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rentenesen · 1 year ago

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Woven - Chapter 4

Gale x Astarion BG3 fanfiction

Summary: A/U, modern day, exploring a world where fae exist (non-dnd). Gale, once a very special child with the ability to see fae, is now a regular almost middle aged man, working as a professor. Last night, he let a strange, pale fae Astarion into his house, thinking he may have a message from his mistress. Gale learns too late that he was mistaken and it seems it won't be so simple to kick this man out, now that he's wormed his way in.

Word Count: 1.6k The early chapters of the fic are PG (including this one) but will have more adult themes later on.

When Gale awoke it was still dark out. He was sweating through his sheets, and felt a little shaky. What had happened last night? Gale felt a tightness in his chest and reached up grasping at it for relief. He had mean to sort this out yesterday but he had clearly left it too long.

Looking over at his bedside table the clock read 3:47 AM. He pushed himself up and out of the warm comfort of his bed. He would go now, into the forest and find something to help his condition. He might have to make a trade for it if he could not garner an audience in front of his mistress or her followers but he was past desperate.

Gale had fallen asleep with his slacks still on, and quickly changed into something a bit more casual and warm for the journey. He had planned on going into the University to get some work done today, but there were no classes scheduled so he would call in and let them know he wasn't coming. Gale's stomach growled loudly as he bound down the stairs. Ah, a quick breakfast would be in order before he set off.

But when he reached the landing of his home something felt… off. What had happened last night? Gale remembered had a foggy memory of a dream about a beautiful seelie man. It felt like a nice dream but the specifics wouldn't come to him. What had they been doing?

When he stumbled into his kitchen things were not as he remembered them. For one, there was food left out, scattered on the counter, a bottle of wine sat open on the kitchen island. While Gale couldn't remember if he had been drinking or not, the bottle was nice, one from his collection and he was certain he would not have simple popped it open like that on a random Tuesday. Memories started to drift back to him like whispers from last night, not a dream, the seelie man standing had been outside his house. Gale had let him in.

The man must still be here Gale thought feeling a shock of adrenaline run up his spine. But where? His head turned back to the stairs, wondering if he had somehow missed the stranger lurking in the shadows, but before he could move his body he tuned in to a faint crackle coming from the other room.

It sounded like a fire. "Seriously?"

Gale cautiously crossed his kitchen, creeping towards the door that lead to his library. Sure enough a feint glow spread from under the door onto the linoleum.

Gale took a quick breath in and opened the door to see the seelie man, squeezed into the alcove by the garden window. Astarion's long legs were stretched up onto a bookshelf, book in hand and a few more messily stacked on a little side table he had pulled close, along with a almost empty wineglass, a small fire dim, but alight in the fireplace.

"Are you drinking my wine?" Gale said in disbelief. Astarion looked up as if he'd been expecting him.

"Ah good, you're awake" He closed the book and set it atop the precarious pile, sitting up to face Gale, stretching out his body, "I was worried about you, you know. You have quite the collection, it's kept me busy enough." He wasn't wrong. Gale's book shelves took up practically the whole room, each overflowing with different tomes he had collected over the years.

Scoffing Gale couldn't believe the audacity of this stranger to make himself at home while the owner was passed out upstairs. Like a stray cat that had just let himself in. Gale couldn't help but think it was almost kind of cute before he shook the though from his head "I didn't say you could stay last night" …he hadn't right? No, of course not, Gale convinced himself, this was trespassing, plain and simple and the man needed to leave.

"Well I'm already here, aren't I? So what's the harm really" he elegantly picked up the wineglass striding toward the kitchen "Did you want some?"

Gale stared dumbfounded as Astarion slipped past him, comfortably topping up his glass. "Offering me my own wine? That's expensive you know. And i see you're wearing my clothing!" Gale looked him over, Astarion had clearly also helped himself to a shower and whatever he could find in Gale's closet. He was much cleaner now, if not a bit awkward looking as Gale's clothes sat a little short.

He shot a look that Astarion seemed to ignore simply pulling out another wine glass and holding up the bottle gesturing to Gale.

He sighed exasperated, "No, I won't have some, it's four in the goddamn morning. I should be going to work in a few hours." Gale rubbed his face with his hands. He didn't have the time or the patience to deal with this right now.

"Ah I forgot you mortals live such ridged lives. It's been a while since I've concerned myself with the day-to-day of your society." He took sip from his glass then set it down focusing all of his attention on Gale "Now. I'm not one to pry but I couldn't help but noticed you seem unwell, given you passed out in the middle of our conversation. What's wrong with you?"

Gale slumped into a stool next to the kitchen island defeated. "I have… a condition" he said cautiously "Which is why I need you to leave. I need to go get this sorted out" instinctually his hand gently rubbed his chest, where he could feel it burning. Astarion's eyes followed Gale's hand.

"It's related to that mark on your chest?" Astarion peered the spot as if looking right through him "It's magical in nature is it not? I saw it last night when I was putting you to bed" Gale could feel another blush spread through his body. Astarion took a short sip of wine then moved his eyes up to meet Gale's "You should be grateful, by the way, you're rather heavy, I was inclined to just leave you down here."

Gale rolled his eyes, "Sure, thanks" he muttered "Anyways I guess there is no use hiding it, yes, it's a condition that causes me a great deal of pain. I.. need to consume magik, to feed it and let's just say I'm running dangerously low"

"Consume magik as in…?"

"As in, the magik from enchantments, or enchanted items, which I am fresh out of unfortunately"

"Is that all?" Astarion let out a light laugh, "I told you we would make good allies," he teased, sliding a ring off his finger. He held it out for Gale to see. He could feel the energy coming off of it.

It was no powerful magik but it would more the satiate Gale's deep hunger, "Astarion I" he said, shocked by this act of generosity, reaching out to take the ring " I don't know what to say, thank-"

But before his fingers could close around it Astarion flipped the ring back, palming it, "Not so fast" he purred

Of course. Gale was so stupid. Why did he think he could so easily trust a fae, he knew how they worked. His jaw tightened as he looked into Astarion's eyes waiting for the catch

"It was very generous of you agreeing to let me stay here."

He didn't

"…but with me taking care of you and all I'd say we're about even, wouldn't you?"

"In which case I can't simply go around giving out favours for free, you understand."

"What do you want", Gale growled, trying to hold back his anger, at Astarion for being the little trickster he knew he was, at himself for getting tangled up with this man in the first place.

"A simple promise" he smiled sweetly "That's all. I just want to know that you'll have my back if I need you to"

"Oh is that all?" Gale mused sarcastically

"Don't be like that, darling. I won't ask you for anything big, after all this is, but a trinket, and I am not a greedy man. I simply need a guarantee that you do, in fact, wish to be my ally."

They sat there in an uncomfortably long silence as Gale contemplated his options. If he took this he would be beholden to a favour he knew nothing about. Astarion could ask for anything and fae were not known to be kind when being asking for pay back.

Still. His other options were not exactly good. There was no guarantee he would find the help he sought if he ventured off on his own. This might be the best chance he had at making a deal.

"All right" he said, reluctantly "You have my word" Gale held out his hand and Astarion acquiesced dropping the ring gingerly into his palm.

"I'm so glad we could come to an agreement"

"Uh huh," Gale replied, closing his fingers around the ring, feeling the rush of energy sink into him. He felt refreshed, awakened, better than he had in a long time. Breathing in the energy around him Gale felt new again. He opened his eyes to see Astarion studying him curiously, wide-eyed when Gale opened his hand to reveal the ring had disappeared.

"You are rather special aren't you?"

Gale, despite his common sense, couldn't help but feel a little special in that moment. He knew already, this man would be his unwinding. He had stepped down a dangerous path with no way of knowing where it was leading, only that it would not end well for him. Then again when had Gale ever done what was good for him.

"Pour me a glass of wine" he said and Astarion grinned, with teeth that looked like they could tear him apart.

#astarion #gale dekarios #gale of waterdeep #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #bloodweave #gale x astarion #astarion x gale #astarion ancunin #fanfic #fantasy #alternate universe #slow burn #enemies to friends to lovers #fae #faerie #alternate reality

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rentenesen · 1 year ago

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Woven - Chapter 3

Gale x Astarion BG3 fanfiction

Summary: A/U, modern day, exploring a world where fae exist (non-dnd). Gale, once a very special child with the ability to see fae, is now a regular almost middle aged man, working as a professor. After letting a strange pale man into his house, thinking he might be there to deliver a message from Mystra, Gale quickly realizes he made a mistake.

Word Count: 1.1k The early chapters of the fic are PG but will have more adult themes later on.

Astarion pressed the knife deeper into Gale's skin, not enough to draw blood but close.

"What kind of creature are you" His voice was menacing and deep, reverberating in Gale's ears, breath hot against his cheek.

"I'm a simple mortal, I swear" Gale gasped, "Please, put the knife down and we can talk about this. I don't want to have to hurt you."

"I don't think so." Astarion let out a gruff chuckle studying his face, trying to make something out "I'm not as foolish as you seem to think, darling. Those eye of yours can see straight through my disguise and you're going to tell me why."

Gale could feel his magik start to burn low in his belly, coursing through his body with every pound of his heart. This was the first time in a while he had felt it so alive and available. He could expel the man with ease, but would he have enough energy left to fight afterwards? If only he has taken more care to ensure the thing in his chest had remained fed.

A more peaceful approach would be safer for them both Gale decided. Astarion was already inside of his house, who knew what connections he had, there was no sense in pissing him off further.

"I have a patron," Gale breathed deep to keep his voice calm, "She grants me my abilities in exchange for my service to her" It was mostly true. Gale had always carried a strange connection to the world of the fae but Mystra had compounded and grown his gifts to remarkable heights.

Astarion seemed to settle a little, his grip loosening on Gale ever so slightly. "And who might this patron be"

"You can address her as Mystra" fae's names were a sacred thing, not shared easily as power over a name meant power over oneself.

Astarion pulled back to look into Gale's eyes, seeming to believe him enough to not gut him right in that moment. He let up the pressure he had been holding against Gale's body to keep him pinned, stepping back.

"My apologies, I am not on the best terms with certain… people and you caught me off guard outside earlier."

"I caught you off guard?" Gale scoffed, his whole body was vibrating and hot from the threat, "you're the one I found casing my house, waiting to knife me" He wasn't used to this much adrenaline and he tried to calm himself with little avail.

"I was not 'waiting to knife you', like I said, I was not expecting someone like you to be here. I was simply looking for a place to rest and one cannot be too careful when they have enemies" Astarion sheathed his blade and held up his hands in a show of peace.

Gale eyed him suspiciously, enemies huh? It seemed this Astarion must have pissed someone off pretty good to be so jumpy around strangers, "And who exactly are you running from"

"Now, now" he chided "there is plenty of time to discuss our pasts. Besides, it seems that is no concern of yours, if you are indeed mortal as you claim. Not wise to get caught up in the squabbles of fae folk."

Astarion turned and stepped further into Gale's house, looking around curiously, wandering back towards the entry of kitchen.

"Uh, excuse me" Gale huffed and followed him down the hall, disgruntled and not sure exactly what to say. He should not have let the man in his house, it seemed it would not be an easy task to remove him now that he was freely invited. "What exactly are you doing here? I thought maybe you were here to pass me a message from Mystra but it's clear those are not your intentions. I think it would be best if you took your leave as soon as possible."

Astarion sat himself down at Gale's dining bench, "I thought you said you wanted to chat" he gestured for Gale to sit down across from him, his easy smile returned as if they were old friends catching up.

Gale reluctantly sat down, trying to think up ways to expel this man with no argument, "And what exactly do you want to chat about."

"Mystra.. I've heard that name. She's known for being particular about who she takes under her wing, yes?"

Gale could feel his body tense as Astarion spoke of his mistress.

"So you must be something special then" his voice was smooth as honey, looking up at Gale through his pale eyelashes. He leaned in closer, so soft compared to the man who had not moments ago, threatened his life. "We could be useful to each other, you and I"

Surely no good could come from this. A wolf sat across the table from him, offering him a deal, and he would be a fool to even hear him out. And yet… there was something about Astarion that compelled him. He looked at Gale expectantly, waiting for a response, the soft light of the kitchen catching on his sharp features, making him seem almost smaller somehow. He was not sure if it was the pity he felt for the clearly hungry and lost creature or if his own loneliness was deluding him into thinking it might not be so bad to indulge the man just a little longer.

No matter what the driving force was Gale was none the less intrigued, "What are you suggesting?"

"It's not everyday you have a fae offering you a favour." Astarion smirked "I need a place to stay, at least for a little while and… I'm sure I could find some way to repay you…"

Gale felt a blush creep up his neck at the suggestion, was he attracted to this man? He was certainly good looking and it had been a while since someone so beautiful had taken keen interest in Gale, even if that interest was clearly to get something out of him. Perhaps it was just the excitement of the evening that had his blood pumping, but he was certainly embarrassed at how his mind was wondering. He swallowed hard, hoping Astarion would not pick up on it.

"Ah well. I'm not sure this is a good idea," Gale could feel sweat forming on his hands, he started to feel lightheaded.

"Are you feeling alright"

"Huh? Yes I'm. I'm fine, I think I'm just a bit overwhelmed" Gale's breaths were pulling is faster, he tried to slow them but a dizzy darkness started to spread through the corners of his mind.

"Gale?" he could hear the man calling for him as if underwater. He tried to respond but his whole body was heavy, as if he filled with sand, slowly sifting and pull him down deeper into the darkness.

The last thing Gale felt was a cold pressure on the side of his face. It was comforting, gentle and he imagined he was years younger, still full of promise, falling asleep on the forest floor. Back when he felt so loved and safe, when he was wanted his cheek resting in the palm of Mystra's hand.

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rentenesen · 1 year ago

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Me fr

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rentenesen · 1 year ago

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Ya'll think I'm joking. Astarion can't carry a tune to save his life.

#no. 1 reason he's not a bard

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rentenesen · 1 year ago

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*spoilers for Astarion's plotline act 2 &3* So I was watching some of Astarion's scenes in Act 3 and something connected for me. Remember when he says this when were deciding if we should save Nere at the Grymforge:

Astarion: "The last thing I want to do is ruin these nails digging through rock" It's a silly, funny little quip, except why does he say that?

He's thinking about his hands because he's had to do something similar a couple of times before. Once when he had to dig himself out of his own grave

Astarion: "I had to punch a hole in my coffin and claw my way though six feet of dirt" And once desperately trying to free himself from the tomb Cazador sealed him in for a year

Astarion: "Months of scratching my hands raw, trying to carve my way out." He deflects so much with humour but sometimes when I think about all he's been through it breaks my heart. I will never make you dig Astarion. You'll never have to hurt your hands like that again 🥺💕

#astarion #bg3 #baldur's gate 3 meme #baldurs gate tav

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rentenesen · 1 year ago

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Astarion: "The last thing I want to do is ruin these nails digging through rock" It's a silly, funny little quip, except why does he say that?

He's thinking about his hands because he's had to do something similar a couple of times before. Once when he had to dig himself out of his own grave

Astarion: "I had to punch a hole in my coffin and claw my way though six feet of dirt" And once desperately trying to free himself from the tomb Cazador sealed him in for a year

#astarion #bg3 #baulders gate 3

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rentenesen · 1 year ago

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Woven - Chapter 2

Gale x Astarion BG3 fanfiction

This is one my first times dabbling in fanfiction and my first time posting anything like this. Was inspired by the Profession Dekarios comics posted by @ssalballoon

Summary: Set in alternate universe, modern day, exploring a world where fae exist (non-dnd). Gale, once a very special child with the ability to see fae, is now a regular almost middle aged man, working as a professor. Unsatisfied with his life, and contemplating his reasons to keep going, a strange pale man appears at his house one night, asking to be let inside.

Word Count: 1.3k ______________________________________________________________

Gale sighed pulling into his driveway that evening, it had been a long day, or it least it felt like it had been. He turned off the car and just.. sat there for a while. In reality it had gone by rather quickly. he only had two classes to teach and his TAs had been there to help out students during office hours.

Still every day felt like it was taking more from him. He felt drained lately. He lifted the collar of his sweater to peer inside at the mark, stretching up from his chest. Was this the cause? Siphoning away his life, minute by minute. Usually his old friend and roommate Tara would help him find sources of magick to keep the thing fed but she had been away, dealing with her own life, and Gale had lacked the energy, the motivation to feed it himself. And now here it was, eating him, instead from the inside out.

He wondered how long it would take to kill him if he simply left it. Would he outlive his father? A pang of guilt shuttered through him. What a terrible son he was.

No. He had to figure out a way to gather some magick and satiate the hungry force in his chest. For his mother's sake at least. Tara probably wouldn't be too happy with him either if he tried to pull something like that on her.

He smiled to himself imagining her scolding him 'Mr. Dakarios, do you think just because I'm not here breathing down your neck you can just let yourself go like that?'

He had papers to grade but he would have to find some time tonight to figure this out. He stepped out of the car wondering if maybe he could ask his mistress for help. He relished the thought of going to her and begging to get himself out of this situation once again. How disappointed would she be in him? Surely not more than she already was and he was getting desperate after all. And if he was being honest, he would not mind the excuse to see her again, to hear her voice, even if it was admonishing him for his foolishness. His mind wandered to her face, her perfect lips, so close to his…

Gale was so lost in thought, walking back towards the his lawn he almost didn't notice the man, crouched at the side of his house, peering in his window. When he did he jumped, letting out a small, high pitched yelp, and dropped his briefcase on the lawn, his students papers spilling out into the grass.

The man also seemed surprised, crouching back and staring at him wide eyed. He had on worn clothing, looked a little disheveled, and like he might make make a run for it.

"What are you doing?" Gale called out trying to make sense of the situation. Was this a burglar? Had he caught someone casing the place? He fumbled around trying to figure out which pocket he put his phone in so he could call the police.

The man's expression turned to confusion for a split moment, like he was trying to read something on Gale's face, then slowly morphed into realization, and finally a relaxed, easy smile.

Gale was taken aback, unable to locate his phone he realized it must be in his briefcase. Having a second to look over the man, however, he realized the police would be no help her. The man was seelie. He was tall with a slight build, with light hair. Gale couldn't see him too clearly with the little light the streetlights provided, but something about his proportions were slightly too long.

"Terribly sorry to frighten you" the man called back to him "I didn't mean to cause a stir, I seem to be a little lost" the man stepped forward, around the house, closer to the front door and Gale. The sensor for the porch light picked up the movement and flicked on illuminating the man's features. He was pale, his hair fully white, with slightly gaunt, slightly worn face. and Gale wasn't sure if he should run or stand his ground. This was not the first time Gale had run into a creature like this in a strange situation but he was unsure what this one's intentions were.

"I'm Astarion" the man said smiling and cocking his head in a friendly gesture.

Against his better judgement Gale forced himself to breathe and relax, deciding to engage with the man. He knew his real name must not be Astarion, no seelie would give theirs up without force. For fae, much of their power was tied to their name, but Gale indulged him nonetheless "Nice to meet you Astarion, I'm Gale. This is my house you've been prowling around"

Astarion laughed, light and free, and if the situation hadn't been so strange Gale would have found it comforting "No prowling, I assure you. You see I have some friends the live around here, darling, but I've gotten quite turned around and it's gotten so late. I was hoping to find someone home to lend me a hand. Now that you're here… might you have a phone I could come inside to use."

His voice was almost lyrical, this Astarion had a silver tongue, Gale would give him that. His lies were so confident anyone else might just buy them outright, but Gale could see him for what he really was, since he could remember Gale could see right through the glamour fae, like this one, would normally don to hide themselves.

Still, why would he lie? What reason would he need to get inside of Gale's home. Then suddenly it clicked. He must have been sent by her. It's the only thing that made sense. Did she have a message for him? Why not send Elminster as she normally would. At least he had the sense to not creep around his yard in the middle of the night.

Gale gave Astarion one last look up and down. If it turned out he wasn't sent by Gale's mistress then Astarion had no idea who he was messing with. Gale was sure he could make quick work of this one if he had to. He looked dirty and malnourished, most likely not used to be around mundane folk. Though, to be fair, he was a rather beautiful man. Most fae were, but there was an allure about him Gale couldn't quite pin down. High check bones, delicate sharp features, long, agile fingers. The the dread thought crept into his mind 'Could he be one of her lovers?' Gale shuddered and shook the thought away, knowing the question would haunt him when he tried to fall asleep that night.

Unable to turn away a possible messenger from his mistress Gale sighed, "Yes, I suppose I do, come on in Astarion, I'll show you where it is." Gale reluctantly turned to gather the papers off the ground and stuff them back into his briefcase before pulling out his keys and opening the door. He gestured for Astarion to come inside, and the man did so without hesitation. This was going to be a long night, Gale thought.

Gale stepped inside himself, flicking on the light. It was when he turned back to close the door behind him that he knew he had made a mistake. Suddenly, and expertly his body was turned and slammed into the door, shutting it with a loud bang. Before Gale had time to react Astarion had the cold blade of a carved knife resting on his throat. The mans expression, so inviting before, had sharpened as he pressed his body into Gale, holding him in place. "How can you see me" the creature hissed, his face, impossibly close to Gale's own. Gale could feel his heartbeat reverberating through his whole body, he was shaking. Even though he had just decided earlier that night not to die, it seemed like fate might have other plans for him. Typical. Looking at Astarion now, not that he could look anywhere else, Gale truly took in his eyes for the first time that night. They fierce, though, Gale though, maybe fearful, and a deep, menacing red.

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rentenesen · 1 year ago

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Woven - Chapter 1

Gale x Astarion BG3 fanfiction

This is one my first times dabbling in fanfiction and my first time posting anything like this. Was inspired by the Profession Dekarios comics posted by @ssalballoon

Summary: Set in alternate universe, modern day, exploring a world where fae exist (non-dnd). Gale, once a very special child with the ability to see fae, is now a regular almost middle aged man, working as a professor. Bored by his life and unable to let go of the life he once had, Gale struggles with the guilt of how he got here. That is until a strange, pale man appears at his doorstep and Gale is once again pulled back into the world of magick, unaware of what dangers lay ahead.

Word Count: 1.7k This chapter is mostly just set up! Astarion does not appear but is mentioned briefly. I welcome any tips on posting/corrections for how I'm formatting things. Hope you enjoy! ______________________________________________________________

Many children dream of being something greater than they are. How could they not, growing up getting lost in movies and books of fantastical worlds; little boys and girls setting off on journeys through otherworldly realms, adventuring towards their calling, towards their destiny, the chosen ones. Gale Dekarios was that child.

Before he even knew what was happening or how to vocalize it Gale knew that magick was real and alive; even in the city where nature was sometimes rare. He remembered being maybe four years old walking down the street holding hands with his mother, the trees bending in their little cages along the sidewalk, facing forming and melting into the bark, whispers layered in the noise and bustle of the afternoon. Looking back he could see how someone not accustomed to such oddities might see it as twisted and nightmarish but children have no context for the world. To Gale this has always been the way of things. The faces in the trees were like little friends popping out to greet him. The people he would see on the street, impossibly tall, green skin, long fingers, eyes alight they were simply, strangers, out and about, going through their own mundane lives.

Sometimes he would point out these strange happenings to his mother with a giggle or or a question, asking her why that man had spikes down his back or laughing at the silly blue hair floating around the woman on the train, like a jelly fish. His mother would smile down at him, eyebrow raised, and tell him what a creative little boy he was; seldom answering his questions. Sometimes though she would and she would huddle close to him and they would talk about all the wonderful things Gale had seen that day. He now knows she was just playing along, encouraging his "stories" blind to the world around them that was so open and inviting to him.

He remembered his father was a bit less indulgent when Gale would speak of such things. Often eyeing him with a soft stoic look and letting out a little sigh in response. Gale wondered if his father thought of his child as simply being a little "out there" for his own tastes or if he was genuinely concerned. Had his parents ever talked about taking Gale to a doctor? Maybe they should have, but he's glad they never followed through if they did. Gale was not sure how we would have navigated trying to prove he wasn't loosing his mind, especially being the only one who could see what he could.. perhaps they would have convinced him it was all in his mind. How different his life might have turned out then. Either way, he quickly caught on as he got older and started going to school that something about him, about the way he saw the world, was not "normal" and he wised up and stopped talking about it.

He would still write about it though, late at night, exploring his theories, pouring over books in the school libraries feverishly, anything he could get his hands on to learn more about this strange world he seemed to be a part of in some way. He soon learned that the creatures he saw were called fae and he fell deeper and deeper into the study of them. And not just that. There was a time where he had been accepted by them. There was a time when he would dance in the middle of the forrest at night, lavish parties, tender friends, secrets of magick revealed, and even gifted. Gale Dekarius was once a very special boy who lived an impossibly exciting and charmed life. And now he stood in front of his bathroom cabinet mirror, groggy with bags accentuating his eyes, even through he had been dead asleep for the past nine hours. He was pushing forty, his messy beard and unkempt hair making him look even older. He was washed up, he was exhausted.

Regardless, he still had responsibilities so Gale splashed some water on his face and got to trimming his facial hair. His life was not horrible by any means. Gale was a home owner, a rarity more and more these days, of a charming two-story house, with a little back garden and a gate that lead out to a walking trail. and he had a very secure job, an esteemed one even. The title of professor did come with some respect and gave him plenty of time to indulge in how own studies. His parent lived close by and he could often stop in for an afternoon lunch or have them over, not that they stayed too long these days. His father's health had been getting worse and it was a bit more comfortable for them in their own home. Still, his mother would try to come visit regularly, even if it was only her, making occasional use of his spare room, which had become a guest room since his roommate had moved out. Gale wondered when she would be back, his best friend, his confidant, she had left almost a year ago now. He had seen her occasionally since then when she popped back into town, but missed her presence and company around the house. It felt a little too quiet these days, and nights he stayed up reading in the library a little too lonely, without her chastising him for not being in bed or forgetting to eat again. Now he had to keep his life together on his own and felt like he was failing miserably. ___

After fixing up his face Gale threw on a button up from his clean laundry pile, noticed it was a little too wrinkled to look professional, and swapped it for a turtle neck. He'd have to throw it back in the dryer for a bit before wearing it. Maybe he'd actually hang it up in time too, instead of leaving it for days to get wrinkled again. He really should invest in more of those wrinkle-proof shirts, he thought, throwing a blazer on over his sweater.

He stumbled downstairs, his briefcase where he had left it the night before, sitting in on the bench of his dining nook. He popped a piece of bread in the toaster, flicked on the kettle and checked the clock. On time, he sighed in relief, looks like today will go smoothly, he thought.

His phone rang, startling him a little bit and he looked at the caller id. His mother, they talked often but it was unusual for her to call him this early on a school day.

"Hey, Mom" he said, only having to fake his cheery demeanour a little. "How are you this morning?"

"Oh, I'm just wonderful, dear, did you sleep alright" Gale held his tongue, he had always been a night owl and even as an adult it seemed he would never live it down.

"Yes, I did, I slept a lot actually, must of needed it. To what do I own the pleasure of your call mom, is everything okay with dad?"

"Ah yes, it is, didn't mean to concern you, we're both just fine, I'm actually calling because I just wanted to let you know, I've been watching the news this morning and it seems there's something going on in your neighbourhood."

"Oh?" Gale replied, only half listening as he tucked his phone against his shoulder so he could get good grip to butter his toast "What's this?"

"Well your neighbour, Mrs. Wilson, mentioned last time I was over, that something had been rummaging around in her yard" His mother, while a lovely woman, could be quiet the talker, just like Gale himself. He moved on to preparing his tea in a to-go cup, eyeing the clock, hoping she would reach the point soon.

"I see"

"Well and now, I'm seeing on the news more people are noticing it seems like an animal has been prowling around. I just thought I should warn you. Have you seen anything like that?"

Gale thought about it for a moment, but he knew he was not always the most perceptive about those things, "I don't think I have Mom, but I will keep an eye out."

"I trust you will, I just worry about you, you know, want to make sure you're keeping safe"

Gale smiled, softly a little sadly "I am Mom, I love you. Wish we could talk longer but I have to get to school"

"Okay, love you too sweetheart, give me a call back this week"

"I will"

Gale grabbed a paper towel to put his toast on, scooped up his tea and his briefcase, then headed out the door to his car. Before he got in, fumbling with his keys he took a quick look around his street. Had he seen anything? Was there anything amiss? He couldn't tell. He had left the garbage bins out too long, he would have to bring them in tonight but they were upright, undisturbed by prying paws. He shrugged and got into his car, heading off for work.

Curious he turned on the radio, seeing if his local channel had anything to say. It took a few minutes but sure enough, they mentioned it. An animal, they presumed, had wandered into town from the woods. They said residents in the area should be alert and keep all pets indoors. Gale wasn't too worried. He was sure he had seen a lot worse in his lifetime after all, and he knew all he had to do to scare away a lost little creature was to make himself look big and shout loudly. They're more scared of you than you are of them, he thought; he wondered what kind of beast they had strolling the streets, looking for a snack.

No one had caught a good sight of it so far, just the messes it had left behind. The only mention someone made of actually seeing something was in the bushes of their back yard. They had heard a noise, noticed a rustling when they went to investigate and quickly, shown a light on it they had seen a quick flash of red, animal eyes staring back at them; most likely a trick of the light. The thing darted off before the neighbour could get better look at it.

Chucking to himself about how worked up everyone was getting about the situation, Gale hoped at least this might be something interesting. Maybe if he was lucky he himself could see the little fox, or whatever it was, running through his own back yard.

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