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.
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.
Oh, I can't imagine you going around starting fights on your own, but I do pity anyone that chooses to start one with you.
[He's smiling broadly even as his laugh subsides, shaking his head— of course, he notes that her cheeks have flushed, just as his had only moment later, and can't help thinking that it looks lovely on her. Of course, as far as he's concerned, most things do.]
I knew from the moment I met you that you were not the sort of woman to suffer fools gladly.
[... To be fair she has totally started fights Amelia crosses her arms and looks at Gale thoughtfully.]
You aren't wrong. I deal with enough foolishness without magic being involved.
Would you say you're a good judge of character, Gale?
[After talking with Astarion a few more times, for instance, and keeping the wizard's words in mind, Amelia was able to see the good qualities the elf had. She had found herself mildly enjoying his company even if he was still rather theatrical for her tastes.]
[Just wait until she surprises him with that one.]
I certainly like to think so. Of course, I'm not infallible, but in general, I've found my assessments of others to be fairly accurate. I like to seek out a person's finer qualities and hope they shine through, but there have, on occasion, been some hopeless cases that made themselves rather apparent from the start.
[That's a lot of words to say 'yes, I do.' He really is feeling more like himself today.]
... I on the other hand, still find making accurate assessments challenging. Probably on account of being entirely focused on my magical studies for the majority of my life. There weren't many people around me at the time. All I had were books for reference and...
[A pause. The silence seems to indicate that she isn't certain how or where to continue.]
Well. As wondrous as the written word is, it's a poor replacement.
I confess, I'm tempted to agree— and you know there's little I love more than a good book. Though I was also quite devoted to my studies, I had the benefit of working alongside my peers.
[Blackstaff Academy was not a typical school in the strictest sense, but he had hardly been the only student, and had been eager to collaborate with his fellow apprentices when opportunities to do so arose.]
While I can't claim to know what your education was like, you've mentioned your teacher, but never any fellow students.
[He can draw a few conclusions from that alone, and what she'd said regarding her teacher's way with words, or lack thereof.]
There were no other students as far as I was aware.
[Her voice has a slight hush to it, guarded and cautious.]
Witches are individualistic and scattered as a whole. Apprenticeships are not common since many prefer to develop their magic to suit their needs.
You see, we don't have figures of worship like you do in your world with gods. For better or for worse, we have one being to answer to, but at best, I would describe it as a tenuous relationship.
[To have the undivided attention of a teacher or mentor would be a dream to some— but it's quite clear from her tone that is not the case here, and he had already suspected as much. He has been careful not to ask too much, to let her reveal what she will in her own time, but despite having inherited her teacher's house, he can see there is no fondness there.]
Magic is hidden away in your world, you once told me— that it is unusual for your kind to live among mortals.
[His smile has faded now, his expression somber as he listens, taking each detail she offers into account.]
This being of yours is not a benevolent one, I take it.
At best, he rarely interferes. He leaves the more pressing matters to us.
[The witch idly makes small emerald green magic sparks between thumb and forefingers.
Magic is a gift given to magickind. From conception, it's their entire make.
[The way she's explaining it makes witches sound less like humans who were born with magic arts that develop through academic efforts and more like something else entirely separate. She's making herself sound separate.]
And thus, if nothing else, he expects us to use it well.
[The elevator makes a soft ding and the doors slide open for the two explorers.]
[He nods again, watching the sparks fly between her fingers out of the corner of his eye, but mostly, it's her expression that interests him— as ever, she is matter-of-fact, but he looks hard for a sign of anything beneath that might slip through.]
He's your creator, then.
[The doors slide open, but it takes him a moment to pay it mind, clearing his throat and gesturing for her to take the first step— but all the while, he can only think about how terribly lonely her existence back home sounds, once again.
He hardly needs to remind her, but he remembers what a single year of isolation did to him. Even living among mortals, she considers herself to be something else, something apart from them, and that can make one feel terribly alone even among a crowd of people.]
Ladies first— except in imminent danger, of course. [For now, that doesn't seem to be the case. As they alight into the hallway, he waits a few beats before saying:] If he expects you to use your magic well, I've no doubt you exceed that expectation. You take your craft seriously. It is your life, as it is mine.
[She turns to face Gale and shakes her head accompanied by a complexity in the expression of her green eyes.]
He didn't make me from whole cloth. Not like the others.
[And it's left at that.
At his beckoning, Amelia steps out onto the cold stone floor. What lies before them is something that looks and feels unmistakably like an underground dungeon illuminated by torchlight and the distant sound of dripping water from an unknown source.]
[That complexity speaks for itself— once again, a moment where he knows he ought not to ask further, but finds himself grateful that she's offered something up, even just a little.
Trust, she's made it clear, does not come to her easily. It makes those bits and pieces mean that much more.
He joins her in the corridor, frowning slightly as he takes in their new surroundings. He's seen plenty of places just like this one.]
Quite, isn't it. The torches are homey, but... [Producing his staff, he waves a hand, causing its tip to glow brightly, offering them further illumination.] Illuminare.
[The remark is playful enough, but the familiarity of the territory does mean he'll take their advance quite seriously. The hotel has shown itself to be full of hidden dangers, and he has no reason to believe this floor will be any different.]
As you said, one step at a time. We proceed with caution, and keep our eyes open for any potential traps. These places tend to be littered with such things, unfortunately. Sometimes they're protecting something well-worth finding, though I've come across more than a few that made me wonder why someone bothered in the first place.
[Without his party rogue on hand, they'll have to deal with things of that nature in their own way, though he's certain they'll manage between the two of them.]
It's also safe to assume we may not be alone. If we can move quietly, it would be in our best interest.
[Their progress is slow and steady, Gale keeping his own ears open for anything that might be amiss, and when Amelia stops to wrinkle her brow, he pauses beside her, offering a nod.]
I certainly do.
[It's a rather familiar noise to him, as well, and he quickly but quietly traces an arcane symbol in front of himself with two fingers before the air around Amelia herself shimmers, forming the outline of a shield before fading from view.]
I don't suppose you're bothered by skeletons at all, are you?
[Amelia's surprised by the shield Gale creates for them both. Momentarily distracted she taps the shield around herself which creates some more green sparks from her fingers.]
Same principles, similar language... [She coughs and refocuses.]
Skeletons. Yes. Skeletons. I mean, no. I'm not bothered by them particularly.
[That little sidebar of hers absolutely earns a smile regardless of her course-correction, and he chuckles softly.]
I would be glad to discuss the finer points of magical theory and the comparison between our respective arts at any time.
[As she well knows, but he can't let the moment pass without commenting on it, endearing as it is.]
That said, I didn't think you would be. If they're the sort I'm accustomed to, I imagine they'll go to pieces fairly quickly, but given where we are... well, anything is possible, isn't it?
[It could be something else entirely lurking in the dark, but he knows the sound of rattling bones.]
[Before she can reply, up ahead they have their first enemy skeleton. It's decked out with a spear and wooden shield and advances menacingly upon the duo with glowing eye sockets.]
Ah. We got a live one. [Amelia rolls up her sleeves raring to go.]
If it's just the one though that shouldn't be—
[Oops, would you like +10 more skeletons approaching?? All with swords, spears, and the occasional shield? ]
[Just one? Barely worth their time, if you ask him; he's seen—
Ah. No, not just the one.
Well.]
Nothing we can't handle, I'm sure.
[Though their fast approach and the fact that they're fully armed does make him a touch anxious. Still, it's awfully nice of them to have grouped themselves together so conveniently, and the corridor forcing them to do so makes his reflexive action all the more effective.]
I speak, they burn!
[Another rapidly-traced symbol results in the air around them growing hotter at an almost alarming rate, the heat encircling them even as the corridor is illuminated from above, a large orb of fire bursting into existence and hurtling itself towards the advancing skeleton crew, forcing some of them to scatter from the impact and turning at least a few of them to ash.]
He acts faster than she does in this instance and her eyes track Gale as he casts his spell. Her skull tingles as the magic in her hair reacts to the raw power on display. Gale of Waterdeep doesn't mess around. The skeleton crew is quickly obliterated and their path is clear.]
... Impressive. Quick thinking and immediately effective.
[She may deal with the occasional but extremely dangerous foe but Gale and his friends probably deal with more constantly and on the daily.]
That one, I'd like to compare. But later.
[Congratulations Gale, there's a note of admiration in her voice. You know, the kind a teacher gives but still it counts.]
[He looks quite pleased with her response, as though he's set to start preening— an academic at heart, the fact that the praise comes in a very teacherly manner doesn't trouble him in the least, but rather he feels a bit of a thrill that a fireball was enough to spark her interest in a future academic discussion. Nerds.]
I would be happy to offer just such an opportunity at the proper time. For now—
[There's more rattling in the distance, and he beckons for her to stay close as he begins to proceed once more, a bit more quickly this time, decisive, even as he keeps his eyes peeled for a sign of anything else amiss.]
It sounds like reinforcements are well on their way, and I think it best we meet them head-on, don't you?
[There are countless more spells where that fireball had come from.]
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[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.
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I had to throw someone into a pile of soap.
[yeah and it was a giant penguin]
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[He cuts himself off, startled, then laughs openly.]
I would have quite liked to see that.
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I'm not in the habit of getting into random brawls, mind you. I have better things to do with my time than get into fights.
... But if anyone starts them, I finish them.
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[He's smiling broadly even as his laugh subsides, shaking his head— of course, he notes that her cheeks have flushed, just as his had only moment later, and can't help thinking that it looks lovely on her. Of course, as far as he's concerned, most things do.]
I knew from the moment I met you that you were not the sort of woman to suffer fools gladly.
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... To be fair she has totally started fightsAmelia crosses her arms and looks at Gale thoughtfully.]You aren't wrong. I deal with enough foolishness without magic being involved.
Would you say you're a good judge of character, Gale?
[After talking with Astarion a few more times, for instance, and keeping the wizard's words in mind, Amelia was able to see the good qualities the elf had. She had found herself mildly enjoying his company even if he was still rather theatrical for her tastes.]
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I certainly like to think so. Of course, I'm not infallible, but in general, I've found my assessments of others to be fairly accurate. I like to seek out a person's finer qualities and hope they shine through, but there have, on occasion, been some hopeless cases that made themselves rather apparent from the start.
[That's a lot of words to say 'yes, I do.' He really is feeling more like himself today.]
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[She fiddles her thumbs.]
... I on the other hand, still find making accurate assessments challenging. Probably on account of being entirely focused on my magical studies for the majority of my life. There weren't many people around me at the time. All I had were books for reference and...
[A pause. The silence seems to indicate that she isn't certain how or where to continue.]
Well. As wondrous as the written word is, it's a poor replacement.
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[Blackstaff Academy was not a typical school in the strictest sense, but he had hardly been the only student, and had been eager to collaborate with his fellow apprentices when opportunities to do so arose.]
While I can't claim to know what your education was like, you've mentioned your teacher, but never any fellow students.
[He can draw a few conclusions from that alone, and what she'd said regarding her teacher's way with words, or lack thereof.]
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[Her voice has a slight hush to it, guarded and cautious.]
Witches are individualistic and scattered as a whole. Apprenticeships are not common since many prefer to develop their magic to suit their needs.
You see, we don't have figures of worship like you do in your world with gods. For better or for worse, we have one being to answer to, but at best, I would describe it as a tenuous relationship.
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Magic is hidden away in your world, you once told me— that it is unusual for your kind to live among mortals.
[His smile has faded now, his expression somber as he listens, taking each detail she offers into account.]
This being of yours is not a benevolent one, I take it.
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At best, he rarely interferes. He leaves the more pressing matters to us.
[The witch idly makes small emerald green magic sparks between thumb and forefingers.
Magic is a gift given to magickind. From conception, it's their entire make.
[The way she's explaining it makes witches sound less like humans who were born with magic arts that develop through academic efforts and more like something else entirely separate. She's making herself sound separate.]
And thus, if nothing else, he expects us to use it well.
[The elevator makes a soft ding and the doors slide open for the two explorers.]
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He's your creator, then.
[The doors slide open, but it takes him a moment to pay it mind, clearing his throat and gesturing for her to take the first step— but all the while, he can only think about how terribly lonely her existence back home sounds, once again.
He hardly needs to remind her, but he remembers what a single year of isolation did to him. Even living among mortals, she considers herself to be something else, something apart from them, and that can make one feel terribly alone even among a crowd of people.]
Ladies first— except in imminent danger, of course. [For now, that doesn't seem to be the case. As they alight into the hallway, he waits a few beats before saying:] If he expects you to use your magic well, I've no doubt you exceed that expectation. You take your craft seriously. It is your life, as it is mine.
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He didn't make me from whole cloth. Not like the others.
[And it's left at that.
At his beckoning, Amelia steps out onto the cold stone floor. What lies before them is something that looks and feels unmistakably like an underground dungeon illuminated by torchlight and the distant sound of dripping water from an unknown source.]
Hm. Dreary.
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Trust, she's made it clear, does not come to her easily. It makes those bits and pieces mean that much more.
He joins her in the corridor, frowning slightly as he takes in their new surroundings. He's seen plenty of places just like this one.]
Quite, isn't it. The torches are homey, but... [Producing his staff, he waves a hand, causing its tip to glow brightly, offering them further illumination.] Illuminare.
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Alright. One step at a time. This one isn't as welcoming as the Vale we found the first time so I doubt we'll be bouncing off the walls.
Gale, how would you approach terrain like this? I don't typically go adventuring in dungeons on a normal weekday.
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[The remark is playful enough, but the familiarity of the territory does mean he'll take their advance quite seriously. The hotel has shown itself to be full of hidden dangers, and he has no reason to believe this floor will be any different.]
As you said, one step at a time. We proceed with caution, and keep our eyes open for any potential traps. These places tend to be littered with such things, unfortunately. Sometimes they're protecting something well-worth finding, though I've come across more than a few that made me wonder why someone bothered in the first place.
[Without his party rogue on hand, they'll have to deal with things of that nature in their own way, though he's certain they'll manage between the two of them.]
It's also safe to assume we may not be alone. If we can move quietly, it would be in our best interest.
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That's as good a start as any. Caution, traps, and perhaps treasure. Got it.
[Amelia stays close to Gale as they proceed down the ominous path. At one point, she pauses and wrinkles her brow.]
Do you hear that? That rattling noise.
[Rattling noise... Like rattling bones perhaps?]
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I certainly do.
[It's a rather familiar noise to him, as well, and he quickly but quietly traces an arcane symbol in front of himself with two fingers before the air around Amelia herself shimmers, forming the outline of a shield before fading from view.]
I don't suppose you're bothered by skeletons at all, are you?
[He highly doubts it.]
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[Amelia's surprised by the shield Gale creates for them both. Momentarily distracted she taps the shield around herself which creates some more green sparks from her fingers.]
Same principles, similar language... [She coughs and refocuses.]
Skeletons. Yes. Skeletons. I mean, no. I'm not bothered by them particularly.
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I would be glad to discuss the finer points of magical theory and the comparison between our respective arts at any time.
[As she well knows, but he can't let the moment pass without commenting on it, endearing as it is.]
That said, I didn't think you would be. If they're the sort I'm accustomed to, I imagine they'll go to pieces fairly quickly, but given where we are... well, anything is possible, isn't it?
[It could be something else entirely lurking in the dark, but he knows the sound of rattling bones.]
no subject
Ah. We got a live one. [Amelia rolls up her sleeves raring to go.]
If it's just the one though that shouldn't be—
[Oops, would you like +10 more skeletons approaching?? All with swords, spears, and the occasional shield? ]
...
no subject
Ah. No, not just the one.
Well.]
Nothing we can't handle, I'm sure.
[Though their fast approach and the fact that they're fully armed does make him a touch anxious. Still, it's awfully nice of them to have grouped themselves together so conveniently, and the corridor forcing them to do so makes his reflexive action all the more effective.]
I speak, they burn!
[Another rapidly-traced symbol results in the air around them growing hotter at an almost alarming rate, the heat encircling them even as the corridor is illuminated from above, a large orb of fire bursting into existence and hurtling itself towards the advancing skeleton crew, forcing some of them to scatter from the impact and turning at least a few of them to ash.]
no subject
He acts faster than she does in this instance and her eyes track Gale as he casts his spell. Her skull tingles as the magic in her hair reacts to the raw power on display. Gale of Waterdeep doesn't mess around. The skeleton crew is quickly obliterated and their path is clear.]
... Impressive. Quick thinking and immediately effective.
[She may deal with the occasional but extremely dangerous foe but Gale and his friends probably deal with more constantly and on the daily.]
That one, I'd like to compare. But later.
[Congratulations Gale, there's a note of admiration in her voice. You know, the kind a teacher gives but still it counts.]
no subject
[He looks quite pleased with her response, as though he's set to start preening— an academic at heart, the fact that the praise comes in a very teacherly manner doesn't trouble him in the least, but rather he feels a bit of a thrill that a fireball was enough to spark her interest in a future academic discussion.
Nerds.]I would be happy to offer just such an opportunity at the proper time. For now—
[There's more rattling in the distance, and he beckons for her to stay close as he begins to proceed once more, a bit more quickly this time, decisive, even as he keeps his eyes peeled for a sign of anything else amiss.]
It sounds like reinforcements are well on their way, and I think it best we meet them head-on, don't you?
[There are countless more spells where that fireball had come from.]
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