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[recluserose]

Amelia Eva Steinbeck

steinbeck

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ABOUT ME

Amelia Eva Steinbeck 📚 Teacher 📚 Witch 📚 Available for pop culture consultation regarding the arts, literature, and other foreign mediums of expression.

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I will block at my discretion. You have been warned.

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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY QR CODE

NAME: Amelia Eva Steinbeck BIRTHDAY: February 28th FAV CAKE FLAVOR: Mixed berries, whipped cream, and lemon curd WHAT THEY WANT MOST FOR THEIR BIRTHDAY: For her AP Lit. class to pass their test w/ a 3 or higher.

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@netherese | action

[recluserose]

[Thanksgiving has come and gone and Amelia has let it pass by unceremoniously. She isn't the type to raise a fuss about the holidays even if she did decorate her classroom and her house according to the season and would participate in celebrations she was invited to. In Hotel Caelum, time just passes by but many things have happened in the several weeks she's been here so holiday spirit has been the last thing on her mind.

For one thing, she's kind of certain she's made new friends. Several! It's a record for the Emerald Witch.

One of them she's invited to explore a random floor of the hotel with her one weekend. As the elevator music plays, Amelia occupies the two minutes or so they have by reading a recommendation given to her during book club.

Neverwinter Nights— Duskfall.

Yup. And she's just reading it with a straight face with only the sound of the paper flipping cutting through the elevator music every other minute or so.]

[netherese]

[Exploring the hotel together had gone quite well for them before, all things considered— it had become quite apparent that the two of them made an excellent team, and Amelia is someone that Gale would trust implicitly to be of aid should they stumble across something that requires them to act quickly and decisively. Even aside from all of that, he has steadily become quite keenly aware of the fact that he would likely accompany her anywhere she wished to go, which is another matter entirely, but still certainly has a great deal of bearing on his presence here today. He'd eagerly accepted her invitation without a moment's thought.

Here and now, however, together in the elevator, the usually loquacious Gale finds himself at a loss for what to say— largely due to the fact that he's been dedicating a great deal more thought to the present company than is probably prudent, as of late. While they wait, he spends a few painfully long moments trying to look everywhere but at her, his gaze turning towards the ceiling as the music filters in from the speakers above to fill the silence, his hands clasped behind his back.

Eventually, his shifting gaze catches a glimpse of the title of the book in her hands, and he finds himself momentarily startled.

Oh.]

Ah, Duskfall.

[Right. She had asked him for romance recommendations. He clears his throat softly.]

How are you, ah, enjoying it?

[recluserose]

[She looks up at Gale and shrugs as she slips a bookmark between the pages and closes the book. While he has seen Amelia in various moods such as being incensed, focused, befuddled, irate, and so on, her usual default state of being tends to be the neutral drywall expression. And sometimes it's there for the most bewildering of moments such as reading otherworldly romance novels that are probably the equivalent of what one would find at their local grocery store magazine rack.]

It's rather passionate. The underlying relationship is what they would say in my world, jumps the gun but considering their target audience it's to be expected. I'll be done with it by the end of tonight after our little excursion.

[Amelia adjusts her glasses and squints her eyes at Gale.]

How are you feeling, Gale? You don't have to come with me if you aren't up to it.

[netherese]

It does move along rather quickly, doesn't it? Not unusual among books written for a younger audience, as you say; it can be difficult to hold their attention.

['Passionate' is certainly a word that has his face coloring slightly, however, and he offers her a quick smile before averting his gaze and looking up at the dial indicating their current position. It lasts for but a moment before her keen study of him draws his attention back, and he shakes his head as he puts a hand up to offer reassurance.]

I'm just fine, I assure you. No more discomfort than usual. Really, I was itching to get out and about— I was quite glad when you asked me to accompany you.

[He would have said yes to anything, Amelia.]

[recluserose]

[... Is he really okay, Amelia wonders. She's not accustomed to whatever this is. Or to be more accurate, Amelia has experienced this with her coworkers in Blackgale High School or with some individuals in the school district who displayed interest in her. That was always easy to ignore and nip in the bud as soon as possible. The reasons are obvious.

However, the circumstances are different here as are the social dynamics. Gale is her friend and he's shared extremely significant things about himself because he trusted her wholeheartedly. Magic and its ills are something that has made the bond stronger between them.

... It's best, she thinks, to let him sort out whatever's on his mind and let him tell her when he's ready. And so, she continues as if it's any other mundane weekday.]

It's always good to get some exercise as well as to see what kind of floor we'll end up on today.

One of the floors I ended up on with Astarion early on, was... Rowdy. But we walked away without too much trouble.

[They just had to Fight Club their way out, no biggie.]

[netherese]

Indeed— a bit of a walk can only do me a bit of good, and you know full well how interested I am in finding everything this hotel has to offer.

[It's easier to focus on the reason they're here than any stray thoughts that might threaten to creep up and take hold of him unbidden, and he reaffirms his eagerness with his usual cheer.]

That does, however, make me curious as to what your definition of "rowdy" may be. You were in good company, of course, though I've no doubt you could have handled anything that might have come your way on your own.

late december

[netherese]

[It's a few days before Christmas by the hotel's calendars, as far as Gale can tell, and while the holiday itself is new for him, the spirit of it is not. Other recent developments mean that the already affable wizard has been even more cheerful than usual, and though he's continued to go about much of the daily routine he's developed for himself in this place— most of which has to do with extensive interplanar and multi-universal research— he has also been glad for every opportunity he's had to include Amelia whenever he can.

Today, she'll receive the following message:]

Dearest Amelia,

I humbly request the pleasure of your company this evening for a dinner. If this is amenable to you, please allow me to escort you from your room at seven o'clock sharp.
I would advise you to dress warmly.

Yours,
Gale

[recluserose]

[The days after the masquerade continue as normal even with the recent developments. Amelia has found herself more fully involved than before, taking this new relationship in stride and just allowing herself room to feel things out as it were. She hasn't been in one since her time with Michael and the context of that was an entirely different beast.

With Gale, it may be too early to tell what may come of this, but she finds herself wanting to persist and see what the future holds.]

Hello Gale,

I'll see you soon.

Sincerely,
Amelia

[Has her attitude and behaviors changed since that night? No, Amelia is as curt and to the point as ever but there's something to be said about how her brevity holds more meaning in this case.

She opens her door that evening, dressed in her long-green cardigan and jeans. That should be warm enough right? Enough for California-cold, surely.]

Good evening, Gale.

[netherese]

[He's known for some time to expect directness and brevity from Amelia, but this time, it makes him smile— looking forward to what he has planned as he is, he would like to think that she trusts his methods, whatever they may be, but more than that, he is always glad of the promise of her company, which she has given quite freely in the past several days.

His face seems to light up when she greets him at the door, and he offers her a brief, teasing bow before extending his hand to her, dressed in layered purple robes that wouldn't be at all out of place while out adventuring.]

And what a good evening it is. Hello, Amelia— you are a vision, as always.

[she's literally wearing jeans, she could be wearing a burlap sack and he would feel the same]

[recluserose]

[Amelia... turns pink at Gale's greeting before she accepts his hand. This is what she's going to have to deal with huh, oh nooooooOOooo how terrible!

She doesn't hate it. How could she when Gale lights up like that?]

Thanks... Hopefully, it'll keep me warm for whatever you're planning.

[She may or may not be surreptitiously glancing back and forth down the hallway to see if there's anyone else around. It's not like this was supposed to be a secret and if anyone asked, she'd be honest about it (in her weird Amelia way). The witch would just like to not be caught by surprise.]

I'm ready to follow your lead to dinner. Did you happen to have something else in mind though?

[netherese]

[He gives her hand an affectionate squeeze as he draws her out into the hallway, also glancing in the direction of the elevator as she surveys their surroundings. They have the entire corridor to themselves, aside from any spectral library visitors that may decide to float by, but at her question, he can only give her a roguish wink in response.]

Now, that would be telling, wouldn't it?

['Yes.' He starts to lead her down the corridor, distinctly away from the elevator, and while he's become quite comfortable on their floor with its unique atmosphere, there haven't been any cafés or other potential dinner spots located there as of yet, which may well raise the question: where is he taking her?]

The way I see it, we can have an ordinary dinner any day of the week, but tonight, I had something rather extraordinary in mind.

[He sounds quite pleased with himself.]

[recluserose]

[Cheeky... It's part of Gale's charm that had endeared her to him so easily. There's nothing else to do but follow along and let him surprise her.]

You're always so eager to please, aren't you?

[A small smile blooms easily across her features.]

But I appreciate your efforts to go above and beyond.

🎁 december 25th sorry to break the gale combo

[airdnd]

[ On Christmas Day, an impeccably wrapped present is delivered to Amelia’s suite with a note: ]

Dear Amelia,

In the spirit of celebrating these winter holidays at the hotel, I hope you enjoy this present. I am very appreciative of all of the literature and poetry you’ve shared with me from your world. I hope to reciprocate with some recommendations of my own sometime, but for now, let this gift suffice.

Best wishes,
SH.

P.S. I will be checking out for a few days to tend to matters at home. If you’ve need of me, please feel free to leave any messages with the front desk.

[ Inside is a mug for more of Amelia’s working sessions. ]

action | after two truths & a lie

[netherese]

[Gale hardly needs an excuse to drop in on Amelia, but he's eager to take her up on her offer to continue their conversation in person when she extends it nonetheless. After bidding Tara farewell for the time being, he leaves his room behind and makes his way to hers, rapping sharply against her door once he arrives.

Knock knock, it's your self-proclaimed knight in magic armor!]

[recluserose]

[When the door opens, Gale is greeted by Amelia who upon seeing him, smiles.]

Hello. I should have known you’d follow through.

[She’s just wearing one of her usual casual dresses although this time, her hair is in a braid instead of being worn down or as a ponytail. Standing to the side, she beckons him inside.]

C’mon in. I think you’re actually the first person to visit my room.

[netherese]

How could I resist?

[He offers her that warm, sunshine smile of his, the one she so easily brings out in him, and as ever, it does his heart good to see her smiling, as well. He's become convinced that until recently, she hasn't had nearly enough cause to do so in her life.

He gladly steps over the threshold, once again in native robes that are a sharp contrast against her more modern fashion, and leans down to chastely kiss the side of her mouth in greeting, his hand coming to rest at the small of her back.]

Not that I needed to be lured, mind you— I am always and ever glad for your company, and I have been quite curious to see how the Emerald Witch lives for some time.

[recluserose]

[After he gives her a kiss to greet her, she returns it in kind with the press of her lips on his cheek before taking his hand and leading him inside.]

Well, let me give you a tour then. I’ve kept the space cozy, for a lack of a better word. I didn’t want to recreate home exactly, but the atmosphere and style are a close enough approximation.

[When they go further inside, the door closes behind them. What greets Gale immediately is the illusion of afternoon sunlight spilling through the windows. The light itself is dappled as it shines through tree branches and leaves. It gives the impression that he’s stepping into a home that’s situated in a private corner surrounded by trees and other greenery.

Meanwhile, the living space itself is decidedly modern. The furniture is somewhat sleeker, borrowing only a few vintage elements in terms of patterning and color palette that he’d be more familiar with and of course, books on the shelves. the kitchen makes the amount of plants very notable.

Overall, Room 700 has since changed to reflect its guest’s tastes much better than in the beginning. It’s cleanly where it needs to be, well-lived in in other spots, and much warmer than expected.]

So, what do you think?

[netherese]

[Though the fixtures of her room are more modern than those he's more familiar with, there's still a cozy sense of home brought about the books and plants, the softer furnishings of the study, the way the afternoon sunlight bathes the place in warmth.

It suits her in a dozen different ways, the space warmer and more welcoming than some might have expected from her, but not him.]

It's lovely— I believe it suits you perfectly.

[He grins broadly as he squeezes her hand, stealing a mirthful glance towards her kitchen.]

Of course, I'll have to put your kitchen through its paces at some point, ensure it's up to proper standards. You deserve only the best, after all.

[recluserose]

Hm.

[She sounds amused and not at all opposed to the idea. And why would she, other than just wanting to keep her own space? In the kitchen she pats a chair.]

Sit. I'll make you something this time.

february 14th | your inbox is simply my home

[netherese]

[Dinner is hardly an unusual event for the two of them at this point, but given the nature of the date, Gale thought it imperative that they make an occasion of it— which, admittedly, is something he is guilty of doing even without a holiday to give him a good excuse.

Rather than escort Amelia somewhere himself this evening, he has asked her to meet him as a specific location: one of the hotel's many restaurants, though it is one they haven't had the opportunity to visit just yet. He had done some investigating beforehand to ensure that their menu and other offerings would suit his needs, and once convinced, had asked her to meet him there at seven o'clock with the specification that restaurant was "something called 'black tie.'"

Naturally, being the over-eager sort, he himself had arrived far too early, and so whenever she does arrive, the hostess will show her to a table where Gale is waiting in a modern suit and looking oddly nervous despite apparently already being halfway through a rather large glass of wine.]

I'm here late with valentines starbucks

[recluserose]

[Amelia associates Valentine's Day with bright reds, pinks, and white worn for school spirit. Students carrying around basket of goodies from their friends or special someone. Her giving away Valentine themed candy and receiving many in return. Some years, she would be gifted flowers and they'd stay strangely fresh for longer than expected. More importantly, the past few years, she's spent the romantic holiday with little to no fanfare in terms of her relationship status (though one year, Berna insisted on doing a Galentine's Day with her granddaughter hosting the event at her cafe. That was an interesting evening).

This year, she arrives, dressed to impress, to the restaurant that Gale has picked out. Had it not been at his insistence, she truly would have let the day pass by, none the wiser. But he made the plans and Amelia finds herself being agreeable to it. Why wouldn't she?

The hostess leads her to the table and she brushes some of her hair behind one ear.]

Hi. I hope I didn't keep you waiting? [She makes a gesture with one hand at her entire get up.]

"Black-tie" formal takes some time as you can imagine...

[She looks Gale over and glances at her feet.]

... And you look very sharp.

[netherese]

No, not at all— I'm afraid I was unfashionably early, myself; you're—

[His cheerful response begins the moment her voice reaches his ears, but he cuts himself off as he looks up and gets a first good look at her, feeling as though his very breath has been knocked out of him even as he gets to his feet, visibly stunned. It's not the first time he's seen her dressed up, and while he thinks her impossibly lovely no matter what she's wearing, she still makes quite the impression.

Smiling broadly, he steps towards her as she looks towards her shoes, taking both of her hands in his and leaning in to press a chaste kiss against her cheek. How incredibly fortunate he is, to be joined by such a vision.]

And you look absolutely stunning. Even if I had been left to wait, it would have been well worth it.

[He gives one of her hands a squeeze before releasing both of them, stepping aside to pull her chair out for her.]

Please, have a seat— I ordered wine already, but we can certainly acquire another bottle if this one doesn't suit your tastes.

[recluserose]

[Gale's affection can be absolutely embarrassing; however, this observation is done with the most affection. Amelia is glad she's looking at her feet when she hears the pause caused by him looking at how she's dressed up, his follow-up praises with the kiss on her cheek, and her face reddens again.

They've taken several steps together and yet he makes it seem like he's always seeing her in a new light. How on earth has the witch been able to handle this so far? She lets out a huff of breath and takes the seat he's pulled out for her.]

You're always prepared when it comes to treating me, so I doubt I'll have any complaints.

If it weren't for you, I probably would have let Valentine's Day pass by.

[She shrugs awkwardly.]

It was never a high priority before us as you can imagine.

[netherese]

[For better or for worse, he wears his heart on his sleeve, though he's come to believe that they complement one another extremely well in that regard. He notes the blush in her cheeks and is almost certain that it mirrors his own, even as he makes an effort not to be entirely overcome by how much he admires her.

He gives her a knowing smile as he takes his seat opposite her, proceeding to fill a glass for her to match his own.]

For my part, I didn't even know such a holiday existed until quite recently. I do appreciate you humoring me.

[It may not have been a priority for her before now, but there's no denying they have something worth celebrating. He sets the bottle down and slides her glass across the table towards her, then reaches for his own.]

Given the last few months, I find myself in quite the celebratory mood!

The backtags will continue until morale improves

[recluserose]

[She manages to get herself together or at least enough to put up a cool and composed face when she looks back up at him (although the color in his cheeks poses a challenge in her keeping it).]

The historical origins of Valentine's Day is similar to Halloween; religious in nature but morphed into something more broad and decidedly non-religious as time marched on as did the evolution of modern and urban societies.

[... Oh that's boring and non-romantic so she coughs into her fist.]

But I'm glad I can celebrate it with you.