[Amelia's thoughts are much more challenging to parse, especially after waking up. Contrary to popular expectations, she is not a morning person, as shown by the library experience.
She fiddles with his beard for a couple of more seconds before letting go to rub one eye.]
Morning.
[Her eyes close again. It's just... Very comfortable. She had slept well and wanted to stay in one place for a few more minutes. The moment is tender and while she is genuinely still swayed by sleep, the other part of her is concerned she doesn't have the demeanor that could express the same warmth Gale is giving to her. His laugh makes her heart beat and the sight of his upturned smile causes her face to flush.
She's happy. She'll allow herself to admit that much internally.]
[He all but exhales the words, his eyelids lowering. He's never quite cared for early mornings, himself, though he'd had to become used to them while traveling— his academy days had always demanded they be a necessary evil, as well, but given that he was the sort to lose track of time and work through much of the night, he much preferred a leisurely pace when it came to mornings overall.]
Fortunately, I've nowhere to be. [The beauty of vacation.] The bath, eventually. The kitchen, certainly, but I can't say I feel all that inclined to rush.
[He's quite comfortable where he is, sprawled beneath the covers with her, and the view is lovely beyond compare— when his eyelids aren't feeling quite so heavy.]
Nothing to keep us from staying exactly where we are as long as we like.
[He lets out a contented hum as he, too, burrows a bit further beneath the blanket, then inches closer to lean in and at last press a soft kiss against the side of her mouth, shaking his head slightly.]
You are more than welcome to help yourself to the shower, though I must insist on you letting me handle breakfast.
[There's a mirthful note in his voice; he quite enjoys having the opportunity to cook for others, and being able to do so for her in this specific situation is something he's been especially looking forward to.]
I'd like to spoil you a bit, if I may. You needn't lift a finger.
[Amelia smiles into that soft kiss and shifts so that she can give Gale a proper kiss back on the full seam of his lips after he confirms the lazy-day itinerary for their late morning.]
Careful. You're going to make me too accustomed to all this.
[Insidious Gale of Waterdeep! With that said, she pats him on his shoulder as if to dismiss him.]
I'll shower, you handle breakfast. No peeking at each other while we get out of bed.
[He chases her lips to insidiously steal another brief, affectionate kiss before she pats him on the shoulder and begins to pull away. As she continues, he gasps as he braces a hand against the mattress in preparation to prop himself up, feigning shock.]
No peeking? That seems a terrible shame. Still, perhaps for the best... I'm quite sensitive, really.
[The lamentation in his voice is a bit too overdone to be genuine, even if that last bit is technically true. He is well past physical insecurities coming between them, at this point.]
[Amelia sits up with her back turned to Gale. She runs a hand through her red hair that gleams ever so slightly in the artificial morning light.]
If you wanted to look, you could just ask.
[Feeling kind of cheeky, this one. She does have to stretch out her arms and summon the will to stand up considering last night's strenuous activities; after having been so long without, she's not accustomed to the morning afters.]
[He remains close to horizontal and watches her attentively as she sits up, chuckling and only doing the same once she addresses him, letting the comforter fall away and pool around his waist.]
I just didn't know we were suddenly being shy, but I do think I got quite a good look last night.
[He's more than happy to be cheeky right back, and he, too, runs a hand through his hair to keep it from being too unkempt— helped along by a handy charm that sets it to rights as he cards his fingers through it, his smile quirking to one side.]
A sight I'll not soon forget, I have to say. If you're worried about my catching a glimpse in the daylight, you could stay right where you are until breakfast is finished. The shower certainly won't be going anywhere.
Perhaps I am. [He bites at his lower lip to keep himself from laughing again when he sees the color spreading across her shoulders; he's sure his own face is a bit flushed, as well.] Though if I were, I hardly think I could be blamed.
[The covers rustle a bit as he turns and lets his feet hit the floor; he gives a stretch of his own, though his back does give a very sound pop as he does so, causing him to let out an entirely different kind of laugh, bordering on sheepish.]
Ah, that's a bit embarrassing, isn't it?
[He shakes his head, getting to his feet and reaching to grab a robe so that he can pull it on one arm at a time, belting it around the middle, then circles around to her side of the bed so that he can lean down and press a kiss against her forehead.]
Enjoy your beauty rest; I'll have breakfast ready for us in no time.
[Ah, that back pop is mildly alarming. When she turns around to look, he's already in his robe and moving around to kiss her on the forehead.
Waving him off sleepily, when he's finally out of the room, Amelia looks around for where her sweater was tossed off. After recovering it and putting it on, she slides back underneath the covers and closes her eyes. It's not actual sleep as it is taking in the ambient sounds in Gale's room and imprinting on its presence.
This is the first time in a long while she feels comfortable sleeping in another space that isn't hers.]
[The room itself is cozy and well-lived in despite the fact that they've only been guests at the hotel for a handful of months, and as she rests, she'll be granted the company of the soft ticking of a mechanical clock and quiet birdsong from the conjured cityscape outside. It's not long until the sounds of breakfast being put together will drift in from the kitchen, followed by the scent of bacon that proceeds to drown out any other smells that might have tried to accompany it.
Some time later, the bedroom door will creak the rest of the way open as he returns with a tray in hand, a second hovering alongside of him bearing two cups and a carafe of coffee.]
[As Gale enters the room with the breakfast tray, Amelia sits up covering her mouth with a yawn. The smell of coffee is enough to wake her up completely. ]
Very comfortable. I usually... Don't like sleeping in other places. Even in my own room here, it took a while for me to adjust.
[She gives him a small smile before looking at the tray expectantly.]
[His expression softens as it so often does in her presence; that answer touches him more than he might have expected. It's a lovely thing, to know that someone trusts you and feels comfortable enough with you to feel so at ease.]
I am glad to hear it— I do hope you'll continue to make yourself at home.
[For the rest of this visit, for any that might follow— he does not wish for her to feel like a guest.
He proceeds to send one of the trays floating towards her with a flourish; their contents rearrange themselves so that it bears a single plate, coffee cup, and a set of flatware as it comes to hover in front of her, waiting to be grabbed hold of.]
This morning's repast is omelettes with bacon, mushrooms, onions and Waterdhavian cheese, served with toasted sourdough bread and dragonfire roast coffee, which should be strong enough to suit your tastes, I believe.
[Man, Gale... Amelia knows from Gale's background that he wasn't good at keeping friends due to his pursuit of his ambitions though it isn't as if he was without connection. It really is a shame that not many people got to see his excellent qualities outside of his magical prowess.
... In a way though, that's fine, isn't it? It just means she gets homemade breakfast in bed to herself.
The breakfast spread is met with approval and she reaches for the coffee first.]
Dragonfire roast coffee sounds foreboding but the promise of caffeine intrigues me.
[She takes a sip. Assesses the taste. And nods in approval. A+ Gale.]
[He laughs warmly, returning to his own side of the bed so that he can ease in beside her, wiggling his toes beneath the covers as he makes himself comfortable, his own tray now hovering until he's ready to take it.]
Only a name, in this case. I think they wanted it to sound thrilling, but there are no actual dragons involved in the process— if there were, I don't know that the roasters would ever turn a profit, given their inclination towards hoarding. I'm pleased it meets with your approval! I know you take coffee quite seriously.
[He takes hold of his tray and puts a bit of cream in his own coffee before he helps himself to a long sip, followed by a contented exhale.]
As much as I do appreciate our many cafés and other establishments within the hotel, there's nothing quite like a cup of coffee you don't have to get dressed for.
[Her coffee lecture at Winter probably didn't go unnoticed... She sips her coffee again, slowly and steadily.]
My friend's granddaughter runs a magical cafe.
Her enthusiasm for coffee and tea has consequently rubbed off on me. It's an interesting place; I'd say something similar to this hotel but smaller and you can happen upon it anywhere at any time, if that makes sense.
[Word has certainly gotten around, and Gale himself has gone on enough coffee or breakfast outings with her to take notice of her preferences, himself. He's always been one for keen observation.]
It sounds like it's quite something— and quite novel, at that.
[He sets his cup down after another long sip so that he can take his fork and start in on his food properly, though he does keep stealing peripheral glances her way to ensure everything meets with her approval. He does aim to please.]
That must be difficult if someone wants to make their way there on purpose, though I assume she must have a way around that.
[She's munching on the food, don't worry Gale. Her usual neutral expression has returned so really, the fact that she keeps reaching for the breakfast items should be a good sign.]
Mm. The door to the cafe is more difficult to find on purpose. Rather, it makes its appearance to those who need rest. It's a very specific, yet nebulous type of magic that isn't the most reliable.
... I've thought about it as a way for us to reunite if there was ever the chance we'd be separated.
[Ah, yes— he's become quite used to reading her actions rather than her expressions, but he seems satisfied enough with what he sees to start in on his own breakfast in earnest. That, however, doesn't last terribly long— her words make him pause with a piece of toast halfway to his mouth, suspended in animation.]
You've given that thought, then?
[Though there is a note of surprise in his voice, it's far more noteworthy that he sounds as pleased as he does hopeful.
He turns his gaze very fixedly towards his plate, but there's no stopping the spread of his smile or the color that touches his face and the tips of his ears.]
I'd been considering similar strategies, though I don't know of any cafés or other venues that might serve us in that regard. All that means is having to make such means available on my own.
[What a pair they make— given how serious they've both shown themselves to take this relationship of theirs, it stands to reason that of course they would both give thought to how they might proceed outside of the hotel, but hearing and saying it aloud is still just slightly surreal.
How fortunate he is, to have found something— someone— worth bridging the gap between worlds for.]
Only natural that we've both given it some thought, but it's still quite something to hear.
[He takes care not to let his gaze linger on her too long, not wanting to further her embarrassment, but his hand does creep a bit closer to hers on the mattress while he uses the other to cut his omelette apart with his fork, giving her a brief but meaningful glance.]
That last bit is going to take some getting used to.
[It is, however, what the word partnership implies, and that is what this sort of arrangement is meant to be, isn't it? Or so he's heard tell. His basis for comparison is, admittedly, quite limited— and extremely uneven.]
[It occurs to Amelia that Gale would be unaccustomed to a relationship where there were goals to strive for and expectations that were clearly communicated. Far be it for her to be presumptuous about what his time with Mystra was like, but she supposes he was always used to doing things for the goddess instead of with.]
... Gale. Togetherness encompasses many things.
[She sets down her fork and angles herself more so she's facing him directly.]
And if there's anything I've learned from my failures, it's that you should not feel alone when you're with someone else.
[He looks back to her when she says his name, giving her his full attention, and the smile he offers in reply is significantly softer than his usual bright optimism. He can only take those words to heart; over the last several months, and during some of the more lucid moments of his isolation, he has begun to believe that very same thing.]
Indeed, you're quite right. I feel much the same.
[Even if he has little basis for comparison. He knows what he does not want to find himself feeling again, and knows that what he's already been fortunate enough to experience with Amelia is far more fulfilling than his past attempts could have ever hoped to be. Their relationship may still be new by most standards, but the intent to grow together going forward has been made perfectly clear by the both of them.]
Yet here I am, thinking I would be saying the very same to you. I'm glad we're of the same mind.
[He does curl his fingers against her hand at last, just a momentary touch of affection.]
I think we've both had more than our share of loneliness. If I have things my way, that will become a distant memory for both of us.
[The curl of his fingers is returned with her own, a sign of her sincerity.]
If you had known me when I was younger, none of this between us might have happened. Not because I would have been occupied at the time but rather...
[Her voice trails off trying to gauge her past self.]
Well. If you thought of me as only slightly difficult when we first met, I would have put up more of a fight against your affections as my younger self.
The point being, that loneliness isn't a distant memory for me, but if our time together has proven anything... Well, I'm more hopeful. You make me more hopeful.
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[Amelia's thoughts are much more challenging to parse, especially after waking up. Contrary to popular expectations, she is not a morning person, as shown by the library experience.
She fiddles with his beard for a couple of more seconds before letting go to rub one eye.]
Morning.
[Her eyes close again. It's just... Very comfortable. She had slept well and wanted to stay in one place for a few more minutes. The moment is tender and while she is genuinely still swayed by sleep, the other part of her is concerned she doesn't have the demeanor that could express the same warmth Gale is giving to her. His laugh makes her heart beat and the sight of his upturned smile causes her face to flush.
She's happy. She'll allow herself to admit that much internally.]
I don't want to move. Do you?
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[He all but exhales the words, his eyelids lowering. He's never quite cared for early mornings, himself, though he'd had to become used to them while traveling— his academy days had always demanded they be a necessary evil, as well, but given that he was the sort to lose track of time and work through much of the night, he much preferred a leisurely pace when it came to mornings overall.]
Fortunately, I've nowhere to be. [The beauty of vacation.] The bath, eventually. The kitchen, certainly, but I can't say I feel all that inclined to rush.
[He's quite comfortable where he is, sprawled beneath the covers with her, and the view is lovely beyond compare— when his eyelids aren't feeling quite so heavy.]
Nothing to keep us from staying exactly where we are as long as we like.
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[She murmurs as she pulls the blanket up so that half of her face is covered.]
Specifically a shower.
[Good thing they don't have any plans with anyone else today, she supposes.]
Do you need help in the kitchen?
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You are more than welcome to help yourself to the shower, though I must insist on you letting me handle breakfast.
[There's a mirthful note in his voice; he quite enjoys having the opportunity to cook for others, and being able to do so for her in this specific situation is something he's been especially looking forward to.]
I'd like to spoil you a bit, if I may. You needn't lift a finger.
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Careful. You're going to make me too accustomed to all this.
[Insidious Gale of Waterdeep! With that said, she pats him on his shoulder as if to dismiss him.]
I'll shower, you handle breakfast. No peeking at each other while we get out of bed.
[Is she joking? Hmmmmm.]
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[He chases her lips to insidiously steal another brief, affectionate kiss before she pats him on the shoulder and begins to pull away. As she continues, he gasps as he braces a hand against the mattress in preparation to prop himself up, feigning shock.]
No peeking? That seems a terrible shame. Still, perhaps for the best... I'm quite sensitive, really.
[The lamentation in his voice is a bit too overdone to be genuine, even if that last bit is technically true. He is well past physical insecurities coming between them, at this point.]
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If you wanted to look, you could just ask.
[Feeling kind of cheeky, this one. She does have to stretch out her arms and summon the will to stand up considering last night's strenuous activities; after having been so long without, she's not accustomed to the morning afters.]
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I just didn't know we were suddenly being shy, but I do think I got quite a good look last night.
[He's more than happy to be cheeky right back, and he, too, runs a hand through his hair to keep it from being too unkempt— helped along by a handy charm that sets it to rights as he cards his fingers through it, his smile quirking to one side.]
A sight I'll not soon forget, I have to say. If you're worried about my catching a glimpse in the daylight, you could stay right where you are until breakfast is finished. The shower certainly won't be going anywhere.
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Not that I'm complaining, but you sure are set on keeping me here all day, aren't you?
[It's a good suggestion though. She doesn't have to leave bed and she gets breakfast.]
Alright. I'll wait for you then and get a few more minutes of shuteye.
[She'll find her sweater at least, she's not gonna eat breakfast in bed naked, she's civilized.]
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[The covers rustle a bit as he turns and lets his feet hit the floor; he gives a stretch of his own, though his back does give a very sound pop as he does so, causing him to let out an entirely different kind of laugh, bordering on sheepish.]
Ah, that's a bit embarrassing, isn't it?
[He shakes his head, getting to his feet and reaching to grab a robe so that he can pull it on one arm at a time, belting it around the middle, then circles around to her side of the bed so that he can lean down and press a kiss against her forehead.]
Enjoy your beauty rest; I'll have breakfast ready for us in no time.
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Waving him off sleepily, when he's finally out of the room, Amelia looks around for where her sweater was tossed off. After recovering it and putting it on, she slides back underneath the covers and closes her eyes. It's not actual sleep as it is taking in the ambient sounds in Gale's room and imprinting on its presence.
This is the first time in a long while she feels comfortable sleeping in another space that isn't hers.]
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Some time later, the bedroom door will creak the rest of the way open as he returns with a tray in hand, a second hovering alongside of him bearing two cups and a carafe of coffee.]
Still comfortable, I hope?
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Very comfortable. I usually... Don't like sleeping in other places. Even in my own room here, it took a while for me to adjust.
[She gives him a small smile before looking at the tray expectantly.]
So what's for breakfast?
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I am glad to hear it— I do hope you'll continue to make yourself at home.
[For the rest of this visit, for any that might follow— he does not wish for her to feel like a guest.
He proceeds to send one of the trays floating towards her with a flourish; their contents rearrange themselves so that it bears a single plate, coffee cup, and a set of flatware as it comes to hover in front of her, waiting to be grabbed hold of.]
This morning's repast is omelettes with bacon, mushrooms, onions and Waterdhavian cheese, served with toasted sourdough bread and dragonfire roast coffee, which should be strong enough to suit your tastes, I believe.
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... In a way though, that's fine, isn't it? It just means she gets homemade breakfast in bed to herself.
The breakfast spread is met with approval and she reaches for the coffee first.]
Dragonfire roast coffee sounds foreboding but the promise of caffeine intrigues me.
[She takes a sip. Assesses the taste. And nods in approval. A+ Gale.]
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Only a name, in this case. I think they wanted it to sound thrilling, but there are no actual dragons involved in the process— if there were, I don't know that the roasters would ever turn a profit, given their inclination towards hoarding. I'm pleased it meets with your approval! I know you take coffee quite seriously.
[He takes hold of his tray and puts a bit of cream in his own coffee before he helps himself to a long sip, followed by a contented exhale.]
As much as I do appreciate our many cafés and other establishments within the hotel, there's nothing quite like a cup of coffee you don't have to get dressed for.
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My friend's granddaughter runs a magical cafe.
Her enthusiasm for coffee and tea has consequently rubbed off on me. It's an interesting place; I'd say something similar to this hotel but smaller and you can happen upon it anywhere at any time, if that makes sense.
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It sounds like it's quite something— and quite novel, at that.
[He sets his cup down after another long sip so that he can take his fork and start in on his food properly, though he does keep stealing peripheral glances her way to ensure everything meets with her approval. He does aim to please.]
That must be difficult if someone wants to make their way there on purpose, though I assume she must have a way around that.
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Mm. The door to the cafe is more difficult to find on purpose. Rather, it makes its appearance to those who need rest. It's a very specific, yet nebulous type of magic that isn't the most reliable.
... I've thought about it as a way for us to reunite if there was ever the chance we'd be separated.
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You've given that thought, then?
[Though there is a note of surprise in his voice, it's far more noteworthy that he sounds as pleased as he does hopeful.
He turns his gaze very fixedly towards his plate, but there's no stopping the spread of his smile or the color that touches his face and the tips of his ears.]
I'd been considering similar strategies, though I don't know of any cafés or other venues that might serve us in that regard. All that means is having to make such means available on my own.
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Of course, I've thought about it. You're not supposed to carry all the weight by yourself, Gale.
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How fortunate he is, to have found something— someone— worth bridging the gap between worlds for.]
Only natural that we've both given it some thought, but it's still quite something to hear.
[He takes care not to let his gaze linger on her too long, not wanting to further her embarrassment, but his hand does creep a bit closer to hers on the mattress while he uses the other to cut his omelette apart with his fork, giving her a brief but meaningful glance.]
That last bit is going to take some getting used to.
[It is, however, what the word partnership implies, and that is what this sort of arrangement is meant to be, isn't it? Or so he's heard tell. His basis for comparison is, admittedly, quite limited— and extremely uneven.]
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... Gale. Togetherness encompasses many things.
[She sets down her fork and angles herself more so she's facing him directly.]
And if there's anything I've learned from my failures, it's that you should not feel alone when you're with someone else.
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Indeed, you're quite right. I feel much the same.
[Even if he has little basis for comparison. He knows what he does not want to find himself feeling again, and knows that what he's already been fortunate enough to experience with Amelia is far more fulfilling than his past attempts could have ever hoped to be. Their relationship may still be new by most standards, but the intent to grow together going forward has been made perfectly clear by the both of them.]
Yet here I am, thinking I would be saying the very same to you. I'm glad we're of the same mind.
[He does curl his fingers against her hand at last, just a momentary touch of affection.]
I think we've both had more than our share of loneliness. If I have things my way, that will become a distant memory for both of us.
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If you had known me when I was younger, none of this between us might have happened. Not because I would have been occupied at the time but rather...
[Her voice trails off trying to gauge her past self.]
Well. If you thought of me as only slightly difficult when we first met, I would have put up more of a fight against your affections as my younger self.
The point being, that loneliness isn't a distant memory for me, but if our time together has proven anything... Well, I'm more hopeful. You make me more hopeful.
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