The tower stood quietly in the glow of the Waterdeep sunset as Gale returned home from another long day at Blackstaff Academy. His robes flowed behind him as he stepped into the familiar warmth of the entryway. The faint smell of herbs and the comforting hum of arcane wards greeted him as usual. But tonight, something was different.

As he entered the main room, his eyes immediately fell on you, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Tara, ever-present and watchful, perched nearby on a high shelf with her tail flicking—looking particularly displeased. At your side, a sleek, black tressym with one blue, one orange eye curled up, purring contentedly as you gently scratched behind its ears.

He blinks, a smile tugging at his lips. "And who is this mysterious new addition?" he asked, setting his things aside, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

Before you could answer, Tara cleared her throat before leaping down from her perch with measured grace. “Well, Mr. Dekarios,” she began, her voice dripping with a refined sweetness that belied her displeasure, “I do hope you’re prepared for the scandal. Imagine—another tressym in the tower.” She swished her tail, nose in the air.

You suppress a laugh, gently stroking the black tressym’s fur as it purred, clearly unaware of the brewing tension. Gale knelt beside you, intrigued, his hand joining yours in petting the new arrival. "Found a friend while I was gone, did you?" he mused, smiling at the black tressym, who lazily stretched out to welcome his touch.

Tara turned her back, her head held high. "Friend? I think not. This is an interloper. Mark my words, this will end in disaster. But if you insist on filling our home with strays, well, I suppose I shall manage—as always."

Gale glanced at you with a grin before turning to Tara. "Now, now, Tara," he teased, "you know you’re irreplaceable."

Tara turned slowly, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Quite right." She flicked her tail with a huff. "I’ve had to tolerate much in this tower, but this...well, we shall see."