By the weave they won, and Gale had been cautiously optimistic of course but the odds --
The odds had not been in their favour, especially missing someone. Gale had stood there, gazing up at the stem, and known he could end it all. That if he ascended alone, allowed his companions to retreat, he could finish this.
He could save everyone,
Yet they won, and as they stand on the dock watching the brain sink into the Chionthar, Gale cannot help but feel his mind wander.
The Crown of Karsus. It's out there, somewhere. The potential answer to so many problems.
First, however, perhaps at least a little sit down -- if not a drink. A drink truly would be a blessing, he's so tired.
Yet as they walk through Baldur's Gate, Gale feels the unease begin to build. The wave of destruction the netherbrain left in its wake is not without casualties, and some buildings have been tipped fully over.
He locked Tav in. He locked him in, and as they round the corner Gale feels the last of his strength begin to ebb.
The Elfsong, half collapsed.
Maybe if he'd detonated the orb, it wouldn't have happened. Maybe the blast would have destroyed the brain entirely, blown it into so many pieces the tavern would have survived.
Maybe Gale is a selfish fool, and in trying to have everything his own way he's left himself with nothing.
Karlach's voice snaps him out of it, her strong arms hauling fallen masonry and beams.
Soldier! On your feet, I can hear voices.
Voices.
Shadowheart is already helping dig, Astarion carefully picking over the structure to listen for where people might be buried, and Gale scrambles forward to start digging. He's not the strongest among them, but adrenaline is a powerful thing and scrabbles through rubble until his fingers begin to bleed.
Here, Karlach says, and Gale is at his side in a moment. The hatch -- of course, of course, and he's fumbling to help unearth it. To move as much rubble as he can until she can pull it open. ]
[Tav hears the voices draw closer still and then in a rush of fresh air and dust, a tiefling tears the hatch off its hinges, throwing it to the side. A bewildered but grateful Tav stares up into the first rays of dawn and into the faces of the those who saved him from the pit. He’s so covered in dust, his freckles aren’t visible, but he’s alive and his mismatched eyes seek out Gale first.]
[ Wounded isn't his department, and Gale is more than happy to defer on this. He moves to reach for someone, but Karlach is doing so too and... on balance, she's stronger. He sits back watching people being helped up the ladder and out one by one.
His heart is still pounding, the beat of it so heavy it's starting to make Gale feel a little lightheaded in all honesty.
He may need to just. Sit. For a moment. This is far too many shocks in one day for a man much more at home in a library.
Tav emerges, drawn up by Karlach's strong grip, and Gale's gaze follows him. ]
You're okay.
[ He moves to reach for him, as if to just... be sure. To brace him, brace them both a moment. ]
[Karlach pulls Tav out my his shoulders and deposits him on the remains of the Elfsong and as soon as Gale begins to reach for him, Tav responds in kind. He curls his arms around Gale, albeit a touch more cautious.]
I'm alright. [He murmurs into Gale's shoulder.] I remembered the hatch in time.
[There's something oddly familiar and comforting to holding Gale like this.] You came back.
[ His arms loop around Tav, squeeze him tight into his body. ]
I promise to return to you, and the gods themselves could not keep me from your side.
[ Well, they probably could, but he would fight them with everything he could. A tempest of magic, ready to die in the process if he must rather than be kept from the other man's side. ]
[Tav can't help but feel surprisingly safe here in Gale's embrace. Brief memories flit through his broken mind, of learning something with Gale, talking about books, but an embrace like this top all of them. He knows he's dirty, covered in dust, but so is Gale, and it seems to suitable that they meld together like this.]
As long as you come back, I do not think I could ask for anything more.
[Except perhaps fewer nosebleeds, because he can feel another one coming on. He must be exerting himself too hard again. However, he can't bring himself to pull away quite yet.]
[Tav starts to reach up as more blood oozes out over Gale’s thumb.] Seems to happen when I remember things.
[And with the breadth of things Tav needs to remember, he’s not sure the nosebleeds will stop any time soon. For now, they seem a relatively mild annoyance in comparison to the torture he endured.]
[ Bleeding at every memory, and so much to remember too. Gale frowns in thought, glancing around at the others as they pull the rest of the survivors to safety. ]
Well I don't know about you, but I think a drink would be a good start. Something to eat, and perhaps a more comfortable environment than this.
[ It's a low bar, but he thinks they can achieve it. Gale pushes to his feet, reaching to steady Tav as they both wobble up. ]
Eating, perhaps. [If only because Tav has no idea how alcohol may affect his addled mind. The last thing he needs is to lose what few memories he’s already acquired.
As he stands, he reaches out for Gale to steady him, as he wobbles. He’s so low on strength, a bed and some food sounds perfect, especially if it’s with Gale.]
[ Given the unfortunate state of the Elfsong, and the wide range of damage as a whole being still repaired in Baldur's Gate, the alternative tavern options are limited.
Still, after pooling their money and limping their way through the city they find something blessedly intact and serving food. Gale enjoys cooking, but he's so tired. He's glad to not have to think about it. Every time he goes to do something his hands feel closer to developing a quake.
Still, a drink and some food does go some way to taking the edge off that. Tav, he thinks, isn't getting worse which is equally reassuring. His nosebleeds are... concerning, yes, but so long as he continues to remember and nothing... unpleasant happens then surely it's all good?
He hopes.
He's unpacking his bag into a room, half watching Tav out of the corner of his eyes as he does. ]
You can have your own room, if you prefer.
[ Since he... doesn't remember their relationship. Sharing might be awkward? ]
[After what feels like his millionth nosebleed, he joins Gale at his table to get something solid to eat. It tastes wonderful—- a full belly—- that he doesn’t realize that he’s started changing right in front if Gale.
The new scars are horrific. While Astarion’s had purpose and meaning, Tav’s are ramshackle and with partern. And his chest is not much better.]
I can sleep on the floor. [Sucking in a breath.] I don’t want to sleep alone.
I feel safe with you, Gale. [Tav pulls off the rest of his shirt to reveal the rest of his new scars. It looks as if someone tried to cut him limb from limb with a too-dull instrument.] I don’t want to sleep alone.
[He remembers a rejection like this, something about too much excitement and then blood begins to dribble down his nose and over his chin before Tav can catch it with his shirt.
His brows furrow and his breath catches.
Another rejection. Something about the heat of battle and more blood oozes from his nose.
Maybe… maybe it’s Tav who has all of this wrong. Maybe it was Tav who forced himself, is still forcing himself on Gale. More blood dribbles from his nose as his mind re-interprets the playful shoves as desperate needs to be away from Tav.] I see.
[He dabs at his nose one more time before pulling his shirt on, followed by his pack.] I apologize for forcing you.
[More blood, more heartbreak and the desire to leave.
Hang on. Whatever your twisted mind is telling you, you've never forced me. I can promise you that.
[ Where had he even gotten the idea? Some dark thought, some fractured memory? Gale moves closer, to intercept should he try to leave. ]
If you want to be here, you are welcome here -- that I can assure you. I'd enjoy it, even, I only... don't want to intrude too much. But you can sleep with me, of course you can. This room is plenty big enough for two.
Gale reaches out, gently guides Tav to sit on the edge of the bed and fumbles for a cloth to try to stem the flow of blood. ]
Now, I'm no medical expert here but considering your memory is patchy at best I'm going to guess you're getting in a muddle. So I'll have to ask you to trust me here, and to trust that I've wanted you for some time. I may not have communicated it well, because circumstances did cause other things to take priority, but hear me now. I love you. Even the raw magic of the weave seems mundane to how you make me feel.
I think I love you as well. I feel... safe with you. In a way I don't the others. [Tav allows himself to be guided along to sit on the bed. Oh the headache he has. He feels as if someone's been sticking knives in his brain over and over again. Helping to hold the cloth in place, he can't seem to stop the flow of blood as more memories flit in and out of his mind.
Sitting under a starry sky, a time for lovers, and trying to convince Gale to not detonate himself. That there was more to lose than himself. Or perhaps when Gale promised to embody the first thousand nights of a king and queen's marriage when all Tav wanted was Gale under the stars.
And after finding the Crown of Karsus--- oh there's no stopping Tav as he wobbles, as the blood coming from his chin is now running down the back of the throat when it can't escape fast enough and with a wretched cough, is now spewing blood into cloth as well.]
Help me. [It doesn't need to be said but blood is dripping down his chin, into his shirt and at this pace of memories, the blood loss will kill him.]
Far beyond Gale's own expertise, and very alarming. He fumbles the cloth, easing Tav to lay on his side as the blood seeps out of him. ]
Shadowheart? Halsin?
[ Anyone, anyone. Gale struggles onto the bed beside Tav, tries to elevate his head a little to rest in his lap and tilts him so he doesn't choke on his own blood. The druid bursts through the door a moment later, Shadowheart a step behind him, and Gale looks up at them with wide eyes. ]
He just started bleeding, we were just talking.
[ He's no healer, but surely they can do something? Surely? ]
[Shadowheart is there to knit membranes and slow the bleeding; Tav spits the remaining blood onto the floor as Halsin casts another spell, leaves rising and falling around his head.]
I detect a curse of some kind. [Halsin says, his expression furrowed.] Tied to his memory. It seems when he remembers the damage inflicted upon him returns.
[Tav frowns, looking up at Gale. Cursed? Will he never be able to remember everything without risking bleeding out?]
[ A curse? Gale looks between the two of them, brow furrowed as he eases fingers through the remnants of Tav's hair. ]
As if he hasn't suffered enough. Curses are unpleasant things, especially if they've been placed by who I suspect.
[ Bhaal, or Orin, or some combination. He drops his gaze to Tav, fingers gently stroking down his face. ]
His memories are returning faster now, a chain reaction -- each one inspiring a new memory in turn. We need to break this curse sooner rather than later.
[ Or else they'll be constantly putting him back together every day. ]
[Tav shifts to glance at Halsin, Shadowheart, then back to Gale. If’s true the memories keep coming back faster, but they’re clearly coming with a cost.]
I will seek out a remedy urgently. [Halsin replies, reaching into his alchemy pouch to produce a couple herbs.] And a temporary anti-bleeding rememdy even sooner.
[Tav shifts, appreciating the touch to his shorn hair.] Like a potion that can be taken during the rush of memories to slow bleeding.
[ A potion is better than nothing. Gale has some skill with herbs -- of course he does, he's a wizard, he's ready plenty of books and crafted plenty of his own potions.
It isn't, however, his speciality. He is more than happy to defer to a real healer in this, especially when the stakes are so high. ]
Very well. If you need anything, just say the word. I may have some books around the right topics.
[ He doesn't know if they'd shed any light, cover anything Halsin doesn't know, but at this point he'll try anything. His attention turns back to Tav, pensive. ]
Do you think you can rest?
[ Sleep is an important part of the healing process, and also may slow him causing another chain of memory restoration. ]
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no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 12:29 pm (UTC)By the weave they won, and Gale had been cautiously optimistic of course but the odds --
The odds had not been in their favour, especially missing someone. Gale had stood there, gazing up at the stem, and known he could end it all. That if he ascended alone, allowed his companions to retreat, he could finish this.
He could save everyone,
Yet they won, and as they stand on the dock watching the brain sink into the Chionthar, Gale cannot help but feel his mind wander.
The Crown of Karsus. It's out there, somewhere. The potential answer to so many problems.
First, however, perhaps at least a little sit down -- if not a drink. A drink truly would be a blessing, he's so tired.
Yet as they walk through Baldur's Gate, Gale feels the unease begin to build. The wave of destruction the netherbrain left in its wake is not without casualties, and some buildings have been tipped fully over.
He locked Tav in. He locked him in, and as they round the corner Gale feels the last of his strength begin to ebb.
The Elfsong, half collapsed.
Maybe if he'd detonated the orb, it wouldn't have happened. Maybe the blast would have destroyed the brain entirely, blown it into so many pieces the tavern would have survived.
Maybe Gale is a selfish fool, and in trying to have everything his own way he's left himself with nothing.
Karlach's voice snaps him out of it, her strong arms hauling fallen masonry and beams.
Soldier! On your feet, I can hear voices.
Voices.
Shadowheart is already helping dig, Astarion carefully picking over the structure to listen for where people might be buried, and Gale scrambles forward to start digging. He's not the strongest among them, but adrenaline is a powerful thing and scrabbles through rubble until his fingers begin to bleed.
Here, Karlach says, and Gale is at his side in a moment. The hatch -- of course, of course, and he's fumbling to help unearth it. To move as much rubble as he can until she can pull it open. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 12:54 pm (UTC)We have some wounded, but all patrons are alive.
[Including himself.]
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Date: 2023-10-16 02:16 pm (UTC)[ Wounded isn't his department, and Gale is more than happy to defer on this. He moves to reach for someone, but Karlach is doing so too and... on balance, she's stronger. He sits back watching people being helped up the ladder and out one by one.
His heart is still pounding, the beat of it so heavy it's starting to make Gale feel a little lightheaded in all honesty.
He may need to just. Sit. For a moment. This is far too many shocks in one day for a man much more at home in a library.
Tav emerges, drawn up by Karlach's strong grip, and Gale's gaze follows him. ]
You're okay.
[ He moves to reach for him, as if to just... be sure. To brace him, brace them both a moment. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-16 02:24 pm (UTC)I'm alright. [He murmurs into Gale's shoulder.] I remembered the hatch in time.
[There's something oddly familiar and comforting to holding Gale like this.] You came back.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-16 04:08 pm (UTC)[ His arms loop around Tav, squeeze him tight into his body. ]
I promise to return to you, and the gods themselves could not keep me from your side.
[ Well, they probably could, but he would fight them with everything he could. A tempest of magic, ready to die in the process if he must rather than be kept from the other man's side. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-16 04:15 pm (UTC)As long as you come back, I do not think I could ask for anything more.
[Except perhaps fewer nosebleeds, because he can feel another one coming on. He must be exerting himself too hard again. However, he can't bring himself to pull away quite yet.]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-18 12:12 pm (UTC)You could ask for plenty more. I am beyond lucky to have you.
[ He eases back, letting out a slow breath, then spots the spot of blood again. ]
Oh, but look at you.
[ The wizard rummages for a handkerchief, but he has nothing clean so he sighs and tries to rub it away with a thumb. ]
As pleasant as the rugged look is on you, I think we need to work on this. An eternity of nosebleeds seems a poor fate for anyone.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-19 01:59 pm (UTC)[And with the breadth of things Tav needs to remember, he’s not sure the nosebleeds will stop any time soon. For now, they seem a relatively mild annoyance in comparison to the torture he endured.]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-19 03:06 pm (UTC)Well I don't know about you, but I think a drink would be a good start. Something to eat, and perhaps a more comfortable environment than this.
[ It's a low bar, but he thinks they can achieve it. Gale pushes to his feet, reaching to steady Tav as they both wobble up. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-19 04:02 pm (UTC)As he stands, he reaches out for Gale to steady him, as he wobbles. He’s so low on strength, a bed and some food sounds perfect, especially if it’s with Gale.]
Definitely food, and a comfortable bed.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-19 04:20 pm (UTC)[ He wraps Tav back into his arms with a sigh, weight leaning into him a little. ]
I feel as if I could sleep for a week. A comfortable bed, a glass of wine, and a nice stew or I wouldn't say no to a good piece of cormyrian boar.
[ He sighs, drawing back and cupping Tav's face with one hand. ]
Let's see what the others want to do, shall we? Go from there.
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Date: 2023-10-19 10:31 pm (UTC)Agreed.
[Tav turns to Karlach but she’s already nodding along.]
A drink and some stew sounds perfect, soldiers.
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Date: 2023-10-21 07:49 pm (UTC)Still, after pooling their money and limping their way through the city they find something blessedly intact and serving food. Gale enjoys cooking, but he's so tired. He's glad to not have to think about it. Every time he goes to do something his hands feel closer to developing a quake.
Still, a drink and some food does go some way to taking the edge off that. Tav, he thinks, isn't getting worse which is equally reassuring. His nosebleeds are... concerning, yes, but so long as he continues to remember and nothing... unpleasant happens then surely it's all good?
He hopes.
He's unpacking his bag into a room, half watching Tav out of the corner of his eyes as he does. ]
You can have your own room, if you prefer.
[ Since he... doesn't remember their relationship. Sharing might be awkward? ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-22 01:32 pm (UTC)The new scars are horrific. While Astarion’s had purpose and meaning, Tav’s are ramshackle and with partern. And his chest is not much better.]
I can sleep on the floor. [Sucking in a breath.] I don’t want to sleep alone.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-23 09:06 pm (UTC)Gale tries not to stare, but that certainly is... a scene. ]
You don't have to sleep on the floor, I just --
[ How to word it? ]
I wouldn't want to... presume.
[ There, that makes sense he thinks? He hesitates, sets aside his bag and inches around the room towards Tav. ]
I know you don't remember everything, and I wouldn't want you to feel... obligated to behave like you did.
*without pattern (in previous tag)
Date: 2023-10-23 09:30 pm (UTC)[He remembers a rejection like this, something about too much excitement and then blood begins to dribble down his nose and over his chin before Tav can catch it with his shirt.
His brows furrow and his breath catches.
Another rejection. Something about the heat of battle and more blood oozes from his nose.
Maybe… maybe it’s Tav who has all of this wrong. Maybe it was Tav who forced himself, is still forcing himself on Gale. More blood dribbles from his nose as his mind re-interprets the playful shoves as desperate needs to be away from Tav.] I see.
[He dabs at his nose one more time before pulling his shirt on, followed by his pack.] I apologize for forcing you.
[More blood, more heartbreak and the desire to leave.
I got you!
Date: 2023-10-23 10:26 pm (UTC)Gale blinks, then frowns slowly. ]
Hang on. Whatever your twisted mind is telling you, you've never forced me. I can promise you that.
[ Where had he even gotten the idea? Some dark thought, some fractured memory? Gale moves closer, to intercept should he try to leave. ]
If you want to be here, you are welcome here -- that I can assure you. I'd enjoy it, even, I only... don't want to intrude too much. But you can sleep with me, of course you can. This room is plenty big enough for two.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-23 10:54 pm (UTC)He’s starting to get dizzy from all the memories mixing together that he’s honestly unstable on his feet.] Do you… want me? What has changed?
no subject
Date: 2023-10-24 12:46 pm (UTC)Gale reaches out, gently guides Tav to sit on the edge of the bed and fumbles for a cloth to try to stem the flow of blood. ]
Now, I'm no medical expert here but considering your memory is patchy at best I'm going to guess you're getting in a muddle. So I'll have to ask you to trust me here, and to trust that I've wanted you for some time. I may not have communicated it well, because circumstances did cause other things to take priority, but hear me now. I love you. Even the raw magic of the weave seems mundane to how you make me feel.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-24 01:04 pm (UTC)Sitting under a starry sky, a time for lovers, and trying to convince Gale to not detonate himself. That there was more to lose than himself. Or perhaps when Gale promised to embody the first thousand nights of a king and queen's marriage when all Tav wanted was Gale under the stars.
And after finding the Crown of Karsus--- oh there's no stopping Tav as he wobbles, as the blood coming from his chin is now running down the back of the throat when it can't escape fast enough and with a wretched cough, is now spewing blood into cloth as well.]
Help me. [It doesn't need to be said but blood is dripping down his chin, into his shirt and at this pace of memories, the blood loss will kill him.]
So sorry for the delay! Don't even have Starbucks to be late with
Date: 2023-11-03 03:08 pm (UTC)[ This is --
Far beyond Gale's own expertise, and very alarming. He fumbles the cloth, easing Tav to lay on his side as the blood seeps out of him. ]
Shadowheart? Halsin?
[ Anyone, anyone. Gale struggles onto the bed beside Tav, tries to elevate his head a little to rest in his lap and tilts him so he doesn't choke on his own blood. The druid bursts through the door a moment later, Shadowheart a step behind him, and Gale looks up at them with wide eyes. ]
He just started bleeding, we were just talking.
[ He's no healer, but surely they can do something? Surely? ]
all good!!
Date: 2023-11-03 04:05 pm (UTC)I detect a curse of some kind. [Halsin says, his expression furrowed.] Tied to his memory. It seems when he remembers the damage inflicted upon him returns.
[Tav frowns, looking up at Gale. Cursed? Will he never be able to remember everything without risking bleeding out?]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-03 04:12 pm (UTC)As if he hasn't suffered enough. Curses are unpleasant things, especially if they've been placed by who I suspect.
[ Bhaal, or Orin, or some combination. He drops his gaze to Tav, fingers gently stroking down his face. ]
His memories are returning faster now, a chain reaction -- each one inspiring a new memory in turn. We need to break this curse sooner rather than later.
[ Or else they'll be constantly putting him back together every day. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-03 04:21 pm (UTC)I will seek out a remedy urgently. [Halsin replies, reaching into his alchemy pouch to produce a couple herbs.] And a temporary anti-bleeding rememdy even sooner.
[Tav shifts, appreciating the touch to his shorn hair.] Like a potion that can be taken during the rush of memories to slow bleeding.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-09 12:26 am (UTC)It isn't, however, his speciality. He is more than happy to defer to a real healer in this, especially when the stakes are so high. ]
Very well. If you need anything, just say the word. I may have some books around the right topics.
[ He doesn't know if they'd shed any light, cover anything Halsin doesn't know, but at this point he'll try anything. His attention turns back to Tav, pensive. ]
Do you think you can rest?
[ Sleep is an important part of the healing process, and also may slow him causing another chain of memory restoration. ]
hello!!
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