[Shadowheart lets out a sharp but genuine laugh in response to being reassured of being people, making a dismissive gesture with one hand.]
Oh, we're certainly people, but you did have it right the first time. Best not to forget that feeling. Some people are too mesmerized by the drama and glamour to remember that we can, in fact, be dangerous.
[Her smile pulls to one side as she props a hand against her hip.]
I would be more than happy to assist. If Gale's heart still beat, I think it might stop once he sees you in that.
[There's a sigh at Shadowheart's remark about vampires being dangerous and she thinks to herself:]
Don't I know it.
[She recalls how Gale's hand wrapped around her wrist, keeping her planted instead of leaving the room that night. He had let the dangerous undertone of his true nature slip in that moment and the witch thinks if she hadn't been in sync with the vampire, things between them would have turned out less than favorably.
They were in an awkward position which they had touched upon more than once. It was only a tenuous trust and an even more electrifying attraction that made her willing to put her fate in his hands. ]
Shadowheart? Before I go dress, could I ask you something about Gale?
[Amelia leans against the door with the dress draped over her arms, and cuts to the chase.]
What was he like when you first met him?
[Because there was the matter of being turned by Mystra and then from what she can surmise, falling out of favor with the distinguished lady vampire. Amelia doesn't necessarily need details of that time, but she wants to know if she can gather a semblance of it from Shadowheart's experience.]
[Amelia is direct, something Shadowheart appreciates, and she looks thoughtful for a brief moment before she tips her head to one side, considering her answer.]
Much the same as he is now, I suppose. Softspoken, polite. Very private, although I've gotten the impression that wasn't always the case. I can hardly blame him for that, regardless; it's something we have in common.
[She gathers the dresses she had held up previously, laying them across the back of the chair with the others.]
He's more sure of himself now. He takes pride in his business— he didn't have it yet, back then. He considered himself a scholar, though even then he always seemed to mourn the fact that he had once been something more, before he became one of us.
So from what you're saying, you met him when he was already turned?
[Well, he was 243 years old and a lot can happen in that amount of time. She had been hoping to understand what he was like even before that, but as Shadowheart just said, they were both private people so she wouldn't be privy to some details even for a long friendship that had the advantage of time to develop slowly.
Letting out a small huff, she seemingly decides to drop the subject and goes to get dressed.]
I can poke your thoughts another day. I'm sure you don't need me bringing him up all the time when I could be asking what kind of adventure each dress you have has been through.
And on that note, I preemptively apologize if I put this one through the wringer too.
[The change of subject is interesting, abrupt, and Shadowheart raises an amused eyebrow in response, another smile playing at her lips, reserved but undoubtedly entertained.]
You're welcome to ask anything you like, you know. Given your current circumstances, it would make sense that you want to know more about him— though I will say you could always ask the man himself.
[Her smile tugs wider at that; she has a suspicion as to why Amelia might be asking her instead, given the number of opportunities she's had to observe the two of them these past weeks.]
You needn't worry about the dress, either. I'm quite familiar with the city's nightlife; a person can get up to any number of things— but well-made clothing tends to be resilient.
[She pauses, just for a moment as she starts pulling out jewelry pieces for the two of them to look at, then cheekily adds:]
Thinking you and Gale might get up to something that could test its limits?
[Shadowheart is many things, but shy is not one of them.]
[Behind the door, there's little else to do except to pull the dress over head and straighten out any visible wrinkles. Amelia pauses for a moment, looking herself over in the mirror. Through the transparent material of the dress, the red rose tattoo remains visible, darkened by the mesh overlay.
She's silent, but in her head, she thinks, if things got any worse, she could depend on Briar. The witch hopes it won't come to that, but there weren't many options outside of her contracted spirit who lost its voice long before she entered Baldur's Gate.
Without wasting another second, she goes out to let Shadowheart take care of her makeup and choose a set of matching heels.
πΉβ¨
It was time to face the music.
The moon hangs high in the sky and the lights within Gale's building are dimmed. A pair of heels click down the stairs and Amelia's voice floats in the air, calling out to her vampiric partner.
[Though he requires very little sleep, Gale has still found himself feeling worn thin as their appearance at Cazador's club opening swiftly approaches; the time and effort that he has put into examining their situation from every angle has kept him from finding any true rest, but fortunately, he's not alone in this— aside from Amelia herself, they have the support of a few trusted friends to help them navigate this particular nightmare.
He just so happens to be saying goodbye to one such friend as Amelia starts down the stairs; Astarion had been an invaluable source of intel, but for a number of reasons, he would not be joining them and trying to blend into the crowd. Aloud, he would say he didn't blend well, but even if he had tried, Gale would have insisted he keep his distance. Astarion didn't need to be within a mile's radius of Cazador.
The door latches shut behind Astarion as he slips away into the night, leaving Gale to turn towards the sound of his own name.]
Perfect; we're doing quite well on time. Astarion was just—
[He cuts himself off when he lays eyes on her, finding himself suddenly at a loss for words, his eyes widening.
It's been days, now, since she'd given him her wrist and he had allowed his self-control to fray. He's been especially careful since then to be respectful of space, not to hearken back to that moment though he knew it must be on both of their minds. Admittedly, perhaps his more than hers, but he can't help letting a needless exhale escape him as he takes in the ensemble that's been put together.
He thinks he is especially fortunate that he hadn't just reached for his mug to take a drink. Surely, it would now lie shattered on the floor if he had.
He clears his throat softly as he composes himself, his gaze lingering perhaps a bit longer than he means for it to.]
You've certainly dressed the part. We already knew they would be watching us closely, but I imagine everyone will find it difficult to look away, now.
[Not that he's one to speak— his usual attire is sharp, neat and modest, stylish without being overstated, but tonight he's wearing a shirt that's open to almost to his abdomen, deep purple with a faint sheen to it in the low light, baring his chest and the mark it bears, an arcane-looking tattoo that appears to have been inked over scarring. The trousers he's wearing look like they're straight out of Astarion's closet, hugging his hips and outlining the lower half of his silhouette with very little room for imagination.
Shadowheart didn't have to do much to Amelia's short bobbed hair aside from refreshing it so that it could shine under the moon and any lighting found in the club and pinning an obsidian hair clip to one side of her head so that it could sweep across her face in an attractive manner.
It was the makeup that was given great care. The witch's lips were painted a rich wine-colored hue and her eyelids were shadowed with a glittering sage powder, enhancing the color of her emerald eyes. With the black, ivy-patterned dress hugging her curves, Amelia has become the very vision of an alluring enchantress; it's a heavier aura compared to her breezy and warm demeanor during the day.
She pauses when she reaches the last step to give Gale a once over, eying his tattoo aware that he was taken by her appearance as well.
Amelia is mostly good at not showing her inner thoughts. Mostly.]
I think I'm in real trouble now.
[Gale is handsome and she had never been shy about saying it aloud to him, but more as a fact rather than an indication of attraction... But neutrality between them isn't a factor anymore and it hasn't been, not since they tasted one another's lips.
Regardless, Amelia musters up a smile and some humor, moving closer to him, ready to leave when he is.]
I think it's safe to say I'm not the only one who's going to make heads turn.
[She reaches up to smooth out his collar (her perfumed scent is a combination of smoke, flowers, and herbs).]
If we're lucky, then we can make everyone swoon, faint, and call it a night. Don't you agree?
[It's the closest they've been since the night they had almost gone too far; while he hasn't kept his distance, he's been very careful not to touch her since then, unsure if he could trust himself, and that same uncertainty begins to make itself known all over again as she steps in to smooth out his collar. Her floral perfume complements his own lavender and cedarwood, and underneath it he can still smell her, and it reminds him of precisely how it had felt to be pressed close to her on his bed, rather than falling asleep surrounded by the scent of her in on his sheets and pillows.
Gods above, tonight was going to be even more challenging than he'd surmised. He can hardly afford distraction, but given the story they intend to sell— the fact that he can practically feel his heart threatening to beat again when he looks at her might actually work in their favor.
Maybe.
He manages to maintain his composure, but he's clearly not unaffected by her touch, color coming to his face where it had once been pale.]
If we're very lucky, things will go precisely that smoothly. There are certain expectations, behavior they'll be looking for, but I hope you'll remember that you're safe with me.
[It's almost unnerving, in fact, how little trouble he thinks he'll have acting possessive of the woman standing in front of him.]
[The scent of lavender is simultaneously calming and delectable. She wishes she could just lay nearby and let it blanket her.
If this were another time and another place, maybe they could afford to just take each other's hand and forget about all of this. They could forget about Cazador, about being predator and prey, the servanthood, and instead, bask in each other's orbit, marveling at the gravitation. But this was a cage they both found themselves in and now their priority is to survive the monsters that they live alongside with.
Amelia nods and sets down her hand, aware of that tension that thrums between them and barely maintained over the previous few days.]
We can just consider each other a good luck charm. How about that?
Do we have a ride to the party or are they providing transportation some other way.
[His mouth feels unusually dry; he feels as though his cold, dead heart might be stuck in his throat, but he swallows it down and remains collected. Tension sings through the air, but he puts every ounce of effort he can muster into focusing on the situation at hand.]
I've arranged a ride, for our safety— a trusted friend is outside with a car. Cazador and his people are only very tenuously playing by the rules, I don't trust him not to try something in an effort to acquire a witch, eager as he seems to be.
[Gale hasn't allowed himself to question to what purpose; everything he knows of Cazador through Astarion as well as his own experiences in vampire society tells him it can be nothing good. Having an alliance or some other connection with a witch of any sort had the potential to put particularly ambitious vampires in a very, very dangerous position. Cazador was far more than ambitious; he was monstrous and cruel, kept slaves rather than made alliances.
Amelia deserved far better.
He clears his throat softly, offering his arm as he inclines his head towards the door.]
Shall we? I promise you, we'll be in good hands with Halsin. Shadowheart will also be nearby, should we have need of assistance while we're there.
[Amelia accepts Gale's arm with a small smile. It is delicately looped around his, glad for the closeness, but ever aware of that unspoken tension between them.]
Between you, Wyll, and Shadowheart, I feel very well taken care of. Let's get this show on the road then.
[If they can survive this night, she's sure they can survive anything.]
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sunfloras2024-05-18 10:26 pm
no subject
Oh, we're certainly people, but you did have it right the first time. Best not to forget that feeling. Some people are too mesmerized by the drama and glamour to remember that we can, in fact, be dangerous.
[Her smile pulls to one side as she props a hand against her hip.]
I would be more than happy to assist. If Gale's heart still beat, I think it might stop once he sees you in that.
[She just can't help herself—]
no subject
Don't I know it.
[She recalls how Gale's hand wrapped around her wrist, keeping her planted instead of leaving the room that night. He had let the dangerous undertone of his true nature slip in that moment and the witch thinks if she hadn't been in sync with the vampire, things between them would have turned out less than favorably.
They were in an awkward position which they had touched upon more than once. It was only a tenuous trust and an even more electrifying attraction that made her willing to put her fate in his hands. ]
Shadowheart? Before I go dress, could I ask you something about Gale?
[Amelia leans against the door with the dress draped over her arms, and cuts to the chase.]
What was he like when you first met him?
[Because there was the matter of being turned by Mystra and then from what she can surmise, falling out of favor with the distinguished lady vampire. Amelia doesn't necessarily need details of that time, but she wants to know if she can gather a semblance of it from Shadowheart's experience.]
no subject
Much the same as he is now, I suppose. Softspoken, polite. Very private, although I've gotten the impression that wasn't always the case. I can hardly blame him for that, regardless; it's something we have in common.
[She gathers the dresses she had held up previously, laying them across the back of the chair with the others.]
He's more sure of himself now. He takes pride in his business— he didn't have it yet, back then. He considered himself a scholar, though even then he always seemed to mourn the fact that he had once been something more, before he became one of us.
no subject
[Well, he was 243 years old and a lot can happen in that amount of time. She had been hoping to understand what he was like even before that, but as Shadowheart just said, they were both private people so she wouldn't be privy to some details even for a long friendship that had the advantage of time to develop slowly.
Letting out a small huff, she seemingly decides to drop the subject and goes to get dressed.]
I can poke your thoughts another day. I'm sure you don't need me bringing him up all the time when I could be asking what kind of adventure each dress you have has been through.
And on that note, I preemptively apologize if I put this one through the wringer too.
[can you see why gale likes her now shadowheart]
no subject
You're welcome to ask anything you like, you know. Given your current circumstances, it would make sense that you want to know more about him— though I will say you could always ask the man himself.
[Her smile tugs wider at that; she has a suspicion as to why Amelia might be asking her instead, given the number of opportunities she's had to observe the two of them these past weeks.]
You needn't worry about the dress, either. I'm quite familiar with the city's nightlife; a person can get up to any number of things— but well-made clothing tends to be resilient.
[She pauses, just for a moment as she starts pulling out jewelry pieces for the two of them to look at, then cheekily adds:]
Thinking you and Gale might get up to something that could test its limits?
[Shadowheart is many things, but shy is not one of them.]
no subject
[At Shadowheart's remark, a rare flush in her cheeks escapes containment and she grunts, running a hand through her hair.]
Vampirekind hasn't been disproving my pervert allegations. I think this is important for you to know.
Be back in a sec.
[She'll disappear behind the door to change and also to escape herself. Time is ticking and her dancing near the fire isn't helping any nerves.]
no subject
I'm only teasing. Besides, I don't think Gale knows how not to be a gentleman, even now. Go on, then— I'll be here when you're done.
[Don't think she didn't see that blush, though. She waves Amelia off, leaning against a side table with her arms crossed over her chest.]
no subject
She's silent, but in her head, she thinks, if things got any worse, she could depend on Briar. The witch hopes it won't come to that, but there weren't many options outside of her contracted spirit who lost its voice long before she entered Baldur's Gate.
Without wasting another second, she goes out to let Shadowheart take care of her makeup and choose a set of matching heels.
It was time to face the music.
The moon hangs high in the sky and the lights within Gale's building are dimmed. A pair of heels click down the stairs and Amelia's voice floats in the air, calling out to her vampiric partner.
Gale? I'm ready to head out when you are.
no subject
He just so happens to be saying goodbye to one such friend as Amelia starts down the stairs; Astarion had been an invaluable source of intel, but for a number of reasons, he would not be joining them and trying to blend into the crowd. Aloud, he would say he didn't blend well, but even if he had tried, Gale would have insisted he keep his distance. Astarion didn't need to be within a mile's radius of Cazador.
The door latches shut behind Astarion as he slips away into the night, leaving Gale to turn towards the sound of his own name.]
Perfect; we're doing quite well on time. Astarion was just—
[He cuts himself off when he lays eyes on her, finding himself suddenly at a loss for words, his eyes widening.
It's been days, now, since she'd given him her wrist and he had allowed his self-control to fray. He's been especially careful since then to be respectful of space, not to hearken back to that moment though he knew it must be on both of their minds. Admittedly, perhaps his more than hers, but he can't help letting a needless exhale escape him as he takes in the ensemble that's been put together.
He thinks he is especially fortunate that he hadn't just reached for his mug to take a drink. Surely, it would now lie shattered on the floor if he had.
He clears his throat softly as he composes himself, his gaze lingering perhaps a bit longer than he means for it to.]
You've certainly dressed the part. We already knew they would be watching us closely, but I imagine everyone will find it difficult to look away, now.
[Not that he's one to speak— his usual attire is sharp, neat and modest, stylish without being overstated, but tonight he's wearing a shirt that's open to almost to his abdomen, deep purple with a faint sheen to it in the low light, baring his chest and the mark it bears, an arcane-looking tattoo that appears to have been inked over scarring. The trousers he's wearing look like they're straight out of Astarion's closet, hugging his hips and outlining the lower half of his silhouette with very little room for imagination.
Clearly, he'd had a fashion consultant, as well.]
no subject
Shadowheart didn't have to do much to Amelia's short bobbed hair aside from refreshing it so that it could shine under the moon and any lighting found in the club and pinning an obsidian hair clip to one side of her head so that it could sweep across her face in an attractive manner.
It was the makeup that was given great care. The witch's lips were painted a rich wine-colored hue and her eyelids were shadowed with a glittering sage powder, enhancing the color of her emerald eyes. With the black, ivy-patterned dress hugging her curves, Amelia has become the very vision of an alluring enchantress; it's a heavier aura compared to her breezy and warm demeanor during the day.
She pauses when she reaches the last step to give Gale a once over, eying his tattoo aware that he was taken by her appearance as well.
Amelia is mostly good at not showing her inner thoughts. Mostly.]
I think I'm in real trouble now.
[Gale is handsome and she had never been shy about saying it aloud to him, but more as a fact rather than an indication of attraction... But neutrality between them isn't a factor anymore and it hasn't been, not since they tasted one another's lips.
Regardless, Amelia musters up a smile and some humor, moving closer to him, ready to leave when he is.]
I think it's safe to say I'm not the only one who's going to make heads turn.
[She reaches up to smooth out his collar (her perfumed scent is a combination of smoke, flowers, and herbs).]
If we're lucky, then we can make everyone swoon, faint, and call it a night. Don't you agree?
no subject
Gods above, tonight was going to be even more challenging than he'd surmised. He can hardly afford distraction, but given the story they intend to sell— the fact that he can practically feel his heart threatening to beat again when he looks at her might actually work in their favor.
Maybe.
He manages to maintain his composure, but he's clearly not unaffected by her touch, color coming to his face where it had once been pale.]
If we're very lucky, things will go precisely that smoothly. There are certain expectations, behavior they'll be looking for, but I hope you'll remember that you're safe with me.
[It's almost unnerving, in fact, how little trouble he thinks he'll have acting possessive of the woman standing in front of him.]
no subject
If this were another time and another place, maybe they could afford to just take each other's hand and forget about all of this. They could forget about Cazador, about being predator and prey, the servanthood, and instead, bask in each other's orbit, marveling at the gravitation. But this was a cage they both found themselves in and now their priority is to survive the monsters that they live alongside with.
Amelia nods and sets down her hand, aware of that tension that thrums between them and barely maintained over the previous few days.]
We can just consider each other a good luck charm. How about that?
Do we have a ride to the party or are they providing transportation some other way.
no subject
I've arranged a ride, for our safety— a trusted friend is outside with a car. Cazador and his people are only very tenuously playing by the rules, I don't trust him not to try something in an effort to acquire a witch, eager as he seems to be.
[Gale hasn't allowed himself to question to what purpose; everything he knows of Cazador through Astarion as well as his own experiences in vampire society tells him it can be nothing good. Having an alliance or some other connection with a witch of any sort had the potential to put particularly ambitious vampires in a very, very dangerous position. Cazador was far more than ambitious; he was monstrous and cruel, kept slaves rather than made alliances.
Amelia deserved far better.
He clears his throat softly, offering his arm as he inclines his head towards the door.]
Shall we? I promise you, we'll be in good hands with Halsin. Shadowheart will also be nearby, should we have need of assistance while we're there.
no subject
Between you, Wyll, and Shadowheart, I feel very well taken care of. Let's get this show on the road then.
[If they can survive this night, she's sure they can survive anything.]