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.
Amelia inhales from her pipe and makes several puffs. The smoke rings curl into flowery shapes.]
But for us, it sounds like a case of, 'eventually.'
... What is the process like anyway? And actually, have you ever had anyone?
[Amelia had lived a mostly safe life among other witches in her coven. There were many challenges and trials she had to face in order to master her craft of green magic, but growing up, she was mostly shielded from the outside world where vampires mostly ruled. Their culture and norms were at best, foreign to her especially when it came to making "claims."]
I'm often inclined towards long answers, you'll find.
[He gives another brief, wry smile before his expression shifts to something far more somber— whatever they choose to do, they will have to discuss the ins and outs quite thoroughly in order to make an informed decision.
He gestures towards one of the armchairs that's angled in front of the picture window and beside one of the shop's many bookshelves, indicating that she should take a seat.]
I'll gladly explain to the best of my ability, but no, I've never taken one. It is not something that is easily undone, if ever, given the nature of the arrangement. It is far more than a contract or partnership, but a metaphysical bond.
[He turns to face her, leaning back against the shop's counter with his arms still folded in front of him, brows still knit together.]
The name 'human servant' itself is misleading. Many are human, but a great number are magickind. The bond is formed in stages, of which there are four in total— each granting both parties greater power than the last. The vampire in question 'marks' their chosen servant by granting them some of their own power. The first mark grants the human in question greater strength, resilience, constitution— and perhaps most importantly, greater resistance to a vampire's powers of compulsion. The second mark allows the vampire to draw power from their servant, and provides both with the ability to communicate through dreams.
[Amelia seats herself at one of the armchairs, crossing one leg over the other as she listens to Gale. She hadn't heard of many witches who bonded with vampires in the fashion in which he describes and it's no wonder her fellow magickind didn't want to thoughtlessly entangle themselves with them. There were benefits to both parties much to her surprise, but it came at the cost of having to be deeply connected.
Witches valued their privacy and independence; being a vampire's servant would reduce if not outright eliminate those.
With one elbow resting on the arm of the chair, she lays her head in one hand in contemplation.]
Four stages... The first two already sounud involved, if not at least beneficial for both vampire and servant. What's stopping them from just those steps?
There are some who do stop there, though it is often due to a vampire's lack of ability rather than a desire to preserve autonomy. Sharing one's power requires one to have a good deal of it to begin with, and there are— political implications. Taking a human servant can be seen as a threat to other vampires of rank. That is meant to matter less now that we're all legal citizens, but when you're as old as many of our kind get to be, old habits die especially hard.
[His expression remains serious, and he proceeds to outline the rest in a matter-of-fact manner, though there's a distinct feeling of gravity to it.]
The third stage requires the vampire to drink their servant's blood. The servant is granted full endurance, and the mental link between the two is no longer limited to being used within dreams. The last... it becomes a truly unbreakable bond. At earlier stages, were one party to become injured or worse, the other would suffer as well, but with the servant fully marked, their two lives become completely entwined. The servant drinks the master's blood in turn, and gains immortality as well as the ability to draw on their strength— without becoming undead themselves.
[He studies her, curious as to her reaction, watching her for any tells, any nuance.]
Even at the earliest stages, it costs one their freedom, their independence. The rest speaks to itself. It is not a terrible thing, if one chooses the right partner, but to do so casually would be alike to asking a stranger off the street to marry you.
[Assuming it was the right sort of vampire, anyway. A human servant is meant to be a partner, but there were still many older vampires who considered them tools.]
[The witch's expression has faded into pure neutrality as she regards his explanation of the final two stages of servitude. She remains quiet for a several seconds to let the answers settle between them and it's only when she speaks up that her feelings are apparent.]
I see. It is a marriage of a kind where it's blood, body, mind, and soul.
[Amelia closes her eyes and sighs.]
And death has a formidable challenge to make the pair part ways.
[It's hard to make out, but there's a somber edge to her voice. She opens her eyes and looks at Gale unblinkingly.]
With those factors in mind, I think I also understand why you've never had a servant.
[Her expression is neutral, but the care with which she chooses her words and the somber note in her voice speak volumes. Much is left unspoken between them, but for a moment, the air feels heavy with sorrow. He musters a faint smile, and he bows his head slightly as she offers her understanding.]
There are some, perhaps, who do not take it quite so seriously as they should, but I've found those sorts tend to be either those who aren't strong enough to form such a bond, or those who would never be in a position to be allowed to.
[Not every vampire would be able to manage such a feat.]
If I'm being entirely honest, I've never given it much consideration. I never thought myself in a position to... [He trails off, unsure of how to phrase himself. It's not often that he struggles with words, though he's far more subdued now than he once was.] There never seemed a need, I suppose.
[Her gaze turns to the side. There's a faraway look within (not dissimilar to what he may have witnessed when she was on the roof of her home).]
On the other hand, that explains why most witches have refused servitude to any vampires. We favor the mastery and passing down of our craft over others outside of our circles. There's probably exceptions...
[She twirls her pipe between her fingers.]
Well, if we haven't heard of them, then maybe it just means it worked well or not at all.
[His own gaze grows distant as it turns away, but not without catching the change in her own. It's familiar, the same sort of look that had caught his attention when he had first noticed her taking up residence.]
Not all vampires choose to form those sorts of connections, or we find companions among our own kind. I haven't always been alone.
[He says it as though it's mean to be comforting, though he's not sure who he means it for. Her, or perhaps himself?]
I'm certain you're right. There are always exceptions. Cazador, of course... it would not have been a partnership, though I know I hardly need to convince you. It would have been a perversion of what such a bond is meant to represent.
[Though the darker ages have passed, older vampire lords like Cazador persisted even though their ways were brutal and barbaric. Amelia doesn't need to make many guesses as to how his clan still remained as a player in Baldur's Gate.
Old bastards were the ones who are annoyingly good at keeping their power.
Amelia reaches up to rub her temple with her fingers.]
Alright.
[She turns her attention back to Gale again and stands up.]
I've gotten a better idea of how serious all of this is. And I also think that we should be able to put marking me on hold. Who knows?
[She makes a gesture with her pipe.]
Maybe it won't have to come to that. But if it does, there's a perfectly logical step before it happens.
I quite agree. I'd rather not subject you to such an arrangement unless it was absolutely necessary— and in the meantime, I think we can make a convincing enough show of things if we have to.
[Not to mention that given one of the reasons Amelia was in as much trouble as she was to begin with was that she had killed one of Cazador's men, she is clearly capable of working magic with more than plants.
Between the two of them, they should be able to manage, he thinks— but she'll need someone to help her navigate this world. He also has a bit more influence than he's let on before now, though Astarion had let some of that slip. He had tried to distance himself from who he once was in some ways, from who he was in life and who he was for over two centuries at Mystra's side, but connections from that time would serve them well, now.]
I'll admit, I had been hoping the friendship bit might be an option before all this, but I assure you, this is nowhere near what I imagined.
[He clears his throat softly, able to feel color creeping into his face, but he hopes the low lighting of the shop and the fact that he's so recently fed will do their part to hide it. He'd meant what he said, of course; given their common interests, he could not help but be curious, but there is something about her straightforward nature that makes him second guess himself at every turn, makes him feel like he's constantly caught off-guard.]
You were married, then.
[Were. She had come to the city alone, that much had been obvious.]
[Death was, for everyone else, a very natural part of life. Before he had become what he was now, he hadn't given much thought to what it would be like to outlive so many people who meant something to him.
Now, it was something he had thought about a great deal.]
It's hard, for people like us. To outlive those we care about. Even when we can take comfort in the fact that they had full and happy lives, it leaves one at a loss, having to go on without them.
[He gives a faint, melancholy smile of his own, and now he thinks he better understands the look he had seen her wear when he'd spied her on her roof.]
[It's been at five years since her husband's passing and it does hurt less to talk about him and to plainly state that he was gone. Before, it was the opposite. There were long periods of mourning, second-guessing, and even misdirected anger towards the man who left too early for her liking, trying to rationalize that he had at least another two decades.
But that's what marriage is, isn't it? Until death do us part.
The witch doesn't linger on Gale's response for long and glances at him.]
Maybe when I hit two-hundred like you, I'll have it figured out. Right now though, let's finish figuring out our little situation.
[Her hands move to her hips and she takes a deep breath.]
I guess that's just it though right? We gotta feel each other out.
I'll take it as a great compliment that you think I've figured these things out. With age comes wisdom, of course, but there are some things for which there is no definitive answer.
[There's a distinct note of warmth beneath his words, somewhere between reassuring and playful— the topic may be a heavy one, and best left for another day, he supposes, but even in this, they are finding a way to get to know one another better. Coming to understand one another's values and perspectives will serve them well.
The matter at hand will require a great deal of understanding.
He nods in agreement, his posture relaxing just slightly, dropping his folded arms to lean with his hands propped against the counter behind him instead.]
Some things cannot be rushed, I understand; it takes time to truly get to know someone, but I do intend to offer complete transparency. We both acted recklessly to find ourselves in this position, but I think we can agree that the alternative was far less desirable.
[She would not have been standing here, or perhaps at all, if he hadn't declared her to be under his protection.]
We are not sunk without marks— as you reminded Astarion, encouraging certain rumors will serve us well. There is a great deal that can be done even without such a bond, and my promise of protection still holds regardless. It is... of the utmost importance to me that you do not feel coerced or obligated in any way. I hope you will come to feel that you can trust me.
[Amelia nods and hums in agreement with all that he's said. There are many twists and turns in the world of vampire politics, but she's objectively in a much better position than before.]
I definitely trust you.
And soโ Gale. [Hands are clapped together and she reaches out to pat the vampire on the side of his arm.]
As my new friend, I'm going to trust you to show me any magical artifacts and tomes you have in your shop or collection. Either or.
[There's a glint in her eye; one other characteristic of witches is their inherent love and instinct to study other magic arts to add to their repetoire.]
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sunfloras2024-05-18 10:26 pm
no subject
[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.
no subject
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?]
no subject
[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.
no subject
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.
no subject
Amelia inhales from her pipe and makes several puffs. The smoke rings curl into flowery shapes.]
But for us, it sounds like a case of, 'eventually.'
... What is the process like anyway? And actually, have you ever had anyone?
[Amelia had lived a mostly safe life among other witches in her coven. There were many challenges and trials she had to face in order to master her craft of green magic, but growing up, she was mostly shielded from the outside world where vampires mostly ruled. Their culture and norms were at best, foreign to her especially when it came to making "claims."]
no subject
[He gives another brief, wry smile before his expression shifts to something far more somber— whatever they choose to do, they will have to discuss the ins and outs quite thoroughly in order to make an informed decision.
He gestures towards one of the armchairs that's angled in front of the picture window and beside one of the shop's many bookshelves, indicating that she should take a seat.]
I'll gladly explain to the best of my ability, but no, I've never taken one. It is not something that is easily undone, if ever, given the nature of the arrangement. It is far more than a contract or partnership, but a metaphysical bond.
[He turns to face her, leaning back against the shop's counter with his arms still folded in front of him, brows still knit together.]
The name 'human servant' itself is misleading. Many are human, but a great number are magickind. The bond is formed in stages, of which there are four in total— each granting both parties greater power than the last. The vampire in question 'marks' their chosen servant by granting them some of their own power. The first mark grants the human in question greater strength, resilience, constitution— and perhaps most importantly, greater resistance to a vampire's powers of compulsion. The second mark allows the vampire to draw power from their servant, and provides both with the ability to communicate through dreams.
no subject
Witches valued their privacy and independence; being a vampire's servant would reduce if not outright eliminate those.
With one elbow resting on the arm of the chair, she lays her head in one hand in contemplation.]
Four stages... The first two already sounud involved, if not at least beneficial for both vampire and servant. What's stopping them from just those steps?
no subject
[His expression remains serious, and he proceeds to outline the rest in a matter-of-fact manner, though there's a distinct feeling of gravity to it.]
The third stage requires the vampire to drink their servant's blood. The servant is granted full endurance, and the mental link between the two is no longer limited to being used within dreams. The last... it becomes a truly unbreakable bond. At earlier stages, were one party to become injured or worse, the other would suffer as well, but with the servant fully marked, their two lives become completely entwined. The servant drinks the master's blood in turn, and gains immortality as well as the ability to draw on their strength— without becoming undead themselves.
[He studies her, curious as to her reaction, watching her for any tells, any nuance.]
Even at the earliest stages, it costs one their freedom, their independence. The rest speaks to itself. It is not a terrible thing, if one chooses the right partner, but to do so casually would be alike to asking a stranger off the street to marry you.
[Assuming it was the right sort of vampire, anyway. A human servant is meant to be a partner, but there were still many older vampires who considered them tools.]
no subject
I see. It is a marriage of a kind where it's blood, body, mind, and soul.
[Amelia closes her eyes and sighs.]
And death has a formidable challenge to make the pair part ways.
[It's hard to make out, but there's a somber edge to her voice. She opens her eyes and looks at Gale unblinkingly.]
With those factors in mind, I think I also understand why you've never had a servant.
no subject
[Her expression is neutral, but the care with which she chooses her words and the somber note in her voice speak volumes. Much is left unspoken between them, but for a moment, the air feels heavy with sorrow. He musters a faint smile, and he bows his head slightly as she offers her understanding.]
There are some, perhaps, who do not take it quite so seriously as they should, but I've found those sorts tend to be either those who aren't strong enough to form such a bond, or those who would never be in a position to be allowed to.
[Not every vampire would be able to manage such a feat.]
If I'm being entirely honest, I've never given it much consideration. I never thought myself in a position to... [He trails off, unsure of how to phrase himself. It's not often that he struggles with words, though he's far more subdued now than he once was.] There never seemed a need, I suppose.
no subject
[Her gaze turns to the side. There's a faraway look within (not dissimilar to what he may have witnessed when she was on the roof of her home).]
On the other hand, that explains why most witches have refused servitude to any vampires. We favor the mastery and passing down of our craft over others outside of our circles. There's probably exceptions...
[She twirls her pipe between her fingers.]
Well, if we haven't heard of them, then maybe it just means it worked well or not at all.
no subject
[His own gaze grows distant as it turns away, but not without catching the change in her own. It's familiar, the same sort of look that had caught his attention when he had first noticed her taking up residence.]
Not all vampires choose to form those sorts of connections, or we find companions among our own kind. I haven't always been alone.
[He says it as though it's mean to be comforting, though he's not sure who he means it for. Her, or perhaps himself?]
I'm certain you're right. There are always exceptions. Cazador, of course... it would not have been a partnership, though I know I hardly need to convince you. It would have been a perversion of what such a bond is meant to represent.
no subject
Old bastards were the ones who are annoyingly good at keeping their power.
Amelia reaches up to rub her temple with her fingers.]
Alright.
[She turns her attention back to Gale again and stands up.]
I've gotten a better idea of how serious all of this is. And I also think that we should be able to put marking me on hold. Who knows?
[She makes a gesture with her pipe.]
Maybe it won't have to come to that. But if it does, there's a perfectly logical step before it happens.
no subject
[Not to mention that given one of the reasons Amelia was in as much trouble as she was to begin with was that she had killed one of Cazador's men, she is clearly capable of working magic with more than plants.
Between the two of them, they should be able to manage, he thinks— but she'll need someone to help her navigate this world. He also has a bit more influence than he's let on before now, though Astarion had let some of that slip. He had tried to distance himself from who he once was in some ways, from who he was in life and who he was for over two centuries at Mystra's side, but connections from that time would serve them well, now.]
What step is that?
no subject
[That bright and weirdly optimistic smile returns as she approaches him.]
If being marked is akin to a serious union, what do people do before they take that big step?
[Amelia doesn't wait for him to answer and taps him on the side of his arm with her pipe.]
They get to know each other first. Learn to be friends. Good friends.
[And without batting an eye, she adds:]
That's what I learned in marriage counseling.
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[He clears his throat softly, able to feel color creeping into his face, but he hopes the low lighting of the shop and the fact that he's so recently fed will do their part to hide it. He'd meant what he said, of course; given their common interests, he could not help but be curious, but there is something about her straightforward nature that makes him second guess himself at every turn, makes him feel like he's constantly caught off-guard.]
You were married, then.
[Were. She had come to the city alone, that much had been obvious.]
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Yeah. "Were" is the right way to say it.
[Her arms fold in front of her withi her pipe tucked into her elbow.]
I'm a widow. My husband was a human so... To me he died young. But otherwise, I was able to give him a full uninterrupted marriage so...
[There's anothe casual shrug even though it lacks the lightness of prior ones.]
Hey. Like I implied, long-term committment won't be a problem.
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[Death was, for everyone else, a very natural part of life. Before he had become what he was now, he hadn't given much thought to what it would be like to outlive so many people who meant something to him.
Now, it was something he had thought about a great deal.]
It's hard, for people like us. To outlive those we care about. Even when we can take comfort in the fact that they had full and happy lives, it leaves one at a loss, having to go on without them.
[He gives a faint, melancholy smile of his own, and now he thinks he better understands the look he had seen her wear when he'd spied her on her roof.]
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[It's been at five years since her husband's passing and it does hurt less to talk about him and to plainly state that he was gone. Before, it was the opposite. There were long periods of mourning, second-guessing, and even misdirected anger towards the man who left too early for her liking, trying to rationalize that he had at least another two decades.
But that's what marriage is, isn't it? Until death do us part.
The witch doesn't linger on Gale's response for long and glances at him.]
Maybe when I hit two-hundred like you, I'll have it figured out. Right now though, let's finish figuring out our little situation.
[Her hands move to her hips and she takes a deep breath.]
I guess that's just it though right? We gotta feel each other out.
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[There's a distinct note of warmth beneath his words, somewhere between reassuring and playful— the topic may be a heavy one, and best left for another day, he supposes, but even in this, they are finding a way to get to know one another better. Coming to understand one another's values and perspectives will serve them well.
The matter at hand will require a great deal of understanding.
He nods in agreement, his posture relaxing just slightly, dropping his folded arms to lean with his hands propped against the counter behind him instead.]
Some things cannot be rushed, I understand; it takes time to truly get to know someone, but I do intend to offer complete transparency. We both acted recklessly to find ourselves in this position, but I think we can agree that the alternative was far less desirable.
[She would not have been standing here, or perhaps at all, if he hadn't declared her to be under his protection.]
We are not sunk without marks— as you reminded Astarion, encouraging certain rumors will serve us well. There is a great deal that can be done even without such a bond, and my promise of protection still holds regardless. It is... of the utmost importance to me that you do not feel coerced or obligated in any way. I hope you will come to feel that you can trust me.
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I definitely trust you.
And soโ Gale. [Hands are clapped together and she reaches out to pat the vampire on the side of his arm.]
As my new friend, I'm going to trust you to show me any magical artifacts and tomes you have in your shop or collection. Either or.
[There's a glint in her eye; one other characteristic of witches is their inherent love and instinct to study other magic arts to add to their repetoire.]
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facepalms at my gremlin hour tagging
here I am doing the same
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