Work Text:
Miri waits outside the gates of Blackstaff academy, leaning against a brick plinth and alternating her gaze between passers by and the doors of the illusory department.
Of which, her husband would be leaving any minute now. For the last time.
The first few years at Blackstaff had gone exceptionally well. Gale had thrown himself into teaching with all the enthusiasm he committed to every endeavor that caught his interest. And by all accounts he was an exceptional instructor - funny, engaging, interesting. His students flourished.
But as the semesters wore on, Gale on the other hand, did not.
The hours were long - not just at the academy, but also outside of it. Research and grading and preparing materials... it all took countless hours of mostly unpaid, thankless work. He bemoaned often how it took time away from him enjoying time in the tower - time cooking or engaging in his hobbies. And especially time away from his new wife.
Miri was patient, of course. She understood little of the rigor and expectations of the ivory tower, but she knew well the way Gale could get consumed in a project. His passion is one of many things she loves about him.
And while she was willing to entertain herself for his hours away or holed up in his office- she wasn't as willing to tolerate the way the stress was impacting him.
What was this professorship giving back to him?
Gale wasn't eating as much or as well. Distracted often. And he could get irritable if interrupted "too much" or at "the wrong time."
But she knew it was more than the stress of the job. Blackstaff was also a haunting specter of his past. It was in these halls where he had been led by the nose into a cycle of abuse. And there was little he could do when he saw other young, brilliant minds being drawn in much the same way...
Miri had broached the subject gently, numerous times.
Brushed off. Shouted over. Cried about.
The pride of being in such a coveted role - doing such important work - meeting the expectations and living up to his potential - none of it was easily discarded.
But as Gale had started to truly burn out - from the stress of the job, the lack of rest at home, and the constant reminder of some of his worst trauma... he had listened.
Miri had reminded him (again and again) that his worth had nothing to do with his job, or his ability, or his achievements.
And they had decided together that what they most enjoyed was the kind of adventurous experiences they had gotten on the road to Baldur's Gate together. And while they wouldn't give up the tower in Waterdeep - Gale and Miri would set out on the road. Live the adventurer's life. Learn and explore and discover the whole worlds out there. Together.
So Gale had tendered his resignation at the beginning of the semester. He would teach one last set of courses, and that would be it. The Blackstaff had made it clear he would always have a home at the academy, should he want it.
Today was his last official day. His office manually (and magically) cleaned and emptied over the course of the weeks. All that was left was to say his farewells and walk home.
Miri looks back just as the door is swinging shut behind her husband. No more teaching robes - just the smart slacks and button up he wore beneath.
There's a bittersweet sort of smile on his face as he turns towards the path. But when his eyes settle on her, he beams. Those brilliant, beautiful brown eyes alight with a happiness she hasn't seen in months. Gale practically jogs the rest of the way to meet her.
"Kweshta! It is finished?" Miri prompts with a grin once he's in earshot, her smile warm and affectionate. The lythari endearment never fails to make him grin.
"That it is," Gale returns with a broad grin and a half laugh. The relief pouring off him is unmistakable. "Plain old Gale Dekarios, as of today, officially unemployed."
"Nira'aan'ma!" Miri crows with a broad toothy grin. Many congratulations!
She wraps her arms around his waist and hefts him off his feet, spinning them around a few turns. Gale laughs, sounding delightfully carefree as he clings to her. "Oh, vhenan! I am so proud of you!"
When she sets him down they continue to cling to one another, both grinning broadly. Gale's hands find their way to her cheeks and he showers her with quick kisses.
"Thank you for encouraging me, my love."
Today could finally be the start of a new chapter together. And while there's no guarantee it would always be the best choice - they both knew the chance at something better was worth it.