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.
In fairness, I've had considerably more time to make of it what I wish. You're doing quite well for yourself already.
[He's also sure that even with the present way of things, there's a fair number of people in the city who probably feel a touch safer approaching a shop with an owner who isn't strictly nocturnal, to put it kindly, which means she ought to do steady business and thrive— given the opportunity.
His expression becomes more somber as they near the front door, and he shakes his head in response to her question, his brows furrowing slightly. It's not meant to be open yet, but as they draw closer, he can see that a few of the magic braziers that serve as overhead lights have been lit. He certainly hadn't set them alight before seeking her out at the start of the evening, he knows that much.
He puts a hand up to stay her progress, the other coming to rest against the ornate door handle.]
No— but something isn't quite right. Stay behind me a moment.
[Just in case. Who would be here before him if not for an unwelcome visitor?]
[She wordlessly follows his lead. Beneath her cardigan, the prominent rose tattoo that paints her chest stirs. Amelia puts her hand up to her heart and it could be mistaken as nervousness, but she murmurs something inaudible and odd.]
Shhh. It's fine, Briar.
[In any case, it seems she's ready to spring into action if necessary.]
[He catches the murmur despite how low she keeps her voice, his hearing far sharper than it had been in life, but he thinks little of it at the moment— instead, he finds himself focusing on the faint sounds of movement he picks up from within the shop, and there's a faint tic above his jaw as he clenches it. He tests the doorknob and finds it unlocked, but not broken, and steeling himself, he begins to call the very beginnings of a spell into his fingertips before he opens the door at last, leading with his shoulder and allowing his broad build to take up most of the doorway as he prepares to confront whoever is waiting for them—
Only to stop short and deflate slightly the moment he sees exactly who that someone is.
He sighs, lowering his hand and letting the spell die.]
Astarion— what are you doing here? You ought to warn me next time, I could have turned you to ash.
"And miss the look on your face? That would be so terribly boring, darling. You weren't here, so I let myself in."
[The man in question can be seen sitting perched atop the front counter, legs crossed, and he leans to one side in order to give Amelia an almost predatory smile, raising a hand to wave by wiggling his fingers.]
"And hello to you, sweet thing."
[Gale grimaces, looking back over his shoulder before stepping aside to usher Amelia in along with him so that he can secure the door in their wake.]
[The vampire's magic makes her veins tingle and Briar spin. It all comes to a halt once Gale's friend makes himself known to them. Amelia peeks behind Gale's back and frowns at Astarion's greeting. She returns the wave with a stiff and robotic gesture.]
Hello. My name is Amelia, not "sweet thing."
[She steps out from behind Gale and stands next to him, rummaging in her pocket for her pipe.]
[The pale-haired vampire hops down from his perch and makes a flourishing gesture with one hand before giving her what almost amounts to a mockery of a bow.]
"Astarion. A pleasure, I'm sure. As for you, Gale— not a word for days, and then all of a sudden I'm hearing rumors about your taking a human servant? Really, I'm hurt."
[Gale seems unmoved by the other man's prodding, closing the shop's door and shooting the other man a sharp, warning look.]
I'd normally advise you not to believe everything you hear, but I will admit that particular rumor does work in my favor, at the moment.
Astarion, hm? My list of friendly vampires are up to two now.
[The rapport she's seeing between Gale and Astarion gives Amelia the impression that they've apparently know each other for a long while and the latter likes to get a rise out of others, even if it's a friend.
Amelia produces her pipe and taps it against her brow before preparing to light it up.]
And if you're a good friend, then you'd best be spreading that rumor for us.
[She's about to light her pipe with some of her magic before glancing at Gale to non-verbally ask if she's allowed.]
[The vampire in question lets out a laugh in response to her warning, propping a hand against his hip and tipping his head to one side.]
"I do love a good bit of gossip." [He grins toothily, lifting his chin to turn his attention to Gale.] "I like her. I'm starting to see why you made an exception."
[Gale huffs softly, pausing to give Amelia a nod in lieu of spoken permission before he makes his way towards the front counter, giving Astarion his most weary and put-upon expression.]
I'll let you know what's happening once I know— but for now, any discussion regarding this situation should be between Ms. Steinbeck and myself. Was there a reason you needed to see me, or was it rumor alone that brought you here?
[Astarion smiles knowingly, and the answer is evident.]
"I just had to see whether or not it was true for myself. You may keep to yourself, but people still take notice, you know. Mystra may have taken on a new and more complacent lapdog, but the clans haven't forgotten her shining prodigy. Did you know?" [He addresses Amelia now, looking at her pointedly with no small amount of amusement.] "Your rescuer is a celebrity!"
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sunfloras2024-05-18 10:26 pm
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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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[With that thought left to trail off, her neck cranes up to look at the building and understand its scope, letting out a low whistle.]
I know that I've taken up a lot of space, but I think it's safe to say your shop looks high-class compared to mine. Hm.
[Her brow furrows as she starts to get lost in thought about her own business.]
Has it opened already?
[Since unlike her, Gale may not be the only employee. (That's another thing to think about, hired help).]
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[He's also sure that even with the present way of things, there's a fair number of people in the city who probably feel a touch safer approaching a shop with an owner who isn't strictly nocturnal, to put it kindly, which means she ought to do steady business and thrive— given the opportunity.
His expression becomes more somber as they near the front door, and he shakes his head in response to her question, his brows furrowing slightly. It's not meant to be open yet, but as they draw closer, he can see that a few of the magic braziers that serve as overhead lights have been lit. He certainly hadn't set them alight before seeking her out at the start of the evening, he knows that much.
He puts a hand up to stay her progress, the other coming to rest against the ornate door handle.]
No— but something isn't quite right. Stay behind me a moment.
[Just in case. Who would be here before him if not for an unwelcome visitor?]
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Shhh. It's fine, Briar.
[In any case, it seems she's ready to spring into action if necessary.]
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Only to stop short and deflate slightly the moment he sees exactly who that someone is.
He sighs, lowering his hand and letting the spell die.]
Astarion— what are you doing here? You ought to warn me next time, I could have turned you to ash.
"And miss the look on your face? That would be so terribly boring, darling. You weren't here, so I let myself in."
[The man in question can be seen sitting perched atop the front counter, legs crossed, and he leans to one side in order to give Amelia an almost predatory smile, raising a hand to wave by wiggling his fingers.]
"And hello to you, sweet thing."
[Gale grimaces, looking back over his shoulder before stepping aside to usher Amelia in along with him so that he can secure the door in their wake.]
It's alright, he's a friend— believe it or not.
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Hello. My name is Amelia, not "sweet thing."
[She steps out from behind Gale and stands next to him, rummaging in her pocket for her pipe.]
Just keeping the record straight, is all.
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[The pale-haired vampire hops down from his perch and makes a flourishing gesture with one hand before giving her what almost amounts to a mockery of a bow.]
"Astarion. A pleasure, I'm sure. As for you, Gale— not a word for days, and then all of a sudden I'm hearing rumors about your taking a human servant? Really, I'm hurt."
[Gale seems unmoved by the other man's prodding, closing the shop's door and shooting the other man a sharp, warning look.]
I'd normally advise you not to believe everything you hear, but I will admit that particular rumor does work in my favor, at the moment.
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[The rapport she's seeing between Gale and Astarion gives Amelia the impression that they've apparently know each other for a long while and the latter likes to get a rise out of others, even if it's a friend.
Amelia produces her pipe and taps it against her brow before preparing to light it up.]
And if you're a good friend, then you'd best be spreading that rumor for us.
[She's about to light her pipe with some of her magic before glancing at Gale to non-verbally ask if she's allowed.]
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"I do love a good bit of gossip." [He grins toothily, lifting his chin to turn his attention to Gale.] "I like her. I'm starting to see why you made an exception."
[Gale huffs softly, pausing to give Amelia a nod in lieu of spoken permission before he makes his way towards the front counter, giving Astarion his most weary and put-upon expression.]
I'll let you know what's happening once I know— but for now, any discussion regarding this situation should be between Ms. Steinbeck and myself. Was there a reason you needed to see me, or was it rumor alone that brought you here?
[Astarion smiles knowingly, and the answer is evident.]
"I just had to see whether or not it was true for myself. You may keep to yourself, but people still take notice, you know. Mystra may have taken on a new and more complacent lapdog, but the clans haven't forgotten her shining prodigy. Did you know?" [He addresses Amelia now, looking at her pointedly with no small amount of amusement.] "Your rescuer is a celebrity!"
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facepalms at my gremlin hour tagging
here I am doing the same
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