[Please ignore the smile that cracks its way across Gale's face, Astarion, wide enough to show a hint of his teeth. Those fingers in his hair make him melt.]
Scratch is a fine guard dog. He'll let us know if we're in for a nighttime kidnapping. I can't imagine even your kin would consider it if they saw the owlbear. Or regular bear, if that's how Halsin chooses to sleep that night.
I would be utterly unsurprising to learn that he sleeps bare, but the other way wouldn't be too far a stretch.
[How can he ignore it when he likes it so much? He runs his fingers through a few more times than strictly needed, just to relish it for a little longer.]
[He leans back just a little more, his neck feeling weak.]
Can you imagine it? Your kin sneaking into our camp, thinking they'll take you, only to be met with a dog, an owlbear, an antiquated undead, and Halsin as unclothed as the day he was born. I think that would make anyone wonder what kind of company you've decided to keep in your freedom.
[If only Gale had realized how much he likes having his hair played by his lover with sooner. Until next bath. He runs a hand through it himself, surprised at how sleek it feels.]
I should perhaps set some magical wards as well. I used to, in our early days together when our numbers were few, but never quite felt the need once we had a whole party surrounding us.
Unfortunately, we now have an entire city surrounding us as well. And untold numbers within said city who seem to want us dead.
I don't think magical wards would be entirely unreasonable.
[Astarion gives a little self-satisfied smile watching Gale enjoy the feel of his freshly cleaned hair. It's nice to see someone appreciate a job well done. His hand still rests at the back of Gale's neck, soaking up the warmth of his skin.]
I'll make sure your tent is warded more than most. Should anyone come near you, I shall be the first to know. [A beat, and a nod.] Assuming I'm not in it, at the time.
[He brushes his hair back with his fingers, turning to face Astarion.]
You know, it's not often I'm up at this hour. Why don't we watch the sunrise together?
[Gods, he loves that crease, his heart singing at the sight. He forces himself to look away, his eyes turning to the window. Its pane is comprised of panels stained glass - a lovely sight that tints the bath during the day in an array of colors, but not much for watching a sunrise.]
I'm not sure our view will be worthwhile through that. Perhaps on a rooftop, or a solitary hill?
[He pushes himself to stand, stepping up and out of the bath, utterly unabashed at his nudity. He might showing off, even, with a little sway of his hips.]
[As Astarion stands, there's a second where Gale takes in his body: his eyes trail from his face where it started, down to his shoulders and collarbone, then abdomen and the pale musculature that lies there, then lower with that tantalizing sway of his hips— and that's where Gale catches himself and averts his gaze, feeling too libidinous even when in the presence of his lover.
He gets up himself, and while his whole body has a nice flush from the temperature of the bath, his ears are the reddest of all at the moment.]
Yes, I believe that would be for the best if we wish to get a good seat. I hope this won't be our only visit to this establishment.
[He grabs a towel and does his best to dry his hair. Having entrusted his entire self to Astarion, he's apparently fine with the vampire seeing his naked body, as insecure as he may feel about it at times - it's his own ogling he's uncomfortable with, no matter how impossibly handsome Astarion may be.]
[Astarion is familiar enough with having attention and holding it to know when he's being ogled. He invites it, more often than not. Having Gale's eyes on him is different though. There's a softness to the gaze, a warmth. Astarion wonders idly what it would be like to simply let Gale gaze upon him for hours on end with nothing more intimate than sharing the sight of each other's naked bodies. It has an appeal to it.
He looks to Gale, returning his gaze in measure. His eyes slowly sweep across the full measure of his wizard, his hair sleek and clean, the dark lines and faint glow of the orb in his chest, his soft stomach, the hints of curves that come from a man who has spent most of his days in the company of books and tomes.]
No, I suspect we'll return before long.
[He waits until he's sure Gale has noticed his gaze before reaching for his own towel to dry off.]
[While consistently confident that he's handsome, Gale has seen the others at camp, and it's hard not to feel a little insecure when compared to Astarion's lithe muscle, Halsin's bulk, Wyll's heroic posture and grace. He's historically avoided bathing with his companions, always undressing in the privacy of his closed tent; his camp clothing is comfortable and lush, not tight and revealing of the body underneath. Aware that his mind and intellect are his truth strengths, he's always endeavored to showcase them when given the chance.
But as Gale finishes drying his hair, the damp strands falling all around his face, he catches the way Astarion looks at him - like he's something to be treasured, like every part of him is worthy of worship. That's a look not earned by Gale's magic, but given to his body, to Gale himself. Mystra never looked at him in such a way, certainly not in regards to his physical form.]
Gods, don't look at me like that.
[He laughs as he gives Astarion a smile, somewhere between sheepish and smitten, before continuing to dry off.]
[Astarion gives Gale a playful smile, pleased that his attention has been acknowledged. He turns away with a wink, finishing up drying and reaching for his robe.]
[Gale does the same, slipping into his robe, his back turned to his partner.]
I find myself at a loss for words when you do. It's like being a stranger in my own mind, bathed in feelings I cannot begin to describe. And it's all the harder to think with both the orb and my heart beating in my chest, drowning out my every thought.
[Gale leans in, just a little - his demeanor is relaxed, a far cry from his nervous anticipation earlier in the evening when Astarion slipped the robe from his shoulders.]
But who am I without my mind? Without the words and the thoughts that so define me?
[Gale just has to watch Astarion walk away for a few steps before his brain kicks in that he should be following. Gods, he loves that man.
He's smiling the entire time they slip back into their clothes, while they return the key, as they step into the city streets once more. The water off the river brings a chill to the air, made all the colder by the bath they just took; however, there's a fire in Gale's heart that keeps him plenty warm as he takes Astarion's hand.]
This way, the roof of the Baldur's Mouth should offer a lovely vantage point. Do you have enough in you to fly us up there?
[Astarion gives Gale's hand a soft squeeze before leading him out onto the city streets. He's a little less circumspect in the path he takes this time, not seeing a much need to sneak about in the predawn hours.]
[They head into the streets, crossing the alleyways and passing by some of the main roads on their way toward the eastern part of the city. Gale lets Astarion lead them, but once the towering print shop is in sight, he wraps his free arm around his partner's waist.]
Up we go.
[His hand glows in Astarion's grasp, matching the vibrant blue light from his eyes as he murmurs an incantation:]
Volamus.
[For an instant, a circle of magic appears beneath them, rising to encompass them before dissipating into a ring of feathers. With his arm still around Astarion, Gale leaps into the air, taking them both on a flight toward the Baldur's Mouth. Though they alight on a nearby roof, Gale keeps walking, bounding from rooftop to rooftop, the two of them closing the gap between themselves and their destination.]
[Flying is such a thrill. He hasn't had many chances to experience but it's still a delight. He holds tight to Gale as they leap from roof to roof until they land on top of the Mouth.]
Thank you, dearest. Your gifts are always appreciated.
[He gives Astarion's cheek a quick peck before he conjures two pillows, something for them to sit on and keep comfy while watching the sunrise. Astarion might love him for who he is, magic or not, but that doesn't mean he won't use it to their advantage whenever possible.
Gale settles on one pillow, facing where the light is starting to crawl upon the eastern horizon; with a few trees and hills to mark the distance from the city, it seems like it will be a good view.]
[A very good view, given they're atop one of the taller buildings in the Lower City. Astarion settles easily next to Gale, one knee propped up with his hand resting atop it.]
You know, seeing this light, watching the sun creep slowly over the horizon used to be source of dread for me. Not just for my own safety, but if I witnessed it alone it meant that I had failed my hunt, that punishment awaited me upon my return.
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[He runs his fingers through Gale's hair as he rinses, shaking it out a little so that he can be sure he's thoroughly rinsed it all.]
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Scratch is a fine guard dog. He'll let us know if we're in for a nighttime kidnapping. I can't imagine even your kin would consider it if they saw the owlbear. Or regular bear, if that's how Halsin chooses to sleep that night.
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[How can he ignore it when he likes it so much? He runs his fingers through a few more times than strictly needed, just to relish it for a little longer.]
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Can you imagine it? Your kin sneaking into our camp, thinking they'll take you, only to be met with a dog, an owlbear, an antiquated undead, and Halsin as unclothed as the day he was born. I think that would make anyone wonder what kind of company you've decided to keep in your freedom.
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[Okay, that's probably enough. Astarion cups his hand against the back of Gale's neck to keep him from melting over and sets the bowl aside.]
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I should perhaps set some magical wards as well. I used to, in our early days together when our numbers were few, but never quite felt the need once we had a whole party surrounding us.
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I don't think magical wards would be entirely unreasonable.
[Astarion gives a little self-satisfied smile watching Gale enjoy the feel of his freshly cleaned hair. It's nice to see someone appreciate a job well done. His hand still rests at the back of Gale's neck, soaking up the warmth of his skin.]
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[He brushes his hair back with his fingers, turning to face Astarion.]
You know, it's not often I'm up at this hour. Why don't we watch the sunrise together?
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[Astarion pauses, considering the idea only for a moment before he smiles at Gale, that telltale crease showing on his cheek.]
I'd love to watch a sunrise with you, dearest.
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I'm not sure our view will be worthwhile through that. Perhaps on a rooftop, or a solitary hill?
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[He pushes himself to stand, stepping up and out of the bath, utterly unabashed at his nudity. He might showing off, even, with a little sway of his hips.]
Shall we gather our effects and take our leave?
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He gets up himself, and while his whole body has a nice flush from the temperature of the bath, his ears are the reddest of all at the moment.]
Yes, I believe that would be for the best if we wish to get a good seat. I hope this won't be our only visit to this establishment.
[He grabs a towel and does his best to dry his hair. Having entrusted his entire self to Astarion, he's apparently fine with the vampire seeing his naked body, as insecure as he may feel about it at times - it's his own ogling he's uncomfortable with, no matter how impossibly handsome Astarion may be.]
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He looks to Gale, returning his gaze in measure. His eyes slowly sweep across the full measure of his wizard, his hair sleek and clean, the dark lines and faint glow of the orb in his chest, his soft stomach, the hints of curves that come from a man who has spent most of his days in the company of books and tomes.]
No, I suspect we'll return before long.
[He waits until he's sure Gale has noticed his gaze before reaching for his own towel to dry off.]
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But as Gale finishes drying his hair, the damp strands falling all around his face, he catches the way Astarion looks at him - like he's something to be treasured, like every part of him is worthy of worship. That's a look not earned by Gale's magic, but given to his body, to Gale himself. Mystra never looked at him in such a way, certainly not in regards to his physical form.]
Gods, don't look at me like that.
[He laughs as he gives Astarion a smile, somewhere between sheepish and smitten, before continuing to dry off.]
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And why shouldn't I, dearest?
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I find myself at a loss for words when you do. It's like being a stranger in my own mind, bathed in feelings I cannot begin to describe. And it's all the harder to think with both the orb and my heart beating in my chest, drowning out my every thought.
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[Astarion ties his robe off, stepping up behind Gale to put his hands on his shoulders.]
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But who am I without my mind? Without the words and the thoughts that so define me?
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[He drops a kiss to Gale's temple, then steps past him to exit.]
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He's smiling the entire time they slip back into their clothes, while they return the key, as they step into the city streets once more. The water off the river brings a chill to the air, made all the colder by the bath they just took; however, there's a fire in Gale's heart that keeps him plenty warm as he takes Astarion's hand.]
Where to, my love?
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[Astarion gives Gale's hand a soft squeeze before leading him out onto the city streets. He's a little less circumspect in the path he takes this time, not seeing a much need to sneak about in the predawn hours.]
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[They head into the streets, crossing the alleyways and passing by some of the main roads on their way toward the eastern part of the city. Gale lets Astarion lead them, but once the towering print shop is in sight, he wraps his free arm around his partner's waist.]
Up we go.
[His hand glows in Astarion's grasp, matching the vibrant blue light from his eyes as he murmurs an incantation:]
Volamus.
[For an instant, a circle of magic appears beneath them, rising to encompass them before dissipating into a ring of feathers. With his arm still around Astarion, Gale leaps into the air, taking them both on a flight toward the Baldur's Mouth. Though they alight on a nearby roof, Gale keeps walking, bounding from rooftop to rooftop, the two of them closing the gap between themselves and their destination.]
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Thank you, dearest. Your gifts are always appreciated.
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[He gives Astarion's cheek a quick peck before he conjures two pillows, something for them to sit on and keep comfy while watching the sunrise. Astarion might love him for who he is, magic or not, but that doesn't mean he won't use it to their advantage whenever possible.
Gale settles on one pillow, facing where the light is starting to crawl upon the eastern horizon; with a few trees and hills to mark the distance from the city, it seems like it will be a good view.]
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You know, seeing this light, watching the sun creep slowly over the horizon used to be source of dread for me. Not just for my own safety, but if I witnessed it alone it meant that I had failed my hunt, that punishment awaited me upon my return.
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