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Gale was in the middle of cooking dinner when Frans had returned that evening. Only he was alone now. Earlier that day, he and Tara, the sweet little Tressym, had gone out into the woods behind their home. She was teaching him how to forage within Mother Nature’s bounty rather than the trash cans and streets the little rogue was so used to.
Frans had learned to pick the right mushrooms, non-poisonous berries and herbs that would infuse Gale’s meals. Since he was like a sponge when it came to survival skills such as foraging, he picked it up quite quickly. Tara was even impressed and praised the little half-elf.
The kitchen of their humble castle was heavily scented with different ingredients. Frans picked up the scent of thyme, spring onions, and beef among other deliciousness. The lovers greeted each other with a warm embrace and an even warmer kiss.
A cloth pack of what Frans had collected was set on the wooden counter top and the wizard opened it to much delight. He picked through the contents and decided the large puffball mushroom would go perfectly with the surprise he was making for his husband.
Yes, the pair had wed not long after everything happened with the Netherbrain’s attack on the realm. As terrible as the situation had been, the men found comfort and companionship in each other, and eventually fell in love. Frans knew he had to snag Gale. Aside from being a most caring and tender lover, he was also a phenomenal cook.
Today was their one year anniversary of wedded bliss, which called for a special meal. Gale had spent days planning the menu for that evening, honoring what they ate exactly one year ago. It was going to be the first time the wizard prepared it himself.
Feeling nervous about the outcome of the dishes was natural, and Tara had reminded him that Frans would love the dish no matter how it turned out. One may feel offended by that, but her words were true; the little half-elf ate practically anything.
In order to distract his little lover, Gale had asked him to play a tune on the flute he had given him the night they were married. Frans had loved the gift and made great use of it. He even began to write his own music and utilized a variety of instruments. A small following of fans appeared and he was often asked to play in taverns. The young man was a musical prodigy.
As Frans practiced his new song and explained in depth what inspired him to create it, Gale got to work completing the main dish. The pan sizzled while musical notes infused the joy of the meal being made.
Soon enough, the little rogue was deep into the song he played. One became two and two turned into a string of music. The smile upon Gale’s lips had never once faded.
When there was a pause between songs, the wizard announced dinner was ready. Frans eagerly took his seat, mouth already watering as if he hadn’t eaten in days. Two plates were set on the table along with two wine glasses emanating the sweet scent of sangria.
Icy orbs had lit up with a dazzling sparkle as Frans looked down at the plate before him. It was an unexpected meal and one that warmed his heart in more ways than one.
Puffball mushrooms and beef had been sliced and grilled with butter and herbs, various root vegetables were roasted to perfection, but the main course, which had his eyes glistening with emotion, was the stack of potato pancakes topped with fresh spring onions and a dollop of cream.
Exactly one year ago, Elminster had cooked up their wedding meal. Boxty had been on that menu and it had brought tears to Frans eyes. He spoke of the dish only once before the pair had become lovers and seeing how Gale remembered a detail that seemed insignificant outside of anyone who wasn’t the little half-elf, left him speechless.
With shaky hands and a gentle yet eager smile, Frans picked up his knife and fork and cut a piece of the potato pancake. Gale sat in front of his own plate, frozen as he watched for any reaction from his young lover. The piece was placed in his mouth and Frans suddenly perked up as the flavors danced along his taste buds.
As Frans began chewing, the flavors became more prominent. The butter had fried the batter to a crisp perfection, herbaceous green onions created a deliciously mild spice and soft grated potatoes were seasoned with a shake of salt and a slightly heavier hand of pepper. However, it didn’t ruin the meal. Even if it had been cooked down to charcoal, too salty, fell apart or compacted like a dirt mound, the little half-elf would have devoured it.
It was a dish he ate in abundance as a child when it was just him and his mother. Sometimes she would overcook the boxty, lack an ingredient which altered the taste, or hastily cook and it wasn’t as crisp. It didn’t matter to Frans because either way, he loved the food his mother would make and he appreciated it even more. She was all he had, but she left him and this world too soon.
Having known how much Frans loved his mother and how boxty reminded him of her had prompted the wizard to have it served at their wedding. It was his way of saying she would always be here with him through her memory and her spirit.
A coffee colored gaze continued to observe emotions changing like the seasons on his pale lover’s face. With each forkful came a contended groan, a smile and an excitement for the next bite. It was obvious Frans was tearing up throughout the meal as a stray bead of liquid slid down his cheek. Gale scooped it up with his thumb and kissed the moist pad of his finger.
Once the pair finished their dinner, Gale set the dishes aside and returned to the table, only now he took the seat next to Frans. Eagerness was written all over the older wizard’s face as he suddenly lifted a purple cloth lying flat against the wooden table. Surprise shook the little blond as he saw the appearance of a small platter with a silver lid atop. Frans couldn’t help grinning at his lover’s magical ways.
The atmosphere had suddenly shifted as the light dimmed and translucent flower petals swirled around them. The scent of the woods and sound of a lake suddenly tingled Frans’s senses. It felt just like the night the pair shared their first kiss, their first hug, their first confessions of feelings for one another.
The silver lid was lifted which revealed a cake. It mimicked that from their wedding day, but smaller, more personal. Shades of purples, blues and pinks swirled around in the form of frosting, resembling that of a dawn morning, the dawn of their love. In the center was a beautifully piped magnolia flower.
Frans’s breath was quite literally taken away and Gale took hold of Frans’s smaller hands, holding them gently before a small kiss was placed on top of each to shift him back to the present.
Then a familiar string of words began to trickle slowly from the wizard’s mouth.
Vows. They were more than just simple promises of love, longing, and eternity. Gale had shown it all to Frans. Love was given at every moment. When the pair were apart, they longed for each other. Their souls had become one for all eternity.
Tears streamed down Frans’s face as he soaked in every word, but once Gale had finished, he happily recited the vows he spoke a year ago. Nothing could break the two apart, not even the damned gods, for their love was too powerful.
Once they had settled down, Gale cut into the cake and served two slices. Frans was about to dig in when a forkful of cake was presented to him. He looked at the fork before taking his own and cut into the slice before holding it up to Gale’s smiling lips.
The adorable pair exchanged their forkfuls of cake and it tasted just as delectable as the first time. Moist dark chocolate of the baked batter balanced out the sweetness of the frosting. A dark cherry filling created a light tart flavor against the chocolate.
Frans closed his eyes as he chewed, enjoying the variety of flavors bursting forth from the pristine dessert. Not only was Gale a great chef, but he was talented when it came to baking too. This entire meal would be added to the ever growing list of meals the wizard had a talent for.
The little rogue seemed to ask Gale daily how he became so lucky as to land the perfect husband.
And each time Frans would ask, Gale would assure him that they were positively meant to be.