[Apologies, Xenk. Gale is very much a late-night sort of academic— and while the paladin's offer is very kind, the only response he gets is something like a grumble of assent as sleep drags the wizard back under.
When he knocks again an hour later, there's a shuffling of feet on the other side of the door, a marked improvement from his first attempt. This time, the door opens, but Gale doesn't necessarily look awake— he's upright, but that's about it, wearing only the cotton breeches he'd put on to sleep in and looking rather rumpled, his hair untamed.
He squints for a moment through the partially open door, then glances at the clock.]
[ Xenk is the same as he was an hour ago, put together yet comfortable in his low-cut white shirt and breeches. It's how he dresses most often aboard the Royal Fortune, unless the weather gets cold.
He stares Gale up and down as he opens the door. Well, he certainly wasn't expecting to encounter Gale shirtless. The tattoo on his chest makes it hard not to stare, at least for a moment. Can't really help that his eyes are drawn there.
Whoops, ok, Gale is talking. Back to that. ]
Of course. I would not present a time table if I did not plan to meet it.
[ Xenk holds up his offerings, too. A canister of loose-leaf tea and loaf of bread. It's not exactly a hearty meal, but Xenk is used to eating after his morning exercise (which he did start somewhat, if the sweat on his brow is any indication,) so he's improvising. ]
[It's more of a grumble than true words, though there's no malice in it; his voice still graveled from sleep, but he steps back and pulls the door open wide, gesturing for Xenk to enter. If he'd noticed the staring, it doesn't show; he's not quite awake enough to be self-conscious just yet. He'll get there.]
Please, by all means.
[Across the room, Tara looks over from her perch in the window, tilting her head to watch Xenk with interest.
"Given that you're our guest, we should be the ones serving tea. You'll need to plan ahead next time, Mr. Dekarios."]
[ Xenk smiles, knowingly. He won't agree that it was silly for Gale to assume otherwise, at least not out loud. It really doesn't occur to him that not everyone wants to be awoken early, to make the most of their day.
Xenk accepts the invitation all the same, stepping in and admiring the tressym as soon as he spots her. ]
Greetings, I don't believe we've been introduced. I am Xenk Yendar.
[ He bows his head. A talking tressym is rare indeed! But it should come as no surprise, this is Gale of Waterdeep, after all. But he continues to address Tara, since she seems more forthcoming at the moment. ]
I do not wish to impose—hence, I have provided my own tea. Had I known about your presence, I would have brought food for you as well.
[Tara bows her head to him in greeting from the windowsill, her tail flicking back and forth a few times before she alights from her perch and hops down onto the bed, then the floor.
"A pleasure, Mr. Yendar. You may call me Tara— I am Mr. Dekarios' assistant. I apologize for his behavior, he's never been very good at mornings."]
I can apologize for myself, thank you.
[Gale's response is a half-grumble as he rakes his fingers through his unkempt hair, letting out a low but admittedly amused chuckle.]
She is right, though. I've always been the sort to work through the night, rather than get an early start. You, on the other hand, are clearly an early riser. It was kind of you to bring tea.
["You needn't worry about me," Tara goes on, circling Xenk's legs so she can look up and inspect him. "There are plenty of fish to be had around here. I'll come by my own breakfast quite easily."]
[ The shirtless and unkempt look is really good on Gale, not gonna lie. Xenk may be distracting himself with Tara as a subtle way to avoid ogling Gale. ]
Apology accepted.
[ Can't avoid it! Xenk turns back to smile at Gale. And stare a little, but that's fine. ]
I apologize for waking you. As you surmised, I generally awaken at dawn. But I also require less sleep than most. I hope you'll forgive my intrusion—I sought only to invite you to join me in my late morning activities.
[ He's glad to hear Tara is capable and cared for, though. Cats and tressyms deserve only the best. Xenk easily stops to allow her to inspect him. ]
[Someone is still a little too sleepy to notice any ogling, but Tara is as observant as she always is. She bows her head to the paladin before slinking past him into the corridor, stretching her wings behind her.
"I believe I'll go see to that now. Mr. Dekarios, call upon me if you have need of me."
She trots out and vanishes out of sight, leaving her partner to his own devices. Gale sighs heavily, offering Xenk a tired smile.]
No apology necessary. Kind of you to think of me, though... what morning activities would those be?
[Nevermind the fact that it is certainly not "late" morning.]
[ Xenk nods as Tara makes her exit, completely unaware as to the reason for her departure. She is just a very smart, sweet creature in Xenk's opinion. But then, Xenk would think that about any cat! ]
Training, largely. Though you are a wizard, a life at sea will require proper exercise and physical maintenance. I make it a habit to stretch and run laps above deck to prepare my body for the day ahead. It keeps one limber and more capable of facing any challenge of the day.
[ He says this with such a bright smile. Did you want to run laps, Gale? Or maybe walk laps? Xenk adds this tidbit, because, well, he doesn't want to offend Gale (and he knows that the wizard might not be a running guy.) ]
In truth, I simply wish to know more of you. And exercise is a productive way to pass the time, as we talk.
[Gale lets out a weary chuckle as he echoes his paladin friend, shaking his head.]
I don't believe I've ever run laps in my life— though not to say I've not had my share of exertion. Even as a wizard, I did get out and about. I wasn't entirely confined to my library.
[Being the Chosen of Mystra meant he didn't really have that luxury, though he did spend much of his time there when able.]
I could watch you run. [He's waking up enough to give just a bit of a cheeky smile.] Or perhaps we could settle for a brisk walk? That seems a bit more conducive to getting to know one another better. Talking, and the like.
[He could probably be talked into other exercises, at least... after some tea.]
I can accommodate a brisk walk. Though you can simply watch, if you'd rather avoid exertion entirely.
[ Is Gale flirting with him? Hard to say. Xenk is honestly down if he is, because they're friends and he trusts Gale. But he's also serious about getting to know him. ]
Perhaps after our tea? I believe that should put us in good spirits to get to know one another better!
[He laughs again, sleep steadily easing its grip on him.]
Oh, I'm not against it entirely. I do get out and about— or I did. I'll put water on for tea—
[It's as he turns to reach for the kettle that he'd absolutely made a priority of acquiring for his room that he realizes, at last, his state of undress, and he freezes with his hand hovering above the kettle's handle as he looks down at himself and clears his throat.]
... though perhaps I ought to get dressed first. Apologies, I'd never dream of answering the door in such a state otherwise— still adapting to seafaring life, I'm afraid. I can't say I'm used to having early morning visitors, admittedly.
[Hm. He short-circuits for a brief moment as he processes that, then laughs.]
I certainly won't hold your saying so against you.
[He struggles to accept a genuine compliment about his person. When it's about his skill with magic, that's another situation entirely— he's quite used to that— but this is rather of a more personal nature.]
I usually have to ask Tara to leave the room before I undress, which I suppose tells you a fair bit about me.
[That modesty is important to him, at the very least. Even as he speaks, he reaches for his tunic and pulls it over his head— when he starts the day proper, he'll find a robe, but this will do for now.]
[He has some nagging self-esteem issues these days, Xenk. :c]
Oh, you're too kind.
[There's just a touch of sarcasm in his response— not that he expects Xenk to pick up on that in the least— but he does take the opportunity the paladin gives him to dress in his tunic and breeches, in addition to taking care of that comical bedhead, which is more or less tamed with a snap of his fingers so that it's back to it's usual standard of gently tousled.
[ It sure does fly over his head. Though he remains turned away until Gale says he's ready. It's almost a shame to lose out on the bedhead and shirtless look, but Xenk will keep that to himself since his opinion might overstep... ]
Perhaps in the future I will send a message before my arrival. It was truly not my intent to inconvenience you.
[Play your cards right, Xenk, and you never know...!
Gale lets out a faint laugh that turns into a yawn halfway, and he sheepishly covers his mouth to stifle it.]
Nonsense— nothing to worry about. I was just surprised, that's all. I ought to be used to early mornings from camp, but I'm flattered that you thought of me. Truth be told, I'd rather like to get to know you better, as well.
[Tales are one thing, but they're crewmates now, friends in their own right already. He'd like to get to know the real Xenk Yendar.]
Then I hope you will forgive my overzealous awakening.
[ He nods, at least happy to have the matter somewhat resolved. ]
I know we are both men of some renown, but it is my wish for our friendship to be more than simple flattery or appearances. As fellow Paladins, a strong sense of trust should be crucial to our continued work together.
Of course, of course— I understand well your intentions, and I suppose given all the physical training your chosen path requires, you benefit from an early start.
[He'll read treatises and write essays into the early hours of the morning, himself— an occupational hazard, he's afraid.]
I'm quite in agreement. We are both far more than our reputations. I don't know that mine is good for much anymore, personally.
[Blunt is just fine in this case— Gale is many things, but he is hardly coy.]
Though I've regained some of my power, I found myself quite limited when the tadpole first took root. Rather disappointing, as I'm sure you can imagine, especially when I've come to pride myself so greatly on my accomplishments. Even now, having rapidly recovered a fair amount, I am not the same as when I was at my peak.
A potential I've not forgotten for a moment since the start, I assure you. You could say it's been on my mind.
[Is this the right time for a dad joke? Probably not, but it might help keep things light. Either way, he's magic-ing up some hot water for that tea of theirs in the meantime.]
Not to worry. I've not given up hope of finding a solution yet! I'm a rather determined mind, you'll find.
I'm sure that is the case, as it resides inside your skull.
[ Is this observation a joke? It might be. Xenk looks worried as he says it, but his eyes betray some mirth. At least Gale does not seem overly troubled, or he would not make so obvious a pun. ]
That is good to know. I hope that a solution is found, though not before a solution has been found for Astarion's plight in the sun. I would hate to arrive in Baldur's Gate only to discover that the sun has claimed his life.
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Very well. I shall return upon the hour, with tea. And food.
[ He'll make you a morning person yet, Gale. But he doesn't press—he'll respect Gale's stern opinion and return in exactly an hour. ]
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When he knocks again an hour later, there's a shuffling of feet on the other side of the door, a marked improvement from his first attempt. This time, the door opens, but Gale doesn't necessarily look awake— he's upright, but that's about it, wearing only the cotton breeches he'd put on to sleep in and looking rather rumpled, his hair untamed.
He squints for a moment through the partially open door, then glances at the clock.]
... an hour, exactly. You're very punctual.
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He stares Gale up and down as he opens the door. Well, he certainly wasn't expecting to encounter Gale shirtless. The tattoo on his chest makes it hard not to stare, at least for a moment. Can't really help that his eyes are drawn there.
Whoops, ok, Gale is talking. Back to that. ]
Of course. I would not present a time table if I did not plan to meet it.
[ Xenk holds up his offerings, too. A canister of loose-leaf tea and loaf of bread. It's not exactly a hearty meal, but Xenk is used to eating after his morning exercise (which he did start somewhat, if the sweat on his brow is any indication,) so he's improvising. ]
May I come in?
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[It's more of a grumble than true words, though there's no malice in it; his voice still graveled from sleep, but he steps back and pulls the door open wide, gesturing for Xenk to enter. If he'd noticed the staring, it doesn't show; he's not quite awake enough to be self-conscious just yet. He'll get there.]
Please, by all means.
[Across the room, Tara looks over from her perch in the window, tilting her head to watch Xenk with interest.
"Given that you're our guest, we should be the ones serving tea. You'll need to plan ahead next time, Mr. Dekarios."]
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Xenk accepts the invitation all the same, stepping in and admiring the tressym as soon as he spots her. ]
Greetings, I don't believe we've been introduced. I am Xenk Yendar.
[ He bows his head. A talking tressym is rare indeed! But it should come as no surprise, this is Gale of Waterdeep, after all. But he continues to address Tara, since she seems more forthcoming at the moment. ]
I do not wish to impose—hence, I have provided my own tea. Had I known about your presence, I would have brought food for you as well.
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"A pleasure, Mr. Yendar. You may call me Tara— I am Mr. Dekarios' assistant. I apologize for his behavior, he's never been very good at mornings."]
I can apologize for myself, thank you.
[Gale's response is a half-grumble as he rakes his fingers through his unkempt hair, letting out a low but admittedly amused chuckle.]
She is right, though. I've always been the sort to work through the night, rather than get an early start. You, on the other hand, are clearly an early riser. It was kind of you to bring tea.
["You needn't worry about me," Tara goes on, circling Xenk's legs so she can look up and inspect him. "There are plenty of fish to be had around here. I'll come by my own breakfast quite easily."]
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Apology accepted.
[ Can't avoid it! Xenk turns back to smile at Gale. And stare a little, but that's fine. ]
I apologize for waking you. As you surmised, I generally awaken at dawn. But I also require less sleep than most. I hope you'll forgive my intrusion—I sought only to invite you to join me in my late morning activities.
[ He's glad to hear Tara is capable and cared for, though. Cats and tressyms deserve only the best. Xenk easily stops to allow her to inspect him. ]
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"I believe I'll go see to that now. Mr. Dekarios, call upon me if you have need of me."
She trots out and vanishes out of sight, leaving her partner to his own devices. Gale sighs heavily, offering Xenk a tired smile.]
No apology necessary. Kind of you to think of me, though... what morning activities would those be?
[Nevermind the fact that it is certainly not "late" morning.]
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Training, largely. Though you are a wizard, a life at sea will require proper exercise and physical maintenance. I make it a habit to stretch and run laps above deck to prepare my body for the day ahead. It keeps one limber and more capable of facing any challenge of the day.
[ He says this with such a bright smile. Did you want to run laps, Gale? Or maybe walk laps? Xenk adds this tidbit, because, well, he doesn't want to offend Gale (and he knows that the wizard might not be a running guy.) ]
In truth, I simply wish to know more of you. And exercise is a productive way to pass the time, as we talk.
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[Gale lets out a weary chuckle as he echoes his paladin friend, shaking his head.]
I don't believe I've ever run laps in my life— though not to say I've not had my share of exertion. Even as a wizard, I did get out and about. I wasn't entirely confined to my library.
[Being the Chosen of Mystra meant he didn't really have that luxury, though he did spend much of his time there when able.]
I could watch you run. [He's waking up enough to give just a bit of a cheeky smile.] Or perhaps we could settle for a brisk walk? That seems a bit more conducive to getting to know one another better. Talking, and the like.
[He could probably be talked into other exercises, at least... after some tea.]
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I can accommodate a brisk walk. Though you can simply watch, if you'd rather avoid exertion entirely.
[ Is Gale flirting with him? Hard to say. Xenk is honestly down if he is, because they're friends and he trusts Gale. But he's also serious about getting to know him. ]
Perhaps after our tea? I believe that should put us in good spirits to get to know one another better!
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Oh, I'm not against it entirely. I do get out and about— or I did. I'll put water on for tea—
[It's as he turns to reach for the kettle that he'd absolutely made a priority of acquiring for his room that he realizes, at last, his state of undress, and he freezes with his hand hovering above the kettle's handle as he looks down at himself and clears his throat.]
... though perhaps I ought to get dressed first. Apologies, I'd never dream of answering the door in such a state otherwise— still adapting to seafaring life, I'm afraid. I can't say I'm used to having early morning visitors, admittedly.
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[ Xenk's response is smooth, for all that he's as blunt as usual. He's been enjoying the view, in other words, and won't deny it for a second. ]
If you would be more comfortable in a shirt then please, feel free.
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[Hm. He short-circuits for a brief moment as he processes that, then laughs.]
I certainly won't hold your saying so against you.
[He struggles to accept a genuine compliment about his person. When it's about his skill with magic, that's another situation entirely— he's quite used to that— but this is rather of a more personal nature.]
I usually have to ask Tara to leave the room before I undress, which I suppose tells you a fair bit about me.
[That modesty is important to him, at the very least. Even as he speaks, he reaches for his tunic and pulls it over his head— when he starts the day proper, he'll find a robe, but this will do for now.]
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Then I must apologize for the intrusion on your modesty.
[ Dutifully, Xenk turns around. It's a little late for that... ]
It was not my intention to see more than you are comfortable with sharing.
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Oh, you're too kind.
[There's just a touch of sarcasm in his response— not that he expects Xenk to pick up on that in the least— but he does take the opportunity the paladin gives him to dress in his tunic and breeches, in addition to taking care of that comical bedhead, which is more or less tamed with a snap of his fingers so that it's back to it's usual standard of gently tousled.
Magic!]
There— much better.
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Perhaps in the future I will send a message before my arrival. It was truly not my intent to inconvenience you.
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Gale lets out a faint laugh that turns into a yawn halfway, and he sheepishly covers his mouth to stifle it.]
Nonsense— nothing to worry about. I was just surprised, that's all. I ought to be used to early mornings from camp, but I'm flattered that you thought of me. Truth be told, I'd rather like to get to know you better, as well.
[Tales are one thing, but they're crewmates now, friends in their own right already. He'd like to get to know the real Xenk Yendar.]
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Then I hope you will forgive my overzealous awakening.
[ He nods, at least happy to have the matter somewhat resolved. ]
I know we are both men of some renown, but it is my wish for our friendship to be more than simple flattery or appearances. As fellow Paladins, a strong sense of trust should be crucial to our continued work together.
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[He'll read treatises and write essays into the early hours of the morning, himself— an occupational hazard, he's afraid.]
I'm quite in agreement. We are both far more than our reputations. I don't know that mine is good for much anymore, personally.
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[ Xenk takes that and runs with it bluntly, as he is wont to do. ]
Has the tadpole affected your magical aptitude? I can think of no other reason for your power to have diminished otherwise.
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[Blunt is just fine in this case— Gale is many things, but he is hardly coy.]
Though I've regained some of my power, I found myself quite limited when the tadpole first took root. Rather disappointing, as I'm sure you can imagine, especially when I've come to pride myself so greatly on my accomplishments. Even now, having rapidly recovered a fair amount, I am not the same as when I was at my peak.
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[ For all that it's super gross, Xenk has to hand it to that thing. It let's his friend walk in the sunlight, and that's more than he can ask. ]
Not that there is much good fortune to be had, given the potential for ceremorphosis, of course.
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[Is this the right time for a dad joke? Probably not, but it might help keep things light. Either way, he's magic-ing up some hot water for that tea of theirs in the meantime.]
Not to worry. I've not given up hope of finding a solution yet! I'm a rather determined mind, you'll find.
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[ Is this observation a joke? It might be. Xenk looks worried as he says it, but his eyes betray some mirth. At least Gale does not seem overly troubled, or he would not make so obvious a pun. ]
That is good to know. I hope that a solution is found, though not before a solution has been found for Astarion's plight in the sun. I would hate to arrive in Baldur's Gate only to discover that the sun has claimed his life.
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we can probably wrap or handwave their training stuff together soon if we want!
that works for me!