[For a moment, he's taken quite by surprise, brown eyes flying wide open as she takes hold of his face so firmly, but he laughs as realization sets in, the sound warm and rich and only partially distorted by her efforts.]
What do you think? Real enough?
[He'd been so struck by his own disbelief, he can't help but tease.]
[He makes a soft noise of approval as their lips meet, his fingers gently curling around her wrist.]
Very glad to know I pass muster.
[All teasing aside, the surreal nature of the situation will likely take some time to wear off— but he doesn't intend to waste a single moment they have together, now that they've finally reunite. He shifts to face her properly, ignoring the hell that the floor is likely to be on his knees when he finally gets up again, and cups the side of her face with his free hand, his book set aside for the time being.]
[He ducks his head slightly as she ruffles his hair, flashing her a boyish smile that borders on mischievous— for all his cleverness, he's always had a playful streak, one that surfaces even more readily in her presence.]
Perhaps I've missed seeing you when you've just awakened.
[He doesn't know that there are any circumstances under which he would find her anything less than stunning. His smile quirks to one side as he lets his hand fall away from her face, using the chaise for leverage to get to his feet, stifling a grunt along the way as he feels some of the stiffness that had begun to sink into his knees and shoulders.]
We can do anything you like. I'm without a kitchen of my own at the moment, sadly, but I do know plenty of places to find a good meal. Baldur's Gate is no Waterdeep, I confess, but there's no shortage of things to see— I am honored to be your guide.
Oh, it can and will, if my time here has been any indication. Things may be comparatively quiet at the moment, but I think you'll find that a quiet day in the Gate is still bursting with excitement— for instance, an entire house has appeared out past the harbor.
[He smiles at her knowingly, smoothing out the front of his robes with both hands.]
Regarding said house, I think I may be able to call in a favor. I'll send a message to Duke Ravengard to tell him I've a handle on the situation— he's head of the city's primary law enforcement, the Flaming Fist. I'll have to meet with him personally to explain in a bit more detail, but I'd say he'd be more than willing to do me a favor, all things considered. In the meantime, a bit of illusion magic should do the trick to shield your house from view, and I think a few wards wouldn't go amiss.
[Fortunately, this Gale of Waterdeep has a closer connection with the Weave than the one she had met at Hotel Caelum, and the absence of the orb has only given him room to refine that connection and shape it into something resembling what it once was.]
[What would she ever do in Faerun without Gale? His laid out plans earn him another kiss on the cheek before she takes his hand in hers so they can exit together. Amelia's usually not this affectionate, but he's been able to bring out that side of her.]
I expect nothing less. Now let's head out.
[She's pretty eager to explore, but then she snaps her fingers, remembering one last thing.]
Ah, I didn't have a chance to ask. Where is Astarion? And is he well?
One of the perks of having played a role in saving the city from a mindflayer invasion, of which it turns out there are several.
[He gives her a wry smile; there's certainly a lot to fill her in on, but they've plenty of time for that. Her hand fits into his easily, his fingers curling around hers as though it were second nature. That kiss, however chaste, sends a thrill through him as though it were the first time all over again, and he gently squeezes her hand in turn as they starts towards the teleportation sigil that will bring them back to the tower's entrance.
He bites back the urge to laugh at that snap of her finger; it's a mannerism that's so very Amelia that he cannot help but be charmed.]
He's here, in the city— not all of our number have remained, but Baldur's Gate has long been his home in some form or another. I won't pretend we all came out of our ordeal unscathed, but he is well. No doubt we'll see him before too long; word travels fast around here, and I'm sure he would be thrilled to see you again, even if he might not say so.
Ah, well. I always pegged him as the type to get out of scrapes, big or small.
[Boy, has she no idea.]
I'm not sure if I myself will be "thrilled" to see him again, but I'll be glad he's in one piece.
[Her roundabout way of saying, yes she's happy to see him again. She and Astarion are weirdly similar on that point or maybe they just bring out their barbs out more easily against each other.
Now that she's more rested, Amelia is able to study the teleportation sigil and nod her head in approval.]
That's convenient. Better than having to tackle stairs ever day. But it's not applicable everywhere is it?
[He's never been quite sure that he would call what Amelia and Astarion have friendship, but the vampire certainly liked her more than he didn't— as much as he liked anyone, and understood how much she had come to mean to Gale. The friction between them was, admittedly, more entertaining than anything else, and he's certain the reunion will be a warmer one than either side is willing to admit to.
He stops just short of the sigil, his eyes lighting up as she makes her observations.]
Indeed, no— the amount of upkeep that sort of magical networking would require would be quite a challenge, but Ramazith Tower is so complex in and of itself, stairs would be more of a hindrance than not. My own tower in Waterdeep has a mix of the two, but I'm afraid much of the city we're about to tour will require us to do things the old-fashioned way.
[Good thing neither of them is afraid of a bit of walking.]
You'll see your share of portals and other enchantments while here all the same— magic is a part of the everyday for many. I'm sure some of our displays will seem quite brazen compared to what you're used to, given that magic is not so widely known in Blackgale.
[He bows his head to her in acquiescence, at last taking a step forward onto the sigil and gently leading her along with him. A rush of magic follows, pushing its way through them as their surroundings fall away and they suddenly find themselves on the upper balcony of Sorcerous Sundries.
Taking a moment to collect himself, he inclines his head towards the nearby staircase that leads them down into the establishment proper, the place still buzzing with afternoon activity as Rolan's simulacrum attends to the front counter. There are people browsing shelves and trying out magical items in almost every direction, complete with a pair of young casters practicing their minor illusions near the front door, conjuring a series of animals, each trying to outdo the other with every entry.]
It's always rather lively here— I was a bit distracted on our way through earlier, as you can imagine, but Sorcerous Sundries is a pillar of the magical community along the Sword Coast. People come from countless miles around to visit! Rolan has only recently inherited it, shall we say, but I believe he's taken to it quite well.
[As they pass through the sigil, Amelia is met with the wondrous sight of Sorcerous Sundries. Her eyes are shining with awe at the free displays of magic, the knowledge hidden between hundreds of book spines, and the activity as a whole.
She turns to her boyfriend and says with 10000% seriousness.]
Gale.
I need about a decade to comb through all the shelves.
[girl there's still 99.9% of Baldur's Gate to explore!!!]
[He laughs warmly; the sentiment is one he fully understands. A few months in the city was hardly enough for him to even begin to sample what this place had to offer.]
And just think, we've not even made it out the front door to the rest of the city. Wait until you see the vault beneath this place.
[He will absolutely be sneaking his lady love into the tower's restricted section, though this time without the intent to steal a particular tome. There are still a great many things worth seeing, locked away from the general public.]
I do believe when the time does come to leave Baldur's Gate, I'll be bringing several new additions for my personal library along with me.
Well, we better go through the front doors and to the outside before I become paralyzed with choice.
[And even through all the excitement, there is one more person, or rather, tressym, of significance she nearly forgot to inquire about.]
Wait a minute... God, she'll be cross with me for not asking about her first. Is Tara here? Or will I see her later? I'm sure she's got plenty to say about the city.
[He has begun to lead her towards the front door proper now; they'll have plenty of time to delve into Sorcerous Sundries' offerings after-hours if they'd like, given his working relationship with Rolan, but for all the emporium does have to offer, a good meal is not among those things, and they're both desperately in need of one after the day they've had.]
She's been back home in Waterdeep the past while, keeping an eye on mother for me, but I took care to send her a message to let her know you were here while you were asleep. It shouldn't take her too terribly long to get here; I imagine she's already on her way, and being quite a formidable wizard in her own right, she has a few shortcuts available to her. She will be thrilled to see you, I can attest to that.
[Tara had been quite fond of Amelia even before Gale had fallen for her so completely, and had made it clear she quite approved of the match.]
[Although Amelia can hardly peel her eyes away from the various races that wander the streets of the city, her hand never leaves Gale's.]
It's an understatement, but I'm really glad that you and your friends all made it through. I had it in mind to lend my aid if I arrived in the middle of things, but here you are a hero without me.
[She leans her head against Gale's shoulder as they make their way down the path away from Sorcerous Sundries.]
While I assure you that your aid would have been greatly appreciated— we certainly needed every advantage available to us, and I can think of none finer than the power of the Emerald Witch herself— I would have been loathe to put you in such danger.
[There is remaining warmth in his remark; Amelia was more capable than a great many storied wizards and sorcerers he'd met in Faerun, most certainly, but to put her in the path of such grave peril... it was one thing to fight alongside his heart while exploring a dungeon, another entirely to imagine the fear and dread he would have felt were she in the Netherbrain's sights.
The head against his shoulder makes his heart skip a beat, and he squeezes her hand as he leads her through the streets of the Lower City at a leisurely pace, taking care to keep to the broadest roads. Baldur's Gate was full of dangerous corners to get into trouble in, even as it was being rebuilt.]
Even a world away, you aided us without meaning to. If not for you, I might have chosen a very different approach in order to ensure we won. I am far better off for your influence, though perhaps I ought not to let the title of 'hero' go to my head. Tales of the "Heroes of Baldur's Gate" have certainly become popular in the months following, but I—
[He pauses a moment, casting her an affectionate glance.]
I think perhaps I'm bound for a more humble existence, after everything. My ambitions of becoming Faerun's greatest wizard have lost some of their luster.
[She had said it already, but the proudness in her heart produces another blooming smile on her face. As far as she's concerned, Gale has earned the title of "hero" a hundred times over, but to know that she was always in his heart and driving his motivations has made this entire trip to Faerun worth it.]
A humble existence, you say? Then I apologize when I say that I think you are Faerun's greatest wizard for me. I hope that won't lose its luster for you.
[As they pass more Baldur's Gate city folk, it takes a glance for her to realize that she's still in her more modern skirt and blouse.]
[He pauses long enough to lift her hand so that he can bow his head and brush his lips against its back, his smile pulling wide enough that his eyes crinkle.]
That is a title I will accept most graciously.
[It would be impossible for that to lose its luster— hers is the opinion he has come to value most, this past year.
He had not given much thought to the fact that her clothing might stand out, overjoyed as he had been to see her, but he does let out a thoughtful hum once she draws attention to her appearance.]
While I feel you're perfect just as you are, if you'd like to blend in with the locals, there's a place we can stop not far from here. The Facemaker's Boutique will no doubt have something to your liking.
[She realizes that she missed so many of his affectionate gestures, things that would never be allowed of anyone else. Gale is just that special to the Emerald Witch.
The suggested boutique is a good start as any and she nods.]
Let's make that our detour then. I probably shouldn't upgrade to wizard robes that quickly anyway. I've barely been here 24 hours.
I think we can find you some compromise between your current fashion and 'wizard,' though I wouldn't dismiss the latter entirely out of hand.
[He smiles cheekily; there are certain wizard robes he would actually quite like seeing her in, but that had nothing to do with dressing to blend in and was better off being saved for behind closed doors— meaning he knows better than to make any such remark now.
The trip to the Facemaker's Boutique is largely uneventful; the streets are quite busy this time of day, and Gale points out various landmarks and offers tidbits about the shops and other points of interest they pass by as they go— the bank of Baldur's Gate, the Blushing Mermaid, the remains of Gortash's foundry.
They are welcomed warmly into the boutique, with the dwarven woman at the front desk greeting Gale by name and informing him that Master Figaro was with a client at the moment, but that he and his guest were welcome to browse and try on anything they liked and that she would be certain to let the Facemaker himself know they were here as soon as possible. Gale thanks her kindly, then gestures forward to usher Amelia through the double doors into one of the inner rooms, where garments of every imaginable shade are on display.]
I'm almost certain we can find exactly your shade of green, if you like.
[The more risque robes will have their day of discovery. Right now, at the Facemaker's Boutique, Amelia blinks at the dwarven woman, but nods her head back in greeting. She follows Gale and is filled with awe at the sheer amount of garments and colors on display.]
Green is definitely a good start.
[Amelia gently takes the sleeve of a dress to examine.]
Yellows, browns, anything between blue and green should work, as long as it doesn't clash with my hair.
[She holds up a clump of her hair to lay it against the sleeve to compare and contrast.]
If it wasn't for Berna, I'd have clothes working against me rather than for me back home.
[She has a habit of doing that in most areas, he's noted over time. He smiles fondly as she compares her hair against the fabric, his gaze skimming over the rack before them before he takes a few steps to their left and pulls a dress from where it had been hung alongside several others just like it, all in different shades.]
You would look stunning in this, I'd wager.
[Perhaps he's biased, but he's not about to apologize for that.]
Of course, you needn't limit yourself to just one, either. We can get whatever you like!
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sunfloras2024-11-22 08:40 pm
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What do you think? Real enough?
[He'd been so struck by his own disbelief, he can't help but tease.]
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The beard certainly is.
[Cupping his face more gently this time, she gives him a quick kiss on the lips.]
There. Well and fully verified.
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Very glad to know I pass muster.
[All teasing aside, the surreal nature of the situation will likely take some time to wear off— but he doesn't intend to waste a single moment they have together, now that they've finally reunite. He shifts to face her properly, ignoring the hell that the floor is likely to be on his knees when he finally gets up again, and cups the side of her face with his free hand, his book set aside for the time being.]
You are even more breathtaking than I remember.
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I just woke up. And I'm sure I should take a shower and have a meal after hours of blacking out.
[And as if on cue... Her stomach gurgles. Amelia blinks. Sighs heavily. Rests her forehead against Gale.]
And now I remember I haven't had your cooking in months. But we can save that since I want to look around more.
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Perhaps I've missed seeing you when you've just awakened.
[He doesn't know that there are any circumstances under which he would find her anything less than stunning. His smile quirks to one side as he lets his hand fall away from her face, using the chaise for leverage to get to his feet, stifling a grunt along the way as he feels some of the stiffness that had begun to sink into his knees and shoulders.]
We can do anything you like. I'm without a kitchen of my own at the moment, sadly, but I do know plenty of places to find a good meal. Baldur's Gate is no Waterdeep, I confess, but there's no shortage of things to see— I am honored to be your guide.
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Then it's a date with you as my guide. This city feels like anything could happen.
[Like a witch from another world dropping into the middle of the coast!]
We'll have to check up on my house later too. I... Don't think I want any of the city authorities canvasing it.
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[He smiles at her knowingly, smoothing out the front of his robes with both hands.]
Regarding said house, I think I may be able to call in a favor. I'll send a message to Duke Ravengard to tell him I've a handle on the situation— he's head of the city's primary law enforcement, the Flaming Fist. I'll have to meet with him personally to explain in a bit more detail, but I'd say he'd be more than willing to do me a favor, all things considered. In the meantime, a bit of illusion magic should do the trick to shield your house from view, and I think a few wards wouldn't go amiss.
[Fortunately, this Gale of Waterdeep has a closer connection with the Weave than the one she had met at Hotel Caelum, and the absence of the orb has only given him room to refine that connection and shape it into something resembling what it once was.]
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[What would she ever do in Faerun without Gale? His laid out plans earn him another kiss on the cheek before she takes his hand in hers so they can exit together. Amelia's usually not this affectionate, but he's been able to bring out that side of her.]
I expect nothing less. Now let's head out.
[She's pretty eager to explore, but then she snaps her fingers, remembering one last thing.]
Ah, I didn't have a chance to ask. Where is Astarion? And is he well?
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[He gives her a wry smile; there's certainly a lot to fill her in on, but they've plenty of time for that. Her hand fits into his easily, his fingers curling around hers as though it were second nature. That kiss, however chaste, sends a thrill through him as though it were the first time all over again, and he gently squeezes her hand in turn as they starts towards the teleportation sigil that will bring them back to the tower's entrance.
He bites back the urge to laugh at that snap of her finger; it's a mannerism that's so very Amelia that he cannot help but be charmed.]
He's here, in the city— not all of our number have remained, but Baldur's Gate has long been his home in some form or another. I won't pretend we all came out of our ordeal unscathed, but he is well. No doubt we'll see him before too long; word travels fast around here, and I'm sure he would be thrilled to see you again, even if he might not say so.
[Astarion, as she knows, is just like that.]
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[Boy, has she no idea.]
I'm not sure if I myself will be "thrilled" to see him again, but I'll be glad he's in one piece.
[Her roundabout way of saying, yes she's happy to see him again. She and Astarion are weirdly similar on that point or maybe they just bring out their barbs out more easily against each other.
Now that she's more rested, Amelia is able to study the teleportation sigil and nod her head in approval.]
That's convenient. Better than having to tackle stairs ever day. But it's not applicable everywhere is it?
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He stops just short of the sigil, his eyes lighting up as she makes her observations.]
Indeed, no— the amount of upkeep that sort of magical networking would require would be quite a challenge, but Ramazith Tower is so complex in and of itself, stairs would be more of a hindrance than not. My own tower in Waterdeep has a mix of the two, but I'm afraid much of the city we're about to tour will require us to do things the old-fashioned way.
[Good thing neither of them is afraid of a bit of walking.]
You'll see your share of portals and other enchantments while here all the same— magic is a part of the everyday for many. I'm sure some of our displays will seem quite brazen compared to what you're used to, given that magic is not so widely known in Blackgale.
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All the blatant magic is almost overwhelming after years of concealment.
[Or in her case, barely concealed. She got on the nerves of the Esper Collective for hiding in plain sight.]
But like in all things, I'll get used to it. Let's go.
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Taking a moment to collect himself, he inclines his head towards the nearby staircase that leads them down into the establishment proper, the place still buzzing with afternoon activity as Rolan's simulacrum attends to the front counter. There are people browsing shelves and trying out magical items in almost every direction, complete with a pair of young casters practicing their minor illusions near the front door, conjuring a series of animals, each trying to outdo the other with every entry.]
It's always rather lively here— I was a bit distracted on our way through earlier, as you can imagine, but Sorcerous Sundries is a pillar of the magical community along the Sword Coast. People come from countless miles around to visit! Rolan has only recently inherited it, shall we say, but I believe he's taken to it quite well.
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She turns to her boyfriend and says with 10000% seriousness.]
Gale.
I need about a decade to comb through all the shelves.
[girl there's still 99.9% of Baldur's Gate to explore!!!]
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And just think, we've not even made it out the front door to the rest of the city. Wait until you see the vault beneath this place.
[He will absolutely be sneaking his lady love into the tower's restricted section, though this time without the intent to steal a particular tome. There are still a great many things worth seeing, locked away from the general public.]
I do believe when the time does come to leave Baldur's Gate, I'll be bringing several new additions for my personal library along with me.
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[Amelia shakes her head, astounded.]
Well, we better go through the front doors and to the outside before I become paralyzed with choice.
[And even through all the excitement, there is one more person, or rather, tressym, of significance she nearly forgot to inquire about.]
Wait a minute... God, she'll be cross with me for not asking about her first. Is Tara here? Or will I see her later? I'm sure she's got plenty to say about the city.
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[He has begun to lead her towards the front door proper now; they'll have plenty of time to delve into Sorcerous Sundries' offerings after-hours if they'd like, given his working relationship with Rolan, but for all the emporium does have to offer, a good meal is not among those things, and they're both desperately in need of one after the day they've had.]
She's been back home in Waterdeep the past while, keeping an eye on mother for me, but I took care to send her a message to let her know you were here while you were asleep. It shouldn't take her too terribly long to get here; I imagine she's already on her way, and being quite a formidable wizard in her own right, she has a few shortcuts available to her. She will be thrilled to see you, I can attest to that.
[Tara had been quite fond of Amelia even before Gale had fallen for her so completely, and had made it clear she quite approved of the match.]
She misses your book recommendations, I think.
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[Although Amelia can hardly peel her eyes away from the various races that wander the streets of the city, her hand never leaves Gale's.]
It's an understatement, but I'm really glad that you and your friends all made it through. I had it in mind to lend my aid if I arrived in the middle of things, but here you are a hero without me.
[She leans her head against Gale's shoulder as they make their way down the path away from Sorcerous Sundries.]
You did well.
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[There is remaining warmth in his remark; Amelia was more capable than a great many storied wizards and sorcerers he'd met in Faerun, most certainly, but to put her in the path of such grave peril... it was one thing to fight alongside his heart while exploring a dungeon, another entirely to imagine the fear and dread he would have felt were she in the Netherbrain's sights.
The head against his shoulder makes his heart skip a beat, and he squeezes her hand as he leads her through the streets of the Lower City at a leisurely pace, taking care to keep to the broadest roads. Baldur's Gate was full of dangerous corners to get into trouble in, even as it was being rebuilt.]
Even a world away, you aided us without meaning to. If not for you, I might have chosen a very different approach in order to ensure we won. I am far better off for your influence, though perhaps I ought not to let the title of 'hero' go to my head. Tales of the "Heroes of Baldur's Gate" have certainly become popular in the months following, but I—
[He pauses a moment, casting her an affectionate glance.]
I think perhaps I'm bound for a more humble existence, after everything. My ambitions of becoming Faerun's greatest wizard have lost some of their luster.
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A humble existence, you say? Then I apologize when I say that I think you are Faerun's greatest wizard for me. I hope that won't lose its luster for you.
[As they pass more Baldur's Gate city folk, it takes a glance for her to realize that she's still in her more modern skirt and blouse.]
Ah. I forgot to dress for the occasion.
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That is a title I will accept most graciously.
[It would be impossible for that to lose its luster— hers is the opinion he has come to value most, this past year.
He had not given much thought to the fact that her clothing might stand out, overjoyed as he had been to see her, but he does let out a thoughtful hum once she draws attention to her appearance.]
While I feel you're perfect just as you are, if you'd like to blend in with the locals, there's a place we can stop not far from here. The Facemaker's Boutique will no doubt have something to your liking.
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The suggested boutique is a good start as any and she nods.]
Let's make that our detour then. I probably shouldn't upgrade to wizard robes that quickly anyway. I've barely been here 24 hours.
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[He smiles cheekily; there are certain wizard robes he would actually quite like seeing her in, but that had nothing to do with dressing to blend in and was better off being saved for behind closed doors— meaning he knows better than to make any such remark now.
The trip to the Facemaker's Boutique is largely uneventful; the streets are quite busy this time of day, and Gale points out various landmarks and offers tidbits about the shops and other points of interest they pass by as they go— the bank of Baldur's Gate, the Blushing Mermaid, the remains of Gortash's foundry.
They are welcomed warmly into the boutique, with the dwarven woman at the front desk greeting Gale by name and informing him that Master Figaro was with a client at the moment, but that he and his guest were welcome to browse and try on anything they liked and that she would be certain to let the Facemaker himself know they were here as soon as possible. Gale thanks her kindly, then gestures forward to usher Amelia through the double doors into one of the inner rooms, where garments of every imaginable shade are on display.]
I'm almost certain we can find exactly your shade of green, if you like.
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Green is definitely a good start.
[Amelia gently takes the sleeve of a dress to examine.]
Yellows, browns, anything between blue and green should work, as long as it doesn't clash with my hair.
[She holds up a clump of her hair to lay it against the sleeve to compare and contrast.]
If it wasn't for Berna, I'd have clothes working against me rather than for me back home.
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[She has a habit of doing that in most areas, he's noted over time. He smiles fondly as she compares her hair against the fabric, his gaze skimming over the rack before them before he takes a few steps to their left and pulls a dress from where it had been hung alongside several others just like it, all in different shades.]
You would look stunning in this, I'd wager.
[Perhaps he's biased, but he's not about to apologize for that.]
Of course, you needn't limit yourself to just one, either. We can get whatever you like!
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