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corporeity) wrote2024-11-12 12:45 pm
corporeity) wrote2024-11-12 12:45 pm
Entry tags:
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WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK
USERNAME
@WATERDEEP
text ๐ฎ audio ๐ฎ video
WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK
USERNAME
@WATERDEEP
text ๐ฎ audio ๐ฎ video
[ A couple of days after Gale first arrives, a little parcel finds its way to his door. Neatly wrapped in paper is an enchanted compass. Upon the paper has been written, in Astarion's careful hand: ]
No unhinging of the jaw necessary. And before you ask, this was given freely.[ In fact, he bartered for it (or so he'd describe the process), but he's not about to put that down where anyone else can see it. The only evidence of what had transpired is one other word written on the paper, in clearly different handwriting: ]
CATERING
[ somehow, he expected this. ]
Hello Orin.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
Hello Orin.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
[ are you having a peaceful evening? are you enjoying the sights and sounds of saltburnt? well, congratulations on finding a new companion tonight: this dog, with glowing hell eyes and fire collar and a stinky sulfuric perfume wafting along with her. if you step away from her, she will follow. if you move towards her, she will step back. just a little dance-y dance for about a few minutes before she decides she's had enough and leaves.
she knows you now. time to report back to her human. ]
she knows you now. time to report back to her human. ]
[ after encountering raphael, gale knows the scent of the hells. naturally, it does not make him any warier, simply intrigued. he crouches despite his kneesโ protests, beckoning the spectral creature with an outstretched hand.
gods, he misses tara. ]
gods, he misses tara. ]
[ clocking the username first, how very like a sorcerer.
ah โ his friend from another life. with astarion? he imagines that went badly, guarded as the elf is. perhaps gale ought to have tried to lay the groundwork there. too late, now. ]
I was. Nothing I couldnโt handle, of course.
[ *with help from the clinic and astarion. ]
ah โ his friend from another life. with astarion? he imagines that went badly, guarded as the elf is. perhaps gale ought to have tried to lay the groundwork there. too late, now. ]
I was. Nothing I couldnโt handle, of course.
[ *with help from the clinic and astarion. ]
[ A couple of days after Astarion's conversation with Tilanus (in which he, in the privacy of their rooms, has seemed more agitated than usual), the vampire comes through the adjoining bathroom, a pinch in his brow.
He debates a text, debates a letter, debates a call. None quite seem sufficient.
Without any preamble (and without any regard for whatever Gale was previously doing): ] Tilanus. You've spoken with him.
He debates a text, debates a letter, debates a call. None quite seem sufficient.
Without any preamble (and without any regard for whatever Gale was previously doing): ] Tilanus. You've spoken with him.
[ Galeโs door to their adjoining bathroom remains open most of the day, and so Astarion has implicit permission, of a kind, to join him. Even now, with his head ducked and pen scratching, bent over his vanity-turned-desk. ]
โ Ah. [ That explains his mood, of late. It appears he was right to assume Tilanusโ recollections went over even more poorly with his friend than himself (and Gale remains uncomfortable, with their unbalanced memories). He straightens in his chair, leaning back to better regard Astarion from his low angle. ] Yes, we met at the faire, and he reached out when he learned of Orinโs actions.
[ From Astarion, he assumes, since no other knows of it. That doesnโt particularly bother him, when Tilanus seems fixated on her and therefore likely to enquire after herโฆ activities. ]
I do not recall him any more than you did Elodie, Iโm afraid.
โ Ah. [ That explains his mood, of late. It appears he was right to assume Tilanusโ recollections went over even more poorly with his friend than himself (and Gale remains uncomfortable, with their unbalanced memories). He straightens in his chair, leaning back to better regard Astarion from his low angle. ] Yes, we met at the faire, and he reached out when he learned of Orinโs actions.
[ From Astarion, he assumes, since no other knows of it. That doesnโt particularly bother him, when Tilanus seems fixated on her and therefore likely to enquire after herโฆ activities. ]
I do not recall him any more than you did Elodie, Iโm afraid.
Dear Gale,
Per our discussion on the network, I have something to report as to the nature of death in this place.
The fact of the matter is that it is not, in fact, death. It is something very close to it, practically indistinguishable by those who experienced it, but not death. It's entirely unfamiliar to me, I'm afraid. I wish I knew more, but this seemed significant enough to pass along.
Yours,
Emmrich
Per our discussion on the network, I have something to report as to the nature of death in this place.
The fact of the matter is that it is not, in fact, death. It is something very close to it, practically indistinguishable by those who experienced it, but not death. It's entirely unfamiliar to me, I'm afraid. I wish I knew more, but this seemed significant enough to pass along.
Yours,
Emmrich
Emmerich,
My, that is significant. Difficult to say whether it should alarm or comfort our fellow residents, to be held on the precipice of the end, within death's cool grasp...
[ Predictably, Gale considers his own demise, which may or may not come quickly. Not at Moonrise, but perhaps at the Gate. Or after, for if he refuses his goddess, will her blessing continue to protect him from annihilation? An unlikely scenario. ]
You've my thanks for sharing your findings. We may not yet know what to make of them, but they could prove vital.
My, that is significant. Difficult to say whether it should alarm or comfort our fellow residents, to be held on the precipice of the end, within death's cool grasp...
[ Predictably, Gale considers his own demise, which may or may not come quickly. Not at Moonrise, but perhaps at the Gate. Or after, for if he refuses his goddess, will her blessing continue to protect him from annihilation? An unlikely scenario. ]
You've my thanks for sharing your findings. We may not yet know what to make of them, but they could prove vital.
[ an audible, if unintelligent, exclamation from his room. ]
Astarion!
I would ask how you captured my visage in miniature, but surely my beard isnโt as grey as all that just yet.
Astarion!
I would ask how you captured my visage in miniature, but surely my beard isnโt as grey as all that just yet.
[ Upon Christmas Eve, a set of three gifts of varying sizes โ all wrapped neatly in brown paper and twine โ finds its way to Gale's door.
โ One reveals itself to be a copy of Vestalus Pentaghast's Duties of the Prelate of the Grand Necropolis.There's also a note, written in careful, almost cartoonishly neat script: ]
โ Another is The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York.
โ And the last, smaller than the others, contains a pencil and cap.
Dear Gale,
In the spirit of the season โ somewhat similar to what I am familiar with as Wintersend, though I expect the term will mean little to all else here โ I thought I might share one volume relevant to my particular school of magic (and my [arguably former] line of work), as well as one I found on some more distant part of this world's history that I found quite compelling. Perhaps books make for a rather dry gift, but I thought, based on our correspondence thus far, that you wouldn't find such a thing objectionable.
May the new year bring us the answers we seek. Your friend,
โ Emmrich Volkarin
Edited (links ...) 2024-12-09 23:36 (UTC)
[ Astarion debates, not for an insignificant amount of time, whether or not he really wants to participate in gift-giving at all. But it's hardly as though there's much else to occupy his time, and the things he thinks of aren't all the sort that can be picked up and immediately stowed away.
Come Christmas Eve, once the festivities wind down โ once Astarion can hear Gale's steady breath on the other side of the door in their shared suite โ he steps quietly into their adjoining bathroom and places a single note card by the mirror above the sink. On it, written in Astarion's hand: ]
Come Christmas Eve, once the festivities wind down โ once Astarion can hear Gale's steady breath on the other side of the door in their shared suite โ he steps quietly into their adjoining bathroom and places a single note card by the mirror above the sink. On it, written in Astarion's hand: ]
Find me first[ Waiting for Gale in the solarium, upon the table where they'd had their lesson, wrapped in silver paper, is a capsule from the gachapon room, as well as a small pouch containing several of the coins required to use the machines therein. There's another notecard, too, this one reading: ]
In the place the sun shines
Where your lesson revealed
That reflection of mine.
Next, seek the room[ This next clue should lead Gale to the little library he's virtually taken up residence in, and upon the chair he most often sits in is a silver paper bag, and within it, wrapped in white tissue paper, is a felted figure of Tara โ or at least, of a Tressym with black-brown fur, as best an approximation as Astarion could manage given the occasional description alone. And with it, again, another notecard, another clue: ]
With the hearth you've enchanted
And seek out the seat
Upon which you're most often planted.
Third, you must look[ In the dining hall, where they usually sit for mealtimes, is a silver box containing a silver perfume bottle. Around its neck is tied a purple velvet ribbon, upon which has been embroidered, in gold thread: my hand in yours. The fragrance inside smells, even to the untrained nose, of lavender. With it, one more note: ]
In the room where we dine
Where often you find
Your chair next to mine.
And now we come[ If Gale returns to their suite, he'll find, placed upon the mat by the bathtub, a silver jewelry box containing a diamond and opal earring (the gift he considers the biggest swing, considering what the earring Gale already wears symbolizes), as well as a letter, written upon parchment rather than card stock. It's short, though its relative terseness is arguably belied by everything that's led up to it. ]
To the end of the path;
Go look in the place
Where you'd draw a hot bath.
Gale,
The riddles weren't my finest work, but I expect you enjoyed the experience of puzzling them out better than the gifts they led to. So consider the chase to be my gift to you if none of the trinkets please you.
Either way, don't get too used to it.YoursFondlyYour friend,
โ Astarion
[ The earring ought to be what absorbs the whole of Galeโs mind, for all it suggests โ and all it entails. Instead, your hand in mine repeats like a favoured chorus, echoed every time he flicks opens the final box and considers the enormity of Astarionโs gift to him.
Christmas Day proves somewhat chaotic in the house, with presents to be exchanged, breakfast to be shared, and speeches to be made. Gale leaves a note upon Astarionโs bed in the interim, spelled to catch the light, so it doesnโt go unmissed. ]
[ At Christmas dinner, paper crown upon his head and laughter in his mouth, Gale follows the instructive sentiment provided by the perfume he now wears. Emboldened to reach out under the table, toward the near-constant presence beside him. He brushes the back of Astarionโs hand and waits for permission before threading their fingers together.
Mystral earring or no, his immediate appreciation (and the brightness of his affection) is clear. ]
Christmas Day proves somewhat chaotic in the house, with presents to be exchanged, breakfast to be shared, and speeches to be made. Gale leaves a note upon Astarionโs bed in the interim, spelled to catch the light, so it doesnโt go unmissed. ]
Astarion,
Thank you for my gifts โ and for the puzzle you provided to settle my unquiet mind.
You said I ought not get used to this, I know. Still, might I ask a little more of you?
A spot of patience. Thatโs all.
My earring is not only a token from Mystra, as you surely suspected, but also my arcane focus, which I use to cast spells without the aid of a staff. Give me a week to attune your gift to my talents, and you shall see it worn proudly.Your friendYours
Impatiently,
Gale
[ At Christmas dinner, paper crown upon his head and laughter in his mouth, Gale follows the instructive sentiment provided by the perfume he now wears. Emboldened to reach out under the table, toward the near-constant presence beside him. He brushes the back of Astarionโs hand and waits for permission before threading their fingers together.
Mystral earring or no, his immediate appreciation (and the brightness of his affection) is clear. ]
Edited 2024-12-20 11:45 (UTC)
Hello, Nick.
Iโve a minute. Perhaps even two.
[ teasing! ]
Certainly. In Faerรปn, all can experience the Weave and learn to call upon it โ and youโre a clever sort, besides. I see no reason why you couldnโt learn.
Iโve a minute. Perhaps even two.
[ teasing! ]
Certainly. In Faerรปn, all can experience the Weave and learn to call upon it โ and youโre a clever sort, besides. I see no reason why you couldnโt learn.
Am I the only one with a bad feeling about this?
Literally transformations are like the worst thing about this place
[ Wait, he didn't add any context to this, maybe that would help. ]
All these "treatments," I mean. Especially given the source ... I distrust anyone Portia trusts by default.
Literally transformations are like the worst thing about this place
[ Wait, he didn't add any context to this, maybe that would help. ]
All these "treatments," I mean. Especially given the source ... I distrust anyone Portia trusts by default.
[ at the message, relief floods him. he's been wondering who to ask about all this. ]
Thank the gods.
I'm rather famous for my incaution, and yet I must wholly agree.
Not least because the transformation appears to go beyond the physical.
[ astarion isn't himself, he types and deletes, not wanting anyone else to interact with a vampire ascendant before he has a better handle on the situation. ]
Thank the gods.
I'm rather famous for my incaution, and yet I must wholly agree.
Not least because the transformation appears to go beyond the physical.
[ astarion isn't himself, he types and deletes, not wanting anyone else to interact with a vampire ascendant before he has a better handle on the situation. ]
Edited 2025-01-05 21:13 (UTC)
[ Left in Gale's room before he wakes up, potentially delivered by a mouse: ]
Gale,
I'm sorry that we haven't found the time to catch up. If you have the time, perhaps you would like to join me for breakfast and a walk through the gardens? I believe the kitchen staff are able to do "take out".
Halsin
Gale,
I'm sorry that we haven't found the time to catch up. If you have the time, perhaps you would like to join me for breakfast and a walk through the gardens? I believe the kitchen staff are able to do "take out".
Halsin
[ After saving the mouse from Shadowheart, Gale pens a response โ and tasks her with delivering it, in apology. ]
Halsin,
A sorry predicament that is entirely my fault. I know not where the time has gone, only that many are not themselves, of late.
Iโd like that very much. First light on the morrow? Flora in the kitchens is particularly amenable to allowing charming rascals like us a treat or two for the road.
I must warn you against sending rodents to our suite, however. Astarion and Shadowheart (the vampire chicken, I shall explain) find them much less charming than you do. Shadowheart, in particular, favours them when peckish, ha!
Halsin,
A sorry predicament that is entirely my fault. I know not where the time has gone, only that many are not themselves, of late.
Iโd like that very much. First light on the morrow? Flora in the kitchens is particularly amenable to allowing charming rascals like us a treat or two for the road.
I must warn you against sending rodents to our suite, however. Astarion and Shadowheart (the vampire chicken, I shall explain) find them much less charming than you do. Shadowheart, in particular, favours them when peckish, ha!
[ At some point in the days just after New Year's, Gale will receive a small but lovely arrangement of clematis, verbena, lavender, and other purple flowers, with a hand-penned, lightly perfumed note: ]
For your gentlemanly assistance and warm company the other night.
Yours,
Dorian
For your gentlemanly assistance and warm company the other night.
Yours,
Dorian
[ Now that Dorian's done sweating out his ReSculpt fevers, he's circling back, as they say, on something that's been nagging at him. ]
I hope you've been well, in the midst of all this ReSculpt tumult.
I've been wanting to ask you a personal question, which you're more than welcome to refuse.
I hope you've been well, in the midst of all this ReSculpt tumult.
I've been wanting to ask you a personal question, which you're more than welcome to refuse.
[ Someone definitely thought they got away from this topic. ]
I'm fortunate not to have been affected, though I can't say the same for those I care for. What a vile temptation.
[ as for the rest, well โ ]
Ask as you like, Dorian. I endeavour to be an open book, waiting only for someone to turn my pages.
I'm fortunate not to have been affected, though I can't say the same for those I care for. What a vile temptation.
[ as for the rest, well โ ]
Ask as you like, Dorian. I endeavour to be an open book, waiting only for someone to turn my pages.
[ Sour feelings begin to fester in him as soon as the ReSculpt starts its long journey out of his system, like a fist closed over his heart, squeezing every time Gale comes to check on him.
For all that it had been an enchantment's work, he remembers every second of it, every thought that had crossed his head, every look on Gale's face, every word that had left his mouth. It all makes him feelโ guilty. Sick, sicker than he already feels.
It's in one of the rare moments that Gale is gone that a message lights up his phone. (Astarion hasn't said much since rehab began, has had trouble even making eye contact.) ]
I've something I'd like to say, when you've a moment.
Don't let me pretend otherwise, if I try to say I've forgotten.
For all that it had been an enchantment's work, he remembers every second of it, every thought that had crossed his head, every look on Gale's face, every word that had left his mouth. It all makes him feelโ guilty. Sick, sicker than he already feels.
It's in one of the rare moments that Gale is gone that a message lights up his phone. (Astarion hasn't said much since rehab began, has had trouble even making eye contact.) ]
I've something I'd like to say, when you've a moment.
Don't let me pretend otherwise, if I try to say I've forgotten.
[ Perhaps predictably, after days of tiptoeing around the truth, Gale manages to twist himself into a tangle of nerves upon receiving this message. Itโs clear to him now, regardless of the magic at work, that he mishandled this affair. Either he was overly accommodating or not accommodating enough, too forthright or too evasive. Worst of all, he proved himself incapable of protecting anyone from the very thing he thought his domain, even in his diminished state.
Whatever is the point of him? ]
Anything I should worry over?
[ How to unsend a messageโ ]
Ignore that.
Would you like me to come by?
[ He should have asked that before visiting him at all, shouldnโt he, instead of assuming his presence was wanted. ]
Whatever is the point of him? ]
Anything I should worry over?
[ How to unsend a messageโ ]
Ignore that.
Would you like me to come by?
[ He should have asked that before visiting him at all, shouldnโt he, instead of assuming his presence was wanted. ]
[ !!!
typing dots, in which he backspaces his instinctive โof courseโ to exercise the slightest bit of caution. ]
At the risk of indelicacy, I must ask what you intend to eat for our shared meal.
[ having been snacked on once, it seems prudent to inquire. ]
And check that youโve found your land legs once more? I should be glad to join you somewhere dry.
typing dots, in which he backspaces his instinctive โof courseโ to exercise the slightest bit of caution. ]
At the risk of indelicacy, I must ask what you intend to eat for our shared meal.
[ having been snacked on once, it seems prudent to inquire. ]
And check that youโve found your land legs once more? I should be glad to join you somewhere dry.
Iโve cast about for her myself. [ in every sense of the word. ]
Glinda has gone as well.
[ And Matt before her, losses Astarion will feel more keenly, for how long he was by his lonesome. ]
Would you come with me to the pool that Lady Alia shared with us? We could honour all the friends weโve missed, of late.
[ not lost, when he hopes theyโve been returned home. ]
Glinda has gone as well.
[ And Matt before her, losses Astarion will feel more keenly, for how long he was by his lonesome. ]
Would you come with me to the pool that Lady Alia shared with us? We could honour all the friends weโve missed, of late.
[ not lost, when he hopes theyโve been returned home. ]
Iโll treat your queries with the utmost seriousness, my friend, for your sake and mine.
[ Inside an envelope upon which is written, in neat script, from Astarion: ]
[ ooc: there won't be a main log for the movie-watching (at least this time around) but folks are obviously free to icly respond, send their allotted invites, and/or play out their experiences if they so wish! welcome to the rebooted astarion's movie club! ๐ฅณ ]
[ ooc: there won't be a main log for the movie-watching (at least this time around) but folks are obviously free to icly respond, send their allotted invites, and/or play out their experiences if they so wish! welcome to the rebooted astarion's movie club! ๐ฅณ ]
Have you any thoughts on who should be my plus one?
[ ๐ ]
[ ๐ ]
( in the late evening, he places a call.
he has since defied his brother's wishes and cured him. the pulsing, venomous veins have disappeared, but the bite remains in it's place. a bite that festers. a bite not taken care of for weeks because it couldn't be. )
he has since defied his brother's wishes and cured him. the pulsing, venomous veins have disappeared, but the bite remains in it's place. a bite that festers. a bite not taken care of for weeks because it couldn't be. )
[ he sees the username, and itโs hard not to wonder if the worst has come to pass. grief and failure both, bitter on the tongue. ]
Hello.
[ gentle, to start (or, perhaps, always). ]
Stefan? How can I help?
Hello.
[ gentle, to start (or, perhaps, always). ]
Stefan? How can I help?
[ well, this is hopefully a good sign. ]
One cannot subsist on books alone, though rest assured Iโve tried.
One cannot subsist on books alone, though rest assured Iโve tried.
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