Amelia Eva Steinbeck 📚 Teacher 📚 Witch 📚 Available for pop culture consultation regarding the arts, literature, and other foreign mediums of expression.
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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.
[... Until a sharp cold breeze travels across and through both of them, a chill that nips unpleasantly on their bare skin. Amelia shivers, but not with pleasure and it shakes her out of... Oh boy. Her arms wrap around herself and—]
ACHOO! [Well, she covered her nose and mouth with the crook of her elbow, but just as quickly and suddenly she rolls off of Gale, teeth chattering and throwing the blanket across their bodies.]
[He'd just had to make the weather here seasonally appropriate, hadn't it? Inwardly, he curses the part of him that had been so very focused on accuracy, but he doesn't take time to dwell on it— even as that sharp chill runs through him, his focus is on Amelia, rolling part of the way with her as she quickly pulls away and ending up on his side. The blanket is certainly doing its job, but given they're both now partially dressed, a little extra help would be welcome— wide-eyed and still startled by the cold and the abrupt shift in the mood, he snakes one hand out from under the blanket to wave it and conjure a nearby brazier, followed by another flick that makes flames come to life within it.
He tentatively lays a hand on Amelia's shoulder, apologetic.]
Are you alright? I apologize, when I conjured this place, I didn't consider that we might—
[He cuts himself off, his face still deeply flushed and only partly from embarrassment, then huffs softly before letting out a nervous laugh. Well, he supposes this was proof that he hadn't asked her here with any ulterior motives, at least.]
[Talk about whiplash. Amelia's heart rate begins to settle as the blanket covers her shoulders and as her thoughts calm down, she admittedly feels silly for getting so worked up. Berna had told her to partake in pleasure where she could as a witch ("For we shall live for so very, very long and we need the bright memories to light up the dark.") but Amelia's not certain if being impulsive in this instance is a necessarily good choice.
... It was a little enjoyable though even if the cold cut it short.
The conjured brazier is welcome and Amelia moves closer to Gale to snuggle against his chest for extra warmth. His hand on her shoulder causes her to still and think. Looking up at his face, she can see Gale all flushed and hear the nervousness in his laughter. It affects her and she finds herself chuckling too and she reaches up to touch his cheek with her palm reassuringly.]
No worries, Gale. I'm sorry I... started to get us both worked up and... Well.
[She huffs out another laugh. Considering how much thought Gale put into their whole date, his apology for the overly detailed environment speaks to how much he wanted this all to be perfect, regardless of whether they went all the way or not. It's ended up as the latter but Amelia doesn't particularly feel... Bad? Maybe a little.
And it hits her that this isn't life-ruining, an omen of things to come, or even all that shameful. It's comedic and in the grand scheme of things, she was okay with it all because it's with Gale.
[Really, it's quite funny in retrospect, even if he finds himself feeling more than a touch flustered. He can't help but be a bit embarrassed regarding just how worked up he'd allowed himself to get, though logic dictates that it would have been almost impossible not to under these circumstances. He smiles and turns his face into the palm of her hand, just enough to leave a chaste kiss of reassurance at the pad of her thumb.]
I'm just fine. There's no need to apologize.
[The fact that she still wants to be here with him, that she's curled up against his half-bared chest beneath this blanket rather than hurriedly dressing herself and being on her way means that this doesn't have to be as catastrophic a thing as might have once thought, though there is a faint pang of worry in his chest. Had he said too much, set forth expectations he hadn't meant to? She doesn't seem to be upset, which does offer him some comfort in that regard.]
Just an unfortunate fumble. I just— [He pauses to clear his throat.] May need a few minutes. That was rather... invigorating, shall we say.
[He'll get over it easily enough, and that soft smile of his persists he presses another kiss against her forehead.]
It's probably for the best. I don't know that our first time making love ought to be on the ground, conjured or otherwise.
Edited (he smiled twice how dare he) 2023-12-26 07:24 (UTC)
[With a playful scoff, she shifts to sit up on her elbows, cushioned by the pillow.]
I think we could have made it work. But let me guess— [She tilts her head and it's notable that she's able to be so lighthearted about the whole affair.]
—You want to have a meticulous plan on how you want to bed me so that I am thoroughly impressed.
[Look, she was ready to ride him only a couple of minutes ago, she's comfortable enough to joke about it especially since this is their private time.]
[He gives a playful scoff of his own, feigning offense, but the way his smile continues to tug at his lips, he's rather enjoying that they're able to tease about this— he's never had that before.]
Not so meticulous!
[She's not entirely wrong, but not quite right, either. He has given it thought. He props himself up on one arm so that he's more or less level with her, averting his gaze slightly as he makes this next admission, feeling a touch more shy about it than he would expect himself to be.]
I only want to ensure that it's handled with the care and reverence you deserve. It's not about impressing you, but I would like it to be special. That last bit is a given, of course.
[It will be, because he'll be with her. He looks back to her, his mouth quirking to one side in a smirk as his laughlines appear around his eyes.]
[Good; he finds the humor in it too and it's such a relief for her. The levity is so unexpectedly meaningful and it makes her heart swell at how far they've come, how far she's come.
She wonders if Gale's previous relationship with the Goddess of Magic colored his approach towards this new one with her. The witch ruminates before she speaks again with a thoughtful voice.]
In my last formal relationship, I tried to put forth my 'best' self. I also wanted things to be perfect in a way and I was very self-critical when I perceived fault with how I reciprocated. I was very clumsy and bullish about how much of a struggle it could be.
[Amelia lays down again, resting her face in her arms.]
I had an idea of what 'romance' looked like from books and plays— [Well, actually movies, but same difference.]
—But in practice, what I experienced wasn't any of that.
[Despite how things ended, Amelia couldn't say that Michael wasn't a good and considerate partner. He was a few decades older and as such, had more wisdom and experience in such matters. His kindness wasn't enough to bolster her confidence in being with him so soon after Briar, but he didn't leave her emptyhanded.]
[He remains propped up as she rests her head on her arms, watching her as he listens attentively, bringing his hand to rest against her back as a show of understanding— though the simple desire to be with her, to touch her no matter how innocently certainly plays a role. It's been so long since he's been in a position to openly display affection, he finds his heart full to bursting now that he has the opportunity, finds both comfort and excitement in every point of contact.]
'Perfect' is a rather tricky concept, isn't it?
[He muses his understanding aloud, understanding full well the gravity of her sharing a little something more with him— something personal that he's certain wasn't particularly easy to share. Another show of trust, something he feels incredibly lucky to have earned.]
We set rather difficult expectations for ourselves, sometimes impossible to meet. Stories and plays, operas... there may be some truth that inspired them, but romance is rather more complicated in reality, I'm sure we've both found.
[His tone is warm and thoughtful as he considers what he knows of her experiences, considers his own.]
As far as I'm concerned, simply being together is enough to make a moment what it should be— but I do confess to overthinking things a bit. The planning, the desire for things to be just so, but it's only because I wish to show how much you've come to mean to me. The truth is, whatever happens, it will be 'perfect' because it's with you.
[Gale... He keeps doing this, how does he keep getting away with this?? Her cheeks redden and she hides her face in her arms before looking at him again with a smile.]
You know, I think if I'm able to have a laugh about this instead of being afraid of looking and feeling like a fool... That's a good sign.
Even when I stumble and even if things become difficult, I'm certain I can't think of anyone else I'd rather struggle with than with you.
[Though Amelia Steinbeck is tangled with complex emotions rooted in an emotionally tumultuous and thorny past, the fact is simple and reinforced yet again in this moment: she really does want to be with Gale.]
[He smiles sheepishly in response, ducking his own head with a soft, almost self-deprecating sort of laugh.]
I feel quite the same. I feel I can be myself around you, good or ill.
[It's a nice feeling. Comforting, reassuring— does she know, he wonders, just how much she's already done to soothe his tired and heavy heart? Much of it without even trying, but now, now that they've decided to embark on this journey together, wherever it may lead, he's certain that they will both manage to bring out the best in one another.]
Though I wouldn't usually say having a lady laugh when you're in a partial state of undress is something to be proud of, in this case, I'm quite pleased to hear it.
[It means something to him, too, that they can be so lighthearted about it.]
I nearly forgot, given how— distracted we were, but I did have a small something else planned for our evening.
[Back on track. The part of him that is still straining a bit against the confines of his trousers might beg to differ, but discomfort has already begun to ebb as he's shifted his thoughts elsewhere, more focused on the present moment than what had almost been.]
It's nothing terribly big, and I suppose not necessarily part of Simril— we don't tend to give gifts during its celebration, but I've come to understand that's a highlight of the Christmas season, which I have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about.
[He offers another cheerful smile as he shifts to sit up properly, taking a moment to slip his arm back into its sleeve and arranging his tunic so that he's not quite so exposed to the cool air by doing so. He proceeds to pull something shaped suspiciously like a book out of thin air, as though there were an invisible shelf in front of him, and it reveals itself to be a package neatly wrapped in green paper with gold trimming.]
I realize Christmas is still a few days away, but since I'd planned tonight to be for us, I thought it might be an opportune time to give it to you. [He holds it out to her in offering.] And— perhaps a part of me wanted to be the first to give you something.
[Sorry, Gale, if it helps, when Amelia sits up properly, her long-sleeved turtleneck appears on her person again. Hopefully, that's less distracting.
Amelia takes the wrapped gift, touched and without words at first. Her palm runs over the surface of the wrapping paper.]
Gale...
["You didn't have to," would be so easy to say, but expected. By now, however, she knows that his language of affection is to give and what she can do is accept.
Carefully, the wrapping paper is removed along the seams of where it was closed to reveal...?]
[Just as its shape suggested, it is, indeed, a book— green and leather-bound in a style reminiscent of books that would be antiques in her world, but this one appears to be quite fresh. There are ornate designs pressed into the leather and filled in to look like gold, and the title is boldly front and center in ornate script: Fables and Legends of Faerûn.
He clears his throat softly as he proceeds to explain, his voice just slightly tentative.]
You were kind enough to share some beloved fairy tales from your world with me, and that night is one I recall very fondly. I wanted to offer you the same.
[It's a small thing, by all accounts, but the sentiment behind it is what matters to him.]
[It's her turn for her heart to be caught in her throat. Amelia stares at the title and swallows. Gale may have called it a small thing but the weight of its significance is so much more to her. In her day-to-day life as a teacher of literature, Amelia stressed the importance of being able to read the stories of other cultures to her students.
"It is a reflection of a life outside of your own. They won't come to you unless you seek these stories out purposefully."
Never in her lifetime so far, would she be able to imagine being able to cross paths with other worlds and think about their own stories. She hadn't taken her lesson to heart at first until natural curiosity took over and she tentatively started to connect with others in this hotel. The purpose has changed from her nebulous goals of bringing back Briar or hopeless revenge against the Witch King. Amelia wants to be with others and most importantly of all, to be with Gale Dekarios, the wizard of Waterdeep whose generosity she's uncertain she'll ever be able to reciprocate in a way that matches him.
If this were to all end and their connections severed, Gale made sure that a part of his world would remain with her in the form of stories. Books had always been her candles in the pit of darkness; Fables and Legends of Faerûn would be the one that would remind her that all of this had been real.
So without another word, Amelia sets the book down to her side and moves closer to Gale to wrap him up in a hug.]
[Though he's momentarily surprised by the force of the hug, he gladly wraps his own arms around her in turn, holding her close against his chest— he doesn't need to ask her if she likes the gift. The embrace speaks for her, and perhaps the understanding between them is best left unspoken.
There is no telling how long this may last, what the future may hold, but they will always have these pieces of one another. Stories, memories, the bits and pieces they've learned of one another's worlds— all proof of this, their time here, though he had no intention of giving any of it up.
If anyone can sort out how to remain in touch across different worlds, he cannot think of anyone better-suited to the task than the two of them.]
I take it that means you're pleased?
[There's a light, teasing note in his voice— just a touch of levity to balance the heavier emotions he suspects they may both be feeling.]
... It's wonderful Gale. [She squeezes him a little more tightly.]
Thank you.
[Her face is buried in his shoulder as she continues to embrace him as if she were afraid to let go. If she did, would Amelia find out she was just dreaming? That Gale was a figment of her imagination that yearned for validation and acceptance? When she finally draws back, she just sees him in her arms, sitting there underneath the illusion of stars.
[Though her face is tucked away, his smile softens, fond as ever, and he drops his chin to lightly press a kiss against the top of her head, one arm giving her a gentle squeeze as they remain entwined.]
You're more than welcome.
[When she does draw back, he allows one arm to release her, only to take her hand instead, and when he meets her gaze, there is nothing there but earnest affection— he won't allow any of his concerns about how all this seems a little too good to be true linger and sully this night for them. Instead, he intends to make the most of the time they do have.]
The night is still young. What say we relax and watch the stars awhile, hm?
[When they're through, he'll walk her back to her room and, reluctantly, kiss her goodnight— but for now, there is nothing but the two of them beneath the stars, and whatever tales those stars may tell, the endless possibilities they represent, and he intends to enjoy himself. Tomorrow's worries will wait.]
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no subject
ACHOO! [Well, she covered her nose and mouth with the crook of her elbow, but just as quickly and suddenly she rolls off of Gale, teeth chattering and throwing the blanket across their bodies.]
Oh, god that's cold!
[g'night everybody!]
no subject
He tentatively lays a hand on Amelia's shoulder, apologetic.]
Are you alright? I apologize, when I conjured this place, I didn't consider that we might—
[He cuts himself off, his face still deeply flushed and only partly from embarrassment, then huffs softly before letting out a nervous laugh. Well, he supposes this was proof that he hadn't asked her here with any ulterior motives, at least.]
... perhaps I was a bit too attentive to detail.
no subject
... It was a little enjoyable though even if the cold cut it short.
The conjured brazier is welcome and Amelia moves closer to Gale to snuggle against his chest for extra warmth. His hand on her shoulder causes her to still and think. Looking up at his face, she can see Gale all flushed and hear the nervousness in his laughter. It affects her and she finds herself chuckling too and she reaches up to touch his cheek with her palm reassuringly.]
No worries, Gale. I'm sorry I... started to get us both worked up and... Well.
[She huffs out another laugh. Considering how much thought Gale put into their whole date, his apology for the overly detailed environment speaks to how much he wanted this all to be perfect, regardless of whether they went all the way or not. It's ended up as the latter but Amelia doesn't particularly feel... Bad? Maybe a little.
And it hits her that this isn't life-ruining, an omen of things to come, or even all that shameful. It's comedic and in the grand scheme of things, she was okay with it all because it's with Gale.
She'll check in with him first though.]
Um. How are you feeling?
no subject
I'm just fine. There's no need to apologize.
[The fact that she still wants to be here with him, that she's curled up against his half-bared chest beneath this blanket rather than hurriedly dressing herself and being on her way means that this doesn't have to be as catastrophic a thing as might have once thought, though there is a faint pang of worry in his chest. Had he said too much, set forth expectations he hadn't meant to? She doesn't seem to be upset, which does offer him some comfort in that regard.]
Just an unfortunate fumble. I just— [He pauses to clear his throat.] May need a few minutes. That was rather... invigorating, shall we say.
[He'll get over it easily enough, and that soft smile of his persists he presses another kiss against her forehead.]
It's probably for the best. I don't know that our first time making love ought to be on the ground, conjured or otherwise.
no subject
I think we could have made it work. But let me guess— [She tilts her head and it's notable that she's able to be so lighthearted about the whole affair.]
—You want to have a meticulous plan on how you want to bed me so that I am thoroughly impressed.
[Look, she was ready to ride him only a couple of minutes ago, she's comfortable enough to joke about it especially since this is their private time.]
no subject
Not so meticulous!
[She's not entirely wrong, but not quite right, either. He has given it thought. He props himself up on one arm so that he's more or less level with her, averting his gaze slightly as he makes this next admission, feeling a touch more shy about it than he would expect himself to be.]
I only want to ensure that it's handled with the care and reverence you deserve. It's not about impressing you, but I would like it to be special. That last bit is a given, of course.
[It will be, because he'll be with her. He looks back to her, his mouth quirking to one side in a smirk as his laughlines appear around his eyes.]
Maybe I'd like to impress you a bit.
no subject
She wonders if Gale's previous relationship with the Goddess of Magic colored his approach towards this new one with her. The witch ruminates before she speaks again with a thoughtful voice.]
In my last formal relationship, I tried to put forth my 'best' self. I also wanted things to be perfect in a way and I was very self-critical when I perceived fault with how I reciprocated. I was very clumsy and bullish about how much of a struggle it could be.
[Amelia lays down again, resting her face in her arms.]
I had an idea of what 'romance' looked like from books and plays— [Well, actually movies, but same difference.]
—But in practice, what I experienced wasn't any of that.
[Despite how things ended, Amelia couldn't say that Michael wasn't a good and considerate partner. He was a few decades older and as such, had more wisdom and experience in such matters. His kindness wasn't enough to bolster her confidence in being with him so soon after Briar, but he didn't leave her emptyhanded.]
no subject
'Perfect' is a rather tricky concept, isn't it?
[He muses his understanding aloud, understanding full well the gravity of her sharing a little something more with him— something personal that he's certain wasn't particularly easy to share. Another show of trust, something he feels incredibly lucky to have earned.]
We set rather difficult expectations for ourselves, sometimes impossible to meet. Stories and plays, operas... there may be some truth that inspired them, but romance is rather more complicated in reality, I'm sure we've both found.
[His tone is warm and thoughtful as he considers what he knows of her experiences, considers his own.]
As far as I'm concerned, simply being together is enough to make a moment what it should be— but I do confess to overthinking things a bit. The planning, the desire for things to be just so, but it's only because I wish to show how much you've come to mean to me. The truth is, whatever happens, it will be 'perfect' because it's with you.
no subject
You know, I think if I'm able to have a laugh about this instead of being afraid of looking and feeling like a fool... That's a good sign.
Even when I stumble and even if things become difficult, I'm certain I can't think of anyone else I'd rather struggle with than with you.
[Though Amelia Steinbeck is tangled with complex emotions rooted in an emotionally tumultuous and thorny past, the fact is simple and reinforced yet again in this moment: she really does want to be with Gale.]
no subject
I feel quite the same. I feel I can be myself around you, good or ill.
[It's a nice feeling. Comforting, reassuring— does she know, he wonders, just how much she's already done to soothe his tired and heavy heart? Much of it without even trying, but now, now that they've decided to embark on this journey together, wherever it may lead, he's certain that they will both manage to bring out the best in one another.]
Though I wouldn't usually say having a lady laugh when you're in a partial state of undress is something to be proud of, in this case, I'm quite pleased to hear it.
[It means something to him, too, that they can be so lighthearted about it.]
I nearly forgot, given how— distracted we were, but I did have a small something else planned for our evening.
no subject
[That piques her interest and she lifts her face looking intrigued.]
Well then, I guess we're back on track. What is it, Gale?
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It's nothing terribly big, and I suppose not necessarily part of Simril— we don't tend to give gifts during its celebration, but I've come to understand that's a highlight of the Christmas season, which I have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about.
[He offers another cheerful smile as he shifts to sit up properly, taking a moment to slip his arm back into its sleeve and arranging his tunic so that he's not quite so exposed to the cool air by doing so. He proceeds to pull something shaped suspiciously like a book out of thin air, as though there were an invisible shelf in front of him, and it reveals itself to be a package neatly wrapped in green paper with gold trimming.]
I realize Christmas is still a few days away, but since I'd planned tonight to be for us, I thought it might be an opportune time to give it to you. [He holds it out to her in offering.] And— perhaps a part of me wanted to be the first to give you something.
no subject
Amelia takes the wrapped gift, touched and without words at first. Her palm runs over the surface of the wrapping paper.]
Gale...
["You didn't have to," would be so easy to say, but expected. By now, however, she knows that his language of affection is to give and what she can do is accept.
Carefully, the wrapping paper is removed along the seams of where it was closed to reveal...?]
no subject
He clears his throat softly as he proceeds to explain, his voice just slightly tentative.]
You were kind enough to share some beloved fairy tales from your world with me, and that night is one I recall very fondly. I wanted to offer you the same.
[It's a small thing, by all accounts, but the sentiment behind it is what matters to him.]
no subject
"It is a reflection of a life outside of your own. They won't come to you unless you seek these stories out purposefully."
Never in her lifetime so far, would she be able to imagine being able to cross paths with other worlds and think about their own stories. She hadn't taken her lesson to heart at first until natural curiosity took over and she tentatively started to connect with others in this hotel. The purpose has changed from her nebulous goals of bringing back Briar or hopeless revenge against the Witch King. Amelia wants to be with others and most importantly of all, to be with Gale Dekarios, the wizard of Waterdeep whose generosity she's uncertain she'll ever be able to reciprocate in a way that matches him.
If this were to all end and their connections severed, Gale made sure that a part of his world would remain with her in the form of stories. Books had always been her candles in the pit of darkness; Fables and Legends of Faerûn would be the one that would remind her that all of this had been real.
So without another word, Amelia sets the book down to her side and moves closer to Gale to wrap him up in a hug.]
no subject
There is no telling how long this may last, what the future may hold, but they will always have these pieces of one another. Stories, memories, the bits and pieces they've learned of one another's worlds— all proof of this, their time here, though he had no intention of giving any of it up.
If anyone can sort out how to remain in touch across different worlds, he cannot think of anyone better-suited to the task than the two of them.]
I take it that means you're pleased?
[There's a light, teasing note in his voice— just a touch of levity to balance the heavier emotions he suspects they may both be feeling.]
no subject
Thank you.
[Her face is buried in his shoulder as she continues to embrace him as if she were afraid to let go. If she did, would Amelia find out she was just dreaming? That Gale was a figment of her imagination that yearned for validation and acceptance? When she finally draws back, she just sees him in her arms, sitting there underneath the illusion of stars.
And for now, that's more than enough.]
no subject
You're more than welcome.
[When she does draw back, he allows one arm to release her, only to take her hand instead, and when he meets her gaze, there is nothing there but earnest affection— he won't allow any of his concerns about how all this seems a little too good to be true linger and sully this night for them. Instead, he intends to make the most of the time they do have.]
The night is still young. What say we relax and watch the stars awhile, hm?
[When they're through, he'll walk her back to her room and, reluctantly, kiss her goodnight— but for now, there is nothing but the two of them beneath the stars, and whatever tales those stars may tell, the endless possibilities they represent, and he intends to enjoy himself. Tomorrow's worries will wait.]