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.
[Gale manages to be much more sociable than her so she has no doubt in her mind that he would be able to find out some very interesting information she isn't privy to.]
Winter? What's he been up to according to you?
[She's friends with the warlock but she knows that there's definitely a lot she doesn't know simply because she doesn't pry as much.]
[She has admittedly not been looking too closely at other people's relationships aside maybe giving an eye towards Sumina, but that's because she cares for the younger woman. Other than that, she's largely left things alone, so Gale truly has the keener eye.]
Then again, yes that makes sense. I'd imagine they'd be thick as thieves seeing as they went through with the espresso machine heist.
[He's never had direct confirmation, but let's be honest, it wasn't too terribly difficult to put the pieces together on that one.]
I'm tempted to ask Astarion about this situation myself, but I have a feeling he might panicked and Misty Step away if I do. He's not typically one to want to discuss feelings, but overall, I think it will be good for the both of them.
[Gods know Astarion could use some genuine affection in his life.]
[She can't help, but roll her eyes slightly at that last part.]
As much as I've grown to find him affable, he is rather avoidant. Still, whatever he and Winter have going on, perhaps it is good for them.
[Amelia takes another idle sip of her drink before making another remark.]
My observation skills are on the lower end when it comes to looking at other people's relationships. Even when I had two students who would work closely together in my classes, I'd think little of it outside of whether they were disruptive or not.
So glad to hear you two are getting on these days.
[He doesn't even try to disguise his crooked smile, chuckling.]
To be fair, I was told, rather than making an observation— and you simply have... other priorities, shall we say. Especially in the classroom, one would think, dedicated as you are.
I don't see any reason to change the way you do things. You're hardly missing out— I doubt the high school rumor mill can compare with all we hear around these parts.
[There are all sorts of interesting things going on around here, many of which people have felt inclined to tell him freely, as well as others he's had to do a bit of prying for.]
Speaking of which, I've also heard that a certain sorcerer has been particularly 'neighborly' towards our resident innkeeper.
[He chuckles, his smile quirking to one side; in truth, it's simply that he's a very friendly sort and there are a good handful of people who feel comfortable talking to him, or at least find him reasonably charming enough to let things slip when he does pry.]
Yes, the very same, though details remain scarce. Gojo was intent on getting similar details out of me, insisting that you wouldn't tell him anything, and I thought it only fair to prod for something in return. Apparently, there was cooking involved.
[His expression becomes a caricature of solemnity. Cooking for someone is no small matter, in his opinion.]
[She's seen him be friendly to others at least on the network and his easy rapport is one of the many reasons Amelia is endeared to him after all. He's more comfortable with talking than she is, fundamentally.
At the mention of Gojo prying for details, she rolls her eyes and finishes up her drink, ice clinking around in her glass.]
That man may be an adult, but he reminds me too much of the boys in my classes I've had over the years. The class clowns; you know the ones.
... I suppose it's been long enough that Sumina may know some things about him that we don't. I suppose it's natural they've grown closer as a result.
[And Amelia can definitely see how the sorcerer's easygoing attitude could bounce off of Sumina's diligence and professionalism.
(And in regards to herself and Gale... Well, there's much to learn about each other still and she needs to step up).]
[He resists the urge to laugh again when she rolls her eyes; it's more or less an expected response when Gojo's name comes up. Given that he was a troublesome student, himself... yes, he certainly knows.]
A great deal can happen in a few short months— the time we've spent here feels as though it's been both ages and yet none at all.
[It was incredible how very much could happen in a matter of days; the ordeal he and Astarion were facing back on the Sword Coast had been going on for a number of weeks, at best. Hardly any time at all, compared to what time they've spent here, and yet it had changed their lives irrevocably.]
Yet the more you put it off, the more determined he becomes. One has to wonder whose strength of will shall win out.
[He gives her a crooked grin— he absolutely believes that Amelia has the patience and discipline to outlast Gojo under any circumstances.]
He's going to be sorely disappointed, I'm sure, but he'll recover. Speaking of reading, Winter had some rather kind words for you— and went so far as to say he believes I'm good for you.
[He doesn't sound unhappy about that; quite the contrary, but he does raise a brow before letting out another soft chuckle.]
I didn't quite manage to fit in that I think it's more often the other way around.
[Amelia rolls her eyes. As far as she's concerned, she's determined to never engage if only out of pride.]
You're talking to someone whose job is to deal with children who are only slightly younger and sometimes shorter than he is and that would be up to twenty or thirty a time in four periods.
[Being a high school teacher is rough...
When Gale tells her about Winter's words and his own thoughts on them, her expression doesn't betray her thoughts, but the way she looks down at her glass probably says a lot.]
Considering the numerous differences in your approaches to teaching, I've no doubt that he has severely underestimated your strength of will.
[Gojo is never getting that showdown, no matter how hard he tries. When it comes to playing the long game, there's no doubt in Gale's mind that Amelia will remain steadfast without so much as batting an eye.
He smiles gently at her from behind his own glass even as she looks down, setting his own glass down in front of him.]
That he does, but as someone who finds himself often facing the same accusation, I have to say there's some value in what he says.
[He doesn't think she's embarrassed to be with him— that's clearly never been the case, but Amelia is a private person at best, someone who has difficulty accepting compliments or weathering such observations even behind closed doors.]
[Amelia's gaze doesn't leave her glass as she tries and processes her reply. Winter had scolded her for thinking lesser of herself in the relationship. It's only bit somewhat easier to break out of her negative mindset if only because, surprisingly (or not), she wants to make this between her and Gale work.
The past should stay where it is instead of sinking its claws into her whenever the chance of shared happiness appears.]
I think it's safe to say that you're a little more positive between the two of us.
[She looks up at him with a slightly smile.]
Gale. You are good for me. I don't want you to doubt that.
[A simple response, perhaps startlingly concise for him, but he won't have her worrying that she's ever given him the impression otherwise. He's seen the way she's opened up, knows that he's fortunate enough to be privy to a side of her most others never have a chance to see.]
Similarly, I don't want you to doubt that you have been much the same for me.
[She's right: of the two of them, he is certainly more optimistic, but he knows how difficult it is for her to receive compliments, to even think well of herself.]
I don't know that you realize how broken I was before coming here, even with all I've shared with you.
[They've both really been through it, though Gale's challenges are ongoing as she's well aware.]
... I only know how to be myself. And sometimes that "self" isn't the most gracious or flexible.
[She moves her seat closer to him so that she can place her hand over his.]
So if the you were able to seek me out despite all of that... I don't think you would have sought me out.
[His hand is given a reassuring squeeze.]
We still have the entire afternoon. If you'd like to stay, I have some books I'd like to show you that our department back home is planning on for our curriculum.
As it so happens, I quite like 'yourself,' inflexible or otherwise.
[His smile crooks to one side; he's fond of Amelia for a countless number of reasons, and has come to love her because of her stubbornness, not in spite of it. He curls his fingers against her hand in return, his drink momentarily forgotten.]
As for the rest, that sounds like an excellent way to spend our afternoon— I can think of nowhere I'd rather be. [It may not be traditionally romantic, but he's more than keen to see what she has in store for her students— as someone who's vaguely begun to consider teaching in earnest, he's quite interested in her approach.] Besides, I think it's time I put your couch through its paces, find the best spot on it for extended periods of reading, hm?
[Standing up, she gathers up their glasses and starts the kettle to prep some tea. With her back turned to Gale, she also casually and offhandedly adds...]
And let me know if you're planning to stay the night as well.
[He's already halfway to his feet when her question catches him off-guard, and there's but a moment of silence before he laughs and then clears his throat.]
Well... I'll admit, I had hoped.
[Always best not to assume, of course, but all things considered, he doesn't feel such an assumption would be unwelcome. Amused, he does his part by summoning a pair of mugs from her cupboard to rest on the counter near the kettle— he understands her question for the invitation it is.]
New and exciting, isn't it? An inside look at the sanctuary of the Emerald Witch.
[He resists the urge to laugh at her response, swallowing down the chuckle that threatens to escape, though even looking in the other direction, she can surely hear the smile in his voice.]
You know me, my heart— ever the optimist.
[He will leave it at that, for now, and approaches the counter as she glances back at him, offering a smile in return and letting a hand come to rest lightly against the small of her back.]
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Winter? What's he been up to according to you?
[She's friends with the warlock but she knows that there's definitely a lot she doesn't know simply because she doesn't pry as much.]
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[His eyes are practically gleaming with mischief.]
I have it on very good authority that he and our dear Astarion have formed an attachment.
[It's absolutely the most Jane Austen way he could have put it.]
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Oh! Him and Astarion...? I had no idea.
[She has admittedly not been looking too closely at other people's relationships aside maybe giving an eye towards Sumina, but that's because she cares for the younger woman. Other than that, she's largely left things alone, so Gale truly has the keener eye.]
Then again, yes that makes sense. I'd imagine they'd be thick as thieves seeing as they went through with the espresso machine heist.
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[He's never had direct confirmation, but let's be honest, it wasn't too terribly difficult to put the pieces together on that one.]
I'm tempted to ask Astarion about this situation myself, but I have a feeling he might panicked and Misty Step away if I do. He's not typically one to want to discuss feelings, but overall, I think it will be good for the both of them.
[Gods know Astarion could use some genuine affection in his life.]
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As much as I've grown to find him affable, he is rather avoidant. Still, whatever he and Winter have going on, perhaps it is good for them.
[Amelia takes another idle sip of her drink before making another remark.]
My observation skills are on the lower end when it comes to looking at other people's relationships. Even when I had two students who would work closely together in my classes, I'd think little of it outside of whether they were disruptive or not.
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[He doesn't even try to disguise his crooked smile, chuckling.]
To be fair, I was told, rather than making an observation— and you simply have... other priorities, shall we say. Especially in the classroom, one would think, dedicated as you are.
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[Hell, she barely sounds natural relaying that information to the few people who know about her and Gale here.]
It's best to let things bloom without any assistance.
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[There are all sorts of interesting things going on around here, many of which people have felt inclined to tell him freely, as well as others he's had to do a bit of prying for.]
Speaking of which, I've also heard that a certain sorcerer has been particularly 'neighborly' towards our resident innkeeper.
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[But it works because that last part definitely piqued her interest.]
That's... Gojo and Sumina??
[You know, just to be sure! Amelia's looking very contemplative now.]
They had been conversing intensely during the book club...
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[He chuckles, his smile quirking to one side; in truth, it's simply that he's a very friendly sort and there are a good handful of people who feel comfortable talking to him, or at least find him reasonably charming enough to let things slip when he does pry.]
Yes, the very same, though details remain scarce. Gojo was intent on getting similar details out of me, insisting that you wouldn't tell him anything, and I thought it only fair to prod for something in return. Apparently, there was cooking involved.
[His expression becomes a caricature of solemnity. Cooking for someone is no small matter, in his opinion.]
no subject
At the mention of Gojo prying for details, she rolls her eyes and finishes up her drink, ice clinking around in her glass.]
That man may be an adult, but he reminds me too much of the boys in my classes I've had over the years. The class clowns; you know the ones.
... I suppose it's been long enough that Sumina may know some things about him that we don't. I suppose it's natural they've grown closer as a result.
[And Amelia can definitely see how the sorcerer's easygoing attitude could bounce off of Sumina's diligence and professionalism.
(And in regards to herself and Gale... Well, there's much to learn about each other still and she needs to step up).]
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[He resists the urge to laugh again when she rolls her eyes; it's more or less an expected response when Gojo's name comes up. Given that he was a troublesome student, himself... yes, he certainly knows.]
A great deal can happen in a few short months— the time we've spent here feels as though it's been both ages and yet none at all.
[It was incredible how very much could happen in a matter of days; the ordeal he and Astarion were facing back on the Sword Coast had been going on for a number of weeks, at best. Hardly any time at all, compared to what time they've spent here, and yet it had changed their lives irrevocably.]
Time is relative, as they say.
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[Amelia reaches over and pokes Gale on the nose.]
I like reading the praises you have for me, but I refuse to let that brat goad me into a fight.
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[He gives her a crooked grin— he absolutely believes that Amelia has the patience and discipline to outlast Gojo under any circumstances.]
He's going to be sorely disappointed, I'm sure, but he'll recover. Speaking of reading, Winter had some rather kind words for you— and went so far as to say he believes I'm good for you.
[He doesn't sound unhappy about that; quite the contrary, but he does raise a brow before letting out another soft chuckle.]
I didn't quite manage to fit in that I think it's more often the other way around.
Casts phoenix down on self
You're talking to someone whose job is to deal with children who are only slightly younger and sometimes shorter than he is and that would be up to twenty or thirty a time in four periods.
[Being a high school teacher is rough...
When Gale tells her about Winter's words and his own thoughts on them, her expression doesn't betray her thoughts, but the way she looks down at her glass probably says a lot.]
Winter talks a lot.
opens my arms to you!!
[Gojo is never getting that showdown, no matter how hard he tries. When it comes to playing the long game, there's no doubt in Gale's mind that Amelia will remain steadfast without so much as batting an eye.
He smiles gently at her from behind his own glass even as she looks down, setting his own glass down in front of him.]
That he does, but as someone who finds himself often facing the same accusation, I have to say there's some value in what he says.
[He doesn't think she's embarrassed to be with him— that's clearly never been the case, but Amelia is a private person at best, someone who has difficulty accepting compliments or weathering such observations even behind closed doors.]
Re: opens my arms to you!!
The past should stay where it is instead of sinking its claws into her whenever the chance of shared happiness appears.]
I think it's safe to say that you're a little more positive between the two of us.
[She looks up at him with a slightly smile.]
Gale. You are good for me. I don't want you to doubt that.
no subject
[A simple response, perhaps startlingly concise for him, but he won't have her worrying that she's ever given him the impression otherwise. He's seen the way she's opened up, knows that he's fortunate enough to be privy to a side of her most others never have a chance to see.]
Similarly, I don't want you to doubt that you have been much the same for me.
[She's right: of the two of them, he is certainly more optimistic, but he knows how difficult it is for her to receive compliments, to even think well of herself.]
I don't know that you realize how broken I was before coming here, even with all I've shared with you.
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... I only know how to be myself. And sometimes that "self" isn't the most gracious or flexible.
[She moves her seat closer to him so that she can place her hand over his.]
So if the you were able to seek me out despite all of that... I don't think you would have sought me out.
[His hand is given a reassuring squeeze.]
We still have the entire afternoon. If you'd like to stay, I have some books I'd like to show you that our department back home is planning on for our curriculum.
[so romantic...]
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[His smile crooks to one side; he's fond of Amelia for a countless number of reasons, and has come to love her because of her stubbornness, not in spite of it. He curls his fingers against her hand in return, his drink momentarily forgotten.]
As for the rest, that sounds like an excellent way to spend our afternoon— I can think of nowhere I'd rather be. [It may not be traditionally romantic, but he's more than keen to see what she has in store for her students— as someone who's vaguely begun to consider teaching in earnest, he's quite interested in her approach.] Besides, I think it's time I put your couch through its paces, find the best spot on it for extended periods of reading, hm?
[Nerds.]
no subject
[Standing up, she gathers up their glasses and starts the kettle to prep some tea. With her back turned to Gale, she also casually and offhandedly adds...]
And let me know if you're planning to stay the night as well.
no subject
Well... I'll admit, I had hoped.
[Always best not to assume, of course, but all things considered, he doesn't feel such an assumption would be unwelcome. Amused, he does his part by summoning a pair of mugs from her cupboard to rest on the counter near the kettle— he understands her question for the invitation it is.]
New and exciting, isn't it? An inside look at the sanctuary of the Emerald Witch.
no subject
Don't get too full of yourself, now.
[It is unquestionably an invitation since she's not one to play coy. Amelia glances over her shoulder.]
Reading first and we'll see where we go from there.
🎀
You know me, my heart— ever the optimist.
[He will leave it at that, for now, and approaches the counter as she glances back at him, offering a smile in return and letting a hand come to rest lightly against the small of her back.]
Reading first. I'll help with the tea.