[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!"
[With the touch of her finger and a glow of green, her pipe is lit. She lets the heat develop while listening to Astarion. He has just given her some interesting information. Part of it wasn't totally new; the people in the neighborhood spoke well of Gale, so of course he was known in a sense.
But Mystra is a name that grabs her attention. Her brow furrows. To this day, even other witches refer to that vampire with a modicum of respect and reverence. She glances at Gale and it doesn't take her too long to connect the dots.
Gale was turned by her.
There's no visible reaction from the Green Witch and she takes her time to inhale from her pipe. A smooth ring of smoke flies from her lips and the scent of rosemary fills a corner of the room.]
I knew that others spoke well of him. As for his celebrity, that hasn't been brought up.
[She shrugs.]
And now that it's out there, I figure Gale can choose when to talk about that.
[For as freely as Astarion gives that information, Gale doesn't seem to be terribly out of sorts, beyond a vague annoyance— he shifts his weight slightly, arms folded in front of him. It wasn't something he was looking to advertise at the present moment, but he had long since resigned himself to the fact that there was a certain reputation he would never be able to shake.
Amelia's handling of it, however, surprises him— and pleasantly so.]
How very kind of you. If only everyone were so thoughtful.
[He gives Astarion a pointed look, but there's no malice in it, and the pale-haired vampire laughs openly before he proceeds to move past the pair of them and towards the door, clouting a hand against Gale's shoulder on the way.]
"Well, if I hadn't let it slip, it would have come up sooner or later. I'll be interested to know how this heroic act of yours pans out for the both of you— but I suppose I ought to leave you two to discuss the boring details. Gale, darling, don't do anything I wouldn't do."
[Gale snorts softly, though a hint of amusement peeks through.]
That leaves a dreadfully short list, I'm afraid.
[Astarion laughs openly in response.]
"By design, naturally. I'll be nearby, should the two of you find yourselves in need of more exciting company."
[With that, he lets himself out, and once the door is closed once more, Gale sighs and turns his attention back on Amelia in full, offering a wry but reserved smile, apologetic.]
He can be quite a handful, but we're lucky to have him on our side. He's quite likely planning to keep an eye on the comings and goings around here until things are sorted.
[He lets out a soft, mirthless chuckle as he moves to the counter, resting fingertips lightly against its surface as she begins to take her turn around the shop.]
He can be difficult to like, admittedly, but I've no doubt he'll prove his worth before long.
[He just watches her for a moment then, gaze following her path; the shop is often quiet, but it feels almost eerily still now that it's just the two of them— with a very loaded topic to be discussed.
When she does ask her question, he feels his jaw and shoulders both pull tense, though it's certainly a reasonable ask.]
Do you mean to ask if I swept in to protect you from Cazador only to take you for myself?
[There's a dry edge to his voice, uncertain if he's being accused or propositioned. Either way, he gives a solemn shake of his head.]
Such arrangements are not to be made on a whim. They are far more than business contracts, as some of the uninitiated would believe them to be. I would never presume to lay claim to another person's life in such a way.
[It had been done to him. How could he do that to another, in any form?]
I'm being straight with you, Gale. I already know that it's not a decision to be made lightly.
[It's what made Cazador's more forceful approach towards courting her particularly insidious. She knew that the choice his underlings gave her to come with them was a mere courtesy.]
For me, it's a yes or no type of question. If you say 'no' then we leave it at that. If 'yes' then we go further into detail. That's just how I work.
[For several moments, he simply gives her a long, hard look, his expression difficult to read beyond the fact that he seemed to be giving her words a great deal of thought, wheels turning.
At last, he sighs, his shoulders dropping before he folds his arms in front of his chest.]
Under normal circumstances, I would say 'no.' Our current situation hardly qualifies as 'normal,' unfortunately.
[It takes him a moment, but he meets her gaze with his brow furrowed.]
That said, a claim in name only will only protect you for so long. Cazador will seek to test such a bond. Well-spread rumors will help, but not forever, in which case... it may behoove us both to consider the arrangement in earnest.
[At that, he looks sincerely apologetic.]
That is my fault, for making such a claim so recklessly, but I couldn't— [He couldn't see someone else fall prey to Cazador when he knew exactly what awaited them there.] ... I did not have time to think of an alternative. I apologize for answering at length, but while it is a yes or no question for you, it isn't so simple for me. Given our circumstances, consent would be dubious at best.
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sunfloras2024-05-18 10:26 pm
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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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But Mystra is a name that grabs her attention. Her brow furrows. To this day, even other witches refer to that vampire with a modicum of respect and reverence. She glances at Gale and it doesn't take her too long to connect the dots.
Gale was turned by her.
There's no visible reaction from the Green Witch and she takes her time to inhale from her pipe. A smooth ring of smoke flies from her lips and the scent of rosemary fills a corner of the room.]
I knew that others spoke well of him. As for his celebrity, that hasn't been brought up.
[She shrugs.]
And now that it's out there, I figure Gale can choose when to talk about that.
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Amelia's handling of it, however, surprises him— and pleasantly so.]
How very kind of you. If only everyone were so thoughtful.
[He gives Astarion a pointed look, but there's no malice in it, and the pale-haired vampire laughs openly before he proceeds to move past the pair of them and towards the door, clouting a hand against Gale's shoulder on the way.]
"Well, if I hadn't let it slip, it would have come up sooner or later. I'll be interested to know how this heroic act of yours pans out for the both of you— but I suppose I ought to leave you two to discuss the boring details. Gale, darling, don't do anything I wouldn't do."
[Gale snorts softly, though a hint of amusement peeks through.]
That leaves a dreadfully short list, I'm afraid.
[Astarion laughs openly in response.]
"By design, naturally. I'll be nearby, should the two of you find yourselves in need of more exciting company."
[With that, he lets himself out, and once the door is closed once more, Gale sighs and turns his attention back on Amelia in full, offering a wry but reserved smile, apologetic.]
He can be quite a handful, but we're lucky to have him on our side. He's quite likely planning to keep an eye on the comings and goings around here until things are sorted.
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I don't know if I like him yet. But if he's on our side as you say, I don't have any complaints.
[Now that they're alone, the witch makes a half circle around the shop, examining the interior and whatever is on display.]
Well, we have privacy now. I think it's better to get straight to the point.
[Rosemary smoke lingers between them as she focuses on Gale.]
Are you interested in making a contract with me or not?
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He can be difficult to like, admittedly, but I've no doubt he'll prove his worth before long.
[He just watches her for a moment then, gaze following her path; the shop is often quiet, but it feels almost eerily still now that it's just the two of them— with a very loaded topic to be discussed.
When she does ask her question, he feels his jaw and shoulders both pull tense, though it's certainly a reasonable ask.]
Do you mean to ask if I swept in to protect you from Cazador only to take you for myself?
[There's a dry edge to his voice, uncertain if he's being accused or propositioned. Either way, he gives a solemn shake of his head.]
Such arrangements are not to be made on a whim. They are far more than business contracts, as some of the uninitiated would believe them to be. I would never presume to lay claim to another person's life in such a way.
[It had been done to him. How could he do that to another, in any form?]
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[It's what made Cazador's more forceful approach towards courting her particularly insidious. She knew that the choice his underlings gave her to come with them was a mere courtesy.]
For me, it's a yes or no type of question. If you say 'no' then we leave it at that. If 'yes' then we go further into detail. That's just how I work.
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At last, he sighs, his shoulders dropping before he folds his arms in front of his chest.]
Under normal circumstances, I would say 'no.' Our current situation hardly qualifies as 'normal,' unfortunately.
[It takes him a moment, but he meets her gaze with his brow furrowed.]
That said, a claim in name only will only protect you for so long. Cazador will seek to test such a bond. Well-spread rumors will help, but not forever, in which case... it may behoove us both to consider the arrangement in earnest.
[At that, he looks sincerely apologetic.]
That is my fault, for making such a claim so recklessly, but I couldn't— [He couldn't see someone else fall prey to Cazador when he knew exactly what awaited them there.] ... I did not have time to think of an alternative. I apologize for answering at length, but while it is a yes or no question for you, it isn't so simple for me. Given our circumstances, consent would be dubious at best.
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facepalms at my gremlin hour tagging
here I am doing the same
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