[He admits that much with a chuckle of his own, reaching up to card his fingers through his hair and compose himself.]
I've heard plenty over the years, but I'm sure it won't surprise you to learn I tend to keep to myself.
[It's easier, in the long run. He doesn't elaborate, instead giving the bartender a nod of thank and reaching for the first of the three bottles.]
I suppose I am rather proper. I think of it as 'old-fashioned,' perhaps. I can't say I quite fit into the city's current efforts towards vampire tourism, as it were.
My neighbors have told me that you're rather quiet so I gathered that much.
[Their tiefling barkeep finally serves her loaded fries and a bottle of ice-cold beer. She picks up her fork and helps herself, thoroughly enjoying her indulgent meal before continuing their conversation.]
Things have changed in the past few decades, haven't they? I remember when I was being raised in my coven, the other witches talked about the strengthening ties between mortals and vampires and how each year the latter's relationship with the rest of the world has been decidedly less adversarial.
[She takes another bite of fries and then washes it down with a swig of beer.]
The Cosmic Witches saw it coming, or so they claim. When you stare at the stars and their hidden meanings for that long, you're bound to be right about a few things.
[He lets out a stifled sound of amusement in response to that last assessment, taking a careful pull from the first bottle he'd been given, taking the time to savor it. Many of his kind complained that drinking from a bottle or glass lacked the thrill of doing things the 'traditional' way, and perhaps they were right, but Gale had a wealth of reasons for preferring it as he did.]
It is always the way with divination and astrology. Powerful tools in their own right, but not an exact science. By the numbers, however, they do turn up their share of accurate predictions.
[The laws of probability demanded it, if nothing else, but he's certainly seen proof of the power of both arts in his time.]
As vampires now live their lives in the open as legal citizens rather than hiding in the shadows as monsters to be feared, things have changed. Some for the better. Coexistence is tenuous at times, but largely seems to be working. The way some have turned to offering our way of life as entertainment, however...
[He pauses, frowning as he takes another sip, considering.]
It is dangerous, I think, to glamorize it so. To allow boundaries to become muddied. To encourage humans to come into clubs and beg to be fed on as though it is a privilege, and was not so long ago a very real threat.
Ah. I've heard of such things, but I haven't gone out of my way to see it. I'm asleep by the time those activities are at their peak.
[The witch muses to herself that the hunt had never really ceased. It has simply mutated into a different shape. Instead of inflicting violence upon mortals, vampires use their allure and undead mystery to entice their food to them instead.
A pleasant asphyxiation.]
Well. It's better for both sides. One side can live in relative safety even when the sun sets and the other can maintain a constant and consistent supply.
[Amelia turns her seat to face Gale again bringing her beer to her lips before asking another question.]
Actually, I don't think I've asked... How old are you exactly? You've probably were able to witness these changing tides even before I was born.
[He can hardly argue with her there. Though he does not care for such a predatory approach being glamourized, it is better— both sides are safer for it, so long as everyone follows the rules. Vampires who break them often find themselves deeply regretting so— unless there are those who are powerful enough to get away with doing so.
Those whose attention Amelia had drawn to herself were, unfortunately, that sort.
He lowers his bottle from his lips as she asks her question, giving her a wry little smile in response.]
There was a time when I thought I would eventually lose count— that the years would have no meaning after so many had passed. As it so happens, there are some dates you simply never forget.
[The year one died, for one. He clears his throat softly, looking just a touch bashful as he goes on to confess:]
[His answer causes her lips twitch into another smile.]
That sure is something. You look a hundred years young, if you don't mind me saying.
[Amelia easily delivers warm and teasing words, like an easy breeze passing through. In her old hometown, her previous neighbors would remark that she was strangely personable for a witch.
(But she had one person to thank for that. She wouldn't have been able to be who she was today without his influence.)]
Since it's only fair, she gives her age too.]
I'm fifty-five and I feel it sometimes. It probably doesn't bode well for me, not if I want to be as long-lived as you or my peers.
[She gets another laugh from him with that, soft though it may be. She is quite personable, as it turns out, far moreso than he would have expected of someone in her current situation. He's grateful for it— their predicament would be even more difficult if they found themselves at odds. That, at least, had always seemed unlikely. Even before they had properly met, it was clear enough that they had common interests.]
I'll graciously accept the compliment, thank you.
[He studies her for a moment as she gives her own age, responding with a small shake of his head.]
Ah, you'll do just fine— there are some of us who are merely old souls, no matter the number of years. You look half that, at best. I never would have guessed— but in fairness, I would never deign to guess or ask a lady's age.
[Amelia cheerfully takes another bite out of her fries.]
Well, to circle back... [And here, her expression becomes serious again.]
I do want to visit your place. It's better to talk shop there than here. And you'll have to escort me home before dawn breaks.
[There are only so many hours in the night and so much can happen within them if she's careless. After what had happened in her own domain, the Green Witch is trying to exercise more caution and use what's at her disposal which in this case, is Gale.]
I've learned quite a bit in my time. I've always considered myself a scholar, and two and a half centuries is a remarkably long time to study any number of subjects, including people.
[There are some rules that never change, no matter how many decades have passed, and that is certainly one of them. Some information you never ask for, and can only hope to learn if it happens to be offered.
He nods his understanding as he drinks, a bit of noticeable color having returned to his countenance now that he's begun to properly feed.]
You would be welcome, and we're likely to have a good deal of privacy between any visiting patrons. The escort goes without saying, as well.
[He's not about to leave her unattended, not as long as he's awake.]
You shouldn't walk anywhere alone for the foreseeable future, if it can be helped.
There goes my plans for developing a vigorous nightlife.
[It's wry sarcasm, obviously. She already mentioned she mostly stayed inside and kept the same day to night cycle as other mortals. But seeing as how Amelia also attended her shop during the say and ventured outside only to make small purchases during the day...]
Hm. Do you think that clan employs day servants to work when they can't? I haven't had any trouble during daylight hours, but the foreseeable future you're alluding to is looking a lot less optimistic.
[Ah— an excellent question, and one he does, indeed, have the answer to.]
While I've never met any personally, I would expect that Clan Szarr does exactly that.
[His expression has become somber once more, concerned as he lowers his bottle, brow creasing slightly between his eyes.]
There are plenty who do. Some are entirely benign, companions who just so happen to be day-walking— human servants or shifters that serve as animals to call. 'Benign,' unfortunately, is not a word I would use for anything Cazador Szarr does.
[That he is allowed to remain in this city at all is a mystery Gale has wondered at for years.]
At the moment, I don't think it's possible for us to be too careful.
[Amelia is halfway done with her fries and nearly finished with her beer. She maintains her focus on Gale as he replies to her question while twisting her fork into the remains of her meal.]
I haven't been careful at all. I don't think he expected that.
[Witches usually do a good job at maintaining the neutrality between them and vampires, but she had thrown that out the window almost immediately.]
Ah, well. It's settled then; I'm going to your place. No complaints?
[Gale himself has moved onto his second bottle, though he's doing his very best to appear as gentlemanly as one possibly can while drinking from such a vessel, though he can't help looking a touch weary at Amelia's confession. Not careful at all?]
I suppose you will be from here forward.
[Given their new arrangement, he's bound and beholden to see to it that she is.]
Yes— you're certainly welcome there; I was only concerned you would find it dull. [Which seems foolish, in hindsight. They do have common interests, professionally.] We can discuss the finer details of our arrangement and what comes next there.
[Given the sensitive nature of some of it, privacy will be best.]
I do think it's... where you'll be safest, at the moment.
[She catches him off-guard with that one, and sputters as a bit of blood threatens to go down the long way. For the best, really, that he doesn't need to breathe, and that napkin of hers comes at just the right time.
He clears his throat as he takes it from her, trying to hide how sheepish he feels as he folds it in half and neatly dabs at his lips, only moderately successful in veiling his embarrassment.]
Right, of course, my shop— I have quite a collection. You seem quite well-read, but I'm certain I'll have a number of offerings you've not come across before now.
[She blinks at his reaction and then tilts her head, wondering what caused that. It does dawn on her shortly, but she decides to give Gale some grace and not use that as a chance to tease further since that wasn't her intention to do so a second time.
[The sky is completely darkened by the time they're done eating and the streets are filled with increased pedestrian traffic. Amelia remains in close proximity to her vampire companion.]
We're within walking distance, right? No need for a cab or flying?
[He keeps pace with her easily; there is little space between them as they walk astride of one another, though he never goes so far as to enter her personal space or touch her. His broad figure is dark and almost imposing as they move beneath the streetlights; a stranger might think him to be something other than a largely mild-mannered bookworm, and he is hoping the fact that Cazador has never paid him much mind personally will work in his favor— most of his underlings shouldn't know much about him, aside from his past reputation.
It would serve them well, if they were to remember him solely as his sire's pet, painful as those memories had become. It would make some of them think twice about trying to get past him to get to Amelia, at least for awhile.]
It's quite close— walking will be fine. We're neighbors, of a sort. Your shop can be seen from my terrace.
[... perhaps he ought not to have said that, given what it might imply.]
[Unfortunately for Gale, she has picked up on the implications of that newly acquired fact. Amelia's brows raise and her crossed arms add to the bemusement that settles across her features.]
Is that right? I had no idea that was the case.
[There were some vampires that had enhanced eyesight as one of their gifts. She doesn't know what Gale's individual capabilities are, but it wouldn't be too farfetched to conclude that she was visible to him during those nights she would stare at the moon during her personal reveries or evening gardening sessions.]
It must have made for an interesting sight... My plants taking over the building I mean.
[One certainly can. His gaze remains fixed straight ahead as they walk, but there's a more distinct flush in his face now, the color heightened by his recent feeding, and he clears his throat softly, curling his fingers into tight fists within his coat pockets.]
When one hears of a witch coming to town, one whose business overlaps with their own— it's difficult not to be curious.
[Naturally, given such an opportunity, how could he help but look?]
Your plants do seem to be thriving.
[At last, he gives her a sidelong glance, along with a small, sheepish smile.]
[Amelia is very tickled by his expressiveness even as he looks ahead and not at her. Vampires are sometimes painted with broad strokes of being dark and mysterious beings of the night or hungry beasts who could wear masks of civility as long as it granted them access to their next meal. Obviously, they were as varied in personality as any other living being even if there was some truth to the usual stereotypes that swung in either direction.
She didn't think that she'd meet a shy and reserved vampire, but it proving to be an enlightening experience. That side glance and sheepish smile makes her chuckle and shake her head.]
Baldur's Gate isn't what I'd call an ideal city for a Green Witch like myself. That's what everyone kept telling me when I decided to move, but I guess that made me double down on my choice to settle here. You know, just to prove that I could thrive.
I'm probably overcompensating though. The city officials were pretty irritated with me, but I just skate past ordinances and regulations just enough so they can't complain.
[The question is light when he asks it, almost teasing, but there's genuine curiosity there, as well.]
I admit, I had been wondering. Magickind have come here before, many because they've already made arrangements with someone in the city, but it's rare to see one do it independently. Somehow, I can't say I'm terribly surprised that being warned made you even more determined.
[She does seem the dedicated sort, intent on doing things her own way.]
Fortunately, I do believe the city officials have plenty of other things to keep them busy. Your particularly unique garden ought to be safe.
[One of the more sobering realities of vampires is that many of them were sired, whether forcibly or by choice. It occurs to Amelia that Gale is a result of one of those factors which has lead him to his current life in Baldur's Gate.
The more they talk to each other, the more they seem to have in common.
(She wonders if she should be concerned.)]
This city does prioritize its vampires after all. [He's obviously in good, or at least the same company.]
For me, I needed a change of scenery and wanted to exercise my newly strengthened bravado. Ah, but look where it got me.
That it does, though we don't do too poorly for ourselves in Waterdeep, either. I suppose after any number of decades, however, a single place can grow a bit stale, for one reason or another.
[Staleness had not been what had inspired him to leave, but he's not displeased with the life he's made for himself here, either. Perhaps in time, he may return to his home city, when perhaps not so many would know his face, and the sting of seeing his family's descendants age while he watched from a distance would lessen, but after one particular loss, it had been too difficult for him to stay.
He offers a small, wry smile as he inclines his head to indicate that they turn at the upcoming corner, and they are now closing in on three-story building with a large, ornate shop window that takes up at least two of them stretching across its front.]
Need I remind you that you were in a situation where your safety was in jeopardy?
[That doesn't make the outcome any less regrettable, he knows, and he exhales.]
It pains me that even after centuries, there are some who simply cannot take no for an answer.
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sunfloras2024-05-18 10:26 pm
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[He admits that much with a chuckle of his own, reaching up to card his fingers through his hair and compose himself.]
I've heard plenty over the years, but I'm sure it won't surprise you to learn I tend to keep to myself.
[It's easier, in the long run. He doesn't elaborate, instead giving the bartender a nod of thank and reaching for the first of the three bottles.]
I suppose I am rather proper. I think of it as 'old-fashioned,' perhaps. I can't say I quite fit into the city's current efforts towards vampire tourism, as it were.
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[Their tiefling barkeep finally serves her loaded fries and a bottle of ice-cold beer. She picks up her fork and helps herself, thoroughly enjoying her indulgent meal before continuing their conversation.]
Things have changed in the past few decades, haven't they? I remember when I was being raised in my coven, the other witches talked about the strengthening ties between mortals and vampires and how each year the latter's relationship with the rest of the world has been decidedly less adversarial.
[She takes another bite of fries and then washes it down with a swig of beer.]
The Cosmic Witches saw it coming, or so they claim. When you stare at the stars and their hidden meanings for that long, you're bound to be right about a few things.
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It is always the way with divination and astrology. Powerful tools in their own right, but not an exact science. By the numbers, however, they do turn up their share of accurate predictions.
[The laws of probability demanded it, if nothing else, but he's certainly seen proof of the power of both arts in his time.]
As vampires now live their lives in the open as legal citizens rather than hiding in the shadows as monsters to be feared, things have changed. Some for the better. Coexistence is tenuous at times, but largely seems to be working. The way some have turned to offering our way of life as entertainment, however...
[He pauses, frowning as he takes another sip, considering.]
It is dangerous, I think, to glamorize it so. To allow boundaries to become muddied. To encourage humans to come into clubs and beg to be fed on as though it is a privilege, and was not so long ago a very real threat.
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[The witch muses to herself that the hunt had never really ceased. It has simply mutated into a different shape. Instead of inflicting violence upon mortals, vampires use their allure and undead mystery to entice their food to them instead.
A pleasant asphyxiation.]
Well. It's better for both sides. One side can live in relative safety even when the sun sets and the other can maintain a constant and consistent supply.
[Amelia turns her seat to face Gale again bringing her beer to her lips before asking another question.]
Actually, I don't think I've asked... How old are you exactly? You've probably were able to witness these changing tides even before I was born.
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Those whose attention Amelia had drawn to herself were, unfortunately, that sort.
He lowers his bottle from his lips as she asks her question, giving her a wry little smile in response.]
There was a time when I thought I would eventually lose count— that the years would have no meaning after so many had passed. As it so happens, there are some dates you simply never forget.
[The year one died, for one. He clears his throat softly, looking just a touch bashful as he goes on to confess:]
Two hundred and forty-three.
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[His answer causes her lips twitch into another smile.]
That sure is something. You look a hundred years young, if you don't mind me saying.
[Amelia easily delivers warm and teasing words, like an easy breeze passing through. In her old hometown, her previous neighbors would remark that she was strangely personable for a witch.
(But she had one person to thank for that. She wouldn't have been able to be who she was today without his influence.)]
Since it's only fair, she gives her age too.]
I'm fifty-five and I feel it sometimes. It probably doesn't bode well for me, not if I want to be as long-lived as you or my peers.
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I'll graciously accept the compliment, thank you.
[He studies her for a moment as she gives her own age, responding with a small shake of his head.]
Ah, you'll do just fine— there are some of us who are merely old souls, no matter the number of years. You look half that, at best. I never would have guessed— but in fairness, I would never deign to guess or ask a lady's age.
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[Amelia cheerfully takes another bite out of her fries.]
Well, to circle back... [And here, her expression becomes serious again.]
I do want to visit your place. It's better to talk shop there than here. And you'll have to escort me home before dawn breaks.
[There are only so many hours in the night and so much can happen within them if she's careless. After what had happened in her own domain, the Green Witch is trying to exercise more caution and use what's at her disposal which in this case, is Gale.]
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[There are some rules that never change, no matter how many decades have passed, and that is certainly one of them. Some information you never ask for, and can only hope to learn if it happens to be offered.
He nods his understanding as he drinks, a bit of noticeable color having returned to his countenance now that he's begun to properly feed.]
You would be welcome, and we're likely to have a good deal of privacy between any visiting patrons. The escort goes without saying, as well.
[He's not about to leave her unattended, not as long as he's awake.]
You shouldn't walk anywhere alone for the foreseeable future, if it can be helped.
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[It's wry sarcasm, obviously. She already mentioned she mostly stayed inside and kept the same day to night cycle as other mortals. But seeing as how Amelia also attended her shop during the say and ventured outside only to make small purchases during the day...]
Hm. Do you think that clan employs day servants to work when they can't? I haven't had any trouble during daylight hours, but the foreseeable future you're alluding to is looking a lot less optimistic.
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While I've never met any personally, I would expect that Clan Szarr does exactly that.
[His expression has become somber once more, concerned as he lowers his bottle, brow creasing slightly between his eyes.]
There are plenty who do. Some are entirely benign, companions who just so happen to be day-walking— human servants or shifters that serve as animals to call. 'Benign,' unfortunately, is not a word I would use for anything Cazador Szarr does.
[That he is allowed to remain in this city at all is a mystery Gale has wondered at for years.]
At the moment, I don't think it's possible for us to be too careful.
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I haven't been careful at all. I don't think he expected that.
[Witches usually do a good job at maintaining the neutrality between them and vampires, but she had thrown that out the window almost immediately.]
Ah, well. It's settled then; I'm going to your place. No complaints?
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I suppose you will be from here forward.
[Given their new arrangement, he's bound and beholden to see to it that she is.]
Yes— you're certainly welcome there; I was only concerned you would find it dull. [Which seems foolish, in hindsight. They do have common interests, professionally.] We can discuss the finer details of our arrangement and what comes next there.
[Given the sensitive nature of some of it, privacy will be best.]
I do think it's... where you'll be safest, at the moment.
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[Amelia reaches into her pocket and hands Gale a napkin with a smile. Grandma move...]
But I think my interest in what you have to offer will keep me up.
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[She catches him off-guard with that one, and sputters as a bit of blood threatens to go down the long way. For the best, really, that he doesn't need to breathe, and that napkin of hers comes at just the right time.
He clears his throat as he takes it from her, trying to hide how sheepish he feels as he folds it in half and neatly dabs at his lips, only moderately successful in veiling his embarrassment.]
Right, of course, my shop— I have quite a collection. You seem quite well-read, but I'm certain I'll have a number of offerings you've not come across before now.
[Saved?]
timeskippy
There will be plenty of time for that later]Let's finish up our meals and get going then, hm?
[The sky is completely darkened by the time they're done eating and the streets are filled with increased pedestrian traffic. Amelia remains in close proximity to her vampire companion.]
We're within walking distance, right? No need for a cab or flying?
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It would serve them well, if they were to remember him solely as his sire's pet, painful as those memories had become. It would make some of them think twice about trying to get past him to get to Amelia, at least for awhile.]
It's quite close— walking will be fine. We're neighbors, of a sort. Your shop can be seen from my terrace.
[... perhaps he ought not to have said that, given what it might imply.]
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[Unfortunately for Gale, she has picked up on the implications of that newly acquired fact. Amelia's brows raise and her crossed arms add to the bemusement that settles across her features.]
Is that right? I had no idea that was the case.
[There were some vampires that had enhanced eyesight as one of their gifts. She doesn't know what Gale's individual capabilities are, but it wouldn't be too farfetched to conclude that she was visible to him during those nights she would stare at the moon during her personal reveries or evening gardening sessions.]
It must have made for an interesting sight... My plants taking over the building I mean.
[One can hear the smile in her reply.]
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When one hears of a witch coming to town, one whose business overlaps with their own— it's difficult not to be curious.
[Naturally, given such an opportunity, how could he help but look?]
Your plants do seem to be thriving.
[At last, he gives her a sidelong glance, along with a small, sheepish smile.]
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She didn't think that she'd meet a shy and reserved vampire, but it proving to be an enlightening experience. That side glance and sheepish smile makes her chuckle and shake her head.]
Baldur's Gate isn't what I'd call an ideal city for a Green Witch like myself. That's what everyone kept telling me when I decided to move, but I guess that made me double down on my choice to settle here. You know, just to prove that I could thrive.
I'm probably overcompensating though. The city officials were pretty irritated with me, but I just skate past ordinances and regulations just enough so they can't complain.
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[The question is light when he asks it, almost teasing, but there's genuine curiosity there, as well.]
I admit, I had been wondering. Magickind have come here before, many because they've already made arrangements with someone in the city, but it's rare to see one do it independently. Somehow, I can't say I'm terribly surprised that being warned made you even more determined.
[She does seem the dedicated sort, intent on doing things her own way.]
Fortunately, I do believe the city officials have plenty of other things to keep them busy. Your particularly unique garden ought to be safe.
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[It's her turn to look sheepish and she reaches into her pocket to rummage around for her extra pipe. She doesn't take it out yet.]
I'm not trying to strike my fortune here or make a splash.
[Not intentionally anyway. The incident last week was just that unfortunate.]
But I found that I couldn't stay in my hometown. Things changed. And for better or for worse, I changed too.
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[It's not a question, but rather an immediate expression of understanding as her sentiments strike a chord with him.
Even now, years after the fact, he misses Waterdeep, but home was never going to be what it once was.]
As it so happens, I had similar reasons for coming here years ago.
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The more they talk to each other, the more they seem to have in common.
(She wonders if she should be concerned.)]
This city does prioritize its vampires after all. [He's obviously in good, or at least the same company.]
For me, I needed a change of scenery and wanted to exercise my newly strengthened bravado. Ah, but look where it got me.
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[Staleness had not been what had inspired him to leave, but he's not displeased with the life he's made for himself here, either. Perhaps in time, he may return to his home city, when perhaps not so many would know his face, and the sting of seeing his family's descendants age while he watched from a distance would lessen, but after one particular loss, it had been too difficult for him to stay.
He offers a small, wry smile as he inclines his head to indicate that they turn at the upcoming corner, and they are now closing in on three-story building with a large, ornate shop window that takes up at least two of them stretching across its front.]
Need I remind you that you were in a situation where your safety was in jeopardy?
[That doesn't make the outcome any less regrettable, he knows, and he exhales.]
It pains me that even after centuries, there are some who simply cannot take no for an answer.
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facepalms at my gremlin hour tagging
here I am doing the same
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