As the first gentle rays of morning light filter through the window, casting a soft glow across the room, Gale stirs slightly. The tranquility of the night had left a peaceful aura in its wake, and the promise of a new day brings a fresh sense of possibility.

  Gale's eyes open slowly, adjusting to the light, and he shifts to look at Agreth once more. His gaze is soft and thoughtful as he watches him in the quiet morning. The intimacy of waking up together, still entwined from the night before bringing a painful happiness to his chest. He smiles softly.

  "Good morning." Gale whispers, his voice husky with sleep but filled with warmth. His hand gently brushes a stray lock of hair from his face, not certain the other man was even awake yet.

  Agreth’s eyes remain closed, but a gentle smile grows beneath Gale’s touch betraying his wakeful state.

  “It’s too early.” the bard groggily mumbles in faux grumpiness.

  Gale chuckles softly in response to the grumpy protest, the sound rich and comforting in the quiet of the morning. He leans in pressing a soft kiss to his forehead, in an apologetic acknowledgement.

  "Perhaps," he agrees with a gentle tease in his tone, "but the day won't wait, even for us."

  Despite his words, Gale makes no move to start the morning. Instead, his arms move to wrap around the bard in his soft cocoon of bedclothes, appreciating the shared warmth a while longer himself.

  "We can take our time," he murmurs. "Let's just enjoy the morning together." His hand strokes his back gently, a calming rhythm.

  The room gradually brightens as the morning progresses, the light playing across the walls and ceiling, painting a serene backdrop as it dances across the various wizard oddities and tchotchkes kept even in this room of rest. Outside, the muted sounds of the world stirring reach them, a gentle reminder of the life beyond their quiet sanctuary.

  Agreth takes in a deep breath and releases it in a contented sigh. His eyes still closed as though it alone allows the quiet moment to stretch on. Feeling the comfort of his strokes, hearing the rhythm of his heartbeat. The sound makes Gale real in Agreth’s mind, where he feels too much like a dream. A time stretches on where the two dance between sleep and wakefulness.

  At length Agreth’s contented smile turns more mischievous, and he groggily grumbles one word into the wizard’s chest.

  “Coffee...”

  Gale’s response to the sleepy, single-word demand is a low, amused laugh that vibrates warmly against his ear.

  “Coffee,” he repeats, his tone light and accommodating. “An excellent idea.”

  With a gentle squeeze that conveys reluctance to part, even briefly, Gale carefully extricates himself from the tangle of limbs and sheets. His movements are slow and deliberate, aiming to disturb Agreth as little as possible. He pauses to plant another soft kiss on his forehead before he slips out of bed.

  “How do you take yours?”

  Agreth shivers slightly as Gale slips from the bed, the loss of his body heat making him realize just how chilly the early morning air around them had become. Curling into a ball, he pulls the blanket up around himself tighter, clearly struggling with early mornings unlike the scholarly mage.

  "Black..." He mummers from his cave of blankets, continuing his sleepy one word responses.

  Gale stretches briefly, working out the sleep from his limbs. He glances back at Agreth with a smile that holds both fondness and a hint of mischief.

  “Coming right up.” He confirms.

  Gale slips from the room, his footsteps retreating to the kitchenette located a short distance up the hall.

  The gentle sounds of Gale preparing coffee filter through the air, the background noise of clinks and clatters signifying the start of a new day. The aroma soon begins to fill the room, rich and inviting, drawing Agreth further toward wakefulness.

  After a few moments, the noises still, and Agreth hears the soft bare foot falls of the wizard entering the room once more. Gale sits down gently on the edge of the bed, careful not to jostle it too much, and extends a mug towards the bard.

  “Here you are. Careful, it’s hot.” he says softly.

  Agreth’s hand reaches out from his blanket cocoon to accept the mug. The warmth of the ceramic feels comforting, a pleasant contrast to the cool air. Agreth couldn’t help but smile at the thoughtful effort Gale made to accommodate his simple request.

  Gale watches for a moment a satisfied ease on his face before he takes a sip from his own mug.

  “I hope it helps wake you up.” he comments, settling back against the headboard with his coffee, content to share the quiet morning moment.

  Agreth shifts, so that he is sitting facing Gale in his relaxed position. His body still wrapped entirely in blankets, his eyes finally opening, take Gale in with a knowing smile. Agreth’s features are disheveled, sleepy and his usual quick wit being reduced to simple words, clearly not a morning person.

  “Thank you...” he managed two sleepy words this time, a clear mark of improvement, as he took another bracing sip.

  Gale chuckles softly at his sleepy gratitude, charmed by this side of the usually polished and exuberant bard. The corners of his eyes crinkle with a smile as he watches him nestled in blankets, enjoying the sight of Agreth relaxed and at ease in his presence.

  "You're very welcome," he responds, his voice low and soothing.

  He takes a leisurely sip of his own coffee "No rush this morning," he murmurs, as though half reminding himself.

  The two fall into a comfortable silence, the sound of occasional sips punctuating the air periodically. Agreth turned over in his mind Gale’s final words. Not being rushed or feeling a sense of urgency to his day was likely something the wizard of high renown and demand didn’t indulge in often. It was very different from his life, where Agreth chose his own hours of work, most of them falling in the evening at taverns.

  It is Gale who eventually breaks their silence, the want to plan the day becoming too strong to ignore.

  "Any plans for today, or shall we see where the day takes us?"

  "I suppose that depends on your schedule." Agreth responds, some life coming back into him, as he sleepily rubs his eyes with the back of his hand "We've some volunteers to arrange a meeting with." He mentions casually, and then a pang of nerves strike and he pauses looking at Gale in question."If that is still something of interest to you?"

  Gale nods, the reminder of their shared project bringing a spark of excitement to his eyes.

  "Absolutely," he replies with an earnest tone. "I'm very much interested in continuing our work. It's not just the magic itself, but exploring it with you that makes it so compelling."

  He sets his coffee mug aside, his demeanor shifting slightly to reflect a more focused approach.

  "Let's arrange those meetings then. And perhaps," he continues, a playful curiosity returning to his voice, "we can find some time for other adventures today as well. I believe a balanced day can accommodate both our scholarly pursuits and some leisure."

  Gale reaches out to gently caress Agreth’s jaw, his touch light and affectionate. "I want to make the most of our time together, Agreth."

  Agreth’s expression softens and he catches the fingers stroking his jaw with a light kiss.

  "I'm starting to see the benefits of dating a wizard who trains in stamina." he teases, cutting through Gale’s thinly disguised meaning of ' leisure'.

  Gale laughs, a rich, warm sound that fills the space between. His eyes twinkle with delight at the teasing, clearly appreciating the light-hearted jab.

  "One must always be prepared for all manner of... extensive activities." he quips.

  Agreth gives him a knowing look but continues.

  "I also have the Wintervale festival to perform with Rune. That'll have to occur sometime in the next day or two." Agreth reminds as well, though his tone is off handed, it having little urgency. In his head he felt confident that the planning was well enough sorted, not feeling much of an urgency to plan it further, outside of spending time with a dear friend.

  "The Wintervale festival, you say? That sounds like a delightful event. Perhaps I could join you and Rune there? It could be enjoyable to see you in your element, and I'm sure Rune's company would only add to the festivities."

  In his excitement Gale begins to dive into his long sentences. Agreth reaches out and places a hand on his leg, as if to calm him.

  “You’re more than welcome.” He says with a reassuring smile. “But what of you Gale?” he continues, taking a sip of his coffee “I'm surprised to find your schedule so free and flexible. Especially considering how long it took me to schedule a brief interview with you when we were strangers."

  Gale’s smile turns slightly sheepish at the observation.

  “Well, it seems my priorities have undergone some… adjustments of late,” he admits, setting his coffee mug down and meeting his gaze with a sincere expression. “Since meeting you, I find myself wanting to make time where I once might have claimed there was none.”

  He leans back slightly, his eyes thoughtful. “I’ve always been dedicated to my studies and work, perhaps sometimes to a fault. It’s easy for wizards to become ensconced in their research, often at the expense of other pursuits or relationships.”

  “Besides,” he continues with a more lighthearted tone, “I’m finding that the time spent with you is not only enjoyable but enriching in ways that my solitary studies never could be. You inspire new ideas, new perspectives. It’s refreshing. And quite invaluable.”

  Agreth smiles at the flattering response for a moment, but his brows quickly furrow as a new thought enters his head.

  "I apologize beforehand for if this comes across as rude, but what do you wizards do? As a bard, any sort of payment or benefit I earn on the streets and in taverns through playing music." He pauses looking around the lavish room, remembering how big his home is, and all the magical instruments and books he’s seen in the few rooms he’s been in.

  "You've clearly done well, but I've never seen a wizard do anything but read." he ponders out loud. As he finishes, his own words occur to him, and he realizes that they could be bordering on offensive. "In all due respect."

  Gale chuckles lightly at the inquiry, showing no sign of offense. Instead, he seems to appreciate the curiosity behind the question.

  "That's a fair question," he responds with an understanding nod, clearly recognizing the genuine interest behind the words rather than any rudeness.

  "Wizards often find themselves engaged in a variety of pursuits," he begins, eager to explain the nuances of his profession. "Many of us do spend a considerable amount of time studying and researching, as you’ve noted. However, our skills can also be applied in more practical and lucrative ways."

  He gestures around the room, indicating his collection of artifacts and books.

  "For instance, many wizards take on roles as consultants or advisors for various institutions or private patrons. We might be called upon to analyze magical artifacts, create protective wards, or even craft magical items. Each of these tasks requires a deep understanding of arcane principles and can be quite well-compensated."

  Gale’s eyes light up with enthusiasm, being asked to discuss his work, a rare luxury.

  "Additionally, some of us teach, while others might write or publish scholarly papers and books that contribute to the wider body of magical knowledge. And then there are those who are involved in the governance of magical communities or in diplomatic roles that leverage our expertise."

  Agreth smiles as Gale falls into his enthusiastic torrent of thoughts.

  "Personally, I’ve been involved in several of these areas over the years. I've advised on magical security, participated in archaeological digs to uncover ancient magical artifacts, and I’ve even spent time as a lecturer at a magical academy."

  As if perhaps realizing that his voice was the only one speaking, Gale slows, his eyes focusing on Agreth once more with a sheepish grin.

  "It’s a more varied profession than it might seem at first glance." he concludes with a smile, hoping to have provided a clearer picture of how his life as a wizard extends beyond the stereotypical image of a bookish recluse.

  "I apologize. I suspected the question may be stemming from a place of ignorance and your response proves it so." Agreth offers in response. "I appreciate your patience. But what of you, are you not engaged in any of these obligations currently?"

  Gale receives your apology with a gracious nod, his smile reassuring.

  "No apology necessary, Agreth. I’m glad for the opportunity to share more about what I do. It’s easy to assume wizards are perpetually cloistered with their books." he explains, his tone light.

  "As for my current engagements," Gale continues, "I have indeed been less involved in formal obligations recently. I've been at a point in my life where I can afford to be selective about the projects I take on. This allows me to dedicate time to personal pursuits—like our shared project—and to people who are important to me." he adds with a meaningful look.

  "I’ve also been pondering new research directions and considering some offers to collaborate on magical explorations and experiments. However, I've made a conscious decision to keep my schedule more open than usual. It’s been refreshing, and frankly, meeting you has reinforced that this was the right choice. It’s allowed me to invest time in exploring our connection and the unique magic we might create together, both literally and metaphorically."

  He finishes his coffee, and sets it as a side table, his thoughts flowing freely, unguarded.

  "I find that life sometimes requires us to step back and reassess where we put our energies. You’ve inspired me to think differently about that balance."

  Agreth feels the warmth of a blush touching his cheeks once more. Gale’s earnest turning the attention of his life to the bard was a touching thought and a stronger dedication to their relationship than he realized Gale was putting forth. The two sit in silence a moment taking in the words.

  Gale observes the blush and the contemplative silence that follows, his own expression softening with affection. He understands the significance of Agreth understanding the moment.

  After a pause, Gale reaches out, gently placing his hand in Agreth's.

  "It's important to me that you know how much I value our time together," he says quietly.

  Agreth places his own coffee down, the thoughts mulling in his mind, resting light on his heart.

  "I’m surprised at how important you've come to be to me in such a few meetings." Agreth confesses in return as he thinks back on their experiences.

  It's only been a handful, the first interview and song, the festival, the snowy night, and now his home and their new potential magical discovery. Few enough to count on one hand, but somehow it seems to be changing the entire focus of their lives

  "I think about the depth of our experiences together and am shocked we've known each other so little and for such little time."

  Gale listens intently, nodding slightly at the articulated thoughts.

  "You're right," he agrees, his voice low and reflective. "I believe it's a rare and fortunate thing to find someone with whom you can share such a powerful connection so quickly. It speaks to something exceptional between us, something worth exploring and cherishing."

  Their gaze met, filled with a mix of wonder and affection.

  "And while it's been a short time in the grand scheme of things, I feel as though I've known you much longer. Our souls seem to recognize each other, and that's not something I take lightly."

  Agreth feeling reassured intertwined his fingers with Gale’s, as if stabilizing the two, and reflecting the intertwining of their lives.

  "I wish I knew more about you. The depth of my emotion and the connection I feel with who you are now in front of me is very real. But when I think about it in truth I know very little about you." his mind dances for a moment over all the gaps in basic details he wished he knew- and one strikes him so viscerally he physically recoils with a gasp.

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  "Gale" He says in hushed tones of genuine shock "I don't know your full name. I've known your name by reputation only ever as 'Gale of Waterdeep'" his mind races trying to search everything he’s heard of this famed wizard. His last name had always been withheld, the wizard referenced by title only.

  Gale’s expression shifts to one of mild surprise, then amusement, as he processes your sudden realization. His smile is warm, tinged with a bit of humour at the oversight as it highlights the unconventional path their relationship had taken. Delving into deep emotional and intellectual connections before covering some of the basic details typically shared in earlier stages of acquaintance.

  "Ah, you've caught me," Gale says playfully, his eyes twinkling. "In the circles of academia and magic, we often get so caught up in titles and reputations that we sometimes forget the simpler details." He gives his hand a gentle squeeze.

  "My full name is Gale Dekarios," he reveals, pronouncing it clearly. "My name, like everything else about me, is yours to know."

  Gale takes on a pensive expression, revealing his name emphasizing Agreth’s point. Perhaps they have jumped over some other important introductory details of one another.

  "I'd like to share more about my past, my interests, anything you wish to know," Gale continues, his voice sincere. "And I'm equally eager to learn more about you, Agreth. Not just the bard or the noble, but the man behind the music and the titles."

  Agreth from his cocoon gives Gale’s hand a quick kiss.

  "I'm happy to meet the man behind the title." he says with smooth ease, as though it were their first introduction.

  Gale’s eyes follow his movements with a fondness that speaks volumes about his growing affection for the bard. Deeply appreciating not just the moments of deep conversation and magical discovery but also these lighter, more playful interactions that reveal more about their personalities.

  "Let’s make a day of it, then," Gale suggests, a playful edge to his voice. "A day for stories, questions, and maybe a few confessions. We can start with the basics and work our way up to the secrets of the universe, or at least the secrets we carry with us."

  He adjusts his position to make himself more comfortable, signaling his readiness to spend as much time as needed.

  "So, Agreth Lionheart," he begins, using his full name with a teasing reverence, "What should I know first?"

  Agreth smiles in return, getting more comfortable himself, happy to take the leisurely time to dedicate to each other. Closing the gap in their knowledge of one another.

  "Starting small then?" He reconfirms. Pausing his hand comes to his hair, running through the messy black-blue locks in a pensive moment.

  "I'm allergic to oranges." he starts "I've never had a pet of my own, although I wish to have one some day." He purses his lips continuing to consider "I've never truly left Baldur’s Gate, despite the roaming nature of most bards." Lastly a devious smile touches his lips "and the worst confession of all; I secretly hate the sound of a lute. Despite being the most common bardic instrument, I find it shrill and grating." he concludes.

  Gale listens intently, a smile playing on his lips as Agreth shares these snippets of his life.

  "An allergy to oranges, that’s duly noted," he says with a nod "And the confession about the lute. That’s quite the scandal for a bard!" He laughs softly. "It's refreshing to hear such honesty, especially about something so quintessentially bardic."

  “Now it’s your turn” prompted Agreth.

  Gale begins, mirroring Agreth’s thoughtful pose with a hand to his chin. "I have a somewhat unusual fear of heights, which is ironic given my frequent use of the spell Levitate. I've managed to keep it under control, mostly." He chuckles, shrugging slightly. "I prefer tea over coffee, despite having made coffee this morning. And," he pauses, his expression turning a bit sheepish, "I have a rather embarrassing fondness for terrible puns, which my colleagues at the academy often lamented."

  Agreth takes a sip of his coffee, taking in the reinvigorating warmth and bitterness

  "I'll forgive you for the penchant for puns." he says as though it pained him to do so. “Tea, it is going forward... most mornings.” He says reassuringly.

  He chuckles at the forgiveness regarding his inclination for puns, clearly pleased with the acceptance. “Thank you for your magnanimity. I shall strive to keep my puns in moderation.” he promises, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

  Gale then leans forward slightly. "Tell me, As for never having left Baldur's Gate, where would you go if you could? And the desire for a pet, what kind would you like to have someday?"

  "I’ve a growing interest in Waterdeep." Agreth ads with a sly, knowing look "but I always dreamed about just wandering with no destination in mind, letting stories, adventure and whim take me where it will. For a good portion of my life I lived under Lionheart obligations in Baldur’s Gate, my presence necessary here. And I suppose after that I simply grew accustomed to the rhythm of this city." I take in a breath "As for a pet I'm not sure. A cat I suppose, although I'm not sure how good of a pet owner I’d be. Have you ever owned one?"

  Gale’s interest piques at the mention of Waterdeep and the notion of wandering freely.

  “The idea of wandering without a set destination does have a certain allure,” he agrees, nodding thoughtfully.

  His expression softens at the mention of obligations in Baldur's Gate, understanding the weight that family expectations can carry, especially for someone from a prominent family.

  “It’s understandable that you stayed, but perhaps, together, we might explore beyond these city walls someday.” he suggests gently, offering both companionship and a shared adventure.

  “I’ve never had a pet myself. The life of a wizard can be a bit unpredictable for keeping animals, especially with the amount of travelling I used to do. But I’ve always been fond of cats as well. They seem to have the right mix of independence and companionship.”

  Gale then leans back slightly, creating a comfortable space for the conversation to continue flowing freely.

  “So, Agreth, considering all these thoughts about travel and pets, what’s one dream or goal you’ve held onto that you haven’t yet pursued?” he inquires, genuinely interested in uncovering more about the bard's aspirations and the dreams.

  "Having a true adventure." Agreth responds without hesitation. "I've talked to my fair share of adventurers over the years as they seem to often find their way to Baldur’s Gate. I write tales of their exploits, transforming their lives into something of legend. But I've never had a fantastical feat to recant about my own life." Agreth searches his face once more “You've had plenty I’m sure. Tell me about one. What happened in your life that boosted you to such a famed status that 'Gale of Waterdeep' became a known name in common parlance?"

  Gale listens intently, nodding in understanding he expresses a yearning for a real adventure of his own. His eyes reflect a mixture of respect and empathy, acknowledging the irony of a bard whose tales of heroism are borrowed from the lives of others rather than forged from personal experience.

  At Agreth’s request for a tale of his own adventures, Gale’s expression shifts to one of reflection, sifting through memories to choose a story. After a brief pause, he settles on one, his voice taking on the tone of a seasoned storyteller.

  “There was a time,” Gale begins, his gaze distant as he conjures the memory. “when I was involved in thwarting a cabal of necromancers who sought to usurp the natural order in the North. It was during my early years in Waterdeep, when I was still making a name for myself.

  These necromancers had discovered a fragment of an ancient artifact known as the ‘Soulstone,’ which they believed could be used to bring about a new era of necromancy. It was a dangerous and dark time, as such power attracts both the ambitious and the desperate.”

  His voice grows more intense as he recounts the events. “I was part of a small group of mages and warriors tasked with stopping them. We tracked the cabal to a hidden fortress in the Spine of the World. The battle was fierce; the air was thick with magic and malice. I can still remember the chill of the mountain wind, laced with the stench of dark magic.

  In the end, we were able to infiltrate their sanctum and disrupt the ritual. It was a close call; the leader of the cabal nearly completed his incantation. If not for a well-timed counterspell, which I cast just as he invoked the Soulstone’s power, the outcome could have been catastrophic.”

  Gale smiles, a touch of pride in his success evident. “That event was one of the pivotal moments in my early career. It earned me the recognition of the Lords of Waterdeep and cemented my reputation as someone capable of handling... significant challenges.”

  His eyes focus on Agreth once more, being drawn from his story back to the present. “Perhaps, Agreth, there’s an adventure out there waiting for us too. Something that could give you a tale of your own to tell.”

  Agreth’s eyes positively sparkle at his story, filled with wonder, excitement and respect, with a hint of sorrowful longing hidden within.

  "That's precisely the sort of thing I wish I could experience." His eyes shift away from Gale in a sort of middle distance at nothing in particular "The thrill, the fear, the feats. Taking everything you've polished in yourself and putting it to the fire. Testing what you are truly capable of in situations where you only get to make the decision once." He takes in a breath "I can only imagine the permanent mark it must leave upon someone. "

  "Agreth, there's no reason your life can't include such experiences," he says, gently encouraging. "While I hope we avoid necromancers and soulstones, there are countless adventures within reach that could test our mettle and forge new tales."

  He considers a moment but continues.

  "Why not start planning something now?” he offers in challenge.

  Agreth meets his eyes with surprise. "I would enjoy nothing more." he says with earnestness that melts to wistfulness "But for now Winterfest, and our discovery of new magic should come first."

  Gale returns the smile, appreciating the practicality of prioritizing other things first, but making a subtle note to himself to not let this be forgotten at a future date.

  "Agreed," he responds, nodding. "Winterfest and our exploration into new magic will indeed take precedence. "

  He reaches for his coffee once more, taking a more contemplative sip of the final dregs, his mind already weaving through the possibilities of such future endeavours.

  "Who knows? Our next big adventure might just be around the corner. And in the meantime, we have plenty to keep us busy, inspired, and connected."

  Agreth reaches for his own, finishing it off as well before placing the empty cut back. He stretches his arms above his head, finally getting some movement back in his limbs, a new excited glow entering his face at the prospect of so many newly made plans, and potentials together.

  "Not bad for starting with small things to share. I don't suppose you have something of a medium revelation?" He muses, prompting the conversation to continue.

  Gale too sets aside his finished mug. At the prompt for a "medium revelation," a mischievous glint touches his eyes pleased to continue this thread. After a moment's thought, he nods slightly as if deciding on the perfect piece of information to share.

  “Well, here’s something perhaps not entirely mundane but not earth-shattering either,” he begins, his voice taking on a slightly conspiratorial tone.

  “I once accidentally turned my mentor's familiar into a teapot. For a full twenty-four hours. It was during my early days of spell-casting when I was still mastering the intricacies of transmutation.”

  Gale chuckles at the memory, shaking his head.

  “Needless to say, it was quite the lesson in precision and the importance of focusing one's magical energies correctly. My mentor was... less than pleased, though he couldn’t help but laugh once the initial shock wore off. The teapot made a surprisingly loud and indignant frog croak whenever it was used.”

  Agreth laughs aloud and unhindered deep from the belly, the story taking him by surprise. Picturing the disapproving look of the mentor, of young Gales flustered reaction, of the loud indignant croak of the toad tea pot. He wipes a mirthful tear from his eye "That's simply awful." he teases.

  Gale put on a mockingly serious facial expression in return.

  “It was an important lesson in many ways—not just in magic, but in dealing with the consequences of one’s actions with grace and a bit of humour.”

  With a lighthearted tsk he prompts the bard to share “Well let us hear yours then. Any unexpected transformations or enchanting mishaps in your own past?”

  "Of a similar experience,” Agreth starts, obliging to Gale’s prompt to return a story. “I once was hired to play a private show at a small tavern at the outskirts of Baldur’s Gate. It was a tavern I was unfamiliar with that was just outside the gates partially hidden by trees.

  I got there and set up my usual space to play, but it was surprisingly dead. I was told my entertainment was required for a celebration of some sort, an anniversary I believe of the Innkeeper. But the entire time I prepped and as the sun went down, no one came into the establishment.

  The Innkeeper was an old lady, old enough to be my grandmother twice over, which is a feat for an Elf. Her attention was rapt upon me and she reassured me to play anyway. I was being paid and it mattered little how many people were listening as long as the client's agreement was met so I did.

  But I couldn't ignore the weird unsettling feeling that something was off. The more I played the more the old lady focused on me, the more I came to realize she was interested in experiencing more from me than just my music.

  Now I confess I'm no stranger to the art of... adult entertainment. It often goes in hand with boisterous entertainment and is a tool used often by Bards. But coupled with the unsettling nature of an unknown inn and no other patrons, I knew I had gotten myself into some sort of unseen trouble."

  He trails off for a moment, checking in on Gale’s reaction, purposely leaving the story hanging for a moment. The masterful pause prompted an impatient shifting from Gale. He had become captivated by the mysterious setup and the engaging storytelling, and yearned for the payoff.

  He chuckles softly, realizing his own frustration was a purposeful master stroke by the bard.

  "That does sound like quite the predicament," Gale remarks, playing into the bard's playful storytelling. "And here I thought turning a familiar into a teapot was my most enchanting mishap. Please, do go on. How did you navigate out of that rather... charged situation?"

  "Well it turns out that the Innkeeper was in fact a green hag in disguise.” Agreth continued “The entire inn is an illusionary fabrication. She had isolated me and was looking to expand her coven in more..." he clears his throats "traditionally physical means."

  Gale's eyes widen slightly at the twist in the story, a mix of surprise and concern flickering across his features.

  "A green hag," he murmurs, leaning back slightly as he processes the implications of such an encounter. "That's certainly a more perilous and dramatic situation than a simple awkward advance. Hags are notoriously cunning and dangerous."

  He shakes his head, his expression a blend of admiration and relief.

  "You must have handled the situation with considerable skill to be here telling the tale. How did you manage to escape her intentions?"

  "I got out of there with a well timed Modify Memories spell." Agreth concludes with an off handed casual nature, as though dodging hags' carnal affections were an everyday hazard for a bard.

  "So if a green hag ever shows up at your door, certain that we shared a passionate if unfruitful night together, know it is nothing more than rumour." He concludes, winking at Gale playfully.

  The wizard bursts into laughter at the witty conclusion.

  "Well, I'll keep an eye out for any green hags bearing grudges," he says with a grin, his amusement evident. "Your resourcefulness is truly impressive, Agreth. It seems you have quite the knack for handling unexpected and perilous situations."

  "Certainly.” Agreth agrees “Although I’m thankful to have found much nicer bedtime companionship."

  A warm flush of pleasure touches Gale’s cheeks, though he keeps his expression and tone pleasantly casual.

  "Indeed, the company makes all the difference," he confirms, a peaceful contentedness easing about his post story.

  "I must say, I've thoroughly enjoyed our exchanges. Your stories provide not just entertainment, but insights into your courage and cleverness. It's a privilege to be considered among your companions, especially under such... comfortable circumstances."

  The two fall into a comfortable silence once more. Enjoying the mutual closeness and touch, mulling over their shared stories. But at length, Gale felt the clawing anxiety of needing to start the day and get the many tasks about them in hand.

  "Shall we plan our day then?" Gale suggests, gesturing towards the door of the room that had been patiently waiting for them to get out of bed and cross through it for some time.

  "Yes." Agreth nods in agreement, his face finally growing more focused and willing to shift their focus to the tasks at hand.

  "Can you reach out to your 'Volunteer' contacts to arrange a specific time?" He asks, emphasizing the word playfully once more. "That'll better help me understand when to meet with Rune."

  "I'll contact them today." he assures with a nod, choosing to ignore the tease of volunteer.

  He reaches for a nearby notebook on the side-table, flipping it open to jot down a note, a reminder to himself to make the necessary arrangements.

  "I'll make sure everything is coordinated smoothly. Let me handle the logistics of our volunteers." he adds, a confident smile playing on his lips. "That way, you can focus on your festival performance, which I’m very much looking forward to seeing."

  "I'll get ready for the day and seek out Rune then." Agreth counters. "Do we have a way to better communicate with each other at a distance?"

  Gale’s expression turns thoughtful at his question about long-distance communication, recognizing the practical need for staying connected as they both juggle daily obligations. Pleased that they have reached a point of companionship that it was desired.

  "Yes, actually," Gale responds, his tone suggesting he's already considering the best options.

  "I will enchant a pair of sending stones for us. They’re simple to use and effective for sending brief messages over any distance. When we have more time, if you’re comfortable with it, I can teach you a basic Sending spell, which would allow you to communicate more directly." He pauses looking at Agreth assessingly

  “I believe you should have enough connection to the weave to handle that.” he adds, admitting that any other class besides wizard being capable of learning a spell is painful to him.

  Agreth eyes him, daring him to say something against his own ability to manipulate magic. He slips from the bed as he does.

  "Stones for today, and we'll make a date of you teaching me some magic for a more permanent long term solution." He adds with a toying smile.

  "Consider it done," he replies standing from the bed himself, already mentally preparing the necessary enchantments for the stones. "And I look forward to our 'magical date.' Teaching you will be as much a delight as it is practical."

  Smoothing out his robes and preparing to dive into the tasks ahead, Gale pauses a moment to give Agreth’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze before turning to set about his tasks. When he takes a step back in preparation for the day's obligations, Agreth quickly grabs his hand and pulls him back into an embrace stilling the wizards departure, not yet quite ready to let him go, literally and figuratively.

  Gale responds with a surprised but delighted laugh as he is pulled. The want by someone else and affection is an unfamiliar early morning experience for him. His arms wrap around Agreth warmly however embracing the spontaneous moment. There’s a tenderness in his hold, a mutual reluctance to part, even for the necessary pursuits of the day.

  "You make it difficult to focus on the tasks at hand," he says with a gentle tease, though his tone had dropped in unguarded affection.

  Gale lingers in the embrace for a few more heartbeats, savouring the closeness. When he finally pulls back slightly, it’s with a soft sigh.

  "I suppose we must attend to our respective duties," he murmurs, his fingers brushing lightly against Agreth’s cheek in a final caress. "But let’s make sure this day brings us back together soon."

  He steps back with a reluctant but determined nod, their gaze lingering on each other with a promise of more moments like this to come. The day ahead may be busy, filled with individual tasks and responsibilities, but this time they had planned them together, their days intertwined. Both feeling but neither fully realizing that they had started a merging of two separate paths together into one.