[Amelia lets out a sigh of relief when the orb's light subsides. For a second his gaze connects with hers and there's a complex expression behind it. He's at a loss for words, maybe because of her recklessness and the foolish lack of fear at the disaster orb of magic? She's not certain and is more concerned with Gale's physical and mental state after releasing that energy in front of her.
Part of it, she realizes as releases her wrist, is that he really was afraid that she would reject and distance herself from him. Was he afraid of that happening if he told his other acquaintances in this hotel?]
I'm not hurt.
[It's true. There's too much adrenaline running through her as well as her reactive magic from the roots of her hair to the tips of her fingers to really register any pain. That or the orb did numb her but never mind the effects of it coming into contact with her magic.
Amelia uses her free hand to cup the other side of Gale's face. She's studying him carefully as they both settle down and she uses some of her fingers to brush some stray strands of his hair away from his eyes and behind his ears.]
And don't apologize to me. I'm not the one heaving and about to keel over.
[There it is, the return of her no-nonsense curtness.]
[There's a palpable air of relief when she confirms that she's unharmed— showing her had seemed the best way to grant her fuller understanding of the situation, but she's barely bat an eye, let alone pulled away. The way she's fussing over him is almost enough to make him forget any lingering pain entirely; it's unexpected, but certainly not unpleasant, and he swears he feels a flush creep into his cheeks as she tucks his hair back behind his ears.
Surely, she'll think nothing of it. A side-effect of the exertion he had just put himself through, if it shows at all.]
I'll be fine. I've had time to grow used to it, for better or worse. It's always been at its worst when needing to be fed, but the method I once used had lost effectiveness over time. It's stable enough, for the time being.
[He looks at her searchingly, both of them on their knees, his face still caught between her hands, and he carefully lifts his own again to lightly touch her forearm.]
What did you do? Whatever it was, I believe it helped.
[Her hands move away from his face, but she remains kneeling in front of him. As she starts to explain, one palm moves to touch his forehead as if to check for a fever.]
My magic and generally speaking, magic as a whole in my world operates as a language. Or rather, a series of intricate otherworldly languages, each serving a different purpose.
[She puts her palm down and rests both of her hands on her thighs, still examining other out there signs on Gale's person.]
What I applied are some passive runes that are used for calming, numbing, and serenity—anything that I Envisioned could lessen whatever you were feeling. Of course, you have the reins so it wouldn't have worked half as well without that factoring in.
... I don't think it's absorbed my runes yet. I felt its pull but it couldn't take anything from me. Probably because of the measures your mentor and Mystra took to keep it settled for now.
[He actually lets out a soft chuckle as she checks his brow and continues to inspect him, but rather insist that he's fine once more, he lets her do as she will until she's completely satisfied. It's an act that makes him feel significantly younger in a way he can't quite explain, but endearing in its own right. As she searches, she'll find nothing out of the ordinary; the marks on his face, neck and chest have ceased their glowing, and no harm seems to be done, despite the power of what she now knows to reside within his chest.]
Very quick and clever thinking, though I would expect nothing less from you. I'll say it once more—
[He meets her gaze again, holding it for a moment.]
Thank you. For your effort, of course, but not only that. As I'm sure you can imagine, not everyone would have handled what I shared with as much grace as you have.
[He has thanked her several times over the course of this tumultuous meeting, but it's that particular one that has her blinking and softening her expression.]
... You're welcome. I'm hardly the most graceful individual if past circumstances are any indication— [coughPockycough]
—But there are attempts. I've faced my fair share of arcane dangers in the past few decades so it's made me hardened for better or for worse.
[She's only shown him the smallest fraction of her power and what it's capable of, and told him little of herself beyond a broad overview of her responsibilities and what she does for a living, but like recognizes like— power recognizes power, and no one with such power is ever without their own share of challenges.]
Facing such obstacles is what makes us who we are— as you said, for better or for worse. Personally, I'm inclined to think in your case, it's for the better.
[Perhaps in his, as well, as he does his best to learn from his mistakes, but:]
You always refer to yourself as hardened or difficult, but I've only known you to be kind. Competitive, perhaps. [There's a faint twinkle in his eye as one corner of his mouth quirks upwards into a playful, if tired, smile.] I'll not forget that anytime soon.
[He laughs openly, ducking his head slightly and raising an arm as if to defend himself, but effectively does nothing to stop her assault. It's earned— to a degree.]
I hardly meant it to be rude. It's a trait we happen to share, if you'll recall, but I—
[He catches himself for a moment, clearing his throat before his smile turns just a touch sheepish, his mannerisms bright and boyish once more, but not so much that he averts his gaze. In fact, it remains fixed on her, fond.]
[This is... No, it's not bad, but in light of everything that's happened, Gale's remark has her on a different type of edge. There are times she doesn't notice or rather, chooses not to notice signs. Berna nas teased her for not immediately comprehending when anyone finds her pleasing despite or even because of her difficult traits.
Amelia wants to dismiss it.
But Gale's smile, the friendliness in his eyes that has been gained by her willingness to not turn away is making it harder.
She glances in the other direction.]
I thought that would have been the first warning sign that would give you pause, Gale.
Perhaps if I were a simpler sort of person, it might have been.
[He is many things, he knows, both good and ill, but he is not that. He watches her avert her gaze, and carefully tries to discern if it's because the affection is unwelcome, or if it's simply the result of her not being terribly used to letting people close to her. Even friendship, she'd told him, was a rarity.
He takes care to let his next statement remain somewhat more neutral, though the warmth hasn't left him.]
I think we've both proven that we're the sort of people who like a good challenge. Stubborn to the last. An unchallenged mind quickly grows quite dull.
[A whole year of isolation... She can understand that more than he realizes. In the years following her release from the Witch King, she too kept to herself only viewing people from afar to study the changing times and customs.
This isn't the time to bring that up. In fact, she hasn't shared much of herself at all while Gale had been more than willing to be vulnerable to her.]
... Thank you though. For telling me and showing me your burdens.
[He wouldn't have told her if he hadn't treasured their burgeoning relationship and if he didn't implicitly trust her to not say a word to anyone else. The significance of this is illuminating and humbling. Intimidating, especially in light of how she's kept so much to herself except for that memory fragment in the Vale.]
Even after all that happened and what you're expected to do, you've been very trusting. I haven't done much to earn that but I'm glad you consider me worthy of it.
That's reason enough for me. It may come as a surprise to you, but I've not had terribly many friends, either— at least not lately. Things were different in school, but afterwards, I became so consumed by my work, my ambitions... besides.
[He laughs softly, raising a hand to tap his finger against his temple.]
I like to think I have a good sense about people. I trust you.
It's a simple but profound decoration, enough to knock her out. She bows her head so that her hair drapes and covers the sides of her face so that he can't possibly see how red her face is turning.]
I don't—
["I don't deserve it," she wants to protest but she stops herself and just brings her knees to her chest to rest her forehead on them.
[His smile fades quickly as she turns away and ducks her head; even during the pocky incident, he doesn't recall her doing anything quite like this, though he's sure the fire of competition had something to do with it then.]
I apologize.
[His voice softens, though there's an uncertain note to his voice as he wonders just what it was he'd said that had struck poorly.]
[Her head moves up again and when she looks at the wizard... It's just unmistakably blushing. She quickly moves one hand up to cover some of her face, but it's no use.]
You didn't do anything. I just don't...
[Words are failing her. Her heart is beating. Amelia knows and is immensely touched by this amount of trust from Gale and it's even more overwhelming than any orb of destructive magic.]
Not what he expected, but he feels his own face color slightly in turn.]
I'm beginning to think you're not used to being offered your due of compliments. This, however, is simply the truth. In bits and pieces, you've seen some of the worst of me.
[The orb, the circumstances leading to it making its home within him, that memory in the Vale, even his pettiness at book club.]
Even so, you're still here, offering me your aid and understanding. If that is not worthy of trust, what is?
[One way or another, Amelia manages to calm down. Her hands busy themselves with her hair and what's left is a very awkward silence. It's just been so much and for a person who prides herself in thinking and acting quickly, she's so easily reduced to an insecure and embarrassed woman by this wizard.
Her behavior is puzzling and odd, she knows. And it's because of this and because of everything Gale's entrusted to her, she decides to share something that's like an explanation. ]
... My own teacher was... Well, he isn't human for one. I spent many years with him so I gradually became accustomed to his way with words. They weren't the most sincere.
I hope that might explain a few things about myself.
[He listens, giving a solemn nod as she offers her cautious explanation. So far, he has yet to ask her much about her life back home beyond what was on the surface— curious a creature though he is, when it comes to people's personal lives, he much prefers to let them open up and offer what they will in their own time. Not everyone is so forthcoming as him, and even taking that into consideration, it wasn't so long ago that he had been keeping a great deal about himself quite private until the time was right.
He has no interest in rushing Amelia along, but he is grateful to accept what she offers.]
I believe it does.
['Not human' could mean many things, just as it could back home, but from what little he does know about where she comes from, it still offers a bit of perspective.]
I, on the other hand, rarely say things I don't mean. I can see how that might be a bit much, when you're not used to someone so— genuine.
[Back in the Vale, Amelia had told Gale before the reveal of her memory fragment that she had nothing to hide. It's less so that and more that she had everything to hold onto. Most witches and psychics were aware she was the singular student of the Witch King. Some even understood that it wasn't a desirable position to be in. Even fewer people understood what it was like for those four decades.
She isn't like Gale who has opened up to her in a rather major way. She doesn't trust easily and is guarded when it comes to matters of the heart. To share anything about herself felt pointless, a cry for help when help was long past due. Amelia wants to maintain a veneer of stoicism.
It's served her well in a world of mysterious and finicky beings, self-interested magickind, and ambitious espers. Amelia hadn't expected much to change with a vacation but she's been proven wrong so early on. Through her own actions and interactions, something has slowly been changing within her. It's not immediate but it's there, like a seed sown in her heart the moment she checked in.
Amelia stands ups.]
Either way... I'm glad you trust me. I think you at least deserve a definitive promise on my end though.
[Both of her hands are held out to Gale, offering to help him stand up.]
For instance, I promise that I won't be going around telling anyone about what ails you. Past and present.
[He takes the offered hands, closing his own around them and taking care not to put too much of the burden on her as he gets to his feet— the assistance is certainly appreciated, going a long way to help him maintain his balance, and admittedly, he feels weaker than he would like. Here, further from Mystra's reach, the discomfort the orb has always caused him remains persistent as ever, though it's only now that he realizes it has, perhaps, grown moreso in the time he's been away. A gradual change, but change nonetheless.]
I have no doubt you'll be the soul of discretion. I would hate to cause anyone alarm.
[Once more, he is all warmth, his smile genuine despite the painful display he'd given her only a few short minutes before. Even with the nagging discomfort that he's sure will follow for awhile yet, it is difficult to dwell on the ever-present burden when he still feels so deeply touched by the offer she had made.
Back on his feet in full, his hold on her hands remains, lingering.]
Even if a solution cannot be found... I do want you to know that it means a great deal to me that you offered. I have exhausted my resources in Faerun, trying to find a way to undo what I've done. I accept the consequences of my actions, but that you want to help me— that, I will not forget, regardless of the result.
[Amelia doesn't let go of Gale's hands as he stands up until she gives them a reassuring squeeze and draws back. His warm and genuine smile does something strange to her, making her heart twist. She bites her lower lip and casts her gaze down again.
She shouldn't be projecting.]
I'll see what I can do. After all that you told me, I have to at least try.
[And lord knows, that Amelia is good at trying and trying, and surviving despite it all.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Part of it, she realizes as releases her wrist, is that he really was afraid that she would reject and distance herself from him. Was he afraid of that happening if he told his other acquaintances in this hotel?]
I'm not hurt.
[It's true. There's too much adrenaline running through her as well as her reactive magic from the roots of her hair to the tips of her fingers to really register any pain. That or the orb did numb her but never mind the effects of it coming into contact with her magic.
Amelia uses her free hand to cup the other side of Gale's face. She's studying him carefully as they both settle down and she uses some of her fingers to brush some stray strands of his hair away from his eyes and behind his ears.]
And don't apologize to me. I'm not the one heaving and about to keel over.
[There it is, the return of her no-nonsense curtness.]
no subject
Surely, she'll think nothing of it. A side-effect of the exertion he had just put himself through, if it shows at all.]
I'll be fine. I've had time to grow used to it, for better or worse. It's always been at its worst when needing to be fed, but the method I once used had lost effectiveness over time. It's stable enough, for the time being.
[He looks at her searchingly, both of them on their knees, his face still caught between her hands, and he carefully lifts his own again to lightly touch her forearm.]
What did you do? Whatever it was, I believe it helped.
no subject
My magic and generally speaking, magic as a whole in my world operates as a language. Or rather, a series of intricate otherworldly languages, each serving a different purpose.
[She puts her palm down and rests both of her hands on her thighs, still examining other out there signs on Gale's person.]
What I applied are some passive runes that are used for calming, numbing, and serenity—anything that I Envisioned could lessen whatever you were feeling. Of course, you have the reins so it wouldn't have worked half as well without that factoring in.
... I don't think it's absorbed my runes yet. I felt its pull but it couldn't take anything from me. Probably because of the measures your mentor and Mystra took to keep it settled for now.
no subject
Very quick and clever thinking, though I would expect nothing less from you. I'll say it once more—
[He meets her gaze again, holding it for a moment.]
Thank you. For your effort, of course, but not only that. As I'm sure you can imagine, not everyone would have handled what I shared with as much grace as you have.
no subject
... You're welcome. I'm hardly the most graceful individual if past circumstances are any indication— [coughPockycough]
—But there are attempts. I've faced my fair share of arcane dangers in the past few decades so it's made me hardened for better or for worse.
no subject
[She's only shown him the smallest fraction of her power and what it's capable of, and told him little of herself beyond a broad overview of her responsibilities and what she does for a living, but like recognizes like— power recognizes power, and no one with such power is ever without their own share of challenges.]
Facing such obstacles is what makes us who we are— as you said, for better or for worse. Personally, I'm inclined to think in your case, it's for the better.
[Perhaps in his, as well, as he does his best to learn from his mistakes, but:]
You always refer to yourself as hardened or difficult, but I've only known you to be kind. Competitive, perhaps. [There's a faint twinkle in his eye as one corner of his mouth quirks upwards into a playful, if tired, smile.] I'll not forget that anytime soon.
no subject
When Gale makes mention of her being competitive over that, well.
She suddenly reaches over to ruffle and muss up his hair in retaliation.]
Don't be rude.
no subject
I hardly meant it to be rude. It's a trait we happen to share, if you'll recall, but I—
[He catches himself for a moment, clearing his throat before his smile turns just a touch sheepish, his mannerisms bright and boyish once more, but not so much that he averts his gaze. In fact, it remains fixed on her, fond.]
Actually, I found it to be quite charming.
no subject
Amelia wants to dismiss it.
But Gale's smile, the friendliness in his eyes that has been gained by her willingness to not turn away is making it harder.
She glances in the other direction.]
I thought that would have been the first warning sign that would give you pause, Gale.
no subject
[He is many things, he knows, both good and ill, but he is not that. He watches her avert her gaze, and carefully tries to discern if it's because the affection is unwelcome, or if it's simply the result of her not being terribly used to letting people close to her. Even friendship, she'd told him, was a rarity.
He takes care to let his next statement remain somewhat more neutral, though the warmth hasn't left him.]
I think we've both proven that we're the sort of people who like a good challenge. Stubborn to the last. An unchallenged mind quickly grows quite dull.
no subject
Mm. True.
As I have learned during this visitation, you are extremely and overly complex. No wonder you needed a vacation.
[got'im]
no subject
Far moreso than I've been willing to admit, to others or myself. It's been a welcome reprieve, for a number of reasons.
[Yes, yes, she got'im.]
A year of self-imposed isolation didn't quite fit the bill. This place has room service, at the very least.
no subject
This isn't the time to bring that up. In fact, she hasn't shared much of herself at all while Gale had been more than willing to be vulnerable to her.]
... Thank you though. For telling me and showing me your burdens.
[He wouldn't have told her if he hadn't treasured their burgeoning relationship and if he didn't implicitly trust her to not say a word to anyone else. The significance of this is illuminating and humbling. Intimidating, especially in light of how she's kept so much to herself except for that memory fragment in the Vale.]
Even after all that happened and what you're expected to do, you've been very trusting. I haven't done much to earn that but I'm glad you consider me worthy of it.
no subject
[He answers her easily, matter-of-fact.]
That's reason enough for me. It may come as a surprise to you, but I've not had terribly many friends, either— at least not lately. Things were different in school, but afterwards, I became so consumed by my work, my ambitions... besides.
[He laughs softly, raising a hand to tap his finger against his temple.]
I like to think I have a good sense about people. I trust you.
no subject
It's a simple but profound decoration, enough to knock her out. She bows her head so that her hair drapes and covers the sides of her face so that he can't possibly see how red her face is turning.]
I don't—
["I don't deserve it," she wants to protest but she stops herself and just brings her knees to her chest to rest her forehead on them.
Why is she so bad at this?]
That's too much.
no subject
I apologize.
[His voice softens, though there's an uncertain note to his voice as he wonders just what it was he'd said that had struck poorly.]
I... I overstepped.
no subject
[Her head moves up again and when she looks at the wizard... It's just unmistakably blushing. She quickly moves one hand up to cover some of her face, but it's no use.]
You didn't do anything. I just don't...
[Words are failing her. Her heart is beating. Amelia knows and is immensely touched by this amount of trust from Gale and it's even more overwhelming than any orb of destructive magic.]
no subject
Not what he expected, but he feels his own face color slightly in turn.]
I'm beginning to think you're not used to being offered your due of compliments. This, however, is simply the truth. In bits and pieces, you've seen some of the worst of me.
[The orb, the circumstances leading to it making its home within him, that memory in the Vale, even his pettiness at book club.]
Even so, you're still here, offering me your aid and understanding. If that is not worthy of trust, what is?
no subject
Her behavior is puzzling and odd, she knows. And it's because of this and because of everything Gale's entrusted to her, she decides to share something that's like an explanation. ]
... My own teacher was... Well, he isn't human for one. I spent many years with him so I gradually became accustomed to his way with words. They weren't the most sincere.
I hope that might explain a few things about myself.
no subject
He has no interest in rushing Amelia along, but he is grateful to accept what she offers.]
I believe it does.
['Not human' could mean many things, just as it could back home, but from what little he does know about where she comes from, it still offers a bit of perspective.]
I, on the other hand, rarely say things I don't mean. I can see how that might be a bit much, when you're not used to someone so— genuine.
no subject
She isn't like Gale who has opened up to her in a rather major way. She doesn't trust easily and is guarded when it comes to matters of the heart. To share anything about herself felt pointless, a cry for help when help was long past due. Amelia wants to maintain a veneer of stoicism.
It's served her well in a world of mysterious and finicky beings, self-interested magickind, and ambitious espers. Amelia hadn't expected much to change with a vacation but she's been proven wrong so early on. Through her own actions and interactions, something has slowly been changing within her. It's not immediate but it's there, like a seed sown in her heart the moment she checked in.
Amelia stands ups.]
Either way... I'm glad you trust me. I think you at least deserve a definitive promise on my end though.
[Both of her hands are held out to Gale, offering to help him stand up.]
For instance, I promise that I won't be going around telling anyone about what ails you. Past and present.
no subject
I have no doubt you'll be the soul of discretion. I would hate to cause anyone alarm.
[Once more, he is all warmth, his smile genuine despite the painful display he'd given her only a few short minutes before. Even with the nagging discomfort that he's sure will follow for awhile yet, it is difficult to dwell on the ever-present burden when he still feels so deeply touched by the offer she had made.
Back on his feet in full, his hold on her hands remains, lingering.]
Even if a solution cannot be found... I do want you to know that it means a great deal to me that you offered. I have exhausted my resources in Faerun, trying to find a way to undo what I've done. I accept the consequences of my actions, but that you want to help me— that, I will not forget, regardless of the result.
no subject
She shouldn't be projecting.]
I'll see what I can do. After all that you told me, I have to at least try.
[And lord knows, that Amelia is good at trying and trying, and surviving despite it all.]