Their bodies still hot, their breathing a little too quick, smiles wide and quick to come the two settle into each other. Gale spooning in behind Agreth, comfortably close on the wide fainting couch, finding an ease in each other's presence and embrace after the torrent of emotions.

"Tell me something about yourself Gale, something from your past, or your childhood." Agreth says feeling the sudden need to know more about his Wizard.

From their sweet cuddle, with his arm draped across Agreth, he draws him in slightly closer at his question, with a gentle protective warmth.

"When I was a child," Gale starts, his voice soft with nostalgia, "I was always fascinated by the weather. Especially storms. I used to stand at the window for hours, watching the rain lash against the glass and the lightning split the sky. It wasn't just the power of storms that captivated me, but the magic I felt was inherent in them. The raw, untamed force of nature that seemed to whisper secrets about the universe."

He pauses, his hand hand finding Agreth’s, intertwining his agile fingers with his as he recalls those moments. "My curiosity about the forces behind such phenomena is what led me to magic. I wanted to understand, to grasp the essence of those elemental energies, and somehow, magic seemed the only path that could lead me to those answers."

Gale's voice carries a reflective quality, recalling the young boy driven by a desire to know and understand the mysteries of the universe.

"Those early awakenings shaped much of who I am today. They drove me to study, to learn, and ultimately, to harness some of those forces through my magical studies."

He turns his head slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of his neck.

"What about you, Agreth? Is there a moment from your childhood that echoes through your life today, something that shaped the person you've become?"

"My childhood was.. peaceful." he hesitates as if conflicted by these words himself. "Privileged perhaps. I was provided every comfort I could have ever wanted. Private tutors, trips and the living parents to give me the freedom to do with it what I will. I'm the only bard in my lineage that I am aware of. Most of my family focusing on political affairs." He pauses considering the potential impact to Gale this next piece of information may have on him "My full name is Agreth Lionheart. I'm the sole son of the Lionheart family."

As Agreth mentions his full name, a subtle shift in Gale's expression reveals a mixture of surprise and contemplation. The name carries weight. The Lionheart’s were possibly one of the largest political forces in the city of Baldur’s Gate and arguably Faerûn. Lord Eldeinathan Lionheart is a powerful and well respected man for his decision making and insights in the most impossible situations. Gale processes this new information, considering its implications.

"I had no idea," Gale finally responds, his tone a mix of respect and curiosity. "The Lionheart family is highly esteemed, known for their leadership and integrity. It must have been quite an environment to grow up in, surrounded by such expectations and opportunities."

His arm tightens slightly around Agreth, a reassuring gesture as he digests the significance of his heritage. "It speaks volumes about you, Agreth, that you chose to pursue a path so distinctly your own, despite the pressures that must come with such a legacy. It shows a strength of character and a dedication to your personal passions and beliefs."

A look of misery twists Agreth’s face, the look unseen by his partner behind him.

Gale continues in intimate tones, content to learn more about his bard, to see how the threads of his past weave into the person he knows and cares about in the present.

"Do you ever feel the pull of that political legacy, or have you found your peace entirely within the arts?"

"It never suited me.” He says simply with a tone of practiced stiffness as though he has had to defend this very point many times previously. Agreth catches his own tone and eases it. “They were displeased at first that I had succumbed to a more ‘free-spirited’ lifestyle, but they gave up on trying to change it. Ultimately, I believe my parents were always both so busy I don't think they had time or energy to try long."

Hearing his own words made him realize that his parents may have been a bit more absent from his childhood than he realized.

"I hope it doesn't make anything awkward for you. Few will ever recognize me if that helps." He pauses realizing he may be being egotistical. "But what am I saying? You're Gale of Waterdeep. One of the most renowned wizards of Faerûn. Any celebrity status I may hold is nothing more than runoff from my father and would pale in comparison to your own esteemed legend."

At the comparison of their respective statuses, Gale chuckles softly, shaking his head slightly in dismissal of the concern. "There's no awkwardness, Agreth. Your heritage is a part of who you are, but it's not why I'm drawn to you. I'm here because of the person you are, the passion you show for your art, and the connection we share."

He squirms the arm not around Agreth’s shoulder under the slight curved gap between his hips and his ribs, encompassing both his arms around him fully.

"As for my own reputation," he continues with a humble smile into the back of his neck "it may carry some recognition, but it's mostly within circles that value arcane knowledge. We each have our own spheres where our names may be known, but here, between us, it's just Gale and Agreth."

At his words, Agreth rolls over, still in his arms in an impressive feat of calculated agility. In their close proximity he snakes an arm around Gale in return, the other propping under his head bending above the two in a makeshift pillow. His blue-black mid length hair falling about his arm and face, pooling to the fabric of the couch below in haphazard waves. He looks into Gale’s stormy gray eyes, making sure he can see the humorous teasing intent of his next words

"I'm just here because of your status. Why would I ever interview a wizard that nobody cared about?"

Gale, meeting his gaze, plays along with a mock-serious expression, nodding sagely. "Ah, of course, how could I have missed it? The lure of my vast renown and not, as I foolishly assumed, my charming personality or dashing good looks."

He grins, happy to pit tongues against each other in a new way "Well, I suppose I can forgive you for using me for my status, so long as you occasionally pretend it's for my other, less illustrious qualities."

Agreth meets Gale’s teasing, relishing in it with a light heart until his pale features are positively glowing. He reaches up, and lightly scratches the beard that lined Gale’s jaw in an affectionate motion. The sensation unusual to his elven touch.

"You are right, you are rather handsome. But that was just a bonus" he confirms with a wink.

Gale’s hand gently follows the path you traced along his beard, capturing yours in a tender grasp. The edge to his smile grows sharper.

"Though, if we're being honest," he continues, his tone still tinged with humour, "I think I might be the one who benefits more from being associated with a Lionheart. So, perhaps we're even in that regard."

Agreth recoils at his words, pulling back his hand, his face aghast with mock horror.

"So the truth comes to light!" he gasps.

Gale laughs warmly at his reactions. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he watches the bards expressions shift playfully.

"Indeed, the truth is a terrible thing," he jests, feigning a dramatic tone. "But alas, I am but a simple wizard, unable to resist the allure of the illustrious Lionheart name. How could I possibly maintain my defences against such charm and nobility?"

He reaches out to gently brush a particularly chaotic lock of Agreth’s hair from his face.

"But fear not, for I am completely at your mercy," he continues with a theatrical bow of his head from his lying position. "Completely undone by the bonus of your good looks and wit."

After a moment brimming with the potential of laughter, Gale's expression softens, becoming more genuine and less theatrical.

"In all seriousness, Agreth," he says, his voice low and sincere, "being with you is a joy that transcends any name or status. It's your spirit, your passion, and yes, your incredible sense of humour that captivate me most."

Agreth meets his sweet words first with a kiss, catching his lips in a yearning driven by genuine appreciation. He breaks the kiss, his own expression softened with sincerity.

"And while I may have truthfully reached out to you due to your status, I would have found you dreadfully boring if you were nothing but a flouncing egotist. I've been amazed and utterly captivated by the beating heart of the man behind the reputation."

A beat passes at his words, and a knot jumps to his throat. Even unspoken Gale senses the shift, his eyes dancing between Agreth’s deep blue hues, searching there for indication of the words that are weighing on his unspoken.

"I-"

Agreth pauses the words getting caught in his throat, a slight flush dancing over his cheeks and nose.

He falters, his thoughts turning to a singular doubt that it's too soon to say those words out loud.

Gale is caught, the intensity of Agreth’s gaze stirring something deep within him. As he speaks a single word and falters, a gentle understanding dawns in his eyes. He senses the significance of the moment, the weight of the words he holds back. With a tender, reassuring smile, he gently places his hand on Agreth’s cheek.

"You don’t have to say anything before you’re ready," Gale whispers, his voice steady and comforting. "Just knowing that you feel a connection that runs deep is enough for me. We have time, Agreth, all the time you need to explore what this is between us."

He continues to hold his gaze, his own eyes conveying a depth of feeling. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. We can take this journey at a pace that feels right for both of us."

Agreth relaxes under his reassurance, not realizing he had tensed. Agreth’s heart swells more at his gentle understanding words, not thinking it was possible to feel deeper for this man. He leans in to give him another quick kiss, in appreciation and thanks.

"What do you think? What pace feels right to you?" Agreth asks in return, wanting to make sure that he felt equally as considered.

Gale considers the words thoughtfully, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on Agreth’s arm in a comforting gesture.

"I think we're moving at a wonderful pace," he begins, his voice reflective and sincere. "Every conversation, every shared experience feels like it naturally leads to the next. I don't feel any pressure to rush things or slow them down artificially. It's as if everything is unfolding just as it should."

Gale’s tone is calm and assured. "I'm content to continue this journey, discovering more about each other, deepening our connection through every laugh, every serious dialogue, and every moment of intimacy. As long as we continue to communicate openly and support each other, I believe the pace will manage itself."

There’s a seriousness that weaves between his wistful words. He’s not just speaking prose in bed to woo the bard. Agreth realizes there’s a resolve and genuine intensity to the depth of his intention.

"I want us to challenge each other, to grow together,"

Agreth thought if he was capable of swooning he surely would. The wizard had a silver tongue sharp enough to match any bard’s, sharpened by calculating sincerity. Feeling a hot dizziness take over his body, Agreth purposely changes the focus of his mind, worried that he would truly lose himself forever in this man.

"Then tell me more Gale about your past.” He says catching his breath silently from his own emotions sparked in him “Where did you learn your magic? I assume a school of some sort?"

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Gale, oblivious to the impact and terrifying revelation that Agreth is experiencing, settles in more comfortably beside him, his demeanour shifting into one of reflective storytelling.

“Yes, I studied at the Blackstaff Tower in Waterdeep,” he begins, his voice carrying a note of fond recollection. “It’s not just a school, but a place of great power and learning, where the most gifted mages of the Sword Coast come to hone their craft under the tutelage of the Blackstaff themselves.”

He pauses, a smile playing on his lips as memories surface. “The Tower is a formidable place, steeped in arcane energy and filled with ancient texts, magical artifacts, and, of course, plenty of intrigue among the apprentices. It was there that I really grew into my abilities, surrounded by peers who challenged me and masters who pushed my limits.”

Gale’s eyes light up as he delves deeper into his past experiences. “The training was rigorous and demanding. We would spend hours practising spell-craft, studying ancient lore, and mastering the delicate balance between power and control. But it wasn’t all toil. There were moments of profound discovery and joy. Like the first time I successfully conjured an elemental, or when I managed to solve an arcane puzzle that had baffled my peers for weeks.”

He turns slightly to gauge Agreth’s interest, who returns his look with quiet enjoyable absorption of his story. Gale’s hand finds Agreth’s once more, intertwining their fingers as he shares his journey.

“Each day brought new challenges, but also new opportunities to explore the depths of magic. It shaped me not only as a wizard but as a person, teaching me discipline, patience, and the importance of a curious mind.”

Agreth tries to picture it, the experience quite different than his own upbringing. It was hard to envision a school with peers, all with the freedom to make decisions, learn, discover and fail as they liked.

"It sounds rather exciting. Were there many of you there studying?"

Gale nods, reflecting on the bustling environment of his training days. "Yes, there were quite a few of us. Apprentices from all over Faerûn, each with unique talents and backgrounds. The Tower always felt alive, not just with magic but with the ambitions and energies of its students. We were a diverse group, which made for a rich learning environment."

He smiles at the memory, his eyes distant as he recalls the details. "We learned as much from each other as we did from our instructors. Collaborations were common, and so were rivalries, but both pushed us to excel. There were intense competitions and examinations to test our skills, and the camaraderie that formed through those challenges was something special."

"It was an exhilarating time, full of discovery and, occasionally, a bit of mischief." he adds with a chuckle, hinting at lighter moments amid the rigorous discipline of their training.

"You, mischief? I can't imagine" Agreth smiles back, enjoying the details of a life lived before he ever knew him.

Gale chuckles softly at the feigned surprise. "Oh, I had my share of mischief," he confesses with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Magic offers many opportunities for... creative expression, shall we say. But always in good fun."

"Did you have rivalries and companions? What was your expertise?" Agreth prodded further, eager to keep the stream flowing now that the dam had been released.

Gale grows more reflective as he considers. “Yes, both were a significant part of my time at the Tower. Rivalries were often friendly, driven by a shared desire to excel and push the boundaries of what we could achieve with magic. They kept us sharp and constantly striving for improvement."

Gale pauses, a nostalgic smile spreading across his face as he recalls specific individuals. "I had a few close companions too. Fellow students with whom I shared not just studies but also hopes and fears about our futures. We supported each other through failures and celebrated each other’s successes. Those friendships were as important as the magical training itself."

Shifting slightly to make himself more comfortable, he continues, "My area of expertise initially was elemental magic. I was fascinated by the raw power of nature and its elements, and I spent years honing my ability to summon and control them. But over time, my interests broadened. I became captivated by the intricacies of spell theory and the ways magic interacts with the physical world, which led me to study more varied and complex spells."

"Ah, that makes sense. An extension of your fascination with storms." Agreth notes, piecing together what Gale had revealed to him about his childhood and what drove him to seeking out the Weave to begin with. Agreth searches his face at the uncharacteristic silence of the wizard, noting the wistful air about him "Do you still miss it?"

"In some ways, yes," he admits, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "The intensity of learning, the constant push to explore new boundaries, and the camaraderie with fellow mages... those were exhilarating times. But I also appreciate where that journey has led me, to a place where I can apply what I've learned and explore magic in my own way."

He shifts slightly, his expression becoming more contemplative. "I think what I miss most isn't the place itself but the sense of discovery and the collective excitement of uncovering new facets of magic. It's a different kind of thrill compared to the more solitary or applied aspects of magic I deal with now."

Gale smiles, a reassuring and understanding look directed at Agreth. "But I've found new joys and new challenges," he continues, gently squeezing his hand.

Agreth raises his hand to his lips to give it a quick kiss once more in response to his squeeze and sharing of his past. His own thoughts turned wistful.

"It's curious, " he starts, his mind taking in the depth of the newly shared details "We followed entirely opposite paths I believe. You started and learned in a lively environment surrounded by many others. Collaborating, interacting, living life and exploring. And that path took you to a solitary life of a wizard. Studying and engaging with magic now alone. "

He pauses letting his words be received before continuing "I learned and studied very much alone. I had a sole teacher and my only interaction and understanding of the Weave was largely a solitary endeavour. But that path lead me to performing in front of vast crowds, now my magical abilities are celebrated, shared and a form of interacting with life around me"

Gale listens intently, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding as he draws parallels and contrasts between their journeys. The observation about the divergent paths that led to such different lives striking a chord with him.

"That is a fascinating observation," he responds, his tone reflective. "It seems we've come to mirror each other in a way, it's almost poetic."

Gale continues, his voice softening. "You, drawing energy from solitude to ultimately embrace the crowd, and me, pulling back from the crowd to find focus in solitude. Yet here we are, finding common ground, sharing our experiences and learning from each other."

"Perhaps," he suggests, a smile playing on his lips, "our journeys were preparing us for this moment, for a meeting of minds and spirits that could appreciate and celebrate these differences."

At this Agreth raises his brows a little surprised but clearly pleased.

"Are you saying we met by fate? That our souls were bound to each other even if we had not realized?"

Gale's eyes twinkle with a mixture of amusement and sincerity as he considers the question.

"Perhaps there is a bit of fate at play," he admits, the idea seeming to appeal to him as he speaks it aloud. "It's a romantic notion, isn't it? That despite our very different paths, something larger might have been guiding us towards each other all along."

He shifts again, bringing himself closer to Agreth placing his head against his chest, tucking under the bard’s chin, his body warm and inviting. "While I don't usually rely on destiny- I find the choices we make have more immediate effects- it's hard not to feel that there was something inevitable about our meeting. The way we complement each other, the ease with which we understand and connect... it does feel like more than mere coincidence."

Gale’s voice carries a note of wonder, reflecting on the serendipity of their relationship. "Whether it's fate or fortunate happenstance, I'm grateful for it. Our meeting has brought new perspectives and enrichments into my life that I wouldn't trade for anything."

Agreth adjusts his hands about the wizard so he can gently rest a hand protectively on his head, tucked under his jaw. "If only we knew a wizard who could tap into the divination arts to give us an answer." he says the laughter in his words causing his face to break out into a Cheshire grin once more.

Gale's laughter joins in, light and easy. "Ah, if only," he plays along, his own appreciative grin taking over him. "I suppose I'll have to work on expanding my repertoire to include divination. For now, though, we might have to settle for less mystical means of exploring our fate together."

Another moment passes between them, before Gale speaks again, his tone gentle with something more tender.

"Though in truth, sometimes the magic is in the journey, not just the revelations. And I have to say, I quite enjoy this particular journey with you." he says in the breathy tones of love.

"What a romantic notion, and one I'm surprised to hear a Wizard make. That perhaps it's best not knowing. If it were revealed that we are bound it would bring no further joy but only confirm what we already felt. If it were revealed that it was pure luck it would position us to either feel loss or at best a rebellious indifference."

Agreth muses out loud, his own eyes falling closed as a sort of comfortable sleep philosophy takes over his mind.

Gale nods from his tucked position thoughtfully, considering his words, quite the opposite, not sleepy but seriously considering.

"You're quite right," he agrees. "Knowing the exact nature of our connection, whether destined or coincidental, might change little about how we feel or what we choose to do about it. The beauty, then, lies in the experiences we share and the feelings we cultivate, not in the origins of their cause."

Another heavy pause, and then a serious tone, as though an oath was being spoken.

"So, let's cherish the not knowing. The unfolding of each day and each moment together without the need for labels or destinies to define them. We make our own meaning, our own magic."

Agreth, catching the serious note to his voice, pulls back some to catch Gale’s eyes, looking up at him.

"No labels then? You don't want to capture a term to describe what we have?"

Gale meets his gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips at the unspoken depth of the question. He takes a moment to choose his words carefully, his response thoughtful and sincere.

"What we have is beautiful, profound, and continually evolving. I'm open to defining it if that brings you comfort or happiness because how we perceive and value our relationship matters deeply to me."

Gale’s eyes search his, looking for cues on his feelings about the matter. "If calling this a partnership, a romance, or any other term feels right to you, I'm more than happy to embrace that." he adds with an air of searching uncertainty.

Agreth, with a gentle smile, ruthlessly meets the uncertainty with the brazen charm of a bard.

"How would you categorize it, Gale of Waterdeep?" he purrs the words, a sultry melody entering his voice as he presses the matter onto him, deliciously dripping each syllable in his title.

Gale’s eyes light up with a mixture of amusement and affection at the forcefully playful pressing and the formal use of his title, a hint of warmth spreading across his features.

"Well, Agreth Lionheart," he replies, mirroring Agreth’s formal address with a slight teasing undertone, "If I were to categorize what we have..."

He pauses for a moment, as if carefully selecting each word, his gaze never wavering.

"I would say we share a profound connection—a partnership that transcends the usual bounds. It's romantic, certainly, enriched by deep affection and attraction, but it's also a meeting of minds, a collaboration of spirits."

Gale's hand reaches up to gently caress his cheek, his touch soft. "We inspire and challenge each other, we explore and discover together. It's a rare blend of intellectual companionship and emotional intimacy. So, if I must label it, I would call it a romantic partnership, but one that is uniquely ours, defined by the nuances that only we understand."

Agreth smiles, the wizard hiding his nerves in a flurry of words, a known tactic now. While endearing, Agreth pushes once more, prompting Gale to find his own nerve.

He reaches down, grasping his bearded chin, he tilts the wizards face up towards his, swooping forward to narrow the space between their lips, his words, slow, affectionate, challenging. The tone sparking a new heat threatening to kindle a fire again.

"Those are a lot of words for one simple label, Wizard."

Gale swallows, momentarily caught off guard, and suddenly finds his throat dry. Captivated he loses himself in Agreth’s deep blue eyes for moments before trying again with a sheepish smile.

"I suppose I do have a tendency to elaborate," he admits, his voice tinged with humour. "But sometimes, the simplest truths do require the most words to capture their full essence."

Recapturing his own emotional footing, he scoots up slightly to catch the bard off guard with a kiss. Holding his lips with all the bold lack of apology his elaborate confession deserved.

"Let's just go with 'us', then," he suggests softly as they part, the word itself simple yet encompassing all the complexities he was trying to express.

Agreth finds himself genuinely touched. The longer calculated explanation while touching on Gale's earnest truth, the simplicity but boundless nature of the single word genuinely hitting his heart in a way he didn’t anticipate.

He pulls the man back into himself, this time laying intertwined, cheek to cheek, with a slight tremble, fighting back being overcome with emotion

"'us' is perfect." he says simply.

Gale notices the tremble in the embrace, and eases finally seeing that Agreth has understood the depth of his feelings. He allows himself to be pulled in deeper, nuzzling into the embrace. Willfully losing a sense of where one man begins and the other ends.

"Then 'us' it is." he says, his voice gentle, ensuring that each word is spoken with a careful delicate reverence.

He makes some distance between them once more, his hand lifting to cradle the side of Agreth’s face, thumb gently caressing his cheek in a tender gesture. Their gaze meets once more, an often held thing between them, a want to be able to express swirling thoughts and emotions, and a yearning to better understand the other.

In all their glances of deep blue eyes and stormy gray, this was the most passionate.

"Here's to 'us'." Agreth murmurs, his lips curling into a soft smile before he seals the sentiment with a gentle, meaningful kiss.

This kiss, unlike any other, is careful, precious. They lose themselves to each other, and as they still in each other's arms, sleepy, and content, the evening begins to hush into a quiet connection that gives peace to the emotions that swirl between the two.