I apologize for the intrusion, but I was wondering if I might trouble you for some insight into your expertise. Given that you are a practitioner of magic from a world other than my own, I am curious about your experience with magical maladies. If you are willing, I would gladly offer you a meal for your time and troubles.
I am willing to give my insight. In return, I would like further information about this world we'll be staying in indefinitely. Loathe as I am to admit it, being out of my usual comfort zone has been making me feel unbalanced and not as amenable to interacting with other riftfarers.
I can't promise anything, but general input.
Sincerely, Amelia E. Steinbeck
[A minute or two later, another message appears.]
Is there a place that serves a fish dish like this?
It would be my pleasure to offer whatever information I can, and answer any further questions you may have. After several months, I do believe I'm finally starting to get the knack of things around here, and I will be more than glad to share what I've learned. Even if all you have to offer is general knowledge, I greatly appreciate your effort and willingness.
As for your dining request, I know just the place! It's called The Dragon's Feast, near the port on Eltrut.
[His message is interrupted by a picture of the restuarant's storefront, as well as an address and directions.]
Perhaps we could meet there tomorrow at half-past noon?
Half-past noon at The Dragon's Feast then. I'll see you there.
[She sounds just like as she does in-person. Formal, stiff, and not particularly personable. And yet the witch agreed to be of some help.
It's the little things.]
🌹🌹🌹
[On the appointed day, Gale will see her in front of The Dragon's Feast, her nose in a book. Amelia's red hair is pulled back and styled into a simple ponytail. Her outfit is simple; a white linen blouse and a forest green linen skirt.
She's so focused on the pages that his presence won't register to her until he speaks up.]
[To many passersby, the image of someone reading a book in a place like this as opposed to a garden or park would likely seem a bit out of the ordinary, but not to him. Gale of Waterdeep has yet to find any place he would deem unsuitable for reading, and the sight makes him smile just the slightest bit as he approaches the restaurant in question. Something else they have in common, it would seem.
It almost seems a shame to interrupt her, but he does so without fanfare, his tone bright and conversational.]
I do appreciate your meeting me here, Ms. Steinbeck. I hope the establishment's offerings will be to your liking.
[Gale himself is rather more put-together than he had been during their first meeting, thanks to the lack of sharkfolk to be battled, his halfrobe and trousers impeccable. Though he's not carrying a book of his own out in the open, a few can be seen peeking out from beneath the open flap of his bag— some things, a wizard must never leave home without.]
In that case, I am especially interested in hearing your opinion of it once you've had the opportunity to form one.
[He smiles as he come to a brief pause, gesturing towards the door before he steps forward to pull it open and hold it for her.]
I come from a port city myself, and so consider myself quite experienced with seafood as well, but I will admit that I had never had it prepared this way until I found myself here.
[She nods in thanks and acknowledgement towards his gentlemanly gestures and steps inside first. The witch glances around the establishment, waiting to see if they'll be seated or if they'll get a table themselves.]
You said in your message you wanted my input on magical maladies, correct? Is this concerning a personal affliction or is applicable to someone else?
[He's barely had the opportunity to follow her inside before before a hostess comes to guide them to a table, and he holds any further response until they've both been seated across from one another and left with a pair of menus to peruse.]
It is personal, I'm afraid; something I'd thought to be under control for some time, but has recently been— out of sorts.
[To say the least. He reaches for his water glass, his expression somber as he looks to her across the table.]
Have you any experience with degenerative conditions of a magical nature?
[When seated, she straightens her back and smooths out her skirt, placing her hands primly in her lap.]
In my world, any degenerative condition is a result of curses. I've rarely been cursed myself. Most attempts, end in failure so I've never suffered greatly. Additionally, I lifted a curse for a human several years ago.
[It's why Adam Walsh and his father owe the Emerald Witch big-time.]
A curse is something that is cast with clear and malicious intent. Anything lesser than that is something that can be easily brushed off.
[He gives a solemn nod as he listens to her explanation of such conditions as she knows them. For her to speak so casually of curses does speak to her experience, something he had more or less expected— given her use of it during their first meeting, it had been plain to him that she was quite talented and well-practiced when it came to magic, which was why he had reached out to her in the first place.]
Curses are much the same where I come from. Deliberate, malicious— they can be dispelled by a wizard or cleric of reasonable skill, though the more complex cases may need special attention. Unfortunately, if it were a curse, this would have been resolved ages ago. It was one of the very first solutions I tried.
[Uncharacteristically grim, he folds his hands together in front of him, squaring his shoulders.]
I suppose I may have to give you some background before too long, but the cause of this condition is a rather unstable— artifact, shall we say.
[In truth, it is more than that, but difficult to explain without giving context first.]
Magic so raw that it has the potential to level an entire city, the size of Eltrut, Nogard and Elah put together. Perhaps more.
[Amelia's brow furrows and she frowns at this revelation, but she says nothing until she leans back into her seat, crosses her arms, and taps a finger in the crook of her elbow.]
... So this unstable artifact... Is it external or internal? And how long have you been afflicted?
[One could have reacted with terror or the implications of what this meant not just for Gale, but for everyone in this world. It's dangerous, and obviously so. But she looks at the wizard unblinkingly, plainly, though with a slant of curiosity.]
Have you told anyone else? You're putting a lot of faith in someone you barely know.
[He greatly appreciates that she does not respond with panic, though he hadn't thought her the type to begin with. Even so, the gravity of his confession is great, though he hopes that his own somber demeanor is enough to make it quite clear that he takes this matter quite seriously.]
Internal, I'm afraid. It's been more than a year, before I arrived here. Counting the months I've been here, nearing two. For a time, it was reasonably stable— I had been granted a charm that assisted me in keeping it contained, which presented me with the opportunity to continue in my ongoing search for a way to neutralize it for good. Needless to say, I've not yet discovered that.
[Which brings him to her other question.]
Karlach is aware— a friend from back home. Anyone else who knew has unfortunately departed. Given the nature of the situation, it's not the sort of thing one brings up in casual conversation, but while we barely know one another, it is plain to me that you are quite skilled in the arcane arts.
[Even if all she can offer is a bit of insight or another perspective, he will find that valuable.]
Hn. I'm a little surprised that you could even tell, since my magical abilities are currently repressed. I need to make another visit to the tattoo parlor to remedy that.
[But that's neither here nor there. She leans forward to take a drink from her cup of water.]
Almost two years and it hasn't set off yet... You're very fortunate, Gale.
[Amelia isn't too surprised that this a secret that he's kept to himself. Who knows how anyone else would react to a walking magical human bomb? There were many riftfarers who were more inclined to take intiative on such obvious, if delayed, danger. He had a sharp enough instinct to confide in her.]
I don't like when problems come to me. [It sounds harsh (and it is), but...]
That said, I'm not one to turn away from solving one entirely. Or several if you really want to make my day worse.
Let's just say that like recognizes like, shall we?
[It wasn't simply the power one put on display, but the way one carried themselves, or the way they spoke of their craft. That Gale could sense she had as much power as she did even while suppressed certainly didn't hurt.]
The way you spoke of being a witch— I felt you must be quite knowledgable.
[A flicker of a smile pulls at his lips, but only for a brief moment, and he winces slightly as he instinctively touches his hand to his chest as a particularly painful pulse moves through him.]
A good deal of it has been luck. There's also been a great deal of concentrated effort to keep it controlled, measures taken that worked quite well until recent events. Something caused the charm sealing it to destabilize. While I never expected that to last forever, it's been some time since its effects have been this... potent.
[He frowns, reaching for his own glass of water.]
It is unfair of me to ask you to get involved, I am well aware. My hope was that speaking to someone with experience in the arcane arts, from somewhere other than Faerun, may provide a fresh perspective and help me to find an angle I've not yet thought of. It is not my intention to heap my troubles upon your doorstep and plead for a solution— and rest assured, I take this matter quite seriously. After nearly two years, I'm rather intimately familiar with the symptoms of destabilization. If no solution is found before time is inevitably out, I fully intend to find the furthest, most deserted corner of this world I can.
[When he goes, he refuses to take anyone else with him.]
[It's the only remark she'll make in regards to her knowledge. Her tutelage under the Witch King has firmly imprinted the fact that she barely scratched the surface of what there was to know in her own world, much less that beyond her own.
Amelia remains silence as Gale explains himself, taking another sip of water in the meanwhile. While his reason to consult her is sound the final part of what he says makes her nose twitch.]
That's dramatic, but understandable. You have a very extreme problem.
[She exhales through her nose and sets down her cup and runs her fingers through her hair, thinking. There's a slight gleam and flicker as she does so since the magic in the strands not completely dulled out.]
First off, context is everything. Or if the context is another novel in itself, tell me about what's in your body and what your symptoms are.
[A wry smile tugs at the corner of his lips, just for a moment, his gaze mirthless.]
Dramatic, perhaps, but a necessary measure should things reach that point. I do not wish to level a city or take innocent lives should it exacerbate so.
[That, he takes quite seriously. Even if no help can be found for him, and gods, he had done everything short of traveling to the far corners of Faerun himself to find a solution (though not for a lack of effort), he will not see others pay for his recklessness.]
I'm afraid to give true understanding of what it is would require quite a long story, indeed, but as you're a practitioner of the arcane yourself, I suppose shortcuts can be taken. The 'Weave' is the source of all magic in Faerun— what is inside me is akin to a piece of it, though corrupted, destructive.
[He exhales.]
At present, the symptoms are fatigue and varying levels of discomfort pain. Difficulty breathing, on occasion. I've lived with it long enough to know how it will progress. Next comes a ringing in the ears and muscle spasms. Disorientation, inability to concentrate. General biological deterioration, loss of mobility. I'm certain you can imagine what eventually follows.
[The same end everyone meets eventually, only considerably more explosive.]
[She nods along with his explanation and the list of symptoms. It truly was a miracle that he was still standing before her. What's more if he's been here for nearly two years...
Well, Amelia's also almost impressed he's kept such crucial information to himself for nearly two years with the conditions he suffers under.
The witch leans forward to rest her arms on the table.]
Have you ever had magic that isn't related to this "Weave" of yours cast upon you? Like something from another riftfarer or the natives? I'd like to know if there were any unique results or if it was nullified.
[He gives a single, firm nod, following her line of reasoning quite easily.]
Most of it has been native magic, or abilities that were acquired in this world. The only spells from elsewhere were not quite enough like magic as we know it to trigger any kind of response, but a manipulation of existing elemental energy instead.
[Kaveh's abilities were impressive, but not arcane.
He unlaces his fingers and reaches a hand out to lightly let his fingertips come to rest atop her palm to start, his expression solemn but still curious.]
Then again, until quite recently, it had been stabilized. Either way, I am interested to see what reaction your magic might provoke.
What were you doing before to keep it at bay when it wasn't as stable?
[When his hand reaches hers, her fingers wrap around his own with an oddly gentle, but firm grip. Her thumb moves up to his wrist, testing his pulse.]
Well, we'll put a pin on that. For now...
[With acute focus and a sharp gaze, Amelia's thumb traces a foreign character onto Gale's wrist; it is a rune, but it would only be familiar to the wizard in the sense that it is clearly an arcane language. It sits on the surface of his skin, glowing a soft emerald green and emitting a buzzing noise.]
[Though he's generally inclined to talk at great length, especially where magic is involved, he's grateful for the moments he's been granted to gather himself before answering that particular question. It's a touch complex, and another magic user would be more likely to understand the gravity of it than those who were not acquainted with the arcane themselves.
For now, he only gives a nod and watches her work intently, his brow furrowed slightly as she lightly traces a rune against the inside of his wrist, unfamiliar to him and yet unmistakable for what it is. He exhales steadily, centering himself, and the emerald glow her rune emits is met with a reaction— the dark veins that wind along the curve of his neck begin to glow a soft violet in response, and he feels a twinge in his chest, though nothing too severe as of yet.]
Yes— it's not violent in nature at the moment, but there's a distinct stirring, as though answering to being called.
[Amelia looks up, almost flummoxed, the second she catches a glimpse of the violet glow from the dark veins on his neck.]
Ah. Well. That's something.
[She's sounding less certain, but switches her focus back to her rune. It begins to travel up Gale's arm and towards his collarbone.]
Foreign or not, magic is magic in this case. This rune is a singular character for nullification. Very low-grade so hopefully we won't get any terribly adverse reactions.
[There's a hitch in his breath as her magic seems to entwine itself with his own; he feels a strange tightening beneath his skin as though an unseen wound were being knit together, but it does feel like aid rather than something intrusive.
He purses his lips slightly as he nods, focusing on remaining still and not allowing the current he feels moving through him to steer.]
So far, so good, I would say. This force... it usually feeds on other magic, but doesn't even seem to be making the attempt now.
[Perhaps because it had feasted so well recently.]
It feeds on magic? [Her brow wrinkles incredulously again and her following remark comes out as indignant.]
I think you could have mentioned that first before I casted any
[The witch traces another rune above Gale's wrist, muttering more to herself now.]
Let's add a character for sleep... Strengthen the structure...
[A different letter of magic sails up the wizard's arm, following the first and attaching itself to it. The combined runes settle over the circular mark and making an attempt to sink into his skin. The buzzing sensation becomes more prominent which could be a cause for concern.]
Ah, to be more specific, it feeds on magic borne of the Weave, often found within magical artifacts— and though it may express its hunger, it cannot feed without my permission. I apologize— I would not have allowed you to touch me or cast a spell if I had thought it would do you harm.
[His apology and explanation are almost painfully sincere, and worry is writ across his face. He may be reckless when it comes to his own well-being at times, but the safety of others is not something he takes lightly, especially when that someone is an acquaintance who is granting him aid.
He exhales steadily, centering himself as she goes on to draw new characters atop his wrist, the magic sinking in and building upon the rune that had come before. It is a strange sensation, both like and unlike the Weave as he knows it, but undeniably magic.]
It feels...
[It takes him a moment to find the words, brow furrowed.]
[Had she not been concentrating on her spellcasting and looked up at his expression, she might have felt a little bad. Just a little. At least Amelia can understand the sincerity in his voice. Her gaze is laser focused on her runes as it undulates above his mark.]
Calm is good. It's better than good in this case.
[Magic in Amelia's world is a nebulous force and each witch has an individual capacity for it which grow over time. And with that individuality, each witch's uniqueness is channeled through the magic inherent in their bodies. Amelia's, even when repressed has a potent sensation that pushes against the artifact within Gale's body. Those runes feel like pure determination to carry out its purpose.]
So it isn't going to put it to sleep completely. Maybe in the next twelve hours or even into the next day the symptoms you experience may lessen. That's just the ideal scenario I'm theorizing, however.
It certainly is. You'll not hear me complaining about calm.
[Even these last few months, he's never quite achieved it, not fully. It's a welcome respite in any circumstance. Not enough for him to forget the orb's presence even for a moment, but if truth be told, it's been long enough now that he's near forgotten what normal felt like.]
Ideal or otherwise, there are not words enough to express my appreciation for your efforts.
[He had only hoped for a bit of insight, but this was certainly several steps further.]
Should they prove effective, it buys me more time to find a more permanent solution.
[When she's absolutely certain her magic is causing no other adverse reactions in the immediate moment, Amelia withdraws her hand to inhale and then exhale through her nose.]
I'll be making it a priority to acquire more tattoos to unlock more of my latent magic abilities. If I have more to tap into, I have more to assist you with.
[Her arms are crossed again and she hums under her breath, thinking.]
Thinking ahead, there's a chance that artifact will need to consume more energy. When the time comes, I also have a possible solution to keep that at bay.
[Her hand moves to pinch a lock of her long red hair and hold it up to him. The lighting of the restaurant isn't particularly bright, but there's a shimmer that dances across the strands.]
You have good instincts, Gale. I have plenty of my own magic to spare.
[His eyes widen for a moment at the display, his expression one of both awe and appreciation— magic has always spoken to him, called to him, and he had always found it beautiful in all its forms, but despite his own sensitivity to the arcane, he's never seen anything quite like this.]
Better instincts than even I realized, it would seem.
[To say the very least. Given that even with the aid of tattoos, none of them here were quite at their full power, he's suddenly quite curious to know just how deep that magic of hers runs.]
You certainly do. I don't believe I've ever seen the like, to see magic all but coursing through someone even if they're not actively making use of it.
[With the exception of Mystra herself— but she was hardly the standard.]
Let's just say I have an excess of it. It needs to be channeled constantly and luckily, long hair is a very effective medium.
[She pushes the lock of hair behind her ear.]
So if things go awry for you, a single strand might suffice. There's no telling if it will last long, but if it's just magical energy, then it may prove more than enough.
[He nods his understanding, offering her a small but genuine smile of gratitude.]
I came to you seeking insight, and you have shown me far greater generosity than I could have expected. To say that I'm humbled seems a bit of an understatement.
[His problem is far from solved, but he can feel his anxiety begin to ease. He had been alone in this for so long— aside from Tara, of course— that he had been determined to finish it the same way, even when he had friends at his side. Here, without them, he had become used to the old way of things once more, but perhaps he wouldn't be entirely on his own.]
I don't know that lunch is anywhere near enough to repay you, Miss Steinbeck.
[Before she can reply, a gurgling sound emits from her stomach. Amelia sits stiffly and gives a deadpan stare at Gale as if daring him to make a remark.]
... Well, we aren't going to solve any problems if lunch doesn't arrive soon.
[very wise and powerful]
steering them towards pleasant off-screen lunch chatter
He chuckles softly, a touch of weariness making itself known beneath its genuine warmth.]
You're quite right. Shall we? I promise to be excellent dining company— it needn't all be doom and gloom, and I would hear more about your pursuits, if you are amenable to sharing.
[The opportunity to talk to a gifted magic user from an entirely different world cannot be wasted, in either of their cases!]
[She blinks and glances down at her lap, not expecting this lunch meeting to go beyond the business they've just discussed. Her fingers grip her skirt, once, twice, and then she nods.]
Alright. I have approached this whole situation with the intent to learn about other worlds. It's only natural I let others learn about mine as well.
Very glad am I to hear it! Our approaches to this world are quite similar, in that regard.
[It's an opportunity only a handful of them have been granted, in the greater scheme of things, and he does not intend to waste it, however poorly he might be feeling at present. All the more reason to make the best possible use of the time he has.]
I will gladly offer up tales of my own in turn. As an eternal student of magic, however, I am fascinated by the opportunity to hear how magic operates when considering other sources.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
recluserose) wrote2024-05-28 10:28 am
text | un: netherese | late may
I apologize for the intrusion, but I was wondering if I might trouble you for some insight into your expertise. Given that you are a practitioner of magic from a world other than my own, I am curious about your experience with magical maladies. If you are willing, I would gladly offer you a meal for your time and troubles.
Warmest regards,
Gale of Waterdeep
un: steinbeck
I am willing to give my insight. In return, I would like further information about this world we'll be staying in indefinitely. Loathe as I am to admit it, being out of my usual comfort zone has been making me feel unbalanced and not as amenable to interacting with other riftfarers.
I can't promise anything, but general input.
Sincerely,
Amelia E. Steinbeck
[A minute or two later, another message appears.]
Is there a place that serves a fish dish like this?
no subject
It would be my pleasure to offer whatever information I can, and answer any further questions you may have. After several months, I do believe I'm finally starting to get the knack of things around here, and I will be more than glad to share what I've learned. Even if all you have to offer is general knowledge, I greatly appreciate your effort and willingness.
As for your dining request, I know just the place! It's called The Dragon's Feast, near the port on Eltrut.
[His message is interrupted by a picture of the restuarant's storefront, as well as an address and directions.]
Perhaps we could meet there tomorrow at half-past noon?
Regards,
Gale of Waterdeep
no subject
Half-past noon at The Dragon's Feast then. I'll see you there.
[She sounds just like as she does in-person. Formal, stiff, and not particularly personable. And yet the witch agreed to be of some help.
It's the little things.]
[On the appointed day, Gale will see her in front of The Dragon's Feast, her nose in a book. Amelia's red hair is pulled back and styled into a simple ponytail. Her outfit is simple; a white linen blouse and a forest green linen skirt.
She's so focused on the pages that his presence won't register to her until he speaks up.]
no subject
It almost seems a shame to interrupt her, but he does so without fanfare, his tone bright and conversational.]
I do appreciate your meeting me here, Ms. Steinbeck. I hope the establishment's offerings will be to your liking.
[Gale himself is rather more put-together than he had been during their first meeting, thanks to the lack of sharkfolk to be battled, his halfrobe and trousers impeccable. Though he's not carrying a book of his own out in the open, a few can be seen peeking out from beneath the open flap of his bag— some things, a wizard must never leave home without.]
no subject
Gale. Glad to make it.
[The witch takes note of the books in his bag. A studious wizard, but she should have guessed as much with how well-spoken he is.]
I won't know until I give it a try. I come from a place where good seafood is plentiful, so I may have strict discernment.
no subject
[He smiles as he come to a brief pause, gesturing towards the door before he steps forward to pull it open and hold it for her.]
I come from a port city myself, and so consider myself quite experienced with seafood as well, but I will admit that I had never had it prepared this way until I found myself here.
[He makes a motion to usher her in.]
Ladies first, of course.
no subject
You said in your message you wanted my input on magical maladies, correct? Is this concerning a personal affliction or is applicable to someone else?
no subject
[He's barely had the opportunity to follow her inside before before a hostess comes to guide them to a table, and he holds any further response until they've both been seated across from one another and left with a pair of menus to peruse.]
It is personal, I'm afraid; something I'd thought to be under control for some time, but has recently been— out of sorts.
[To say the least. He reaches for his water glass, his expression somber as he looks to her across the table.]
Have you any experience with degenerative conditions of a magical nature?
no subject
[When seated, she straightens her back and smooths out her skirt, placing her hands primly in her lap.]
In my world, any degenerative condition is a result of curses. I've rarely been cursed myself. Most attempts, end in failure so I've never suffered greatly. Additionally, I lifted a curse for a human several years ago.
[It's why Adam Walsh and his father owe the Emerald Witch big-time.]
A curse is something that is cast with clear and malicious intent. Anything lesser than that is something that can be easily brushed off.
no subject
Curses are much the same where I come from. Deliberate, malicious— they can be dispelled by a wizard or cleric of reasonable skill, though the more complex cases may need special attention. Unfortunately, if it were a curse, this would have been resolved ages ago. It was one of the very first solutions I tried.
[Uncharacteristically grim, he folds his hands together in front of him, squaring his shoulders.]
I suppose I may have to give you some background before too long, but the cause of this condition is a rather unstable— artifact, shall we say.
[In truth, it is more than that, but difficult to explain without giving context first.]
Magic so raw that it has the potential to level an entire city, the size of Eltrut, Nogard and Elah put together. Perhaps more.
no subject
... So this unstable artifact... Is it external or internal? And how long have you been afflicted?
[One could have reacted with terror or the implications of what this meant not just for Gale, but for everyone in this world. It's dangerous, and obviously so. But she looks at the wizard unblinkingly, plainly, though with a slant of curiosity.]
Have you told anyone else? You're putting a lot of faith in someone you barely know.
no subject
Internal, I'm afraid. It's been more than a year, before I arrived here. Counting the months I've been here, nearing two. For a time, it was reasonably stable— I had been granted a charm that assisted me in keeping it contained, which presented me with the opportunity to continue in my ongoing search for a way to neutralize it for good. Needless to say, I've not yet discovered that.
[Which brings him to her other question.]
Karlach is aware— a friend from back home. Anyone else who knew has unfortunately departed. Given the nature of the situation, it's not the sort of thing one brings up in casual conversation, but while we barely know one another, it is plain to me that you are quite skilled in the arcane arts.
[Even if all she can offer is a bit of insight or another perspective, he will find that valuable.]
no subject
[But that's neither here nor there. She leans forward to take a drink from her cup of water.]
Almost two years and it hasn't set off yet... You're very fortunate, Gale.
[Amelia isn't too surprised that this a secret that he's kept to himself. Who knows how anyone else would react to a walking magical human bomb? There were many riftfarers who were more inclined to take intiative on such obvious, if delayed, danger. He had a sharp enough instinct to confide in her.]
I don't like when problems come to me. [It sounds harsh (and it is), but...]
That said, I'm not one to turn away from solving one entirely. Or several if you really want to make my day worse.
no subject
[It wasn't simply the power one put on display, but the way one carried themselves, or the way they spoke of their craft. That Gale could sense she had as much power as she did even while suppressed certainly didn't hurt.]
The way you spoke of being a witch— I felt you must be quite knowledgable.
[A flicker of a smile pulls at his lips, but only for a brief moment, and he winces slightly as he instinctively touches his hand to his chest as a particularly painful pulse moves through him.]
A good deal of it has been luck. There's also been a great deal of concentrated effort to keep it controlled, measures taken that worked quite well until recent events. Something caused the charm sealing it to destabilize. While I never expected that to last forever, it's been some time since its effects have been this... potent.
[He frowns, reaching for his own glass of water.]
It is unfair of me to ask you to get involved, I am well aware. My hope was that speaking to someone with experience in the arcane arts, from somewhere other than Faerun, may provide a fresh perspective and help me to find an angle I've not yet thought of. It is not my intention to heap my troubles upon your doorstep and plead for a solution— and rest assured, I take this matter quite seriously. After nearly two years, I'm rather intimately familiar with the symptoms of destabilization. If no solution is found before time is inevitably out, I fully intend to find the furthest, most deserted corner of this world I can.
[When he goes, he refuses to take anyone else with him.]
no subject
[It's the only remark she'll make in regards to her knowledge. Her tutelage under the Witch King has firmly imprinted the fact that she barely scratched the surface of what there was to know in her own world, much less that beyond her own.
Amelia remains silence as Gale explains himself, taking another sip of water in the meanwhile. While his reason to consult her is sound the final part of what he says makes her nose twitch.]
That's dramatic, but understandable. You have a very extreme problem.
[She exhales through her nose and sets down her cup and runs her fingers through her hair, thinking. There's a slight gleam and flicker as she does so since the magic in the strands not completely dulled out.]
First off, context is everything. Or if the context is another novel in itself, tell me about what's in your body and what your symptoms are.
no subject
Dramatic, perhaps, but a necessary measure should things reach that point. I do not wish to level a city or take innocent lives should it exacerbate so.
[That, he takes quite seriously. Even if no help can be found for him, and gods, he had done everything short of traveling to the far corners of Faerun himself to find a solution (though not for a lack of effort), he will not see others pay for his recklessness.]
I'm afraid to give true understanding of what it is would require quite a long story, indeed, but as you're a practitioner of the arcane yourself, I suppose shortcuts can be taken. The 'Weave' is the source of all magic in Faerun— what is inside me is akin to a piece of it, though corrupted, destructive.
[He exhales.]
At present, the symptoms are fatigue and varying levels of discomfort pain. Difficulty breathing, on occasion. I've lived with it long enough to know how it will progress. Next comes a ringing in the ears and muscle spasms. Disorientation, inability to concentrate. General biological deterioration, loss of mobility. I'm certain you can imagine what eventually follows.
[The same end everyone meets eventually, only considerably more explosive.]
no subject
Well, Amelia's also almost impressed he's kept such crucial information to himself for nearly two years with the conditions he suffers under.
The witch leans forward to rest her arms on the table.]
Have you ever had magic that isn't related to this "Weave" of yours cast upon you? Like something from another riftfarer or the natives? I'd like to know if there were any unique results or if it was nullified.
If so...
[She holds out her hand to him, palm side up.]
Let's try mine.
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[He gives a single, firm nod, following her line of reasoning quite easily.]
Most of it has been native magic, or abilities that were acquired in this world. The only spells from elsewhere were not quite enough like magic as we know it to trigger any kind of response, but a manipulation of existing elemental energy instead.
[Kaveh's abilities were impressive, but not arcane.
He unlaces his fingers and reaches a hand out to lightly let his fingertips come to rest atop her palm to start, his expression solemn but still curious.]
Then again, until quite recently, it had been stabilized. Either way, I am interested to see what reaction your magic might provoke.
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[When his hand reaches hers, her fingers wrap around his own with an oddly gentle, but firm grip. Her thumb moves up to his wrist, testing his pulse.]
Well, we'll put a pin on that. For now...
[With acute focus and a sharp gaze, Amelia's thumb traces a foreign character onto Gale's wrist; it is a rune, but it would only be familiar to the wizard in the sense that it is clearly an arcane language. It sits on the surface of his skin, glowing a soft emerald green and emitting a buzzing noise.]
Feel anything yet?
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For now, he only gives a nod and watches her work intently, his brow furrowed slightly as she lightly traces a rune against the inside of his wrist, unfamiliar to him and yet unmistakable for what it is. He exhales steadily, centering himself, and the emerald glow her rune emits is met with a reaction— the dark veins that wind along the curve of his neck begin to glow a soft violet in response, and he feels a twinge in his chest, though nothing too severe as of yet.]
Yes— it's not violent in nature at the moment, but there's a distinct stirring, as though answering to being called.
[In a way, it had been, had it not?]
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Ah. Well. That's something.
[She's sounding less certain, but switches her focus back to her rune. It begins to travel up Gale's arm and towards his collarbone.]
Foreign or not, magic is magic in this case. This rune is a singular character for nullification. Very low-grade so hopefully we won't get any terribly adverse reactions.
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He purses his lips slightly as he nods, focusing on remaining still and not allowing the current he feels moving through him to steer.]
So far, so good, I would say. This force... it usually feeds on other magic, but doesn't even seem to be making the attempt now.
[Perhaps because it had feasted so well recently.]
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I think you could have mentioned that first before I casted any
[The witch traces another rune above Gale's wrist, muttering more to herself now.]
Let's add a character for sleep... Strengthen the structure...
[A different letter of magic sails up the wizard's arm, following the first and attaching itself to it. The combined runes settle over the circular mark and making an attempt to sink into his skin. The buzzing sensation becomes more prominent which could be a cause for concern.]
Anything yet?
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[His apology and explanation are almost painfully sincere, and worry is writ across his face. He may be reckless when it comes to his own well-being at times, but the safety of others is not something he takes lightly, especially when that someone is an acquaintance who is granting him aid.
He exhales steadily, centering himself as she goes on to draw new characters atop his wrist, the magic sinking in and building upon the rune that had come before. It is a strange sensation, both like and unlike the Weave as he knows it, but undeniably magic.]
It feels...
[It takes him a moment to find the words, brow furrowed.]
Calmer, somehow.
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Calm is good. It's better than good in this case.
[Magic in Amelia's world is a nebulous force and each witch has an individual capacity for it which grow over time. And with that individuality, each witch's uniqueness is channeled through the magic inherent in their bodies. Amelia's, even when repressed has a potent sensation that pushes against the artifact within Gale's body. Those runes feel like pure determination to carry out its purpose.]
So it isn't going to put it to sleep completely. Maybe in the next twelve hours or even into the next day the symptoms you experience may lessen. That's just the ideal scenario I'm theorizing, however.
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[Even these last few months, he's never quite achieved it, not fully. It's a welcome respite in any circumstance. Not enough for him to forget the orb's presence even for a moment, but if truth be told, it's been long enough now that he's near forgotten what normal felt like.]
Ideal or otherwise, there are not words enough to express my appreciation for your efforts.
[He had only hoped for a bit of insight, but this was certainly several steps further.]
Should they prove effective, it buys me more time to find a more permanent solution.
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[When she's absolutely certain her magic is causing no other adverse reactions in the immediate moment, Amelia withdraws her hand to inhale and then exhale through her nose.]
I'll be making it a priority to acquire more tattoos to unlock more of my latent magic abilities. If I have more to tap into, I have more to assist you with.
[Her arms are crossed again and she hums under her breath, thinking.]
Thinking ahead, there's a chance that artifact will need to consume more energy. When the time comes, I also have a possible solution to keep that at bay.
[Her hand moves to pinch a lock of her long red hair and hold it up to him. The lighting of the restaurant isn't particularly bright, but there's a shimmer that dances across the strands.]
You have good instincts, Gale. I have plenty of my own magic to spare.
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Better instincts than even I realized, it would seem.
[To say the very least. Given that even with the aid of tattoos, none of them here were quite at their full power, he's suddenly quite curious to know just how deep that magic of hers runs.]
You certainly do. I don't believe I've ever seen the like, to see magic all but coursing through someone even if they're not actively making use of it.
[With the exception of Mystra herself— but she was hardly the standard.]
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[She pushes the lock of hair behind her ear.]
So if things go awry for you, a single strand might suffice. There's no telling if it will last long, but if it's just magical energy, then it may prove more than enough.
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I came to you seeking insight, and you have shown me far greater generosity than I could have expected. To say that I'm humbled seems a bit of an understatement.
[His problem is far from solved, but he can feel his anxiety begin to ease. He had been alone in this for so long— aside from Tara, of course— that he had been determined to finish it the same way, even when he had friends at his side. Here, without them, he had become used to the old way of things once more, but perhaps he wouldn't be entirely on his own.]
I don't know that lunch is anywhere near enough to repay you, Miss Steinbeck.
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[Before she can reply, a gurgling sound emits from her stomach. Amelia sits stiffly and gives a deadpan stare at Gale as if daring him to make a remark.]
... Well, we aren't going to solve any problems if lunch doesn't arrive soon.
[very wise and powerful]
steering them towards pleasant off-screen lunch chatter
He chuckles softly, a touch of weariness making itself known beneath its genuine warmth.]
You're quite right. Shall we? I promise to be excellent dining company— it needn't all be doom and gloom, and I would hear more about your pursuits, if you are amenable to sharing.
[The opportunity to talk to a gifted magic user from an entirely different world cannot be wasted, in either of their cases!]
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Alright. I have approached this whole situation with the intent to learn about other worlds. It's only natural I let others learn about mine as well.
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[It's an opportunity only a handful of them have been granted, in the greater scheme of things, and he does not intend to waste it, however poorly he might be feeling at present. All the more reason to make the best possible use of the time he has.]
I will gladly offer up tales of my own in turn. As an eternal student of magic, however, I am fascinated by the opportunity to hear how magic operates when considering other sources.