile as Tav lips parted in a laugh. His heart warmed by the sound. “Alright you scamp, let’s go down to breakfast. With this unpleasantness resolved I think something with gravy is in order.” He released his paladin but kept her hand in his as they walked together down. Her dog made the walk a pleasant distraction from the alter at the end of the hall, suspiciously cold and quiet, much to Gale’s disliking. 

   With all that transpired he had little time to realize he was quite underdressed when they made it to the dining room. The brothers were already at the table clearing what was left of their plates when they looked up and saw the wizard in his robe. 

   “My, our ever-present company never ceases to surprise me.” Gale said as a hot flush crossed his face. He attempted to pull his robe a little tighter around himself modestly, but the brothers were distracted by something else. 

   “Goose, why didn’t you say yer book boy had a tattoo?” 

   “Tattoo?” Gale asked aloud before looking to Tav who laughed again, this time at his expense. He looked down to the orb peeking past the slopes of his robe. “Ah, well actually its-”

   “A bit wispy ain't it? Shame, it’ll fade right quick. Next time you’ll come with us and get proper ones, right boys?” 

   “Aye, proper sailor ones!” 

   With big grins the boys all rolled up their sleeves, revealing fully inked portraits of boats and waves and busty mermaids with flowing hair. Their skin was dark and bold, the lines of ink solid and dense. The freshness of the ink reflected the age of each of the men, the eldest having the most faded and tasteful, while the youngest had the most clear and naughty illustrations. 

   “Good on ye for putin it on yer chest, keep it bold!” 

   The brothers all seemed to agree and nodded approvingly. 

   There came a thud at the door and Tav arched a brow. “Who could that be now?” 

   “Yes, more guests to bear witness to my unmentionables in my own home.” Gale huffed and rolled his eyes. 

   “Da went out.” said one of the younger brothers behind his mug. “Said he saw an owlbear out beyond the city this morn’ huntin’ venison for yer weddin’.”

   “An owlbear this far north on the Sword Coast? Unless… it couldn't be-”

   Another thud, and the door opened to Tavs father in hearty conversation with the large elf Halsin behind him, a mighty and large elk hoisted across their shoulders hog-tied together. They walked past the group straight to the kitchen, Halsin managing a wave to the couple as the druid asked various questions on the nature of the fjord lands. 

   “Tav!” called out a voice, and Shadowheart bypassed the hunting party and came up to the paladin. “It is good to see you again. We finally made it, and thank the gods we ran into your father outside the city walls. He led us here.” 

   “Shadowheart, I’m so happy to see you’ve made it.” Tav said and hugged her friend. 

   “Indeed.” She nodded and turned to Gale, not withholding her teasing smirk as she looked him up and down. “My, should I assume you two have made your nuptial bed already?” 

   “A pleasure as always Shadowheart.” Gale smiled without mirth, squinting at the clearly amused cleric before turning on his heel. “I trust you can show them around Tav, and do keep them from destroying the place while I dress.” 

   The women laughed as the wizard stomped away. “I’ll see to it you all find rooms, although that's getting more and more difficult these days.” Tav glanced over to her brothers, the two younger ones making eyes and Shadowheart behind her back, and notably at her back. Tav glared at them and they quickly blushed and turned back at their very interesting crumbs. “I’ll make introductions later,” Tav led Shadowheart away from the table and back toward the front of the home. “How are the others getting along on their journey?” 

   “They’ll be here soon. Smuggling Astarion during the day was no easy feat, but the harpers have managed to find an expensive enough carriage to transport him quietly. He’ll be here come nightfall with Jaheira and Minsc.” 

~

N: With the wedding party suddenly arriving, all your woes about Mystra’s trial left your mind. In its place was rejoicing and much merrymaking as you surround yourself with friends and family once more. Life was stabilizing, and hope for your future found its way back into your heart.

Chapter Text

N: The evening was short, but plentiful in stories. Your companions, too, were moving on in life. How easy it felt for you all to start anew. To continue, almost as if impending doom was not on the precipice to destroy everything but a tenday ago. It was a gift to come together like this. To reunite again for a momentous occasion as a wedding. 

~

   As Waterdhavian custom goes, the bride-to-be must take her lodging elsewhere from the groom for the entire night and day leading up to the alter. That night, with their companions once again reunited and the home reorganized to host the ceremony, Gale said his last words to Tav as an unwed man. He bid her goodnight, kissing the back of her hands and her forehead, and passed her off to both mothers, where they would bathe her and ready her for the following day. This also meant that his evening was spent in Tav’s fathers company, as well as her brothers. They were blunt with him, but far gone was the feeling of hostile tension toward him. There was a real pride Tav’s father carried when it came to his children, and Gale saw how much it meant for him to be included in his children's lives, including himself after tomorrow. Callach sat him down beside him and bestowed to him an old and intricate greatsword. A marriage ritual, representing the enduring strength to their lineage, intended to be passed to Gale's next married son, should he have one. The sword was heavy and unwieldy in his hands unaccustomed to martial weapons like this, but he took it with grace. From there Callach and the eldest son, who Gale learned was a widow,  also took Gale to be bathed. 

   After all was said and done, Gale took the steps back up to his tower alone. Each step a monumental turn of the page as his life approached a new chapter. More than just life, but a new beginning. A new man to mold to his will. A husband. He closed the door behind him and wistfully traced the details of his tower with fresh eyes. So many days kept inside, secluded and alone. The nights that shifted to days without meaning, yearning for meaning and companionship as his life seemingly ticked away with the magical hunger that could destroy him at any moment. His memories of those days faded, seeing his beloved in his mind replace those dark times with her expression of wonder as she walked into the center of his universe. How she marveled at his books and trinkets, warmed his cold bed, brought life back into his humble silent library.

   Gale placed the greatsword upon the mantle of the fireplace before heading up into his loft. Tara sat curled up in a loaf waiting for him, a small bundle of flowers sitting beside her. 

   “A present for you, Mr. Dekarios, from Mrs. Dekarios.” 

   “Thank you, Tara.” Gale smiled lovingly at his old friend as he scratched under her chin before taking the boutonniere. He opened his wardrobe and pulled out his finest doublet, pinning the flowers onto the left side above his heart. The dark ferns and white flowers accompanied the black and purple doublet elegantly, their slim stalks and white bell shaped petals drooped delicately and curled in the same way the jacquard silk did. 

   “How will it feel, Tara? To have another person here in my tower?” 

   “I think it is a wonderful change of pace, Mr. Dekarios. It eases my mind to know you won’t be so alone anymore, especially when I’m not there.” Tara purred, curling up into Gales lap as he crawled into bed. 

   “Indeed.” Gale nodded. He felt a soreness in his cheeks, he didn’t even realize he was smiling. 

   “Yes, and given some time with a litter of your own to join you both, you two will make such a lovely little family.” 

   “Not you too, Tara! I thought I got enough talk like that from my mother, and now my cat as well? Figures.” 

   Gale was sure a Tressym couldn't laugh, but if they could Tara would be as she flicked her tail and kneaded into his leg through the comforter happily. Gale sighed, dropping his head back onto his pillow as he stared up into his decorated ceiling. A father figure. He thought about Callach. The man lived for his children, how they filled him with love and delight. He thought about how hard it was for him to say goodbye to his daughter. He was a real father; a family man. Gale found his heart to sympathize with him. As overbearing as he was, Gale admired him. Perhaps he could see himself in that role. A tickle of hopeful fantasies of teaching a little one how to read on his knee crossed his mind. Seeing something of himself in them, imagining looking into eyes that were like Tav’s. His mind shifted onto the image of Tav being a mother and a new kind of love swelled in his chest. It caught his breath thinking about it, imagining her watching over their child playing while he sat in his chair with his book in his lap and cat at his feet. He felt his heart tug against his chest. A beautiful thought that was. An unfamiliar yearning for something so slow and peaceful. Gale sighed, his eyelids falling heavy. The wizard fell blissfully asleep to the dreams of a potential future. A real life without world ending threats, rich and full. 

   In the afternoon Gale dressed himself in his fine doublet and draped around his neck he slung his wedding band attached to a silver chain. He withdrew his earring of Mystra’s symbol and replaced it with a long ceremonial earring, at the end hanging a crescent moon and an amethyst eye.  His meal was taken outside with the other men, sans Astarion, who could not leave the home due to the sunlight but was allowed to stay by Tav side in her party which stayed within to conceal her until it came time to meet at the altar. Wyll gave him a congratulatory handshake. Minsc hugged him, nearly crushing the pinned flowers on his chest were it not for Boo’s quick thinking to restrain the giant from entirely snapping him in two. Halsin took his hand and offered a Sylvanus blessing. Together with Tav’s family the men ate and made toasts in Gales' honor. Time passed, and the yard was set up for the reception with everburning torches set into metal cups strung out above their heads. Tables and chairs were set out, and even Scratch got a fancy bow tie attached to his collar to match the attire. At dusk the men went inside into the cleared out living room. 

   All the furniture was pushed against the walls, all the chairs and couches of the home set outside. At the end of the room the bow window that looked out onto the lawn was decorated to be their altar. A side table was placed at the center with a cloth sash ornately braided in the Fjordland fashion, two gold coins, and an empty dish to place the silver chains in. 

   Tav’s mother stood just beside the table, waiting patiently. As a high priestess she would be giving the rite of marriage to them. She was dressed plainly in clerical white, her most notable decoration being her large necklaces layered up to her collarbone and the braiding of her greying hair with ribbons and vines intertwined into it. Her wrists were adorned with similar beaded bracelets. 

   Gale walked up the aisle to stand beside her. She reached out and held both of her hands in hers, tapping them softly. 

   “Are you ready, my child? Night breaks soon. My Tav can be coarse in her manor, stubborn in her ways. Are you prepared to take on this challenge upon your new life together?” 

   “I am, Deirdre. She’s a little rough around the edges, but I supposed I can be smooth enough for two.”

   “Good,” She nodded. “Very good.” 

   The cleric turned to her sons and nodded. They stood alongside the wall in a line. One cleared his throat, then very gently, they began to sing. It was low and melodious. It was clear a bardic upbringing was evident in their skill. The language was not familiar to Gale, but it didn't matter. He looked over his shoulder where his companions stood beside him, their hands fasted before them in the ceremonial tradition. Gale felt his heart begin to race. It was really finally happening. 

   Callach opened the doors and stepped aside as in order Shadowheart, Jaheira and Asterion walked in down the aisle and off to the opposite side of Gale with Deirdre separating them. Shadowheart shared a genuine smile with him, Jahira simply nodded toward him with approval. Astarion looked to be in a great mood, smirking delightfully to himself at the ceremony. 

   Suddenly, the words the men sang shifted into the common speech, and in their low base and tenor voices they sang: 

Lace your heart with mine

Let your sleeping soul take flight

Take me through the night

Down down down by the river

Hanging moon in fog

Mists will lead where you belong

Sweep me off my feet

Down down down by the river

Take my hand

And hold it tight

'Causе you and I are everywhеre

The night is young, we're going

Down, down, down by the river 

Don't wake me up

Just leave me there dreaming. 

   As they sang, a figure stepped into the doorway. Arm and arm with his mother, Gale’s  breath held as he witnessed her. Adorned in a deep royal blue dress walked in Tav. Her auburn red hair was pulled up into the same braids as her mother, but retaining the two little braids she adorned on either side over her face that framed her perfectly pointed ears. The ribbon in her braids matched her dress. Atop her head there was a fine gold circlet. Her makeup was done, subtle and elegant, but with traces of her mothers heavy coal around her fair eyes. Her exquisite neck adorned the same silver chain as his, with her ring bouncing softly across her bosom between the deep plunge of her dress. In her hands she held a bouquet of the same flowers that adorned his chest, a bundle of sweetly smelling lilies of the valley. Her arms were wrapped in the same thin gold jewlery as her circlet. Her dress shifted in the light, outlining her body beneath with every step, all while draping a refined and modest figure. The dress clung around her hips and the small of her waist, but flowed freely and lightly around her calves and ankles. Around her shoulders was her mothers fur, the large brooches strung together with beads at either shoulder. She was blushing and smiling at him. Gale felt as the lump in his throat grew and he blinked away the tears that prickled at the corner of his eyes. He breathed in deep through his nose. He couldn't stop smiling. 

   As her brothers finished singing Tav stood before him. His mother stepped aside and stood beside Callach and aunt Gilda, who were not far. 

   The cleric addressed the room. “Welcome all, to this very special union. The transition from one clan onto another.” 

   Gale could not take her eyes away from her. He was stricken speechless, beholden to her presence before him. He’d swear he’d never seen a more beautiful sight. Tav held his gaze, her eyes never wavering. 

   “First, I shall have the rings.” 

   Gale stepped up, slowly reaching out and taking the silver chain from her neck, gently lifting it over her head. He disconnected the chain and took the ring between his fingers. The chain was placed into the empty bowl and he took her hand gently into his, slipping the enchanted ring onto her finger. Tav did the same, passing the bouquet to Shadowheart behind her she lifted Gales chain from him and separated chain from ring, adding to the bowl and sliding the enchanted ring onto his finger. 

   “May your rings symbolize your union to all. It encasing your souls together in infinium, their strength in their metal a mirror to the strength you share for each other. Next, the coin.”

   Tav’s mother placed a coin in each of their palms, bringing their palms together in a tight clasp that held the gold between. Tav gently squeezed his hand, her giddy smirk peaking through at the corners of her lips. 

   “May your gold symbolize your prosperity. May your fortunes ever be in your favor, may you know no hardship in life or in death. Next, the cord.” 

   With their hands still together, the priestess took the woven braid from the table and wrapped it around their hands, tying them together. 

   “May your cord symbolize your souls ever entwined. For in this union, you are now of one clan, one family. Your ties are deep and may their bond never break. You may now say your vows.” 

   The priestess turned to Gale first.  He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice tender sweet, but loud enough for the room to hear. “You are everything to me, and yet our relationship is only a nascent fraction of what it will become. You give me hope, and I’ve not had that in some time. I can’t imagine anywhere that would turn my heart from you, cursed or otherwise. It’ll be as beautiful, and as impressive. I, Gale Dekarios, commit myself to you as husband to respect you in everything as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, direction and doubt, for all the risings and settings of the sun. We tie these knots to symbolize our connection to one another. They represent our trust in each other and our combined strength together.” 

   Her mother then turned to Tav. She held her head high and proud. “I cannot imagine a world without you. When I thought all was lost and darkness would fall, you were there to show me light. I am devoted to never let you fall, never let anything or anyone take you before your time. I will protect you and our clan.  I, Gustav Dekarios, commit myself to you as wife to respect you in everything as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, direction and doubt, for all the risings and settings of the sun. We tie these knots to symbolize our connection to one another. They represent our trust in each other and our combined strength together.”

   “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dekarios, you may now kiss your bride.” 

   An explosion of cheer erupted as the couple closed the gap. Gale wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into a deep and excitedly hasty kiss. They’re lips did not part for some time, they craved to be near each other, feeling the deep desire to stay close. But they parted, and the married couple, hand bound in hand, led all the guests down the aisle and back outside for their feast to begin. 

   The lights above their heads lit the garden in a gentle festive glow. The sun had set and the night was warm with a cool sea breeze. A local tavern band of troubadours played brisk music in the corner of the garden, earning a couple of dancers and entertaining those who sat and watched with plates heavy with stacks of food. The tables all set out in a line were filled with everything one could ask for a feast. Steamed fish, roasted venison and potatoes, vegetables and cheeses galore, fruits and wine. Spirits and liquors. There was bread and pastries and crackers, and at the end a lovely cake in three layers, already half devoured. It was a challenge to keep the dog from sticking his nose as far up the table as he could, but a distracting game of tag with the Tressym did enough not to cause any harm to the meal. 

   Occasionally the brothers and father of Tav would break out into a big hearty song, the band members following along. More toasts were made by friends as the couple sat together and dined, elated to see all their friends and family all in one place. 

   Tav kept her hand on Gale’s thigh under the table. Her fingers tensed against him with desire. Gale did his best not to show it to his guests, but he too was wanting. His hand, which mostly kept to the small of Tav’s back, occasionally trailed lower and lower the more she teased him. Their mutual prodding ceased as they were asked to dance together. They stood from their table camouflage and walked together to the little dance floor. 

   In between their slow dancing Tav pressed her chest subtly to Gales, her lips brushing close to the lobe of his ear. “Let them enjoy the party. I grow tired of company and yearn for some… Privacy.” 

   “I believe our absence would be noticed, dear wife.” Gale whispered back, his eyes glancing beyond her head at the lovely little crowd watching them lovingly hold each other, stepping to the music. 

   “Who gives a fig!” Laughed Tav as she pulled at his arm. “Come now, dear husband. Come sneak away to satisfy your wife.” 

   Gale kissed her head. “There’s promise in patience I assure you. Let the night run its course so that we can run ours as well.”

   The music ended and the couple took a step back from each other, holding hands still and smiling cheekily at one another. Gale mouthed the word patience to her again and Tav rolled her eyes mirthfully before releasing her hand and walking back toward her table. She did not get very far as her father rushed her, lacing his arm around hers and pulling her back onto the dancefloor for another jig. Her father was clearly drunk already, but fittingly so at the occasion. Gale stepped aside as he chuckled to himself, unwilling to rescue her this time. He stood at the edge of the dancefloor, clapping along as everyone else did to the music. 

   From the corner of his eye he spotted something. A little tassel,  bobbing and waving in the air at the end of a pointed red hat with a great wide brim. His red robes with accents of blue were enough to identify him, let alone the long white beard parting with each nibble of cheese at the table. Gale smiled and sighed through his nose, shaking his head slightly as he peeled away from the crowd and headed toward the table.

   “I had a feeling you would show up late.” Gale greeted Elminster, patting his old friend on the arm. “Getting into the cheese already? A trap perfectly laid out for catching archwizards.” 

   “Gale m’boy! Congratulations and blessing to your clan. You know I would join you eventually, old friend. Had I not my reasons I shan't speak on, I would be there at your ceremony as well, but an archwizard has many commitments, as you well know.” 

   “Indeed, to which said wizard would pause for a momentary repast, wouldn’t you say? Come now, join the party lest you linger here unsupervised long enough to expend all of my pantry.” Gale gestured behind him, urging his friend to follow. The Archwizard did not move. He but looked upon Gale with his grey eyes, sunken in the folds of his elder expression.  Gale's lips thinned. His friendly expression fading as the grave realization set in to the archwizard's presence. “You’re about to say something awful, arnt you?”

   Elminster sighed. “Gale m’boy. It is not the ebb that keeps me from you but the tide that guides me here. You know that she has brought me to send her word to you, since you happen to be too occupied to otherwise listen to her.” When the Archwizard was met with silence from Gale, he continued. “Like moons make swell and wane the nescient seas, so too the sky-strewn gods ordain the tidal fates of mortal days.” 

   From within his robes Elminster withdrew a finely wrapped box. It was no bigger than a shoebox, which earned a questionable arch of Gales' brow as he pondered how it fit in his pockets as he took the box in his hands. “Mystra asked that I deliver this to you. She had me wrap it in fine paper and ribbon, but don’t ask me what it holds for I do not know. It was magically sealed and I did not dare break its spell to see.”

   Suddenly the box felt very heavy in Gale’s hands. We wanted nothing more than to drop it, but it stayed burning between his finger tips. With a heavy heart, he looked grievously at his old friend. 

   “Does Tav know you’re here?” 

   “No, and it is better to keep it that way, for her sake.” The two men looked across the lawn at the small crowd dancing joyfully. Tav was spinning and twirling without care between her parents who matched her steps. “I’ve cast a minor illusion this way. To everyone else, you stand alone beside the table. It will fade when I depart.”

   Gale tactfully turned his back to the party, making it appear as though he was simply pursuing the tables spread and deciding on what to eat next. Gale set the box down onto the table and placed both palms down along the edge. With his head hung, he spoke to the wizard sternly. 

   “Leave now, Elminster. I hoped that your company came from goodwill for a friend. I was mistaken. You will leave my home and disturb my wife no longer.” 

   “Gale, I truly-”

   “Elminster.” Gale said again, raising his voice. “Goodbye.” 

  The archwizard stayed his tongue, nodding slowly. He rested his boney hand across Gale’s shoulder and patted it, before turning and leaving. He slipped away soundlessly, as if he was never there. Gale stood from his lean against the table and pinched the bridge of his nose. An exacerbated sigh left his nostrils. The wrapped parcel sat tucked between platters on the table, radiating an aura of impending… Something. Gale could not tell. Impending doom perhaps? He felt as much sink into his gut just looking at the box. 

   “My son,”

   Gale turned on his heel, his mother standing not far behind him. “Oh, mother, how are you faring?” 

   She looked him up and down suspiciously. “I would ask the same of you. Are you feeling quite well?” 

   “I am,” Gale said reassuringly, nonchalantly gesturing to the empty bottles growing in number at the far end of the table. “Perhaps I’m indulging too quickly, I just needed some air. Let’s return, I’m sure aunt Gilda has gotten herself into some delinquency by now.” 

   Gale lead his mother away from the table, leaving the wrapped parcel behind to be forgotten about. For now. 

~

N: You spend your evening blissfully unaware of Mystra’s intervention. The wine warms your core and loosens your limbs to dance without care, your voice lifting from your chest and out of hiding to join in song. Your belly was full and your lungs alight in crisp night air. But there also came a growing knot deep within you as you basked in the image of your beautiful husband. His clothing so refined and fitting. His hair curling around his shoulders, beard neat and handsomely shading his jawline. His eyes, thick with desire holding you in place. Such a gaze caught your breath and stole it away. You gently bit your hungry lip. He smiled.

Chapter Text

N: Your moments alone at the party were frustratingly brief, but upon such sanctuary there resided the unbreaking yarning to be close to him. To be intimate. Your body was a band of pent up arousal, seeking just the right time to express your desire. Your patience was waning evermore thin. 

~

   The retreat back inside was almost successful.

    The party was swinging well into the early morning hours. By this time it was safe to say that every guest had their fill of wine and spirits that their attention no longer remained on the happy couple but wavered to the delightful delusions of drunkenness. Gale took Tav’s hand and silently pulled them away back toward the dark empty home. Back up the steps and onto the veranda Gale spun Tav around and held her against one of the stone pillars just out of sight of the party. They searched hungrily for each other's lips, their hands holding each other tightly, flush against one another finally after holding back all night. They gasped small, hastened breaths between kisses.

   Tav’s head rolled back and against the cold stone as Gale dragged his lips down below her ear and into her neck. She released a pent up sigh of aroused relief, her leg slipping out from where he pinned her and brushing up against his inner thigh. Gale hummed against her skin as he peppered kisses across her collar bone. 

   The creak of a door hinge and an impatient grunt from Gale tore him away from Tav’s neck. As Gale looked over his shoulder and Tav leaned to the side to peek at the pale elf who sauntered out of the house, two bottles of the rare cellar wine in his hands. 

   Astarion smirked, reveling in the degeneracy of the two he stumbled upon. “My my,” he teased pompously, arching his brow. “What have we here? A blushing bride and groom in the heat of the moment.” 

   “Apologies for not further hosting tonight’s entertainment.” Gale said with an uncomfortable step away from cornering Tav. “We needed to step away for while to-” 

   “No, I completely understand. A situation has ‘come up’? Something a little more… ‘Pressing’?” His lips curled like a cats with a mischievous wink to Gale. “Now don’t let me stop you. The least I can do to amend my little interruption is to provide a suitable distraction for you. Just don’t get too carried away.” Astarion laughed with perverted delight, stepping off the veranda and off back towards the reception.  

   “Come on,” Tav grasped Gales arm and pulled him as she took her chance to run inside. 

   As the tower door closed behind him Gale whispered an incantation as he held his hand against the heavy wood. The gentle pulsing glow of blue chains encased the door, sealing it shut. At last, Gale could breathe a sigh of relief for privacy at long last. He turned back around to see Tav at the center of the room, warm firelight flickering across her pale skin, dancing across the shapeliness of her dress. 

   “Gods,” Gale gasped as he took slow, admiringly patient steps toward her. “But you are beautiful.” His voice was barely above a whisper. Tav outstretched an arm to him. He took her hand, kissing her palm before making a trail of kisses up the length until he once more returned to her neck, pulling her against him and resting his other hand at her back. 

   “Take me away, Gale.” Tav sighed, leaning into him. “We can be the kind and queen of your book, faithfully at last, upon this night.” 

    She felt his lips smile against her skin before he withdrew, his nose grazing up her neck that sent shivers down her spine. He took her cheek into the cup of his hand. Gale stared into her eyes, his adoration for her cutting past the lust that resided within. His gaze trailed her body, her curves and the faded scars that peaked from behind the plunging neckline, her bosom heaving gently with anticipation. 

   Gale bowed his head a little, lowering his eyes thoughtfully as he spoke. “There was a time I was convinced the pleasures of the body could not compete with the awe of astral lovemaking. A spiritual kind of stimulation of all encompassing ecstasy. But at this moment there is nothing I want more than to explore you. To study every sigh and quiver, to feel you beneath my fingertips. The real you, no illusions or imaginations. I want to feel real with you.” He looked up and met her gaze. “Would you let me?”

   “Please.” Tav pleaded, breathlessly. 

   Gale swung his arm around her and suddenly she lifted off the ground as he carried her. With a misty step they were up in the loft, the ceiling trinkets and charms spinning and whirling wildly as Gale’s passion radiated off him, sending the sensitive magical trinkets haywire. 

   His touch was like that of a phoenix, soft feather lightness with the heat of fire that delighted her senses. His hands caressed her, feeling up her hips into her waist and up against her breasts. The fabric a cool silky contrast. He couldn't help himself but pull her hips against his and a thrum of pleasure that rolled past his lips. He bowed his head close to hers. Tav brought a hand up to his chest to steady herself and she could feel his heartbeat thundering behind the black and purple jacquard doublet. Her hands splayed over the material, feeling down his chest with a wanting hand. 

   Gale moved on, his fingers meeting behind her back and unclasping the dress. He steadied his hasty fingers, concentrating on withholding the urge to tear the material away. He undressed her with reverence, as if it were the first time he would see her bare. In some ways, it was the first. Tav held herself still and watched him impatiently as he took his time. The straps of her dress fell gracefully down her shoulders, and with a seductive roll of her shoulders the dress slipped and fell down to her ankles like a tumbling waterfall of fabric. His eyes traced every detail of her, followed by his fingertips. Down her shoulders, across the underside of her breasts until they circled around her nipples. Tav gasped as he rolled them gently between his fingertips. 

   Gale let her push his hands away as she reached out, her nimble fingers making short work of his own dressing and the several buttons down the front of his doublet. She pushed the material back as well as the undershirt, revealing the familiar circular mark below his collarbone, joining the space between his neck and his chest hair. He pulled her tightly against him, feeling the warmth of their bodies skin to skin. Their lips met, mouths parting to find tongues that hungered to taste. Gales slid his palms down her back and beneath the thin lace of her remaining undergarments, slipping them off as he grasped her ass tightly with another tug against his pelvis. She could easily feel his girth beneath his trousers. The captivating hardness of pure desire. It twitched under her hand as she palmed him, a light gasp breaking their kiss. Tav eagerly, and with less patience, tugged at the ties of his pants and hastily pulled them down, revealing his dick with a pleasant bounce now free from the binds of fabric. 

   Tav fell back against the bed as Gale pushed against her shoulders. Like a lion stalking prey, he crawled over her, unable to look away from her body, awe-struck.  

   “You are something truly worthy of study.” He said breathlessly. “ What machinations of ambrosic carnality could be learned from your pleasure. Your ecstasy my doctorate. I must know more.” 

   “I am yours.” Tav sighed. “Study; and spare no detail.” Tav gripped the sheets below her. Urgency coiled through her limbs, the unyielding hunger, the sweet throbs of anticipation from between her legs. 

   Gales lips curled, his eyes alit in devilish delight. He lowered himself, nose grazing up between her breasts before his lips latched on in delightful kisses and love bites. All the while his finger tips graced down her navel and between her legs were the rubbed teasing circles against her pleasurable center. At last Tav felt the slow waves of relief wash throughout her body. She arched her back into his touch, white hot desire burning within like a furnace, building and building below. Her hands slipped around his shoulders and up on his neck, her fingers tangled into the curls of his hair. 

   Tav hummed delightfully. Gale lifted his head to watch the expression of pleasure cross her face and furrowed her brow. As her voice rose a little louder he lifted his hand from the bed and spoke a spell into the room. A great shrouded dome encased the loft, suddenly the magical trinkets above swirling to a slow motion lackadaisical rotation. Anything within the dome would not be heard from outside. The tower was silenced.

   “Do not stifle yourself. The world beyond this room is far away. It is just us and our pleasure. Let me hear you.” 

   Tav nodded as she watched him past her lidded eyes. She closed them as she felt his fingers slide within her. She was ready for him, her hips lifting up begging for his touch. Gale watched her chest heave, how she bit her lip as he reached closer to the sweet spot of euphoric bliss. 

   Gale took upon this task with all the concentration of a student wrapped into his study. Every flick and swish of his fingers carefully noted what earned him the proper response, a low and sweet sigh of approval from Tav. She gave herself to him, unabashedly mewling her cues to his research to aid him until her soft hums bore full throated moans. She gripped the sheets tightly and braced, but her tight coil within subsided as Gale withdrew his fingers, a very pleased and mischievous look painted across his face. He waited for her to catch her breath, watched as with frustration she frowned at him pleadingly.

   “Onto another experiment,” he eased her with a whisper, his hands skirting up her sides and around her breasts in a tender caress as he kissed her neck. His weight shifted on either side of her, until Tav realized his lips lingered no more at her nape but down her collarbone, dragging themselves unhurriedly down her bosom. Anticipation swelled in her as she watched, holding her breath as he drew closer and closer to what she wanted. What she waited for finally came with a sigh of great relief.

   Gales elbows anchored themselves on either side of her knees, his hands gripping her hips at first before his fingers wrapped around her thighs and pulled them further apart, what was left of her still wet on one hand.

   Tavs fingers dove through Gales brown curling locks, griping it firmly as she swung her head back open mouth and sighing. Gale hummed his approval below her, dedicating himself furiously to his tongue wagging silent incantations of pure delight through her body. His grip tightened as he felt her thighs tighten around his head. Her legs tensed up as her hips gave a jolt.

   “Gale please,” Tav moaned breathlessly, eyelashes fluttering through the pleasure as she could hardly focus enough to form words. “Please, I need you. I need-“ she was cut off by an unexpected jolt of pleasure rapturing through her body. Gales fingers joined his tongue, and at once Tavs head thrashed from side to side, a loud moan soaring out of her lungs. Her body twitched against his strong grasp to keep her in place. Her feet pointed and arched, she could feel the sweat against her skin. 

   Gale's muffled moan beneath her was like sweet music to her. With a final sweep of fingers Gale withdrew, leaning back on his knees and gasping. He wiped the cascading saliva from his beard but his eyes burned with desire, locked onto her flushed and lustfully spent expression.

   “I can wait no more,” he said hurriedly as he cupped her face to reunite their yearning lips. Sloppily they searched for each other's tongues as Gale shuffled his knees back up to her. He bent at the waist, his hand urgently reaching toward his member to guide himself to her entrance.

   The two locked eyes as he pressed into her, the fit was tight but the glide was easy and not painful. A moan stumbled past his lips as felt her squeeze around him like a velvet embrace.

   “Yes,” Gale breathed. It felt right. It felt real.

   After a moment's pause Gale steadily began to move into a blissful rhythm. The pace was even at first, the wizard carefully watching for any discomfort, but soon his lust became overbearing, and his thrusts came faster, deeper and messy. His face sought refuge into the crook of her neck, his eyes closed with one hand grasping at her thigh that slung fervently over his waist.

   Tavs fingers dug into his back. Her breathy sighs and deep, teeth clenching moans lifting into the steamy heavy air. The magical field of silence flickering out as the concentration of the wizard finally began to falter. Lost in the throes of lust his mind gave up and sank into the carnal pleasures of the moment. Nothing outside of this room existed anymore. The trinkets spun anew, some so fast they broke from their chain and clattered to the floor, mindlessly rolling into furniture. Tav moaned into his ear with every thrust.

   The knot inside was ready to snap at any moment. The coil tight and stressed with potential energy begging for release.

   “Oh gods..” Gale sighed. “Oh Tav.”

   “Gale!”

   Gales head arched back, eyes closed, his sweat beaded brow pulled together. With a shudder, and a sudden stiffness in his hips, came relief. Silence, followed by a husky, shuttering sigh.

   Gale collapsed beside her, chest heaving. His throat was dry from breathing so heavily, every swallow took effort. He opened his eyes to a heavenly flushed visage, a lust spent beauty on his pillow. He reached out, scooping her into his arms and pulling her tightly into chest. They were both a breathless, sweaty tangle, wordless in their recovery. His lips caressed the tips of her flushed ears. She placed her hand across the arms that held her and squeezed. They laid together silently for awhile, watching the magical trinkets above them return to an exhausted pace of idleness. 

   “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” Gale kissed her cheek. Tav turned herself to look up into his face. She smiled warmly and caressed his jaw and held his cheek. 

   “You found your path.” Tav replied, her voice equally husky and dry. “And my path led me to you.” 

   “Thank the gods for that.” Gale laughed weakly. His eyes crossed her face and his smile grew. He kissed her sweetly, innocently almost, before falling back against his pillow.

    "I love you."

   "And I you, my love." 

   Gale reached out and tossed the comforter across their spent bodies. They quickly fell into slumber not long after, holding each other through the night. 

~

N: Your absence from the party was eventually noticed. An acknowledgement spread through your guests as they shared knowing looks to one another, smiling and stifling amused laughs at the eager young couple. They left you in peace, leaving the house empty to the newlyweds as a final gift this wedding night. 

Chapter Text

N: Consciousness returns to you with the sounds of gulls just outside the tower. Your eyes slowly open to see your lover at your side. His hair, usually so perfectly combed back and handsome now splashed across his face in a mess of brown curling locks. His breathing was still heavy with the cloak of sleep, his breath only interrupted by the occasional snore. His bare chest showcasing that familiar, still ominous whirling mark of the orb of Karsus.

   Tav rolled over closer to her lover as she shed the comforter off her shoulders. Her hand reached out and brushed the hair off his face before it rested against his chest. When this did not stir him she lowered her head against his chest, ear pressed over his heart. She listened for a while before running idly across his chest. She felt him stir a little, before his warm palms ran up her back and pin her against him in a one armed hug. 

   “Mmm.. A pleasant dream gives way to an even more pleasant reality.” 

   Tav tilted her head up to see him. He grinned down at her, their naked bodies warm against each other as she curled up against him. 

   “Good morning, Gale.” 

   “Good morning, my love.” He yawned. 

   Tav squirmed from his grasp as she sat up in bed and stretched. Gale watched on from his spot of comfort, his eyes taking her in admiringly. His fingertips grazed her skin, a subtle little glance at first up and down her spine, playful. His eyes drifted from her body, away from the scars and well healed wounds over shapely muscles, instead over to his own hand and the ring that still decorated his finger. His smile deepened. 

   The wizard sat up at once and wrapped both arms around the small of her waist, earning a surprised laugh as he buried his face into the small of her neck from behind. 

   “Come now Gale! I’ve only just woken up!” 

   “It simply cannot be helped.” Gale said in between kisses. “You’re irresistible.” 

   He pulled her back down into bed where they shared a few more moments, holding each other, kissing and laughing together is matrimonial bliss. 

   “Gale,” Tav insisted, muffled by their lips still eagerly pressed together. “We really must get up.” 

   “Must we?” He whined. 

   “Yes!” Tav laughed, playfully pushing him back down into the sheets. She arched a brow at him with a smirk, daring him to challenge her leadership. Gale smiled and caved, resigning to his fate to face the day and to leave the sanctuary of bed. 

   The two leisurely dressed and wandered downstairs. The estate was quiet as a mouse. The remnants of yesterday's party still lingered. Furniture was still pushed around, most of it still outside. The food was put away and an impressive collection of empty bottles were all piled neatly together on the kitchen counter. Tav got to making tea as Gale took a further walk around. He stepped outside and around the garden. Still, nobody. Not even scratch, which confused him greatly as usually the rambunctious little pup would be running around by now. As Gale walked back inside he heard Tav call to him from the sitting room. 

   There at the cards table stood Tavs, smiling with a mug in her hand and a note in the other. There behind her, stacked over the table, sat a collection of gifts of different sizes and coloring, all wrapped and waiting.

   “Look,” Tav passed Gale the note as he came up and surveyed the haul. “How kind of everyone. It’s truly a shame they left so soon, the house seems deadly still without them. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to live in a rowdy home again. I missed it, to be honest. 

   “What's this? Ah,  note from mother.” He smiled, turning his eyes over the page, his lips falling into a frown as he read on.  

My dearest son,

Your guests and I have left the house to give you peace after your joyous celebration. You’ve made the Dekarious clan very proud. I’ve put together all of the wedding gifts left behind, although one in particular was a headache to get a hold of. For whatever reason your pets decided one would be their new toy. Scratch took hold of it and nearly buried it entirely before I could get my hands on it. And then Tara tried batting it away! The dog I could understand, but really, I thought your tressym would know better than to damage your gifts. Your aunt and I have taken them both with us to free you both from any headaches this morning, we will be back tomorrow. 

Enjoy yourselves you two.

   Gale felt a chill run through him. That’s right, Elminster’s parcel from last night, Mystras wedding gift. It was all coming back to him. Tav was oblivious to this. He looked up from the page to see Tav with her hands on the table, leaning over and eyeing the pile like a dragon before reaching over and plucking a small box out of the collection. 

   A great deal of conflict haunted Gale. His thoughts loomed with the desire to simply  lie to his newly betrothed and try to hide the parcel further, although he questioned the wisdom of this decision. He questioned if whatever Mystra bestowed him was truly all that bad. He had a feeling, though, that because Elminster delivered it, it couldn’t be good. 

   “Come open one, Gale,” Tav coaxed him. She smiled so sweetly to him it tore at his heart. 

    Without a word, he gently took the gift from her hands and set it aside. Tav watched as he took both of her hands into his, meeting her confused gaze with one of unexpected gravity. 

   “My darling, you must know something important now. I apologize for keeping it from you for this long, but I thought it best to keep it to myself to allow for the high spirits of the abounding celebration to continue without distraction. I owe you that much as a husband to keep his bride happy on her wedding day, and I hope that was the appropriate decision to make so-”

   “Gale,” Tav interrupted him, slowing his wandering anxious babble. Her voice was firm, but tender with care. “What’s happened?” 

   Gale sighed. “Elminster arrived yesterday. Another errand for Mystra, as you might have guessed. I have no idea what his intentions were, I sent him away before I could find out. But he came with a gift… From Mystra.” 

   Together they looked back toward the cards table piled with gifts and the warmth in the air grew cold and still. Tav thought of her audience with the goddess, the lady of mysteries and her mysterious “trial” for Gale. Tav’s lips twisted in a frown and she firmly shook her head. 

   “No, I will not have her insert herself now, not today.” Gale opened his mouth to inquire further but Tav took either side of his cheeks and pulled him in for a kiss on his lips and a kiss on his head. “Whatever she plans, whatever gift she bestows, we’ll face it together. But I want one day with my husband first. No goddess will come between us. Tonight. Tonight we’ll be ready.” 

   Gale rested his forehead against hers, his arms wrapping around her waist. “You play a dangerous game.” He mused but his admiring smile that played on his lips betrayed his thoughts. “But very well. Let’s put aside this parcel of ill-tidings and doom for tonight in my tower. Until then, I wager a breakfast fit for a queen is in order to cheer us up!” 

   Tav smiled before submitting to a laugh. She hugged him, and together they turned their backs to the table and left. 

   The day was enjoyed as best as they could with the ominous knowledge rattling in both their minds. A meant only for man and wife. A day of peace and connection. Whatever would come of them, whatever awaited them that night, by gods they at least had one day to say they were married. 

   And as predictable as the setting sun, evening did eventually fall. The gifts were all brought up to Gale’s tower so they could both be at the center of their universe, an illusion of safety to ease the growing knots in their stomach. They made the best out of it, bringing up wine and an array of fruits and cheese to accompany the unwrapping, as if all were right in the world to close out their day. 

   There, centered on the floor, Tav knelt and began the process as Gale kept his eye out from his plush reaching chair dragged over from the corner of the library. The anticipation gnawed at him. Questions swirled endlessly in his mind. His last audience with his goddess was back in Baldur’s Gate and Gale was met with the familiar silence and distance from her ever since. Tav, however, had an intimidating intervention with her just before the wedding. Another reminder, perhaps, that the jealous god answers to Gale’s prayers and grants him his magical gifts. 

   Gale averted his eyes from his thoughts and back to his wife, who poured a second glass of wine for herself while he was still part way through his first. It was their favorite wine, but he could not consider its taste. The terrace windows were wide open, bringing a coolness into the room under the light of a full moon, but he could not enjoy its breeze.

   Thus far Tav had opened a handful of gifts while sitting cross-legged on the floor. The ones from the Ravengard’s, both Wyll and his father. It was a crested shield of the symbol of Baldur’s Gate, so that Tav would have something to remember her old home over in Waterdeep. There also included another rare book from Sorcerous Sundries for Gale, of which the Duke had special privilege to acquire. Isobel sent them a practical gift of silk sheets and a heartwarming letter about love and Selûne blessings.

   Tav pulled from the pile a gift a little more rugged than the others, but Gale recognized it behind the spots of dirt. He sat up in his chair with a jolt and leaned forward. 

   “That’s it!” He said as he came to his feet. “That’s the parcel Elminster brought. Mystra isn't known for her generosity in the material sense. I hesitate to compare it to her last gift for me.” Gale’s hand hovered over the orb’s inky swirls that peaked out from his robes. 

   Tav pulled at the bow and let the ribbon tumble to her feet. She turned the box over in her hands. Her perception failed her as she dug her fingers into the side of the gift trying to pry it open. This puzzled her deeply. 

   “It wont open?” 

   “Magically sealed. Hand it here.” Gale said. 

   Tav cautiously handed Gale the present. He held it out in his palm, waving his other hand around it. With a quick incantation the box glowed before the light snapped and fell away. The couple exchanged apprehensive expressions. 

   “I’m here Gale.” Tav nodded and pointed her chin to the box. “Open it.” 

   The wizard took a deep breath before taking hold of the lid and lifting it off. 

   At once the room began to flood in a new orb of light. Tav and Gale stepped back as the package lifted from his palm and into the air. The box fell away, revealing its contents hovering at eye level. 

   “It cannot be…” Gale exclaimed breathlessly. 

   There before them floated the newly reforged crown of Karsus. Its settings restored, its metal reworked. Details were added to the design since the Absolutes possession, namely the spiked wheel with small pointed stars, the same as Mystra’s earring upon Gale’s ear, behind the setting of the three stones. Its sanguine evil colors of red, maroon and purple fading from the stones to calming shades of blue, lavender and lilac. It’s metal now, a shiny mirror like silver. Weave radiated from the headpiece sending a tingling sensation across Tav’s face and a sweet thralling aroma permeating the air. 

    She lowered her hand that shielded her eyes from the light and turned to Gale. His mouth agape, his eyes twinkling. Her heart jumped into her throat, panic surging through her as she watched how he marveled at it. 

   “She’s done it… Mystra has reforged the crown. Brought it to its former glory and beauty. It’s power is palpable.” 

   Tav’s eyes widened as she saw the Wizard absently reaching for it. “Gale no!”

   She pounced, but it was too late, as she rushed forward there came a flash. She fell through him and onto her knees. Turning back he was gone, vanished from the room. The crown, too, was gone, but in its glowing spectral place stood the goddess of magic herself, looking down at the paladin from where she stood, towering, imposing, as if sucking all the air from Tav’s lungs as she stared at the mother of magic with horror. 

   “What have you done!” Tav cried, shakily standing. 

   “The trial has commenced.” Mystra said, unwavering in her authority. “Without distraction Gale of Waterdeep now must decide his fate, once and for all.” 

   Tav’s left fists clenched until her knuckles turned white. She felt her wedding ring between her fingers, hard and smooth.

   “It was just an illusion. You never really reforged something so dangerous did you?”

    Mystra narrowed her eyes. “What matters is if my chosen can truly dismiss such  temptation. Should its power prove too tantalizing, should the magic it could wield be too inducing and ensnare, then he is no better than Karsus himself and remain in my watchful care. I think we both know this is for his own good.” 

   No. Tav felt it in the very pit of her stomach. It was a trap. It was a way to trick him into a false sense of choice. It would never truly be his choice should he remain in her shroud. The same false choice of obliteration when they first encountered the Netherbrain deep beneath Moonrise tower. 

   “He may be your chosen, but he is my husband. At my side he is a man, no weapon of yours!” 

   “Stop!” Mystra shouted, her magical aura crackling hostile sparks within the tower. 

   Tav pulled her hands into her chest and clasped her ring. “ Venio ad latus tuum! ”

Chapter Text

~*~

   At once there came a blinding light, and then the familiar wash of magical vibrations coursing through his body and dancing across his skin. He blinked and looked around. In his tower no longer, Gale saw the expansiveness of the astral plane, alight with stars and awash with color of the heavenly cosmos. His heart pounded with adrenaline as he realized he’d been transported here by Mystra. 

   Before any answer could be sought, lights began to cluster some feet ahead of him, an apparition forming, but this apparition was not in the shape of his familiar goddess. It curated slowly, tall and broad shouldered with a glow at its core. Soon the lights refined and a figure appeared in full. 

   Gale stood before the image of his likeness, but it was not himself. Not truly. The man before him looked like him, dressed in blue and gold robes that hung loosely across one side with the gold coined claps across its shoulders. Its chest was exposed, showing the subtle glow of the orb of Karsus. But its skin was a metallic silver sheen, and its expression a cold and distant disposition. It was proud and authoritative, but it was not kind. Its eyes were empty sockets of spectral glow of the arcane power within. Gale marveled at this image of himself. Before, when he was a younger; naive with whimsical notions of power and magical prowess; when he was willing to do anything in the world to be noticed and brought in by Mystra; he would have looked upon this figure with utmost desire. Now, Gale could find nothing in this visage he admired. 

   The figure outstretched its hand to Gale, and there in its grasp materialized the crown in all its reforged glory. 

   “What's going on here? Explain yourself at once!” 

   The figure said nothing, his steady arm remaining outstretched. 

   Gale pondered. “Are you the imposing reflection of what I could be that stands before me?” 

   The figure said nothing, but its chin lowered slightly. Gale couldn't tell if it was a nod. 

   The wizard threw his hands up and paced. “Gah! What is this sick danse macabre! Why is Mystra entrusting the crown to me now after all this time?! Is this truly Mystra’s will?”

   The figure took one step forward, insisting he take the crown. Gale frowned at him, and took a step back. His gut pulled at him, he couldn’t trust him. 

   His mind was a storm of questions, but he could scarcely hear his own thoughts as the peaceful harmony of the gods' domain faded into static in his ears that transformed into words. Gale was bombarded with voices from the space around him like ghostly whispers on loop;

Choose between magic and man  

Return with me to Elysium

Choose between power and mundanity

Forget the mortal realms

Choose 

 

   The voices were obscure, a befuddling mass of Mystra’s voice, his own voice, and most horrifically, Tav’s voice. It sent a frigid shutter down his spine and his heart sank into the depths of his core. To hear her voice amidst the cacophony struck him with fear. Her voice was nearly drowned out by the others. 

   The figure who stood before him began to waver and split. Two more figures stepped out from him, an illusion of Mystra and Tav standing on either side of the godly facsimile of himself. Mystra had her hand across his mirror's shoulders, her hand held out for the wizard to take. The illusion of Tav stood alone smiling and nodding to him innocently. 

   You’re finally worthy Gale. He could almost feel soft lips caress his ear. Become your true self. Choose your eternity wrapped in magic and wonder. 

   Choose

   Gale closed his eyes, pressing his fingers to his temples and he focused Tav’s voice. His lips twisted in a tight frown. Focus.  Tav’s voice rang softly through the noise like a bell through an immense cave. Soon, with great concentration, the script changed. Instead of repeating the same words as the others her voice began to muddle. A different sound echoing slowly through the astral plane and into his mind. 

   ..io..la..m..

   V…io..a..lat..uum…

   Venio ad latus tuum! 

   Gale opened his eyes. 

~*~

   “ Venio ad latus tuum! ”

   Mystras face suddenly sharpened into a scowl and at once a chain of events happened simultaneously. Mystra flung her hand out, casting sleep onto Tav that instantly snapped her consciousness away as she fell back onto the floor. The spell, a sophisticated teleportation incantation that summoning the wearer of the joining ring, brought a flash of light into the room and Gale reappeared. He was dazed at first, light-headed and nauseous, blinking away the spots in his eyes from the effective spell before freezing at the sight of his goddess and her silent fury. His heart dropped, casting his eyes down to his wife motionless on the floor. He fell to his knees before her, cupping her neck into his hand and lifting her head onto his lap. 

   “Tav!”

   “Enough distractions. You must choose, Gale of Waterdeep. Would you sacrifice your magic to keep your mortal lover, forever anchoring yourself to the material realm. Or will you ascend to the astral plane, retain your control of the weave and be welcomed back by me, my chosen.”

   “I don’t understand, Mystra!” 

   “Your bond to the weave will be severed, and for life eternal you’ll have no access to magic or to me. You will be a man no more to step into the guiles and notions of power anew. Are you willing to bear these consequences?” 

   Gale lowered his head. A terrible choice that gutted him to even consider. His life’s work, his passion, is reason for being at times, potentially gone in a blink of an eye. Magic was his everything, but to have it taken away, who would he become? His mind flashed with memories of his childhood full of magical pranks, summoning his beloved tressym, his friends and colleagues he met through his magical studies.  Gale caressed Tav’s cheek, his frown deepening. But on the other hand, for all the magic he claimed to wield and in all his wisdom, it wouldn't have mattered if the orb had its way. If Mystra had her way. The archwizard he claimed to be would be dust in the center of an illithid splattered crater, were it not for her, his beloved, his wife. 

   Gale tucked his arm beneath Tav, hoisting her up a little higher to rest against his chest as his arms slung around her to steady her in his embrace. He sighed deeply and shook his head as he folded over the words in his mind. Mystra waited patiently. 

   “All I wanted in life was to be worthy of something great. To be great.” Gale’s voice was low, as if he was speaking to Tav deep in her slumber. He lifted his head, eyes meeting Mystra’s. “When it came to you, my goddess, it felt like the truest honor to be looked upon and given your weave. Whatever life I claimed once to lead, I only followed you from then on. But I have a new life now, my time no longer borrowed. My manipulation of magic, though vast in knowledge, was not a personal gift bestowed to me by you as a lover. I know this now. I was mistaken in this for a very long time and until recently I believed you were my salvation. But you weren’t. You couldn’t be. Now that I’ve had my fair share of adventuring and near death experience. I've had enough. Magic or no magic. So,” Gale took a deep breath before turning his head away, squinting and bracing for impact. “Do it. Remove my weave so that I may yet still live with her by my side. I accept my mortal fate.” 

   A very unexpected sound followed. A laugh, a satisfied hum from the goddess. “Spoken like the true wizard you were meant to be.”

    Gale peaked open one eye, dropping his brace and turning back to her. She was smiling down at him, the same, loving smile he remembered she shared with him a long, long time ago. Her eyes showed the familiar doting for her favorite wizard. 

   “You have accomplished something very few in this world have ever done. You have proven me wrong. You, whose selfish greed for power that almost annihilated all of magic to placate your rapture, would release the very magic you have lived to serve for, for the rest of your life, to save your humble future with her. You have shown my great growth in you, Gale of Waterdeep. You are no longer a threat to yourself and to my domain. 

   “Gale of Waterdeep, You have passed my trial. If you truly are willing to give up all of your power for this one mortal, then you have grown from your threatening dilutions into a better man indeed. You are free to go with both my blessing and my promise- henceforth, your prayers will always be answered. Your humility will never be forgotten. Nor will I forget you. Go, Gale of Waterdeep. Your life is your own at last. It’s time you went and lived it.”

   Mystra lifted her hand, fingers splayed out toward him before curling like a distant caress. The mark, which once pulsed and beat in his chest like a second heart, slowly began to hum as it flecked away from his skin in a flurry of magical star-like twinkling light. At last, with the wave of Mystra’s hand the mark was gone. His flesh was his own once more, his body no longer marred with a bad memory. 

    In a flash of dancing lights, Mystra was gone. 

   “Gale?”

   Gale looked down to see Tav’s eyes cracked open in a sleepy gaze. She reached out and cupped his chin, her thumb brushing through his beard. 

   “Tav! Thank the gods you’re alright!” Gale sighed, his hand resting over hers that caressed him and giving it a relieved squeeze. 

   “I said the spell and then..I can’t remember. But your back. What happened to Mystra?” Tav lifted her head and looked around the empty room, her senses and her strength slowly returning. 

   “It’s alright, my love. She won’t bother us anymore. I think… I think she’s happy for me. For us.” 

   Tav’s smile grew as she stared lovingly into his eyes. “You passed the trial.” She said, “I’m so proud of you.” 

   “I couldn’t do it with you, my love.” Replied Gale. No more words were spoken as he closed the gap and kissed her. 

   Winter was quickly approaching the coastal town of Waterdeep. Icy winds blew in from the Sword Mountains north of the city. Tav pulled her fur cloak tighter around her shoulders as she took hurried steps up the street toward home. Students called her name and waved as they passed her down the sidewalks. Tav nodded to them and waved back. 

   Up the winding campus in a row of other brick homes once wrapped in thick green ivy now fluttered with brown and red leaves. The stained glass windows danced with a warm, enticing light from within. Smoke curled and lifted from the chimney tops on slate roofs. Tav opened the frosty iron gate and stood before her new home, thinking back to how she first arrived months ago. 

   She came back to the Dekarios estate once day to find Gale and Elminster sitting together before a lanceboard. They stood as she walked in, Gale with a big smile on his face as he ushered her closer. Elmister took her hand and expressed his deep regret for missing their wedding. He and Gale apparently had some harsh words for each other, but cleared their tension and renewed their friendship with a meaningful belated gift. The great red wizard passed Tav a set of elegant keys and explained; A great need was present here in Waterdeep. The academy of magical arts and wizardry, the very same Gale attended long ago, was in great need of a replacement for a professor. With the great mage Elmisnter Aumar’s persuasive recommendation, Gale of Waterdeep would cement his position, as well as his title as Archwizard. And, like all administration, a home on campus awaited them to claim. 

   “I’m home!” Tav called out as she closed the door behind her. She shrugged her cloak off her shoulders and hung it up, kicking off her boots shortly after. Her armor still squeaked a little with every step, but it wouldn't take long to break in. The blazing symbol across her chest plate still shined, a dead giveaway for a captain of the guard, Tav thought to herself, but maybe she could replace it soon once the ceremony of it all was over.

   The first to greet her was Scratch, of course, bounding around the corner and jumping up to her. 

   “I’m so glad you’re home!” He panted. “Master is in the library!” 

   Tav scratched his head and thanked him, following the dog's lead back to her beloved husband's treasured reading room. 

   She came to the door and peeked in. There inside, sitting in his plush chair with a book in his lap and a glass of wine in his hand sat Gale, loving husband and archwizard of Waterdeep. He was lost in the pages, utterly focused as the winged cat yawned at his feet from her loafed position between him and the fireplace crackling nearby. She watched him like that for some time, smiling to herself at the image. Eventually her beautiful tableau shifted, Gale glanced up from the page and finally caught her stare. His smile grew with hers as he watched her cross the room and lean down to greet him with a kiss. 

   “Welcome home, love. How did new recruitment go?” 

   Tav sighed and shrugged. “Half can barely swing a sword, but there's potential.” Tav finished unbuckling her breastplate and placed it down on the rare empty space on the table up against the room’s leaded windows. Tav’s eyes idly looked past the glass. It looked like it would snow soon. 

   She made quick work of her armor, messily piling it up at the edge of the table and on the floor. Gale was mid sip of wine when Tav crawled up onto his lap. He reached his arms up above his head, glass in one hand and book in the other as she made herself as comfortable as Tara, slinging her arms around him, her feet kicking off the edge of the armchair. 

   “We have a couch, Tav.” Gale laughed, setting aside the glass to safety and securely holding her back. 

   “But you’re here looking much too comfortable and warm.” She replied as she pressed her wind-flushed face into his chest. 

   “Of course, foolish me.” Gale shook his head. He closed his book and set it beside his wine on the end table beside him. 

   The fire popped and a log crumbled to the side. Tara with her feline smile flew off, leaving the two to the romantic peace of the firelight. 

   “Gale?”

   “Yes, love?” 

   “I think… I think it’s time we considered having a family.” Tav felt Gale shift under her, adjusting his hold on her. 

   “A family…” he repeated thoughtfully. Tav looked up from his lap to see a slow smile grow across his lips. “I guess I would consider our current lifestyle settled. But, is that what you would want? To bring a child into this world, truly?” Tav nodded, a bit bashfully even. She opened her mouth to speak but to her surprise Gale suddenly stood, his hands hoisting her up with him. His teeth flashed as he smiled. “Well then! Better get to work shouldn't we?” 

   Tav laughed as he carried her out of the library. Tara and Scratched watched from the doorway as the wizard carried his paladin into their bedroom, closing the door behind him with a kick. 

   “They’re going to make such wonderful parents,” Tara sighed, tail curling behind her. 

   “I just can’t wait to have someone to play with.” Agreed Scratch. 

   “Come then, you dog. We must leave them for now, I’ll push something off the kitchen counter for you.” She said as she took flight. The dog happily followed her after, leaving the human and the half-elf to their privacy. 

Narrator: Life fell into bliss at last. For all your days adventuring, saving yourself from the illithids and keeping the world safe from the Absolute, nothing felt better than this moment. This fragment in time where you truly felt safe and at home. No honorifics felt better on your tongue, than to be known as the Dekarioses of Waterdeep.