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.]
[Amelia nods in response to his greeting and takes a step inside.]
Thank you for having me.
[She's glancing back and forth at the interior and while her face doesn't show it (of course) she's impressed with how much it's shaped to suit Gale. It's unmistakably his room, very different from hers where it's styled to be similar to her own house, which is a mix of modern, vintage, and cottage-like elements.
And she had a lot of books too. Two bookworms in a pod as ever, the both of them.
Her back is to Gale as she looks out at the balcony and at the cityscape, knowing that it isn't necessarily real (there are limits to the hotel she's noted) but the witch is curious nonetheless.]
Am I correct to assume that this is a view of Waterdeep that's shaped itself for you?
[He sounds quite pleased to confirm that, closing the door behind them before he moves to join her— though with her back turned, he can't help but notice that her sweater isn't quite as modest as it had appeared from the front. Not inappropriate by any stretch, but certainly surprising, given what he's seen her wear up until now.
He clears his throat softly, coming to stand beside her near the doors to the balcony.]
Just a bit of home, even if it's only an illusion. Much of this space is modeled after my tower's sitting room— the balcony there is my favorite place in the entire world.
Her admiration for the scenery grows. The view from her window at home is a corner in the neighborhood surrounded by trees and her well-cared-for flower garden. Cozy, intimate, and private. The bit of home that Gale has with him here is also cozy but it implies a bigger world outside of that window, more than just the City of Splendors itself.
Unaware that she's caused any reaction with her casual outfit, Amelia looks up at Gale.]
How long have you been away from home since then, not counting the time we've been here? You and Astarion had been traveling for a while, yes?
He takes a moment to consider, folding his arms across his chest as he tallies up the time.]
By now, we've been here longer than we were on the road, though I don't mean to diminish the time we spent traveling. So much happened during that time, it seems like it must have been far longer than it was— but dire circumstances do bring people together quite quickly, no matter what world they're in.
[Circumstances had demanded that they come to know one another quickly, trust one another, and time was of the essence in everything they did. Their experiences had already changed each and every one of those involved fundamentally.]
I do admit to feeling a bit homesick at times, but even back in Faerun, I have much to do before I can return to Waterdeep.
... I think for myself, this has been the longest I've ever been away from home since I settled in Blackgale. I didn't travel too much even if I had the capability and means to.
[And here's Amelia and the last thing she remembers was getting ready to deep dive into the middle of the first semester and get her students ready for their district writing assessments. It was also around the time she should have been feeding the Blue Moon Belly, but she knows there are other people who can take care of that.
But she suddenly misses home.
She moves from the balcony and looks for a table to set her box down.]
I can start making the tea. I have two types of black tea, and several herbal blends if that's more of your taste for this time of day.
[Interesting— though it would seem that they both preferred to stay home as opposed to travel. He'd done plenty of the latter before his little jaunt to Avernus had demanded it, of course, but it had been quite awhile since wizarding business had taken him from Waterdeep for any significant length of time. He smiles a little, glad for the opportunity to learn another little something new about her, but her mention of the tea immediately draws him back to the present moment.]
Of course! My apologies— here we are.
[He turns towards the room proper, waving a hand so that the nearby table is suddenly set with a tablecloth, two cups, saucers and a silver teapot. In addition, a plate of turnovers has appeared, and he proceeds to pull one of the chairs out to offer her a seat.]
Black tea sounds perfect. No doubt I'll be up late into the night regardless, but feel free to surprise me. I'm sure both are splendid.
[She must admit, their magic is rather similar which is why she won't remark on it. When you're a witch, this sort of trick is child's play, and no doubt even for Gale in his current state, it's the same.
Amelia takes a seat but takes the silver teapot and gets to work to engrave a few runes. One to summon water and another to start heating it up. Soon, steam starts to puff from the spout and she opens the lid to add the teabag.]
There. It should steep for about a minute and it'll be ready.
[He takes his seat opposite her, and despite the serious nature of the topic that had brought her here, his high spirits seem to be quite genuine. He's always been a personable sort who has enjoyed the company of others, but now that he's aware of the fact that he enjoys hers especially, he can't help but feel a bit lighter, even considering the weight of what he'll be sharing with her in a few moments.
He plucks one of the pastries from the plate beside the teapot, neatly pulling off a corner.]
So. Naturally, you have question. For the most part, I'm an open book. I've been meaning to share much of this with you regardless— since before our venturing into the Vale some weeks back, when your own magic caused that reaction.
[She'll take a turnover then! A small bite is taken and... It's good just like the cupcakes had been.
("He'd be a hit at bake sales. Both the baked goods and him," thinks Amelia, already envisioning a crowd of suburban mothers swarming a table being run by Gale.)
oops, her mind wandered for a second but it's a good thing she keeps a drywall face
The tea is properly steeped so she'll pour it into both cups for the both of them.]
Yes... Of course, I was wondering about that.
If it's alright with you, I wanted to know what being "Mystra's Chosen" was about and how it relates to your current condition.
[He waits until she's done pouring the tea to give her a nod of thanks, carefully drawing his cup a bit closer to himself. The first question is simple enough to answer; he's hardly the only Chosen to walk the face of Toril, and the rest of what he has to share really does stem from his time in service.]
Of course. Many gods and goddesses select a "Chosen," a mortal who will serve as their agent. Some will take several in succession, some one at a time— some, none at all. I drew Mystra's attention at a young age— I was a prodigy, you see.
[For all his confidence and occasional theatrics, there doesn't seem to be an ounce of conceit in that statement; he simply speaks as though it were fact.]
Favored by Mystra, I was able to develop my natural talent with the goddess of magic herself to serve as my muse, with a Chosen of ages past to serve as my mentor— the greatest wizard our world has ever seen. As Chosen, I was her hand among mortals. I sought out and destroyed forbidden magic, helped to preserve the balance, did my part to ensure her Weave was not used for wicked deeds. I was her blade— and in turn, she was everything to me. Goddess, teacher— lover.
[His voice falters slightly, though only just; a note of disappointment as he reflects on his past self, how much of himself he had been willing to give to someone who now demanded he sacrifice himself for a chance at forgiveness.]
[Her gaze is focused on Gale as she listens to his explanation. It's easy enough to understand and there are more deities than just Mystra herself. But if she was the goddess of magic, the essence of it herself, she must be on another tier altogether. His duties as her Chosen weren't unlike what the witches and warlocks of her world were meant for. The preservation of balance and the strongest line of defense against outer forces who would invade the world; they were his creations, creatures of the highest caliber.
But they did not love him back. And it's hard to say if he actually "loved." From the sound of it, Mystra had a degree of affection for those who followed her, comprehensible even and Gale was involved with her in that manner.]
... So what happened? For you to fall out of favor with her, I mean.
[His expression has become somber now, though it's not quite anger, not quite resentment. Regret, certainly. He knows full well that he was responsible for his own fall from grace. Though time has begun to shift his perspective regarding the circumstances surrounding it, that much has not changed.]
I was too ambitious. In some ways, it can be a person's greatest strength. To never be satisfied with what you've accomplished, never be content with all you've managed to learn— surely, that is to be commended, yes? A desire to push forward, to become a better version of yourself.
[He shakes his head, pausing for a sip of his tea before setting the cup down.]
I had all anyone could want. I was revered among my fellow wizards, celebrated among academics. I had power that rivaled even that of my own mentor— Elminster Aumar, the greatest wizard who ever lived. I had the favor of the goddess of magic herself, shared her bed, and still I wanted more. I reached too far.
[He frowns slightly, his brow furrowing.]
I failed to learn from history itself, and thought that where my predecessors failed, surely I would succeed. I defied Mystra's wishes and used forbidden magic to retrieve a piece of her power, one that had been stolen from her previous incarnation, wishing to return it to her. It was meant to be a way to prove myself, that I was capable of yet more— a labor of love. As I'm sure you can guess, things did not go to plan.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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Thank you for having me.
[She's glancing back and forth at the interior and while her face doesn't show it (of course) she's impressed with how much it's shaped to suit Gale. It's unmistakably his room, very different from hers where it's styled to be similar to her own house, which is a mix of modern, vintage, and cottage-like elements.
And she had a lot of books too. Two bookworms in a pod as ever, the both of them.
Her back is to Gale as she looks out at the balcony and at the cityscape, knowing that it isn't necessarily real (there are limits to the hotel she's noted) but the witch is curious nonetheless.]
Am I correct to assume that this is a view of Waterdeep that's shaped itself for you?
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[He sounds quite pleased to confirm that, closing the door behind them before he moves to join her— though with her back turned, he can't help but notice that her sweater isn't quite as modest as it had appeared from the front. Not inappropriate by any stretch, but certainly surprising, given what he's seen her wear up until now.
He clears his throat softly, coming to stand beside her near the doors to the balcony.]
Just a bit of home, even if it's only an illusion. Much of this space is modeled after my tower's sitting room— the balcony there is my favorite place in the entire world.
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sorry her bare back broke DW for a bit thereHer admiration for the scenery grows. The view from her window at home is a corner in the neighborhood surrounded by trees and her well-cared-for flower garden. Cozy, intimate, and private. The bit of home that Gale has with him here is also cozy but it implies a bigger world outside of that window, more than just the City of Splendors itself.
Unaware that she's caused any reaction with her casual outfit, Amelia looks up at Gale.]
How long have you been away from home since then, not counting the time we've been here? You and Astarion had been traveling for a while, yes?
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it was too lewdHe takes a moment to consider, folding his arms across his chest as he tallies up the time.]
By now, we've been here longer than we were on the road, though I don't mean to diminish the time we spent traveling. So much happened during that time, it seems like it must have been far longer than it was— but dire circumstances do bring people together quite quickly, no matter what world they're in.
[Circumstances had demanded that they come to know one another quickly, trust one another, and time was of the essence in everything they did. Their experiences had already changed each and every one of those involved fundamentally.]
I do admit to feeling a bit homesick at times, but even back in Faerun, I have much to do before I can return to Waterdeep.
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[And here's Amelia and the last thing she remembers was getting ready to deep dive into the middle of the first semester and get her students ready for their district writing assessments. It was also around the time she should have been feeding the Blue Moon Belly, but she knows there are other people who can take care of that.
But she suddenly misses home.
She moves from the balcony and looks for a table to set her box down.]
I can start making the tea. I have two types of black tea, and several herbal blends if that's more of your taste for this time of day.
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Of course! My apologies— here we are.
[He turns towards the room proper, waving a hand so that the nearby table is suddenly set with a tablecloth, two cups, saucers and a silver teapot. In addition, a plate of turnovers has appeared, and he proceeds to pull one of the chairs out to offer her a seat.]
Black tea sounds perfect. No doubt I'll be up late into the night regardless, but feel free to surprise me. I'm sure both are splendid.
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Amelia takes a seat but takes the silver teapot and gets to work to engrave a few runes. One to summon water and another to start heating it up. Soon, steam starts to puff from the spout and she opens the lid to add the teabag.]
There. It should steep for about a minute and it'll be ready.
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[He takes his seat opposite her, and despite the serious nature of the topic that had brought her here, his high spirits seem to be quite genuine. He's always been a personable sort who has enjoyed the company of others, but now that he's aware of the fact that he enjoys hers especially, he can't help but feel a bit lighter, even considering the weight of what he'll be sharing with her in a few moments.
He plucks one of the pastries from the plate beside the teapot, neatly pulling off a corner.]
So. Naturally, you have question. For the most part, I'm an open book. I've been meaning to share much of this with you regardless— since before our venturing into the Vale some weeks back, when your own magic caused that reaction.
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("He'd be a hit at bake sales. Both the baked goods and him," thinks Amelia, already envisioning a crowd of suburban mothers swarming a table being run by Gale.)
oops, her mind wandered for a second but it's a good thing she keeps a drywall face
The tea is properly steeped so she'll pour it into both cups for the both of them.]
Yes... Of course, I was wondering about that.
If it's alright with you, I wanted to know what being "Mystra's Chosen" was about and how it relates to your current condition.
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Of course. Many gods and goddesses select a "Chosen," a mortal who will serve as their agent. Some will take several in succession, some one at a time— some, none at all. I drew Mystra's attention at a young age— I was a prodigy, you see.
[For all his confidence and occasional theatrics, there doesn't seem to be an ounce of conceit in that statement; he simply speaks as though it were fact.]
Favored by Mystra, I was able to develop my natural talent with the goddess of magic herself to serve as my muse, with a Chosen of ages past to serve as my mentor— the greatest wizard our world has ever seen. As Chosen, I was her hand among mortals. I sought out and destroyed forbidden magic, helped to preserve the balance, did my part to ensure her Weave was not used for wicked deeds. I was her blade— and in turn, she was everything to me. Goddess, teacher— lover.
[His voice falters slightly, though only just; a note of disappointment as he reflects on his past self, how much of himself he had been willing to give to someone who now demanded he sacrifice himself for a chance at forgiveness.]
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But they did not love him back. And it's hard to say if he actually "loved." From the sound of it, Mystra had a degree of affection for those who followed her, comprehensible even and Gale was involved with her in that manner.]
... So what happened? For you to fall out of favor with her, I mean.
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I was too ambitious. In some ways, it can be a person's greatest strength. To never be satisfied with what you've accomplished, never be content with all you've managed to learn— surely, that is to be commended, yes? A desire to push forward, to become a better version of yourself.
[He shakes his head, pausing for a sip of his tea before setting the cup down.]
I had all anyone could want. I was revered among my fellow wizards, celebrated among academics. I had power that rivaled even that of my own mentor— Elminster Aumar, the greatest wizard who ever lived. I had the favor of the goddess of magic herself, shared her bed, and still I wanted more. I reached too far.
[He frowns slightly, his brow furrowing.]
I failed to learn from history itself, and thought that where my predecessors failed, surely I would succeed. I defied Mystra's wishes and used forbidden magic to retrieve a piece of her power, one that had been stolen from her previous incarnation, wishing to return it to her. It was meant to be a way to prove myself, that I was capable of yet more— a labor of love. As I'm sure you can guess, things did not go to plan.
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