Amelia Eva Steinbeck 📚 Teacher 📚 Witch 📚 Available for pop culture consultation regarding the arts, literature, and other foreign mediums of expression.
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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.
[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.
[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.]
[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]
[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?
[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.
Guilty as charged— I aim for excellence in everything I do.
[It is, he thinks, one of his finer points, even if he occasionally gets carried away. In this situation, he feels it's just right. In exploring the newness of how their relationship has changed, he sees an opportunity to try and be his best self, share what his heart has to offer.
She smiles, and he knows it's immediately worth it. That she does it so rarely only serves to make it brighten his spirits even more.]
You may have noticed by now that I'm something of a perfectionist.
[There's a great deal of pride in there as well, for better or for worse, but that has no place in tonight's conversation. When they're about five doors down from his own, he slows their pace, inclining his head towards it.]
Ah— here we are. Not far from home, but in some ways, an entire world away.
[On her end, she'll have to get accustomed to how much he shares his heart. Even after gaining a semblance of a life that includes other people, Amelia is highly self-sufficient and is used to being by herself.
With Gale, not only is he sharing himself with her, but Amelia knows that it'll be a process for her to share herself with him. It had been a huge step for her to acknowledge and accept him in the first place. But none of this would be happening right now if she hadn't wanted any of it.]
Did you change the interior? Or am I just going to have to see?
[Rather than answering her directly, his smile only hitches wider as he releases her hand and steps forward to open the door, stepping back and gesturing to usher her inside.]
Ladies first.
[When she enters, she'll find that what awaits the pair of them isn't a room at all— he had, in fact, changed the interior, and dramatically so. What awaits them is a lush field on what appears to be a clifftop at the edge of a forest, the door itself opening just beyond the treeline. They are met by cool evening air and the chirp of crickets, while above stretches an endless night sky, dark velvet studded with bright stars, as well as lights that are somewhat reminiscent of Earth's own aurora borealis.
Not far from where they enter, a blanket is already spread and waiting in the grass, along with several plush pillows, a telescope, and a picnic basket.]
[Amelia takes several steps inside and stops to admire the new scenery that has been laid out for her. There's a special touch to this interior and she can sense it in the air and the way it was crafted with care. Everything from the pleasant chill of the evening air to the ambient sounds, and then the velvety night sky with blinking stars... And that aurora...
She doesn't stop for long since Gale is leading her towards their picnic area. Honestly, she has no words for how touched and almost overwhelmed she is by how much has been done to make this dinner as special as he's hinted it to be.]
[He's practically beaming, having taken her hand to lead her towards the blanket he'd laid out, which looks far too nice to be the sort one would normally put on grass— conjured or otherwise, but Gale's tastes are what they are, which means it certainly suits his very wizardy aesthetic.]
Though things have been a bit fraught back home, to say the least, a part of me does miss certain parts of Faerun— and while I've no doubt that I will sort out a way for you to safely visit it so that I might show you the sights sometime, I thought I might bring a bit of Faerun to you.
[Astronomy is but one of many subjects he's well-studied in, and though she might not know it to look at it, the stars and constellations above them match those that would appear above the Sword Coast around this time of year.]
[Amelia is going to need glasses because of how blinding Gale's smiles are. She can tell he's very proud of himself for the effort he poured into this evening. Having it be a part of Faerun for her to experience, well...
She's going to have to consider how and what to share with him. Future plans are set aside to enjoy the present moment.]
Gale, don't tell me you've also made dinner?
[Rather than sounding incredulous she sounds amused. Because that's exactly what Gale would do. She'll carefully start to sit down on the blanket, starting with her knees.]
I'm starting to be concerned at how much you're trying to spoil me.
[He laughs as she hits the nail precisely on the head, having the good sense to at least look a bit sheepish as he joins her on the blanket once she's seated, sitting cross-legged and moving one of the plush-looking pillows just a bit to give himself room.]
I'm afraid so. Too much?
[He clears his throat as he curls one hand into a loose fist and brings it to cover his mouth, but he can't hide the fact that he's still smiling behind it, amused in his own right.]
I could have gotten something from one of the many fine establishments here in the hotel, but as someone who likes to eat well, I take pride in being able to provide fine meals for myself as well as my friends— but not to worry. I kept it rather simple. I didn't want to overwhelm you— I admit, the sky may have been a bit over-the-top.
It could be too much if only because you make me want to outmatch you somehow.
[An actual unserious jest from the Emerald Witch herself...]
... But thank you, Gale. I mean it.
[She had been smiling at him and turns her head up to look at the stars and the aurora in the sky.]
You're working so hard on this already.
[She doesn't have a proper sense of what's normal and what's not when it comes to intimate relationships. Books were her only reference for the longest time, and then her strange but heart wrenching bond with Briar, dalliances in college, Michael...
In all of those, she had put herself down. With Gale, she doesn't want that to happen. ]
[Knowing her competitive streak— as well as his own— he imagines that's very true, and he can't pretend it isn't something he wouldn't be interested in seeing. Magic is a central focus of both their lives, the very first bonding point between them, and no doubt they would both like to do a bit of showing off in this regard.
He notes, and his heart practically skips a beat as he does so, that he's seen her smile more in the last week than the last few months.]
I can come on a bit strong, I know— but I wanted to wow you.
[At least he can laugh at himself about it, and he does exactly that.]
As for your contribution, of course. Anything you like.
She takes out her phone and turns on a guitar track that brings forth a more mysterious atmosphere. As the guitar strings fill the air, Amelia sets her device aside and sheepishly shrugs her shoulders at Gale.]
[His smile softens as she sets her device aside, and he gives a nod of approval as he leans forward to lay a hand over her own.]
I'd say that's perfect. Thank you. Now the scene feels complete.
[He straightens back up, reaching for the basket that's waiting for them, as well as the bottle he'd set beside it earlier.]
Now, I certainly hope you've brought your appetite— though I realize, belatedly, I likely should have asked if there were any foods you weren't particularly partial to.
[Amelia's fingers are warm when he lays his hand over them. She looks down at it, thinking about how not so long ago, this was not a thing (never mind the library sleepover; that was more foreshadowing than anything else). Funny how things change so quickly and yet paradoxically it took time for her willingness to be in a relationship to bloom.]
I'm not the most voracious eater, admittedly. But I don't dislike most foods as long as it's prepared well.
The area I live in is diverse in terms of human culture so that was reflected in the food. Over the years, my students would show me dishes from their respective cultures and wanted me to try them so I'd give them a go at least once.
If anything, that's an idea; we could explore some dishes together and do a compare and contrast to see if it's similar to what you'd find in your world or if it's completely different.
Well, if I may brag a bit, 'prepared well' should be a given in this situation.
[He exudes the same confidence he does when he speaks of magic; generally, when he sets his mind to something, he works hard to master it as a matter of principle, but cooking was much like magic in that it had become something of a passion. Magic itself, of course, was his life, his greatest pursuit, but cooking had come to be an excellent way to unwind and allow himself to sift through his busy thoughts as he worked, in addition to keeping himself well-fed. That last bit was important.]
I do rather like that idea. I'm always willing to try new things, especially given the incredible array the hotel has provided us.
[The excuse for more dinners together is one he'll gladly take, as well.]
For now, however— [He begins to pull items out of the basket, starting with a pair of handpies that are wrapped in checkered cloth, setting his own aside as he hands her the other, still warm. The next items to appear are two small, covered ramekins that he sets down in front of them, followed by a pair of spoons.] I did aim to keep things picnic-friendly— chicken and mushroom pies with Baldurian mash.
[Amelia's cooking is functional though she finds herself putting more effort when making food for others. Gale, on the other hand, most certainly has a truly skilled hand in it. When he gives her the pies and brings out the mash, he's made specially for this night, she can't help but remark with bemusement.]
... You know Gale... With your skills, I feel like you'd be very popular with a certain niche of people back in my world.
[Suburban mothers come to mind again.]
That is to say, I am deeply appreciative that this is all for us and no one else at the moment.
[He gives a playful wince, unable to keep himself from smiling— that's been a constant struggle this past week or so, not that he minds in the least.]
That niche wouldn't happen to be breathtaking witches who teach literature, would it?
[No? Just her?]
I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with you. Even on vacation, you've been working far too hard. I think an evening like this is long overdue. I also have wine, if you're interested.
[He doesn't even wait for her to answer— his spectral Mage Hand appears and produces a pair of glasses, then proceeds to uncork the bottle he'd set out.]
[those future lesson plans and book clubs don't write themselves sweetie,,,
It's a good thing he brought out the wine because she was about to protest about her workload not being difficult to get through, just time-consuming!! But first. Wine. Yes. She claims a glass and holds it out, thank you Mage Hand for your services.]
Now give me some credit; I'm working on the next book club and not my teaching obligations.
[Mage Hand will be serving as their sommelier this evening, it would seem, and proceeds to fill both of their glasses with a rich-smelling red wine, starting with Amelia's. Once it's through, Gale lifts his glass to toast her efforts.]
Work that is very much appreciated by all those fortunate enough to be involved. I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed the previous book club.
[He can't help but wink in her direction; he is absolutely referring to their cozy little sleepover, unexpected as it had been.]
That said, do let me know if I can be of greater assistance this time. I can offer more than just cupcakes.
[The toast is returned and she takes a sip. It's delicious and smooth as expected. Surely, she can blame the wine for making her flush and not Gale's reminder about their library sleepover.]
I think I'd like to bounce ideas off of you for the discussion prompts after you read the book of course. I've chosen our next novel already.
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late december
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
no subject
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.
no subject
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]no subject
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?
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
[It is, he thinks, one of his finer points, even if he occasionally gets carried away. In this situation, he feels it's just right. In exploring the newness of how their relationship has changed, he sees an opportunity to try and be his best self, share what his heart has to offer.
She smiles, and he knows it's immediately worth it. That she does it so rarely only serves to make it brighten his spirits even more.]
You may have noticed by now that I'm something of a perfectionist.
[There's a great deal of pride in there as well, for better or for worse, but that has no place in tonight's conversation. When they're about five doors down from his own, he slows their pace, inclining his head towards it.]
Ah— here we are. Not far from home, but in some ways, an entire world away.
[You'll see what he means in a minute, Amelia.]
no subject
With Gale, not only is he sharing himself with her, but Amelia knows that it'll be a process for her to share herself with him. It had been a huge step for her to acknowledge and accept him in the first place. But none of this would be happening right now if she hadn't wanted any of it.]
Did you change the interior? Or am I just going to have to see?
[She leans her head towards his door, curious.]
no subject
Ladies first.
[When she enters, she'll find that what awaits the pair of them isn't a room at all— he had, in fact, changed the interior, and dramatically so. What awaits them is a lush field on what appears to be a clifftop at the edge of a forest, the door itself opening just beyond the treeline. They are met by cool evening air and the chirp of crickets, while above stretches an endless night sky, dark velvet studded with bright stars, as well as lights that are somewhat reminiscent of Earth's own aurora borealis.
Not far from where they enter, a blanket is already spread and waiting in the grass, along with several plush pillows, a telescope, and a picnic basket.]
Right this way.
no subject
She doesn't stop for long since Gale is leading her towards their picnic area. Honestly, she has no words for how touched and almost overwhelmed she is by how much has been done to make this dinner as special as he's hinted it to be.]
You did all this...? Just for dinner?
[Like, just to be sure and all!]
And are we going to be stargazing??
no subject
Though things have been a bit fraught back home, to say the least, a part of me does miss certain parts of Faerun— and while I've no doubt that I will sort out a way for you to safely visit it so that I might show you the sights sometime, I thought I might bring a bit of Faerun to you.
[Astronomy is but one of many subjects he's well-studied in, and though she might not know it to look at it, the stars and constellations above them match those that would appear above the Sword Coast around this time of year.]
Besides, it's hardly 'just' dinner. You're here.
[gross]
no subject
She's going to have to consider how and what to share with him. Future plans are set aside to enjoy the present moment.]
Gale, don't tell me you've also made dinner?
[Rather than sounding incredulous she sounds amused. Because that's exactly what Gale would do. She'll carefully start to sit down on the blanket, starting with her knees.]
I'm starting to be concerned at how much you're trying to spoil me.
no subject
I'm afraid so. Too much?
[He clears his throat as he curls one hand into a loose fist and brings it to cover his mouth, but he can't hide the fact that he's still smiling behind it, amused in his own right.]
I could have gotten something from one of the many fine establishments here in the hotel, but as someone who likes to eat well, I take pride in being able to provide fine meals for myself as well as my friends— but not to worry. I kept it rather simple. I didn't want to overwhelm you— I admit, the sky may have been a bit over-the-top.
[Because of that, it's so very him.]
no subject
[An actual unserious jest from the Emerald Witch herself...]
... But thank you, Gale. I mean it.
[She had been smiling at him and turns her head up to look at the stars and the aurora in the sky.]
You're working so hard on this already.
[She doesn't have a proper sense of what's normal and what's not when it comes to intimate relationships. Books were her only reference for the longest time, and then her strange but heart wrenching bond with Briar, dalliances in college, Michael...
In all of those, she had put herself down. With Gale, she doesn't want that to happen. ]
Actually, could I make one little contribution?
no subject
[Knowing her competitive streak— as well as his own— he imagines that's very true, and he can't pretend it isn't something he wouldn't be interested in seeing. Magic is a central focus of both their lives, the very first bonding point between them, and no doubt they would both like to do a bit of showing off in this regard.
He notes, and his heart practically skips a beat as he does so, that he's seen her smile more in the last week than the last few months.]
I can come on a bit strong, I know— but I wanted to wow you.
[At least he can laugh at himself about it, and he does exactly that.]
As for your contribution, of course. Anything you like.
no subject
She takes out her phone and turns on a guitar track that brings forth a more mysterious atmosphere. As the guitar strings fill the air, Amelia sets her device aside and sheepishly shrugs her shoulders at Gale.]
How's that?
no subject
I'd say that's perfect. Thank you. Now the scene feels complete.
[He straightens back up, reaching for the basket that's waiting for them, as well as the bottle he'd set beside it earlier.]
Now, I certainly hope you've brought your appetite— though I realize, belatedly, I likely should have asked if there were any foods you weren't particularly partial to.
no subject
I'm not the most voracious eater, admittedly. But I don't dislike most foods as long as it's prepared well.
The area I live in is diverse in terms of human culture so that was reflected in the food. Over the years, my students would show me dishes from their respective cultures and wanted me to try them so I'd give them a go at least once.
If anything, that's an idea; we could explore some dishes together and do a compare and contrast to see if it's similar to what you'd find in your world or if it's completely different.
no subject
[He exudes the same confidence he does when he speaks of magic; generally, when he sets his mind to something, he works hard to master it as a matter of principle, but cooking was much like magic in that it had become something of a passion. Magic itself, of course, was his life, his greatest pursuit, but cooking had come to be an excellent way to unwind and allow himself to sift through his busy thoughts as he worked, in addition to keeping himself well-fed. That last bit was important.]
I do rather like that idea. I'm always willing to try new things, especially given the incredible array the hotel has provided us.
[The excuse for more dinners together is one he'll gladly take, as well.]
For now, however— [He begins to pull items out of the basket, starting with a pair of handpies that are wrapped in checkered cloth, setting his own aside as he hands her the other, still warm. The next items to appear are two small, covered ramekins that he sets down in front of them, followed by a pair of spoons.] I did aim to keep things picnic-friendly— chicken and mushroom pies with Baldurian mash.
no subject
... You know Gale... With your skills, I feel like you'd be very popular with a certain niche of people back in my world.
[Suburban mothers come to mind again.]
That is to say, I am deeply appreciative that this is all for us and no one else at the moment.
no subject
That niche wouldn't happen to be breathtaking witches who teach literature, would it?
[No? Just her?]
I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with you. Even on vacation, you've been working far too hard. I think an evening like this is long overdue. I also have wine, if you're interested.
[He doesn't even wait for her to answer— his spectral Mage Hand appears and produces a pair of glasses, then proceeds to uncork the bottle he'd set out.]
no subject
those future lesson plans and book clubs don't write themselves sweetie,,,It's a good thing he brought out the wine because she was about to protest about her workload not being difficult to get through, just time-consuming!! But first. Wine. Yes. She claims a glass and holds it out, thank you Mage Hand for your services.]
Now give me some credit; I'm working on the next book club and not my teaching obligations.
no subject
Work that is very much appreciated by all those fortunate enough to be involved. I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed the previous book club.
[He can't help but wink in her direction; he is absolutely referring to their cozy little sleepover, unexpected as it had been.]
That said, do let me know if I can be of greater assistance this time. I can offer more than just cupcakes.
no subject
I think I'd like to bounce ideas off of you for the discussion prompts after you read the book of course. I've chosen our next novel already.
no subject
It would be my pleasure. No doubt they will be as well-chosen and thought-provoking as the last, of course. What's the novel?
[Just out of curiosity...]
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