Gale of Waterdeep (Post-Ending AU)

The low-hanging sun filtered through the colorful stained glass of Dekarios Curios front window, casting rays of green, red, and blue across the mahogany bookshelves riddled with ink-written tomes of wonder. It was another beautiful day in Baldur’s Gate; even now, as the sun began to fall, it was still resplendent.

Despite it all, Gale was not currently enjoying it. Instead, his fingertips were sore from gripping the pestle and grinding it downwards into the mortar. However, the scent of powdered mergrass was rather complimentary to the usual aged ink and even older parchment that lingered in his shop.

“Mister Dekarios,” Tara’s nasally voice, somehow reminiscent of an elderly woman, chided Gale for the second time in the last hour. The tressym had hopped down from her original spot sprawled out in the display window, now walking along the countertop with the tips of her wings gently dragging on the wood behind her. “I believe that order isn’t due for at least another fortnight; you can stand to take a break. Better yet, close the door and go for a walk.”

The way the winged cat mothered him was comical, even though he technically was her master. He’d never say that, though, nor did he believe such a notion. Tara was her own tressym; she was a friend, not a possession. That never stopped him from doting on her as if she were his offspring.

“In a moment, Tara,” Gale murmured, clearly paying the cat little mind in favor of finishing his grinding. Granted, the mergrass had become a suitable powder perhaps ten minutes prior, but it wasn’t good enough for Gale. He prided himself upon the high caliber of his potions. “I am almost finished with this; the mergrass must be as fine as sand.”

Tara let out a humph and hopped down from the counter gracefully, now weaving in between different aisles of bookcases. A familiar scent made her perk up, and her tail began to swish back and forth. Perhaps she could not convince Mister Dekarios to take a break, but someone who could was rapidly approaching. She tilted her head towards Mister Dekarios’ back, then towards the door. Only then did she sit back on her haunches, eager to watch this reunion play out.

The bell above the door let out a soft chime as it was pushed open.

“Be with you in a moment!” Gale called back, still relentlessly grinding away at his little desk behind the counter.