So thoughtful. If I get knocked on the head for getting distracted, I honestly deserve it. [ It'd be totally worth it! ]
By the way, I managed to snag a key from our favorite Fister. [ That legit sounds gross to say but not many things gross Somber out to begin with. ] I'm sure it will come in handy at some point.
Well its also my responsibility to heal you if you get so... Making it easier on myself.
You pickpocketed him?! Why do I think that's the real reason why he gave chase. And you don't even know what it's for? You have any idea how many things that can use keys?
The real reason for him getting his knickers twisted is because I called him a Fisting Flamer. That's the story we're sticking with. : )
Honestly, the key is just likely for his personal chest. Or house. Something that will inconvenience him, no doubt. [ No true nefarious purpose on Somber's end other than that. Just another to add to his keyring that can barely hold a few more. ]
[All things considered, being abducted into an alien squid ship in the middle of a heist is probably the worst thing to ever happen to him - and that's before the ship crashes down and the room full of pods collapses in a fiery explosion. Ceres survives only by pure, dumb luck: his pod is near the corner of the room, far enough away from the explosion that the shrapnel doesn't pierce through and mutilate him as it does the other pods in the room. Furthermore, with the ship's power going offline, he's finally freed from his disgusting prison and can push the pod door open, stumbling out of the goo bath with his lip curled in disgust.
It takes him some time to collect himself and his things. He finds some horrifically mismatched clothing to put on and a few weapons - sharp pointy things that he has no idea how to really use. He pushes himself out through the gore of the remnants of the explosion and finally, finally sets foot on dry land.
That's when the real trouble starts.
He has no food or water, none of his belongings, and no idea where civilization is. He's able to rinse off in the ocean of the sword coast but it's not drinkable. He can't hunt with his limited weaponry, doesn't know how to set a trap, and he's not familiar enough with the vegetation to know what's edible and what's poisonous. There's not many options from here that don't just involve fucking starving to death, but... he's survived this long. He's not about to roll over and die.
It's then when he hears the sound of someone else moving through the underbrush, discussing something that he's too far away to hear. Ceres creeps closer and sees them then: a drow and two others, who look similarly haggard as him, but who seem to have packs. Supplies. He frowns, sinking back to his hiding spot, and tries to quickly come up with a plan.
Several minutes later, he finally makes an appearance and his outward demeanor belies nothing of the desperation he feels. Ceres seems cocky, confident, and more than a little smarmy as he pulls himself up to standing on a thickened tree branch over their heads and rests his palm against the tree trunk. His shiny weapons that he has no idea how to use are on full display, dangling from his hip, gleaming on his back.]
You've entered the territory of the Silver Reaper Cannibal Pirates, [he projects, his voice booming loudly over the stillness of the clearing that the other group is in.] I have a dozen men coming in from our ship. I advise you to leave your packs and run, or we'll use your tendons to floss our teeth after we're done with you.
[His fingers curl just a little and there's rustling in the bushes from behind them, to their left, as the quick string traps are pulled and cause the branches to pull together and release, simulating the sound of others surrounding them.]
I am the Silver Reaper himself. [He locks eyes with the leader of their group - another drow. Ceres puts on the act of a lofty pirate king quite well, and lets out a little scoff of derision.] I await your retreat.
Of course I tease Gale. I think you look rather dashing as you are. It's hard to imagine you without a beard on your face. Unless human children can grow them? We can't grow them as drow so I don't have much experience on the matter.
Children can’t, no; it’s a hallmark for puberty amongst male humans.
Although I used to be far more clean-cut! I didn’t even have a beard until the past year or so. Tara thinks I’ve shirked my personal hygiene but I think my jaw looks rather fine with it, in the end.
( depression beard, what depression beard, it’s fine, everything is fine )
Now that's hard to believe. I can't even conjure a picture in my mind of you without it. Well, whatever Tara tells you, I think it makes you look handsome.
( There is, perhaps, a small flustered moment where he almost drops his quill. Recovering and bullrushing onward: )
Thank you, now please, if you could just tell my tressym that, she doesn’t listen to anything I have to say —
I think I will keep it, if you think it suits. It marks quite the effective delineation between the old me and the present me, too. Have you ever done something like that? Chopped off all your hair in a fit of pique and wanting to turn a new leaf and reinvent yourself. Dyed it purple, perhaps, or gotten an ill-advised tattoo.
If I ever have the pleasure of meeting her, I'll be sure to tell her. Though I don't know how effective that will be if you can't convince her.
[There was a small sigh of relief from the drow. Seems like her slip of the pen went unnoticed.]
Me? Actually... I do. The tattoo on my face I got shortly after I fled the Underdark. Its to honor my goddess, Eilistraee, so when others look upon me they will know where my allegiance lay. My final act of rebellion against Lolth, I guess. And... I used to hate my eyes. They were a source of shame not being red like my other Sisters. But now I'm proud not to have the Spider Queen's favor.
It's the least I can do for what you put up with. [ Somber is surprisingly, not that motivated by coin. But he sure enjoys working with those that are. ]
I'll even throw in gold for a new dress, should you come across one that catches your fancy.
It was but at the time, that thought didn't occur to me. I was branded as a traitor by my House the moment I fled with or with out this tattoo. Rather I prefer to see it as a beacon of hope. So many of my Brothers and Sisters are lost in the dark. I want to serve as their light to guide them out like Eilistraee did for me.
this is ancient please forgive me, I am still out here thinking Koh is real cute v.v
I shall make an effort to focus on that silver lining. I didn't mean to cause you alarm. Well, I suppose I did in the moment, given my panic, but in hindsight...
Really, I feel quite silly.
Aww thx. Koh also out here thinking Gale is cute >3>. And no tag is never "too old"
Don't worry, I understand. I know for most the last thing they want is to be awaken by a giant spider. Even though I'm used to it by now, I can think a few better ways I would prefer.
Again, I'm sorry she startled you. I will try to keep a closer eye on them.
No, no, you needn't apologize. She's a curious sort, it would seem. I'm the last person who could possibly hold curiosity against anyone, as we all know, driven by it as I am.
Perhaps I should ensure I close my tent more securely at night, however.
I'm glad you're being so understanding about this. But I really need to train them not to climb into other's tents. She should he glad it was you she woke up and not Lae'zel.
That might be for the best. Its also effective at keeping out other unwanted late night visitors. Learned my lesson with a certain vampire...
It’s an admirable, astonishing thing you’ve done; I can’t even imagine the amount of willpower and devotion it must have taken to turn away like that, and to lose your whole House in the process.
It wasn't an easy decision. I never told you this but... I'm a twin. I have a younger brother, Rhyle. He was my everything. No matter what they did to us, we had eachother. My Matron didn't like that. Saw my compassion as weakness and sought to snuff it out. So in secret she sold my brother to another Matron somewhere far from my reach. She did succeed in gutting me but failed to break me. Unfortunately, I would be years until I had a chance to escape. I still remember the guilt that weighted in my heart knowing he was still out there but I knew I had to. I was no good to him dead.
That's why I fled. I did it for him, for us. He's the only family I have. After all this is over, I plan on picking back up my search for him.
You do make an excellent point. I doubt Lae'zel would have panicked for a single moment, but I also doubt Skitter would have escaped that particular encounter with all eight legs intact.
Speaking of said vampire, he's been continuing to keep his fangs to himself, yes?
( He sits with that for a little while, processing it. Usually it’s the rest of their party peeling back the layers of their contentious history and laying their personal troubles at Koh’s feet, but this time… )
I’m so sorry, Koh. Kolnatha. You did the right thing: the right and just and honourable and compassionate thing. I don’t mean to impugn your culture, of course, I’m certain there’s much else to appreciate in the Underdark, but the lack of compassion in Menzoberranzan is— well. That’s terrible. Compassion isn’t a weakness; sometimes it’s the bravest course of action.
[Seeing her full name felt strange. She was so used to her companions calling her by her nickname that it felt foreign. Still, it did bring a small smile to her face.]
Thank you, Gale. I'm glad to hear you think so. And don't worry, I take no offense. I know first hand how brutal drow culture can be and I agree with you. The fear, the mistrust, the constant looking over your shoulder... Lolth thrives on pitting her people against eachother. Reveals in the chaos. Things like compassion or even love for that matter simply doesn't exist. Feelings like those can get you killed. Nearly killed me. But that's a story for a different time.
However, there is one thing I do miss... despite its dangers the Underdark has its own beauty. Even in the darkest of places, light can be found. Usually luring you to your death, but beautiful all the same. Of course it doesn't compare to a canopy of glittering stars, mind you.
I was chasing down a lead before I was kidnapped by the nautiloid. Might be another dead end like all the others I've followed. My Matron did a good job covering her tracks about the deal so I don't have much to go on other than hunting down any mention of a male drow sighting. I never brought this up before since it would have taken us away from our current path. In the order of priority of all the other problems we're facing, finding a missing brother seemed less urgent.
Though staring may not necessarily be a crime, if it makes you uncomfortable, I could speak to him. I cannot blame anyone for feeling their eyes drawn towards you, however.
[Temporarily the gears in the drow's mind grind to a stop as she stared dumbly down at her journal on her lap. Did he..? Was he...? No no, surely not. Koh wasn't nearly egotistical enough to compare herself to the ethereal beauty of a literal goddess. The way he spoke about Mystra with such awe in his voice still rung in her head. No. There had to be a more straightforward explanation. Maybe it was the simple fact that she was a drow walking around topside? Where ever they went she was not blind to the stares she received from others. That had to be it. Yes. Maybe if she denied it even harder that she would believe it herself. When in doubt, deflect with humor!]
Don't tell that you're also planning on sneaking into my tent to sink your teeth into my neck, too. Waking up to you would be an improvement.
[Wait- No! Too much. STARES AT HER HAND WITH BETRAYAL.]
We’re well-capable of multitasking and juggling multiple priorities at once, however. I believe it’s still worth investigating along the way; after all, what if you find that he was only ever one alley away in Baldur’s Gate all along? What if we walked past him without knowing, and could have gotten two birds with one stone? Not literally, but I expect you know what I mean.
( Gale clears his throat before writing the next lines, considering that this might be the moment to broach the first idea which had occurred to him. )
So. To that end. Do you happen to have a portrait of your brother? Or better yet, a personal possession or old garment of Rhyle’s? Or best yet, a body part?
( This is a very alarming train of thought, Gale. )
Sorry, that sounds worse than it is! A lock of hair would do as well. Anything along those lines.
When you put it that way, you do bring up a valid point. I'm sorry I didn't bring this up before. I didn't want to burden anyone with my problems when we're facing possible world ending circumstances.
[There was a pause as Koh crowed a brow at his question. A body part? She was glad when he clarified what he meant cause she didn't make a habit of carrying around severed limbs.]
I don't know how useful my description of Rhyle is anymore. We were both so young when he was take from me. Gods know I have changed a lot over the years. But we were as close as you could get without being identical. I remember him teasing me that he was starting to get taller than me... However there is one unique thing both he and I share, our eyes. I don't know how deeply you've stared into mine but as you know, my eyes aren't red. Not only that, but if you look closely into my right eye I have a small gold ring around my pupil. Rhyle has one too on his left eye, if that helps in anyway...
I do have some personal effects that were left in his room. A silver pin that he used to hold up his hair. Must have fallen out when they took him that night. But aside from that... I also have a silly little spider weave bracelet we made when we were kids.
Why are you asking? You have something in mind, Gale?
[The last strands of rational thought snapped in her mind as images of the deed flashed before her eyes. For the briefest of moments, the scene of Gale looming over her as she laid peacefully in her bedroll right before he moved in to bury his teeth into the tender flesh of her neck and her dream self letting out a sound unbecoming of someone of her position played out in front of her. There was an almost violent jerk to the thought as she ripped her mind away, trying to think of anything else. Get a grip on yourself. It had been an embarrassing long time since she's been romantically entangled with anyone. Not that this is what was going on! They were friends and she held a deep respect for the wizard. But the heat that flooded all the way to the tips of her pointy ears was telling a different story. Doing her best to push through, she centered herself to write back.]
And I am a lady. Such an invitation like that needs to be earned, Gale. Make me dinner first and we'll see where it goes.
The personal effects! ( He almost jolts, lurching in the excitement of seeing the pieces starting to click together, knowing how it could work. )
The pin and the bracelet would do marvellously. Have you ever heard of scrying? It’s a difficult spell but well within my capabilities; it’s used to see and hear a particular creature on this plane, for about ten minutes. If I could get a lock on him, I could at least verify if he’s alive, and what he looks like now, and perhaps intuit by his surroundings to get a starting clue as to where he is.
We’d just need those personal effects— and a thousand gold to pick up a crystal ball or silver mirror or similar.
[Koh felt her heart cease in her chest, nearly dropping her notebook to the ground. All those years searching... Had the answer always been this simple? The cleric had to steady her hand from shaking before she wrote again.]
No... I haven't. Is really such a thing possible?
Gale, you brilliant man! I could kiss you! I'll pay whatever the cost if it will give me answers.
( Gale Dekarios is such a paradoxical mixture of humble yet arrogant, self-loathing yet thinking so very highly of his own arcane abilities, so he demurs with: )
Perfectly possible, yes, although I don’t blame you for not knowing of it; it’s a piece of very advanced magic, and not every wizard is able to work at such a high level. And there’s still a chance it might fail when I cast it, mind you. But it’s certainly worth a try in case.
( Hemming and hawing. Thank the gods she can’t see him right now, specifically: the tips of his ears turning an embarrassed pink. )
Ha ha, no kiss required as payment, of course, it’s the least I could do! What a monster I’d be if I extricated amorous overtures from my companions for every piece of magic wrought.
If you wanted to rp out the scrying, I would be 100% down for it
If there is even just a sliver of hope that it could work, I want to try. The worst the could happen that it fails and I'm back to here I was before.
[There was a beat before her next reply came. Sitting here in her tent she silently was trying to process this new feeling of hope that warmed her heart. The wizard had no idea what this gift meant to her.]
A kiss as payment? Oh no, I would never do something like that. Makes it feel so transactional. I would kiss you because I wanted to.
[Wait... What did she just write? Again she quickly scribbled back in her journal.]
What I meant was, I don't make a habit of kissing just anyone. Kissing someone should mean something and not be used so cheaply as an exchange for goods and services.
( There’s more he could, or should, touch on here, address that dangling comment and the prospect of kisses or not… but in the end, he backpedals safely out of it. )
I’ll start pursuing some leads on supplies, and let you know as soon as we’re ready.
It takes a few days of preparation, of course, and the hefty cost of shopping for an appropriate focus. Gale accepts Kol’s gold and browses various markets for days, pondering crystal balls, breathing on the glass of a mirror and wiping off its surface with the sleeve of his robes, rapping his knuckles on the silver frame. He picks up a gigantic basin and tilts it back and forth, considering filling it with holy water for the scrying, but then sets it down as being too large and unwieldy.
A thousand gold was rich, but so long as Kol decided price was no object —
In the end, Gale successfully arranges for their scrying session. There’s a picnic blanket (the same he’d used the night he showed her the Weave) spread out on a field under the stars. He’d waited for a clear night; not because it’s strictly necessary, but because this is difficult enough without the distraction of pouring rain around them. Despite all his bluster, he primarily prides himself on evocation and illusion magic, and divination isn’t his strong suit.
Standing in the field, hands propped on his hips, Gale surveys his work — and then, hearing the woman approaching, he glances back over with his face breaking into a smile.
[Under different circumstances, that question might give him pause, but in this moment, he thinks nothing of it.]
You're more than welcome to come by mine. The board is still set up from the skirmish I had with Wyll this afternoon, and I'd just opened a bottle of Blackstaff wine before I saw your message, if you're at all interested.
[A different time and place, Koh would have been embarrassed on how she phrased it. But there were other things that currently occupied her mind.]
Good wine and a board game? Now Gale, you don't need to bribe me with a good time. How can a girl say no? Give me a moment, I'll be right over.
[Setting her journal aside, the drow prepared herself to make the short trek from the opposite side of camp. Before leaving she paused, glancing back at a large stack of books stashed along the back side of her tent. A silent debate ran its course in her mind as she pulled a small book from somewhere in the middle of the tower, tucking it safely under one arm. There, now she was ready.
Ducking through the flaps of her tent, Koh stepped out into the cool night air. The waning moon dimly shown down on the crackle of embers left over from their warm fire. Their companions all long since retreated to their little slices of home. Though moment could be heard rustling in some of their more noctual friends. Still, Koh tried he best to walk over quietly so not to disturb anyone who had fallen asleep.
It didn't take long to arrive at the front of the wizard's tent, with hers being just behind the barbarian's to the left. Should.... should she knock? Hesitating only for a moment, she gently taps on the canvas.]
[The wizard's voice responds brightly from within the tent, and should she peek past the front flap, she'll see him with a book open in one hand, eyes still fixed on the page as he reaches up and beckons for her to come in with the other.]
Please, come in! Make yourself comfortable.
[He smiles as he looks up at last, marking his place and setting his book aside.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
For Audioslave
I think my armor is long enough to be a dress. Its both pretty and practical since it protects my legs. Best of both worlds.
And what other occasion are you suggesting? You are mad if you think I'm going to waltz into a tavern wearing one.
no subject
Imagine doing the same thing in a tavern but showing your legs flawlessly.
It'll leave an impression, to say the least. Undoubtedly enough to distract any Fisting Flamer.
no subject
You do have a point. It could be a good tactical strategy but... I won't want to distract you in the heat of things.
For Netherese
I would take it as such. For better or worse, I think she likes you. But hopefully she won't make a habit out of these nightly visits.
no subject
By the way, I managed to snag a key from our favorite Fister. [ That legit sounds gross to say but not many things gross Somber out to begin with. ] I'm sure it will come in handy at some point.
no subject
You pickpocketed him?! Why do I think that's the real reason why he gave chase. And you don't even know what it's for? You have any idea how many things that can use keys?
no subject
Honestly, the key is just likely for his personal chest. Or house. Something that will inconvenience him, no doubt. [ No true nefarious purpose on Somber's end other than that. Just another to add to his keyring that can barely hold a few more. ]
no subject
So it's going to be your treat at the tavern tonight, then?
no subject
It takes him some time to collect himself and his things. He finds some horrifically mismatched clothing to put on and a few weapons - sharp pointy things that he has no idea how to really use. He pushes himself out through the gore of the remnants of the explosion and finally, finally sets foot on dry land.
That's when the real trouble starts.
He has no food or water, none of his belongings, and no idea where civilization is. He's able to rinse off in the ocean of the sword coast but it's not drinkable. He can't hunt with his limited weaponry, doesn't know how to set a trap, and he's not familiar enough with the vegetation to know what's edible and what's poisonous. There's not many options from here that don't just involve fucking starving to death, but... he's survived this long. He's not about to roll over and die.
It's then when he hears the sound of someone else moving through the underbrush, discussing something that he's too far away to hear. Ceres creeps closer and sees them then: a drow and two others, who look similarly haggard as him, but who seem to have packs. Supplies. He frowns, sinking back to his hiding spot, and tries to quickly come up with a plan.
Several minutes later, he finally makes an appearance and his outward demeanor belies nothing of the desperation he feels. Ceres seems cocky, confident, and more than a little smarmy as he pulls himself up to standing on a thickened tree branch over their heads and rests his palm against the tree trunk. His shiny weapons that he has no idea how to use are on full display, dangling from his hip, gleaming on his back.]
You've entered the territory of the Silver Reaper Cannibal Pirates, [he projects, his voice booming loudly over the stillness of the clearing that the other group is in.] I have a dozen men coming in from our ship. I advise you to leave your packs and run, or we'll use your tendons to floss our teeth after we're done with you.
[His fingers curl just a little and there's rustling in the bushes from behind them, to their left, as the quick string traps are pulled and cause the branches to pull together and release, simulating the sound of others surrounding them.]
I am the Silver Reaper himself. [He locks eyes with the leader of their group - another drow. Ceres puts on the act of a lofty pirate king quite well, and lets out a little scoff of derision.] I await your retreat.
For Magicmissiles
Of course I tease Gale. I think you look rather dashing as you are. It's hard to imagine you without a beard on your face. Unless human children can grow them? We can't grow them as drow so I don't have much experience on the matter.
no subject
Although I used to be far more clean-cut! I didn’t even have a beard until the past year or so. Tara thinks I’ve shirked my personal hygiene but I think my jaw looks rather fine with it, in the end.
( depression beard, what depression beard, it’s fine, everything is fine )
no subject
[Wait. Shit. Erase! Erase it! Hurried scribbling follows.]
I mean, its nice. Good! The beard suits you! I hope you keep it.
no subject
Thank you, now please, if you could just tell my tressym that, she doesn’t listen to anything I have to say —
I think I will keep it, if you think it suits. It marks quite the effective delineation between the old me and the present me, too. Have you ever done something like that? Chopped off all your hair in a fit of pique and wanting to turn a new leaf and reinvent yourself. Dyed it purple, perhaps, or gotten an ill-advised tattoo.
no subject
[There was a small sigh of relief from the drow. Seems like her slip of the pen went unnoticed.]
Me? Actually... I do. The tattoo on my face I got shortly after I fled the Underdark. Its to honor my goddess, Eilistraee, so when others look upon me they will know where my allegiance lay. My final act of rebellion against Lolth, I guess. And... I used to hate my eyes. They were a source of shame not being red like my other Sisters. But now I'm proud not to have the Spider Queen's favor.
no subject
I'll even throw in gold for a new dress, should you come across one that catches your fancy.
no subject
Fine. I give in. You can take me dress shopping before we head to tavern.
no subject
no subject
this is ancient please forgive me, I am still out here thinking Koh is real cute v.v
Really, I feel quite silly.
Aww thx. Koh also out here thinking Gale is cute >3>. And no tag is never "too old"
Again, I'm sorry she startled you. I will try to keep a closer eye on them.
aw yay!
Perhaps I should ensure I close my tent more securely at night, however.
no subject
That might be for the best. Its also effective at keeping out other unwanted late night visitors. Learned my lesson with a certain vampire...
no subject
no subject
That's why I fled. I did it for him, for us. He's the only family I have. After all this is over, I plan on picking back up my search for him.
no subject
Speaking of said vampire, he's been continuing to keep his fangs to himself, yes?
no subject
Fortunately he has been true to his word since the first time he snuck into my bedroll. Though sometimes I can feel him staring at me.
no subject
I’m so sorry, Koh. Kolnatha. You did the right thing: the right and just and honourable and compassionate thing. I don’t mean to impugn your culture, of course, I’m certain there’s much else to appreciate in the Underdark, but the lack of compassion in Menzoberranzan is— well. That’s terrible. Compassion isn’t a weakness; sometimes it’s the bravest course of action.
Do you have any leads on where he might be?
no subject
Thank you, Gale. I'm glad to hear you think so. And don't worry, I take no offense. I know first hand how brutal drow culture can be and I agree with you. The fear, the mistrust, the constant looking over your shoulder... Lolth thrives on pitting her people against eachother. Reveals in the chaos. Things like compassion or even love for that matter simply doesn't exist. Feelings like those can get you killed. Nearly killed me. But that's a story for a different time.
However, there is one thing I do miss... despite its dangers the Underdark has its own beauty. Even in the darkest of places, light can be found. Usually luring you to your death, but beautiful all the same. Of course it doesn't compare to a canopy of glittering stars, mind you.
I was chasing down a lead before I was kidnapped by the nautiloid. Might be another dead end like all the others I've followed. My Matron did a good job covering her tracks about the deal so I don't have much to go on other than hunting down any mention of a male drow sighting. I never brought this up before since it would have taken us away from our current path. In the order of priority of all the other problems we're facing, finding a missing brother seemed less urgent.
no subject
[... blast, did he really write that?]
404: Drow cannot be found
Maybe if she denied it even harder that she would believe it herself.When in doubt, deflect with humor!]Don't tell that you're also planning on sneaking into my tent to sink your teeth into my neck, too. Waking up to you would be an improvement.
[Wait- No! Too much. STARES AT HER HAND WITH BETRAYAL.]
no subject
( Gale clears his throat before writing the next lines, considering that this might be the moment to broach the first idea which had occurred to him. )
So. To that end. Do you happen to have a portrait of your brother? Or better yet, a personal possession or old garment of Rhyle’s? Or best yet, a body part?
( This is a very alarming train of thought, Gale. )
Sorry, that sounds worse than it is! A lock of hair would do as well. Anything along those lines.
no subject
[There was a pause as Koh crowed a brow at his question. A body part? She was glad when he clarified what he meant cause she didn't make a habit of carrying around severed limbs.]
I don't know how useful my description of Rhyle is anymore. We were both so young when he was take from me. Gods know I have changed a lot over the years. But we were as close as you could get without being identical. I remember him teasing me that he was starting to get taller than me... However there is one unique thing both he and I share, our eyes. I don't know how deeply you've stared into mine but as you know, my eyes aren't red. Not only that, but if you look closely into my right eye I have a small gold ring around my pupil. Rhyle has one too on his left eye, if that helps in anyway...
I do have some personal effects that were left in his room. A silver pin that he used to hold up his hair. Must have fallen out when they took him that night. But aside from that... I also have a silly little spider weave bracelet we made when we were kids.
Why are you asking? You have something in mind, Gale?
oh good he broke her. these two...
Of course, she was teasing, he reasons. Deflecting his own awkward slip with a playful quip of her own. There's no other explanation!]
I would never even imagine doing anything of the sort without an invitation. I still fancy myself a gentleman, after all.
[That's... hm. Not as much of an improvement as he'd thought?]
Welp, that didn't help unbreak her, Gale....
And I am a lady. Such an invitation like that needs to be earned, Gale. Make me dinner first and we'll see where it goes.
[WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!]
no subject
The pin and the bracelet would do marvellously. Have you ever heard of scrying? It’s a difficult spell but well within my capabilities; it’s used to see and hear a particular creature on this plane, for about ten minutes. If I could get a lock on him, I could at least verify if he’s alive, and what he looks like now, and perhaps intuit by his surroundings to get a starting clue as to where he is.
We’d just need those personal effects— and a thousand gold to pick up a crystal ball or silver mirror or similar.
no subject
No... I haven't. Is really such a thing possible?
Gale, you brilliant man! I could kiss you! I'll pay whatever the cost if it will give me answers.
no subject
Perfectly possible, yes, although I don’t blame you for not knowing of it; it’s a piece of very advanced magic, and not every wizard is able to work at such a high level. And there’s still a chance it might fail when I cast it, mind you. But it’s certainly worth a try in case.
( Hemming and hawing. Thank the gods she can’t see him right now, specifically: the tips of his ears turning an embarrassed pink. )
Ha ha, no kiss required as payment, of course, it’s the least I could do! What a monster I’d be if I extricated amorous overtures from my companions for every piece of magic wrought.
If you wanted to rp out the scrying, I would be 100% down for it
[There was a beat before her next reply came. Sitting here in her tent she silently was trying to process this new feeling of hope that warmed her heart. The wizard had no idea what this gift meant to her.]
A kiss as payment? Oh no, I would never do something like that. Makes it feel so transactional. I would kiss you because I wanted to.
[Wait... What did she just write? Again she quickly scribbled back in her journal.]
What I meant was, I don't make a habit of kissing just anyone. Kissing someone should mean something and not be used so cheaply as an exchange for goods and services.
hELL yeah
( There’s more he could, or should, touch on here, address that dangling comment and the prospect of kisses or not… but in the end, he backpedals safely out of it. )
I’ll start pursuing some leads on supplies, and let you know as soon as we’re ready.
It takes a few days of preparation, of course, and the hefty cost of shopping for an appropriate focus. Gale accepts Kol’s gold and browses various markets for days, pondering crystal balls, breathing on the glass of a mirror and wiping off its surface with the sleeve of his robes, rapping his knuckles on the silver frame. He picks up a gigantic basin and tilts it back and forth, considering filling it with holy water for the scrying, but then sets it down as being too large and unwieldy.
A thousand gold was rich, but so long as Kol decided price was no object —
In the end, Gale successfully arranges for their scrying session. There’s a picnic blanket (the same he’d used the night he showed her the Weave) spread out on a field under the stars. He’d waited for a clear night; not because it’s strictly necessary, but because this is difficult enough without the distraction of pouring rain around them. Despite all his bluster, he primarily prides himself on evocation and illusion magic, and divination isn’t his strong suit.
Standing in the field, hands propped on his hips, Gale surveys his work — and then, hearing the woman approaching, he glances back over with his face breaking into a smile.
“Kolnatha! Good evening. Are you ready?”
TFLN For Netherese
Laceboard? Are you sure? You're going to have to teach me how to play. I've never tried before.
no subject
no subject
My tent or yours?
no subject
You're more than welcome to come by mine. The board is still set up from the skirmish I had with Wyll this afternoon, and I'd just opened a bottle of Blackstaff wine before I saw your message, if you're at all interested.
no subject
Good wine and a board game? Now Gale, you don't need to bribe me with a good time. How can a girl say no? Give me a moment, I'll be right over.
[Setting her journal aside, the drow prepared herself to make the short trek from the opposite side of camp. Before leaving she paused, glancing back at a large stack of books stashed along the back side of her tent. A silent debate ran its course in her mind as she pulled a small book from somewhere in the middle of the tower, tucking it safely under one arm. There, now she was ready.
Ducking through the flaps of her tent, Koh stepped out into the cool night air. The waning moon dimly shown down on the crackle of embers left over from their warm fire. Their companions all long since retreated to their little slices of home. Though moment could be heard rustling in some of their more noctual friends. Still, Koh tried he best to walk over quietly so not to disturb anyone who had fallen asleep.
It didn't take long to arrive at the front of the wizard's tent, with hers being just behind the barbarian's to the left. Should.... should she knock? Hesitating only for a moment, she gently taps on the canvas.]
Knock, knock.
no subject
[The wizard's voice responds brightly from within the tent, and should she peek past the front flap, she'll see him with a book open in one hand, eyes still fixed on the page as he reaches up and beckons for her to come in with the other.]
Please, come in! Make yourself comfortable.
[He smiles as he looks up at last, marking his place and setting his book aside.]