[Well, that's a question he feels he ought to answer very cautiously.]
As a matter of fact, I did. I think you had the right idea, ending the night with fairy tales after all that stimulating discussion. The whole evening was a great success.
[There, if he includes that bit, it's enough of a buffer, isn't it?]
[His face is also very suddenly feeling a bit flushed.
Ahem. Right.]
Of course; my mistake. Actually, I found it a bit difficult to settle back in to sleep once I was back to my own room. Thought it best to start the day, but I don't believe I suffered too terribly for sitting up all night. Crawling through caves and the like while trying to avoid attention is far worse for one's back.
I should have asked you the same, however. My manners are abysmal. Were you able to get further rest?
As for myself, I slept well although I needed to distract myself beforehand to settle down. I tried not to do any work since that would have the opposite effect of getting me to sleep.
Listening to classical music helped in that regard.
Glad to hear you were able to set it aside in favor of resting. Given that I know you've worked through an entire night more than a few times, I'm certain that wasn't easy to do. Of course, I've been guilty of the same.
You found yourself in need of distraction?
[Was she thinking about what had happened as much as he had been?]
Music does often have a soothing effect on the soul, I've found. We likely have different ideas of what qualifies as "classical," given our differing frames of reference. I still find it incredible that music can be listened to so freely here.
I was thinking about what read for the next book club and pored over different novels in my mind. I'm a mite too eager perhaps to organize the next meeting even if it won't happen too soon.
[Was she thinking about their library sleepover? It's likely but it's also unlikely she'd reveal such a thing over text.]
There are so many genres of music as there are books. Depending on the book, sometimes I'll find a specific type of melody to accompany my reading.
For classical music, I could share what's from my world if you'd like.
I would say your eagerness is to be expected, even applauded. The book club was a roaring success. I'm already looking forward to the next one, even if it's some ways away. A worthy use of our vacation time, I feel.
That there are so many different genres doesn't surprise me in the least. It's wide availability without needing to be performed live is still quite astounding. There are devices and even spells that can capture or play a particular song, but nothing like what I've seen here. I would be quite keen to take you up on that offer and hear what your own world has to offer.
This piece is called "Waltz of Flowers." Normally it would be played with a full orchestra to accompany the dance but I think this piano performance is excellent too.
[She sends him the music clip where he can just press play to listen to the Waltz of Flowers in all of its classical and elegant glory.]
[The response comes a bit later, once he's had time to listen to the piece a few times through— the novelty of being able to do so may never wear off.]
Such marvels will never cease to amaze me.
I don't believe I've ever heard a piece quite like this one. Its complexity shines through despite the lack of a full orchestra, the piano having a broad range of expression all on its own. It's quite stirring, not to mention lovely. It really is amazing, what music is able to accomplish.
In theory, I might have been able to had I arrived with a music box or something of the like on my person. There are some spells that might be able to recreate or share an echo of a song, but it is nothing compared to the real thing. A pale imitation, though in lieu of any other option, it would be enough.
My condition, unfortunately, has stripped me of the greatest of my powers. Though I have regained some, I've not tried this particular trick in quite some time. I would certainly be willing to try, though I fear I may disappoint.
If you're able to, I would like it very much, but on the other hand, you don't need to overdo it on my account.
[That condition of his... She is concerned but she had also told Gale to tell her more about it when he's ready. Amelia at this point would rather be hands off though she will ask:]
Do you think being in this hotel, the effects of your condition are stalled, so to speak?
I would very much like to make the attempt, at the very least. It would be a good opportunity to see how much of my ability I am able to tap into, what limits I'm able to push, in addition to returning the favor of sharing— which is, of course, the most important part.
I have given the hotel's potential impact some thought. I do believe that the progressive problem I had mentioned to you is, at the moment, in stasis. I also think that I may be able to call on the latent power in the hotel itself to aid my own, with some practice, which is quite promising.
I confess to being a bit envious in that regard. While I've certainly regained a great deal of my ability and am still a highly proficient wizard by most standards, it often feels quite disappointing when compared to what I know myself to be capable of. That, however, I have largely brought upon myself. Reaching those heights once more is something I consider to be part of my journey towards redemption.
[This got Real Honest, though he's not terribly secretive about most of this.]
I've never quite seen anyplace like this, even in all my travels as Mystra's Chosen. It's power is far greater than site I've ever had occasion to visit on the material plane.
[... It feels like it may be the right time to ask him about Mystra and what being the Chosen of the goddess meant. Truth be told, their time in the Vale hadn't left her mind as much as they were able to not bring it up to each other. However, it's not like she can walk away from shared and important fragments like that and pretend it never existed, right?
Gale was an oddly honest man, an oddly honest wizard. Not that the magickind that she's known isn't honest, but there is a reason why she's only stuck to Berna and Michael as her true magic-minded companions. She was satisfied with them (even if things with Michael didn't work out). Everyone else in their small population was distant, cryptic, self-interested, or already part of their own circles with no room for her.
But here was Gale of Waterdeep, friendly, all smiles, and so warm towards her, prickly and thorny as she is. Even Amelia found herself seeking him out and that is something that takes effort for everyone else whom she keeps at arm's length or deals in a strictly platonic manner. He had the attributes to draw people towards him and be a highly decorated wizard, but the revelation in the Vale told a different story and it wasn't one of success and glory.
Several minutes later, she sends him a new message.]
I wanted to ask you about that. About Mystra and what being a Chosen means.
But that's probably not a conversation you'd want over texting.
[It was probably due time to go into all that in detail, wasn't it? He had been willing to tell her sooner; he had almost spilled a great deal of it before they had even ventured into the Vale proper, when the orb within him had reacted to the touch of her magic, but she had assured him that it was not necessary he do so immediately.
It is something that he feels he ought to share with anyone he considers a friend, and he certainly considers Amelia that at the very least— but the right moment hadn't presented itself. Given how they had spent their night in the library and his conversation with Astarion, it's better if he explains himself sooner rather than later. If she hadn't asked, he likely would have found himself offering before long, but it would seem the moment has arrived quite naturally.]
It is better explained in person, yes, but I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. In that same vein, there are some things I have been meaning to tell you about how I came to be who I am now.
Speaking face-to-face with you is never a hardship, I assure you. I made some turnovers to my mother's recipe earlier this afternoon, if you're interested.
I was raised to be self-sufficient in the kitchen; Morena Dekarios would not have it any other way. Hardly a professional, mind you, but I do take a great deal of satisfaction in preparing such things myself. You've sampled my baking before, in fact.
[Girl, those apple crumble cupcakes at book club were homemade.]
[Right, she was the one who told him to bring something to book club and had acknowledged it was him who made it... But she really underestimated how proficient he was in the kitchen. That's on her for overlooking such a detail.
(He mentioned his mother and his last name has been revealed too. It's a very fitting one.)]
I'll bring over some tea then to go with the turnovers.
By all means, take all the time you need. Regardless, I look forward to it.
[Fortunately, his suite is already prepared for company, the library and living space intended to be a welcoming and comforting environment at all times. He'd had Astarion over for coffee and Serious Discussion earlier; this recreation of his favorite part of his tower in Waterdeep has seen more company in one day than the real one had seen in well over a year. Funny, how things have changed.]
[Amelia arrives fifteen minutes later on the dot. There's a knock on the door and Gale will find her in casual clothing with a small wooden box between her hands.
This would only be the second time she's ever visited a fellow guest's room she realizes. The first time, she had tea with Kaveh and he was completely different from hers so she was curious to see what Gale's looked like.]
[Despite the heavy conversation to come, Gale is smiling warmly when he opens the door for her, as he so often is, and steps back to gesture inwards in invitation.]
Amelia! Please, please, come in— a pleasure to see you, as always.
[The main living space is a library in its own right; there's a large sofa with a a table in front of it and a lit fireplace, but the rest of the room is almost wall-to-wall shelves, most full of books. Those that aren't bear various trinkets and devices, bottles and herbs, and the far side of the main room boasts a pair of doors framed by heavy curtains that open out onto a balcony. The balcony itself looks out over a cityscape— one that is certainly not native, but with stunning old-world architecture and an enormous harbor beyond it.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I did, thank you very much! I shared it with Tara afterwards, as you suggested. She very proudly remarked that only a cat could be so clever.
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[how do I continue a conversation I started]
Did you sleep well after?
[nailed it]
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As a matter of fact, I did. I think you had the right idea, ending the night with fairy tales after all that stimulating discussion. The whole evening was a great success.
[There, if he includes that bit, it's enough of a buffer, isn't it?]
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Sorry, I should clarify my question.
I meant to ask if you slept well after we left the library since you weren't in a comfortable position when we were there.
[Phrasing.]
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Ahem. Right.]
Of course; my mistake. Actually, I found it a bit difficult to settle back in to sleep once I was back to my own room. Thought it best to start the day, but I don't believe I suffered too terribly for sitting up all night. Crawling through caves and the like while trying to avoid attention is far worse for one's back.
I should have asked you the same, however. My manners are abysmal. Were you able to get further rest?
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As for myself, I slept well although I needed to distract myself beforehand to settle down. I tried not to do any work since that would have the opposite effect of getting me to sleep.
Listening to classical music helped in that regard.
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You found yourself in need of distraction?
[Was she thinking about what had happened as much as he had been?]
Music does often have a soothing effect on the soul, I've found. We likely have different ideas of what qualifies as "classical," given our differing frames of reference. I still find it incredible that music can be listened to so freely here.
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[Was she thinking about their library sleepover? It's likely but it's also unlikely she'd reveal such a thing over text.]
There are so many genres of music as there are books. Depending on the book, sometimes I'll find a specific type of melody to accompany my reading.
For classical music, I could share what's from my world if you'd like.
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That there are so many different genres doesn't surprise me in the least. It's wide availability without needing to be performed live is still quite astounding. There are devices and even spells that can capture or play a particular song, but nothing like what I've seen here. I would be quite keen to take you up on that offer and hear what your own world has to offer.
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[Technology!]
This piece is called "Waltz of Flowers." Normally it would be played with a full orchestra to accompany the dance but I think this piano performance is excellent too.
[She sends him the music clip where he can just press play to listen to the Waltz of Flowers in all of its classical and elegant glory.]
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Such marvels will never cease to amaze me.
I don't believe I've ever heard a piece quite like this one. Its complexity shines through despite the lack of a full orchestra, the piano having a broad range of expression all on its own. It's quite stirring, not to mention lovely. It really is amazing, what music is able to accomplish.
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If it's possible, would you be able to share music from your world?
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My condition, unfortunately, has stripped me of the greatest of my powers. Though I have regained some, I've not tried this particular trick in quite some time. I would certainly be willing to try, though I fear I may disappoint.
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[That condition of his... She is concerned but she had also told Gale to tell her more about it when he's ready. Amelia at this point would rather be hands off though she will ask:]
Do you think being in this hotel, the effects of your condition are stalled, so to speak?
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I have given the hotel's potential impact some thought. I do believe that the progressive problem I had mentioned to you is, at the moment, in stasis. I also think that I may be able to call on the latent power in the hotel itself to aid my own, with some practice, which is quite promising.
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That said, as confident as I am in my own abilities this place is certainly on another level.
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[This got Real Honest, though he's not terribly secretive about most of this.]
I've never quite seen anyplace like this, even in all my travels as Mystra's Chosen. It's power is far greater than site I've ever had occasion to visit on the material plane.
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Gale was an oddly honest man, an oddly honest wizard. Not that the magickind that she's known isn't honest, but there is a reason why she's only stuck to Berna and Michael as her true magic-minded companions. She was satisfied with them (even if things with Michael didn't work out). Everyone else in their small population was distant, cryptic, self-interested, or already part of their own circles with no room for her.
But here was Gale of Waterdeep, friendly, all smiles, and so warm towards her, prickly and thorny as she is. Even Amelia found herself seeking him out and that is something that takes effort for everyone else whom she keeps at arm's length or deals in a strictly platonic manner. He had the attributes to draw people towards him and be a highly decorated wizard, but the revelation in the Vale told a different story and it wasn't one of success and glory.
Several minutes later, she sends him a new message.]
I wanted to ask you about that. About Mystra and what being a Chosen means.
But that's probably not a conversation you'd want over texting.
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It is something that he feels he ought to share with anyone he considers a friend, and he certainly considers Amelia that at the very least— but the right moment hadn't presented itself. Given how they had spent their night in the library and his conversation with Astarion, it's better if he explains himself sooner rather than later. If she hadn't asked, he likely would have found himself offering before long, but it would seem the moment has arrived quite naturally.]
It is better explained in person, yes, but I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. In that same vein, there are some things I have been meaning to tell you about how I came to be who I am now.
Speaking face-to-face with you is never a hardship, I assure you. I made some turnovers to my mother's recipe earlier this afternoon, if you're interested.
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Gale, you're a baker too??
[She is, I say, she is astounded. In a good way!]
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[Girl, those apple crumble cupcakes at book club were homemade.]
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(He mentioned his mother and his last name has been revealed too. It's a very fitting one.)]
I'll bring over some tea then to go with the turnovers.
And I'll be ready in 15 minutes.
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By all means, take all the time you need. Regardless, I look forward to it.
[Fortunately, his suite is already prepared for company, the library and living space intended to be a welcoming and comforting environment at all times. He'd had Astarion over for coffee and Serious Discussion earlier; this recreation of his favorite part of his tower in Waterdeep has seen more company in one day than the real one had seen in well over a year. Funny, how things have changed.]
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This would only be the second time she's ever visited a fellow guest's room she realizes. The first time, she had tea with Kaveh and he was completely different from hers so she was curious to see what Gale's looked like.]
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Amelia! Please, please, come in— a pleasure to see you, as always.
[The main living space is a library in its own right; there's a large sofa with a a table in front of it and a lit fireplace, but the rest of the room is almost wall-to-wall shelves, most full of books. Those that aren't bear various trinkets and devices, bottles and herbs, and the far side of the main room boasts a pair of doors framed by heavy curtains that open out onto a balcony. The balcony itself looks out over a cityscape— one that is certainly not native, but with stunning old-world architecture and an enormous harbor beyond it.]
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