🔮 exsanguinated (with @sangwhine)

[mystracal]

tfln | invitations | and there was only one bed | undermountain alurlyath | what could be | blood bond | the price of freedom
it wore his face | dinner with morena dekarios | rediscovery

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[mystracal]

[Gale's expression softens as he takes what Astarion says to heart, knowing somewhere within him that it's true. He's known it for some time, but admitting it to himself when he already feels wounded, discarded, and occasionally unworthy of love is a challenge; hearing it from someone else, particularly someone who doesn't exactly have a high opinion of him... it means more than he's able to express at that moment.

He's quiet for a beat afterward.]

You're right. I have a hard time seeing that, you know. What she commanded me to do, while the most pragmatic solution to our problems thus far, was... not entirely fair. Certainly not to me, but not to those around me, either. Those whose company I've come to care for.

[He offers Astarion a genuine smile.]

I don't think I realized you'd have such strong thoughts on the matter.

[sangwhine]

[Ah. Shit. Did he go too far? Astarion pulls himself back, squaring his shoulders to try to put on a more disaffected air. It doesn't hurt if Gale thinks he cares, it's better even, but Gale can't know how close it all hits to Astarion's own life.]

Honestly, my dear, it's just stating the obvious. I think you'll find far more pleasurable delights in the company of your fellow mortals. I'd be happy to provide a demonstration.

[mystracal]

Not sure you quite count as 'mortal,' given your unusual circumstances, but should I require a demonstration, you'll be the first to know.

[He says that with levity, hoping Astarion will take it as the playful deflection he meant it to be.]

[sangwhine]

[That's good enough for Astarion. For now, at least. He gives Gale a playful smile in return.]

I'd certainly consider myself more mortal than a goddess. Although I suppose I am older than her current incarnation, if that's your sort of thing.

[mystracal]

[He tucks the tome under one arm, setting his other hand on his hip.]

Two centuries old, but as sharp as a newly forged blade. I suppose we're lucky to have someone with so much experience in this group, though I think were our leader no longer available, seniority wouldn't be what determined our next one.

[He's not sure he could put up with a party led by Astarion, frankly.]

[sangwhine]

You're very lucky to have me with you.

Though I assure you I've no intentions of taking over for our fearless leader. They're doing well enough for my liking, and I'd rather not be burdened with herding the lot of you all from place to place.

[mystracal]

I doubt you'd want to fight Lae'zel for the position anyway. Wyll would be best suited for it, if you asked me.

[sangwhine]

Mmh, yes. Perhaps a little too much of an idealist for my tastes, but I certainly wouldn't mind the view following after him.

[mystracal]

[Oh you.]

Is there any one of us you've not tried flirting with?

[sangwhine]

Why limit my choices?

Though if you must know, I haven't made any advances on Karlach. Aside from the fact that she could easily break me over her knee, her condition complicates matters.

[Read: he's not about to make a target out of someone who's been outright enslaved by a devil.]

[mystracal]

[And here he thought it was just the blood.]

A shame, really. She seems like the sort who might actually take you up on them.

[sangwhine]

Darling, the chase is half the fun. Like the charming way the red of your cheeks spreads over the tips of your ears when I've truly flustered you.

[mystracal]

[Astarion caught him there. His eyes dart away in quickfire embarrassment.]

Right, well - not all of us can be so... forward with people we hardly know, can we?

[sangwhine]

No, not all of you. But I'm sure you'll find your way soon enough.

[mystracal]

[Gale can't help the smile that tugs at his mouth.]

Perhaps.

[He clears his throat.]

Now, how about um. That help you offered? With clothing, I mean. Not the- other thing.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion smiles to himself. The net's winding around Gale, he can see it closing.]

What about it, my dear?

[mystracal]

You said something about a place in the Lower City. Tell me about it.

[Because it's either that, or they go back to talking about his beard, and he vastly prefers one of those subjects over the other.]

[sangwhine]

Ah, the Facemaker's Boutique. Of course I only had the chance to visit myself on occasion. Our clothing was usually provided for us, but I would stop in when I could to make sure I was up to speed on the sort of styles that were in vogue in the city.

[mystracal]

Baldurian fashion has always been quite different from Waterdhavian, from what I know of it. This will be a bit of a learning experience, but one never knows when we'll have to infiltrate a social gathering for the sake of our cause.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion's face practically lights up at even the suggestion of infiltrating a social gathering.]

Oh, I hope we do. Brushing elbows with the patriars and well-to-dos of the Gate, only to rob them blind or commit some other manner of subterfuge. Wouldn't that be a delight?

[mystracal]

[He catches that, and can't help but smirk.]

Not everyone is an actor, Astarion. Or comfortable in such crowded venues.

[sangwhine]

Did the great and powerful Gale Dekarios never entertain the Lords of Waterdeep in his tower?

[mystracal]

My tower was largely unsuitable for visitors, save for others invested in similar magical pursuits. Besides, I like my privacy. I was more likely to be invited somewhere than the one inviting.

[sangwhine]

And more likely to decline, I imagine.

[He gives a click of his tongue in judgement.]

The City of Splendors was wasted on you.

[mystracal]

[He can't help but nod, smiling in rueful agreement.]

Maybe now, it would be. I was more adventurous in my younger years, more willing to take a risk for the sake of my curiosity and reputation. You don't get to be the Wizard of Waterdeep by being too mysterious.