[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 soβ 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.]
[As serious as the situation at hand is, she manages to pull another small smile from him, and he lets out a startled, breathless bit of laughter as she pats his arm. It bodes well, he supposes, that she seems the sort to be able to make herself at ease most anywhere.]
Naturally. The only trouble would be deciding where to start— I've likely even more than you imagine.
[Anywhere she turns in the store, she'll find something related to magic or the occult, but more than the actual inventory, there's magic in the air itself— a sanctuary spell he had seen fit to place on the building years back, with some assistance. He finds himself more grateful for that bit of foresight than ever, at the moment.]
I was a warlock long before I was a vampire— well, we didn't call ourselves such back then. Wizard was the preferred verbiage.
[Amelia's moving to the shelves and inspecting the spines of some books in one row, and on the row below, bottles with low-glowing contents that are neatly lined up. She looks over her shoulder at Gale.]
Oh, a wizard? Well, I had you pegged as one. Like calls to like and all that.
[Although magic can be channeled differently, at the end of the day, they were all drawing from the same pool, at least in a sense. The arcane was imprecise, for better or for worse.]
Have you ever sold any products to witches? I know I'm not the only one who's passed through Baldur's Gate although I might be the one who's staying the longest.
[He finds himself genuinely pleased to have the opportunity to talk to someone new about the art of magic; there were other vampires who, like him, still managed to possess some arcane power even after their change, but he has always enjoyed having a chance to discuss his passions.]
As it so happens, I have, though you're quite right. I've met my share of witches, but most don't intend to stay in the city long. They often tend to their business and then go on their way, but I've had a number interested in various tomes that have come through my shop, or other magical items. I see a fair few oddities in my line of work— I'm always happy to meet someone who can appreciate them.
[He looks mildly startled before giving a shake of his head, gently pushing himself away from the counter so that he, too, can meander towards one of the many bookshelves, a few feet from her own.]
It's only coincidence, but it still strikes me as rather funny.
[He chuckles softly; the idea that it could be anything more than coincidence is, of course, laughable, but that bit of levity is more than welcome thanks to the severity of their situation.]
Perhaps— it very well could be.
[Truly, they both could have done far worse when it came to finding themselves bound to someone, even if it was only metaphorically at the moment.
He pulls a book from the shelf before turning to move towards her, holding it out in offering.]
This one may interest you. I'm certain you've learned plenty on this topic through oral tradition, but this tome is quite rare— History of the Spellplague.
[Her excitement and eagerness only cause his smile to hitch wider— it's rare, he's found, to meet someone who is as passionate about such things as he is. There were some vampires who became jaded regarding history simply because they had lived so much of it themselves, and while he knew plenty of fellow bookworms, it wasn't often he saw someone else carry that same spark of elation he'd always felt when coming across an exciting find.]
Ah, I see we agree on that point— it is always advisable to view as many different perspectives as possible, when one can. This edition isn't quite as old as I am, but still has a number of years on it. I keep the oldest and most delicate books downstairs, temperature-controlled.
While I'm certain your collection is in good hands with your coven, I can't imagine having to leave something so dear to your heart behind.
[He's brightened considerably, their dire circumstances momentarily forgotten as he feels his own passion for books and all they have to offer kindled.]
In its absence, I invite you to enjoy mine at your leisure— there's far more than what I have available for sale, of course, though the shop is a good place to start. There's the curated collection of antiques below, and my personal library can be found up on the third floor. I probably shouldn't encourage you to forgo sleep entirely, of course... these may be my most active hours by necessity, but you have responsibilities of your own when the sun comes up, yes?
[Though, to be perfectly fair, he supposes it would be more than reasonable to postpone such things. He had seriously considered not opening the shop tonight, himself, and there was still time for him to make such a decision, the door locked as it was.]
[He laughs warmly; this is easily the most open she's seen him thusfar, some of that shyness of his having melted away with the help of the topic at hand.]
I suppose you do have a point, in that regard. Tea is easily done, I have plenty, but snacks— I'm afraid I'll have to outsource.
[His smile turns just a touch apologetic.]
I still drink plenty of the things I once did, but eating rather lost its charms some time ago, so I haven't made a habit of keeping such things on hand. That said, I've already contacted a friend about serving as my eyes during the daytime— we can trust him. I'm certain he wouldn't mind bringing a few things by tonight so that I can ensure the comfort of my guest.
[Amelia had always found it interesting how vampires could eat "normal" food, but nutritionally, it was useless. She thinks about asking him if the charm of eating has lost its charm because he didn't have the right company, but decides against it. Instead, she nods in understanding and agreement.]
All of that is much appreciated.
[What she will point out...]
It looks like your mood's improved quite a bit compared to earlier in the evening. Are you feeling better about all of this?
[His smile fades just a touch; the topic is one he still intends to handle with the seriousness and care that it deserves, but he does look considerably more at ease than he had been when he'd first arrived at her shop that evening, all furrowed-brow.]
Being able to discuss it at length with you has certainly brought some relief. I was concerned that you might find yourself feeling... trapped, or perhaps somehow obligated. It would hardly be unheard of, given consent in certain areas of vampire culture can be dubious, at best.
[His brow does furrow then, just a little, but his faint smile remains as he raises a hand and gives it a bit of a horizontal wave to indicate the murky nature of such things.]
That you are very pleasant company has been a great help, as well.
[Despite everything that could go wrong and the tangled ball of yarn that they're already in... Amelia truly does feel relieved. She's been more at ease than Gale has since the beginning, but that could be chalked up to how she's always taken any circumstances thrown at her in stride.
There's a difference between certainty and reckless bravado though, and she's definitely feeling the former.]
Mm. You're pleasant company yourself.
[She turns her attention back to the bookshelf, smiling.]
It makes it easier to make the best out of a dubious situation in my opinion.
[In the short life that they lived together, Adam had gently pointed out that she could take things for granted and that her sense of time was very different from mortals. The conversation comes to mind again when she briefly wonders how long this partnership she has with this vampire will last.
Will she stay long enough in Baldur's Gate for it to mean anything? Will or her own life be forfeit if she's not careful?
Amelia thinks that this time, she'll do her best to savor the seconds, minutes, hours, and days that come to pass. The memories of being surrounded by books, blood, and magic, will surely be unforgettable.]
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sunfloras2024-05-18 10:26 pm
no subject
[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.]
no subject
[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.
no subject
[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.
no subject
I definitely trust you.
And soβ 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.]
no subject
Naturally. The only trouble would be deciding where to start— I've likely even more than you imagine.
[Anywhere she turns in the store, she'll find something related to magic or the occult, but more than the actual inventory, there's magic in the air itself— a sanctuary spell he had seen fit to place on the building years back, with some assistance. He finds himself more grateful for that bit of foresight than ever, at the moment.]
I was a warlock long before I was a vampire— well, we didn't call ourselves such back then. Wizard was the preferred verbiage.
no subject
Oh, a wizard? Well, I had you pegged as one. Like calls to like and all that.
[Although magic can be channeled differently, at the end of the day, they were all drawing from the same pool, at least in a sense. The arcane was imprecise, for better or for worse.]
Have you ever sold any products to witches? I know I'm not the only one who's passed through Baldur's Gate although I might be the one who's staying the longest.
no subject
[He finds himself genuinely pleased to have the opportunity to talk to someone new about the art of magic; there were other vampires who, like him, still managed to possess some arcane power even after their change, but he has always enjoyed having a chance to discuss his passions.]
As it so happens, I have, though you're quite right. I've met my share of witches, but most don't intend to stay in the city long. They often tend to their business and then go on their way, but I've had a number interested in various tomes that have come through my shop, or other magical items. I see a fair few oddities in my line of work— I'm always happy to meet someone who can appreciate them.
no subject
[Her fingers hover over one of the books and then settles on one. She pulls out a textbook that covers botanical remedies and cultivation techniques.]
Previously, I never lived anywhere else aside from my hometown of Blackgale, which coincidentally, is a base for one of our covens.
no subject
[He looks mildly startled before giving a shake of his head, gently pushing himself away from the counter so that he, too, can meander towards one of the many bookshelves, a few feet from her own.]
It's only coincidence, but it still strikes me as rather funny.
no subject
[There's a blink before it occurs to her that her hometown and his name... Well, he's right. It's kind of funny.]
Coincidence? Or...?
[Closing her book, Amelia approaches Gale, her voice taking on that light, but not exactly subtle tone of teasing.]
Foreshadowing?
no subject
Perhaps— it very well could be.
[Truly, they both could have done far worse when it came to finding themselves bound to someone, even if it was only metaphorically at the moment.
He pulls a book from the shelf before turning to move towards her, holding it out in offering.]
This one may interest you. I'm certain you've learned plenty on this topic through oral tradition, but this tome is quite rare— History of the Spellplague.
no subject
Is this an older edition? Those are so rare!
[The witch flips through the pages to look through the table of contents.]
My sisters do talk about it and it's taught extensively, but it's valuable to add to the topic when it's written from a different perspective!
no subject
Ah, I see we agree on that point— it is always advisable to view as many different perspectives as possible, when one can. This edition isn't quite as old as I am, but still has a number of years on it. I keep the oldest and most delicate books downstairs, temperature-controlled.
facepalms at my gremlin hour tagging
[She's a bibliophile at heart, even if her green magic takes priority.]
I left most of my books to my coven since I can't really lug around my whole library with me during my travels.
[Amelia beams up at the vampire, just positively giddy at the prospect of spending the evening with rare literary finds.]
And now I don't know if I'll be able to sleep at a normal hour, not when you're telling me about even older books. We're barely getting started here.
here I am doing the same
[He's brightened considerably, their dire circumstances momentarily forgotten as he feels his own passion for books and all they have to offer kindled.]
In its absence, I invite you to enjoy mine at your leisure— there's far more than what I have available for sale, of course, though the shop is a good place to start. There's the curated collection of antiques below, and my personal library can be found up on the third floor. I probably shouldn't encourage you to forgo sleep entirely, of course... these may be my most active hours by necessity, but you have responsibilities of your own when the sun comes up, yes?
[Though, to be perfectly fair, he supposes it would be more than reasonable to postpone such things. He had seriously considered not opening the shop tonight, himself, and there was still time for him to make such a decision, the door locked as it was.]
no subject
[She's not even joking, she sounds absolutely serious.]
I think you should conduct business as usual. And if people see me reading here, that will sell what we supposedly have going on even more.
no subject
I suppose you do have a point, in that regard. Tea is easily done, I have plenty, but snacks— I'm afraid I'll have to outsource.
[His smile turns just a touch apologetic.]
I still drink plenty of the things I once did, but eating rather lost its charms some time ago, so I haven't made a habit of keeping such things on hand. That said, I've already contacted a friend about serving as my eyes during the daytime— we can trust him. I'm certain he wouldn't mind bringing a few things by tonight so that I can ensure the comfort of my guest.
no subject
All of that is much appreciated.
[What she will point out...]
It looks like your mood's improved quite a bit compared to earlier in the evening. Are you feeling better about all of this?
no subject
[His smile fades just a touch; the topic is one he still intends to handle with the seriousness and care that it deserves, but he does look considerably more at ease than he had been when he'd first arrived at her shop that evening, all furrowed-brow.]
Being able to discuss it at length with you has certainly brought some relief. I was concerned that you might find yourself feeling... trapped, or perhaps somehow obligated. It would hardly be unheard of, given consent in certain areas of vampire culture can be dubious, at best.
[His brow does furrow then, just a little, but his faint smile remains as he raises a hand and gives it a bit of a horizontal wave to indicate the murky nature of such things.]
That you are very pleasant company has been a great help, as well.
no subject
There's a difference between certainty and reckless bravado though, and she's definitely feeling the former.]
Mm. You're pleasant company yourself.
[She turns her attention back to the bookshelf, smiling.]
It makes it easier to make the best out of a dubious situation in my opinion.
[In the short life that they lived together, Adam had gently pointed out that she could take things for granted and that her sense of time was very different from mortals. The conversation comes to mind again when she briefly wonders how long this partnership she has with this vampire will last.
Will she stay long enough in Baldur's Gate for it to mean anything? Will or her own life be forfeit if she's not careful?
Amelia thinks that this time, she'll do her best to savor the seconds, minutes, hours, and days that come to pass. The memories of being surrounded by books, blood, and magic, will surely be unforgettable.]