[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.
[Glancing over at Astarion, Gale takes in the delicate tone of his skin, how his hair shines like a lustrous pearl as the light climbs over the horizon.]
Where would you have gone, if not for the tadpole? Upon realizing you were free of Cazador's control?
[Gale happily takes his hand, scooting just a smidge closer in the hopes of leaning his head on Astarion's shoulder, despite that his hair is still a bit damp.]
With any luck, maybe I wouldn't have been in that portal. Maybe I'd have found you first. Tried to insist I was useful as you stuck your knife to my neck.
[He settles into that spot as the encroaching light casts long shadows behind them.]
I'd have been a far less desirable mark with the orb at constant threat of destabilization. Perhaps it truly was fate that drew us together into these circumstances, the perfect ones for us to meet, to have one another... to watch the sunrise.
[He leans toward Astarion for that kiss, the first of what he hopes will be many more for the day - for every day for the rest of his life. He stays close after, wanting to see just what color the sunrise brings out in those mesmerizing eyes.]
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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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How did it feel? That first sunrise you were able to see in two hundred years.
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[He holds his hand up against the sky, looking out onto the growing light.]
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Where would you have gone, if not for the tadpole? Upon realizing you were free of Cazador's control?
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I...don't know. I may have just attached myself to the nearest person who seemed safe.
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[He reaches over to take Gale's hand in his.]
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With any luck, maybe I wouldn't have been in that portal. Maybe I'd have found you first. Tried to insist I was useful as you stuck your knife to my neck.
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I think I would have attached myself to a wizard like you. Though I likely still would have tried to seduce you.
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I'd have been a far less desirable mark with the orb at constant threat of destabilization. Perhaps it truly was fate that drew us together into these circumstances, the perfect ones for us to meet, to have one another... to watch the sunrise.
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[He pauses a moment, his thumb rubbing a small circle against Gale's sides.]
Would you like your kiss now, dearest?
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[He leans toward Astarion for that kiss, the first of what he hopes will be many more for the day - for every day for the rest of his life. He stays close after, wanting to see just what color the sunrise brings out in those mesmerizing eyes.]
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