netherese | hotel caelum: inbox

You'd be correct. If anything they'd be in awe of what I've gotten myself into.

[They'd be in awe that she's found a person who showers her with affection from the grandest of gestures to the little touches and kisses like the one on the back of her hand just now. And even more surprising is how she's comfortable with it all.]

And being a redhead will do that. But those kinds of bars are... Colorful. Fun even. It's mostly for people-watching with Adam and Michael. We'll play board games or card games, sometimes other guests will get involved... It makes for good memories.

[She leans her back against the seat with a soft sigh.]

Michael is also a witch. He's older than I am and stressed the importance of how I need to collect as many good memories as possible to make up for the years before and in case the years ahead become difficult.

I've been to my share over the years— there is a certain spirit to them that one can't find elsewhere, and you do meet a colorful collection of people. I do see the draw, even if it's difficult to imagine. Time well spent with good friends does make for memories well worth keeping.

[He squeezes her hand gently in agreement, always glad to hear about another piece of her life back home, another one of the many bits that made her who she was.]

I do think your friend has the right idea. Magickind in your world being as long-lived as they are, and with such an important burden to bear on their shoulders... having memories of such moments will bring you light during darker times, remind you that there are things worth fighting for, large and small. Hope is not to be underestimated.

[Amelia nods solemnly. Hope was probably the only thing that kept her going since she became a witch. She would have died without stubbornly holding onto it even if she didn't recognize it as such at the time.]

He and Adam both were pivotal to my life after I finished my training with my teacher. Adam is a normal human; he has no magic and nothing particularly remarkable except for his upstanding character. He's in the know about magickind for various reasons, but he's one of the most trustworthy people I know.

Michael—

[... You know, she knew she almost forgot to mention something important. This is one of the follies of being guarded and selective with personal information.

Amelia coughs lightly.]

For full disclosure, Michael was my ex. Ex-boyfriend. [She wrinkles her nose and brow, not really liking how that sounded and unsure of how Gale will take to the term.]

My previous paramour. Someone I used to— Well, I think you get the picture.

[Wow that was weird to lay out during a date, good job Amelia]

[It's good to know that she hasn't been alone all this time, that she has friends she can trust and depend on, people who have become fixtures in her life after her teacher's departure. Though she has not shared every detail with him, it's been made clear enough that her time studying was unhappy— the difficulty she'd once had in accepting even the gentlest compliment from him had been proof enough.

His brow furrows slightly as she cuts herself off and proceeds to fumble through her attempts to finish her statement, but he does rather get the picture before she gets to the end. Even the term "boyfriend" was clear enough given the context, even if it's not a term he's terribly familiar with.

It may not be typical date conversation, but she certainly has his interest.]

You're still friends?

[He sounds genuinely curious, rather than put out, because he's never had the opportunity to experience such a thing. His parting with Mystra had been nothing short of devastating, brought him to his absolute lowest point— though in fairness, one was not typically 'friends' with a goddess to begin with.]

Not that you shouldn't be! [He's quick to follow-up, doing a bit of fumbling of his own.] I've just not seen it done before, at least not firsthand. Of course you would have been with someone before now; you're a very singular woman. I would have been surprised otherwise— but I've spoken of my... romantic past with you when it's been relevant. You should feel comfortable doing the same. Or not!

[He puts a hand up to accompany his sharp correction.]

I would never presume to be owed information regarding the details of— [He cuts himself off, sighing, then gives her a sheepish smile.] Well, I think you get the picture.

[... Okay, that response was very endearing to her. Amelia has to use her free hand to muffle the giggle that threatens to spill from her mouth. It's one of relief and nervousness that she didn't realize she had.]

I think I do. Get the picture, that is.

[She scoots closer to Gale so that she can lean against his shoulder; a way for both of them to settle into the closeness of each other.]

Yes, Michael and I are still friends. We both agreed that we were better as such. If anything, I think I could have told you a little earlier but it did slip my mind.

After all, you're very distracting as of late.

[He automatically lifts their joined hands to adjust as she moves closer to him, welcoming the warmth and closeness that she offers, and gives a sigh of relief as he leans in to rest his chin against the top of her head for a moment, grateful that she seemed to find his response entertaining more than anything else.]

I do try. I'm quite glad to hear I've succeeded.

[She's offered plenty of distraction of her own, whether she intends to or not.]

I'm glad that you've been able to come to an arrangement that works for you, as well. Trustworthy friends are too valuable to let go of, if one can avoid having to do so.

[There is a small twinge of something in his voice, not quite jealousy, but just the tiniest note of uncertainty. The concept may be new to him, but he could never begrudge Amelia for holding onto someone who means something to her. If he'd ever been fortunate enough to part so amicably with someone, he likely would have done the same.]

Mm.

[There's someone else she hasn't told Gale about, someone whose significance he already has encountered in the Vale. She opens her mouth about to speak up—

(But then her heart stings when she thinks about their smile, her gut twists with guilt over surrounding herself with Gale's warmth because it's like she's almost, almost able to forget about...)

Amelia swallows and exhales; the shakiness can almost go unnoticed.]

Making friends has never been one of my greatest strengths but the ones I do have... I'm grateful to them for making sure I'm not entirely hopeless. I think they'd all like you, Gale. Berna, especially.

Edited (jfc my grammar) 2024-01-02 07:23 (UTC)

[There's a small shift in her that he does pick up on, momentary though it is, and he offers another squeeze of her hand as wordless reassurance. It's simple enough to attribute it to the confession she offers next.]

It sounds to me like you've done quite well for yourself. Quality over quantity; the people you've chosen to surround yourself with sound like precisely the sort of people you need.

[He feels a twinge of something he can't quite name in his own chest when he says that; perhaps he really is being selfish, wanting her to stay here rather than go home to visit. Dwelling on that too long seems dangerous, considering the uncertainty of their future.]

I'll admit... I've always cared a little too much about what other people think of me, so I'm certainly glad to hear you think so, but more than that, they're important to you. While your opinion of me ought to be the only one I lend any weight to, I can't help but hope you're right.

Well... I can certainly understand that. I'd want the people in your life to have a decent opinion about me. That's why I made sure to give Tara a gift, for instance.

[And she supposes that Astarion's opinion of her had improved since their first meeting which wasn't a great start.]

We've been here a few months and have met a good number of people. And I want you to know that ending the year and greeting the new one with you wasn't something I imagined.

[Amelia feels her cheeks grow warm.]

So... I'm grateful that you're part of my life now, Gale.

I'll have you know that Tara is already quite fond of you, but that gift of yours will certainly cement your place in her heart. She's a discerning old girl, but she's spoken quite highly of you.

[Yes, he has discussed her with his ~~cat~~ good friend Tara, who has quite honestly been thrilled to see him opening his heart to new possibilities. Long overdue, he supposes; he's done more than his share of sulking and nursing a broken heart, and what he feels now, even though their relationship is yet young— it makes what came before pale in comparison, because more than anything, it's real. He feels seen, and the further he gets from his time with Mystra, the more he realizes that he had never been seen as a partner, but a pet to be kept.]

I can't say it was something I expected, either— but I have never been so pleasantly surprised.

[He drops his head to press a kiss against her temple, his lips curling into another fond smile. Meanwhile, a Mage Hand delivers a tray with a pair of glasses and Amelia's basket to the table beside their bench, causing him to raise an eyebrow when he notices— he certainly hadn't done that, nor was he responsible for the delivery of the charcuterie tray that followed.

Tara, apparently, was intent on making sure they enjoyed their evening thoroughly. He chuckles softly, closing his eyes and taking a brief moment to bury his face in Amelia's hair.]

To say that I'm grateful to have the chance to be in your life doesn't feel like enough... with you, I forget myself.

[She's getting used to the small displays of affection that Gale gives her so freely in their moments alone but simultaneously it still feels jarring after being so long without something like kisses to her hands and head, hand holding, and so on. Their relationship is so green but he was more ready to be engulfed in this than she was.

Ah, thank you Mage Hand from Tara. Before Amelia can reach for the bottles and glasses, she stays where she is so Gale can continue to embrace her. Up close, the magic in her hair hums, a faint sensation that he may be able to pick up.

He says that he could forget himself, to be lost in her. Concerningly, she can almost relate.

(But forgetting was hard.)]

Try not to forget yourself before getting a drop of drink, please.

[She says that with playful sternness before reaching up to give Gale a pat on the head.]

[It's not the first time he's felt latent magic while simply being in her presence; she was powerful enough that anyone sensitive to the arcane would be able to pick up on it if they kept themselves open, but even so, this was different, a more deliberate hum that while faint, seems to resonate with that particular moment, something that makes his smile tug slightly to one side.

He laughs sharply as she gives him that mock-patronizing pat; it never fails to amuse him when she takes that particular tone with him, especially since he's been on the receiving end of her sternness in earnest in the past.]

That's right, we're meant to be celebrating! It would be an awful shame if I were to get ahead of myself. Embarrassing, really.

[He's able to have a bit of a laugh at his own expense! He hasn't entirely forgotten, and he releases her so that she can reach for the glasses as planned, standing so that he can claim the charcuterie tray that had been so thoughtfully delivered and set it somewhere a bit more convenient for the pair of them.]

Is celebrating the passing of a year common where you're from? Different regions handle it in their own way in Faerun, but along the Sword Coast, it's largely celebrated by feasting and drink— something all of our festivals seem to have in common, I think. People will gladly take any excuse to indulge!

It is. There are different New Year traditions and some cultures have more specific dates to celebrate, but by and large it is globally welcomed.

[Amelia takes the glasses and the bottle of fizzy apple cider from the basket. First cider, then champagne.]

Aside from feasting and drinking, however, many people use the last few days of the old to reflect on what was accomplished or not in the past year. In a way, everyone shares their goals, hopes, and dreams for what they wish to achieve once we shed off the last day.

Edited 2024-01-04 23:30 (UTC)

[He adjusts the positioning of the table on his side of the bench, moving it to sit before them so that they can easily share its contents while sitting together and enjoying the view. The charcuterie board he sets on it afterwards is quite elaborate, and while magic had sped up the process a bit, it's clear he'd spent quite a bit of time on it. There are no less than three salami roses.]

That does seem prudent. A way of realigning oneself for the year to come, while perhaps learning a bit from the one we leave behind.

[Ideally. He settles himself beside her again, watching her take up the cider with interest.]

I can hardly say I've had a typical year— neither of us have, in fact, but all the more reason to reflect upon it. I don't feel as though I've quite finished making the necessary steps, but I will say I feel myself to be a very different Gale than I was a year ago. Then, even the idea of venturing outside of my tower was...

[He trails off and shakes his head, a wry smile quirking to one side.]

Truly unthinkable. Little did I know how much awaited me beyond those walls.

[While pouring him some fizzy cider, she listens to Gale, conscious of the fact that he's had to deal with a lot, to say the least.]

You've had a tumultuous time. [Between the orb, the parasite, going on an adventure to address both... Amelia hands him his glass.]

I'd be surprised if you hadn't changed to some degree based on those circumstances.

As for myself, truthfully, I think I've managed a consistent life routine after becoming a teacher. Save for the supernatural mishap that's bound to happen, I am proud to say that a majority of my students who take my advanced course have been able to pass their major exams. My goal for the next class is to raise their average scores and teach them better studying strategies.

[He takes the offered glass from her with a tip of his head to offer his appreciation, his gaze softening as she looks back on her own accomplishments. It takes effort, but he manages to withhold a chuckle, even if it would have been fond— he somehow doesn't think she would appreciate it in this exact moment.]

You have every right to be proud. I only wish that all teachers were as dedicated to their work and the students in their care as you are.

[There are many who are passionate about what they do, who have chosen it for the right reasons, but plenty of others who have become disenchanted with education and do their students a disservice by not offering their best.]

An admirable goal, as well, especially that last bit— I've found that advanced classes often see at least a few gifted or voracious readers who never quite developed those study habit on account of being able to comprehend the material and retain information well after a first pass. Eventually, a time comes where even the most dedicated reader must put in a bit of perspiration.

[It's him, he's gifted and voracious readers.]

True. Retention can only get you so far. I tell my students as much and grade as such.

[She's kind of a challenging teacher for a reason. But enough about work, she points to the glass.]

I don't know if you have this in your world, but this is cider without any alcohol. I think you'll like it.

No doubt I will— I've seen it on occasion, though it wasn't quite so bubbly when I had the chance to try it.

[That part is new, but he's certainly interested! The scent alone is appealing, and he raises his glass to his lips to sample it, appearing to give it some genuine thought.]

That is nice— I can think of plenty of people who might complain that the lack of alcohol does it a disservice, but I disagree.

[He's a lightweight, anyway. He has a great deal of appreciation for drinks that offer a bit of variety, despite his deep fondness for wine.]

I'm glad you like it. It's a perfect drink for parties especially when you have mixed company of adults and younger people. Festive and refreshing without having to worry about getting carried away.

But that's what the champagne is for. [Points to the other heavier bottle.]

We'll open that at midnight.

[He laughs warmly, leaning against the cushioned back of the bench as she points out her other offering.]

That one, I am familiar with— or so I've recently learned. It would be grouped with other wines back home, but your lot call it by a different name. Either way, I've an appreciation for it, and it does seem perfect for such a celebration.

[He lets out a thoughtful hum as he helps himself to another sip of his cider, his gaze moving to look out across the night skyline of Waterdeep, a glimpse of the home that he'd not properly set foot in for ages now, since before his isolation.]

As we wait for midnight to approach, we're meant to consider what we wish to achieve in the coming year, yes?

[Amelia nods and takes a sip of her cider.]

Yes. And about that...

[The glass rests on her lap with her fingers wrapped around it as she turns to face Gale again.]

I wanted to talk about us. About what you would like the year ahead to look like.

[His attention is drawn back to her immediately. What would he like the year ahead to look like? It's a rather serious question, but he doesn't find it to be troubling or unwelcome in any way— he is, after all, quite serious about her. He would never have come forward with his feelings if he were not, hesitant as he was to heap his burdens upon her, keenly aware that asking someone to care for him under his circumstances, even if he was determined to overcome them.]

That is a subject I am always amenable to.

[His voice is warm and optimistic; the subject of them as a couple is still new, but one he undeniably enjoys, happy to have been granted the opportunity to become as close to her as he has.]

I do have some thoughts about that, yes. Given that you raised the subject, was there something on your mind you wished to share first?

[Amelia looks solemn as she sorts out her thoughts about him. About them. It didn't feel so long ago when they first met and she regarded this man with caution and restraint. She hadn't thought of anything beyond treating him as she did with everyone else; sternly, firmly, and no-nonsense. But it hadn't worked. Gale spent the following days smiling at her, regarding her with growing warmth and adoration, and wanting her as she was.

It was like an encapsulation of her time with Briar but it came swiftly like a whirlwind of emotion that swept the witch into Gale's gravity.

What if it ends the same way? What if I end up alone again?

She isn't ignoring the major obstacles that could tear them apart. No, it stared at her straight in the face every day, taunting her with another potential heartbreak, another reason to steel her heart against everything good so she could exist for however many centuries she had left.

... But hadn't she just said she would need the memories? Although her love for Briar was like clutching onto a rose with hundreds of thorns, it didn't make her time with him less beautiful.

This thing between them was already such a beautiful bloom.

Amelia takes off her glasses and sets them down on the table before looking resolutely into Gale's eyes.]

For the coming year, I want you to know that... I don't want to be afraid. I won't be afraid of what we have between us.

Remember what I said? About how there's no one else I'd rather struggle with than you?

[He meets her gaze, his own warm and steadfast, and reaches to gently take one of her hands between his, resting them against her knee.]

How could I forget?

[His voice is low, soft, the subject itself a delicate one. He's never forgotten that scene he'd heard from her past, never forgotten the way it brought her to tears, and he has held each and every part of herself that she has been willing to share close to his heart, each reveal something to be cherished. All that she had shared was a mark of her trust in him, and he does not intend to betray or squander that trust, but hold onto it tightly, for dear life.]

I feel quite the same. I can think of no one I would rather struggle with, and it is my wish to be worthy of that.

[They are both, he knows, all too aware of the challenges that lie ahead, the obstacles they may face, but all of that seems so small when compared to the way he feels when he's with her, the way she makes his heart beat fast when she smiles.]

I hope to show you that you have no reason to be afraid. You have gone far too long without being cherished as you ought. I mean to set that to rights.

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