[ 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. ]
[Tav waves off Halsin and Shadowheart as he leans against Gale. Speaking of sleeping, Tav is twelve different kinds of exhausted right now and he could do with a good sleep. From what he can remember, his day began with a torturous awakening on a stone slate at the hands of Orin, continued with trying to remember anything about himself, and further with the collapse of the Elfsong.
If Gale will have him, Tav would like to stay in this bed with him, nosebleeds aside.]
May I stay here? In this bed with you?
[He wipes away the last of the blood coating his lips and chin.]
[ He snags up his wet cloth again, gently cleaning as much of Tav's face as he can. ]
I'll be here, as long as you'll have me. A little nose bleed can't scare me off, not after everything we've been through.
[ In the grand scheme of things, as frightening as it is to see it's at least a more mundane problem than an Elder Brain or the Chosen of Bhaal, among other things. ]
[Tav stills with Gale's ministrations, careful not to let any more blood, any more memories, to leak out of him. For now, he needs to be patient with what he does remember: of kisses in the sun, a bed in the middle of the forest, an initial rejection due to the nature of the orb in Gale's chest.
Once Gale finishes, Tav starts to unbutton and shirk his dusty clothes, grateful that Halsin closed the door on his way out of the room. There are newer scars on him from Orin's torture, crisscrossing between the multitude of his freckles but he pays them no mind as he watches Gale's face for approval.]
Sorry, I've no other clothes but these dusty ones and I'd hate to dirty the bed.
That's quite alright. I can lend you something, if you want.
[ He's not quite as slender as Tav, his shoulders are broader, but that does mean nothing would be too small at least.
His eyes skim the scars, thoughtful, but he turns and rinses out the cloth regardless -- sets it as neatly and begins to ease out of his own clothing. ]
Not quite as fashionable as your own attire, more functional, but I do have some plain shirts if that would suit.
Either will work better than this mess. [Tav gives a gentle smirk and a gesture down toward his torn, dusty, and now quite bloody collection of rags.] I'm afraid I don't remember the incantation for mend.
[He thinks he did, once. Helped to keep tents in shape, or boots from falling into disrepair, but all of that is lost to whatever happened to him in the underground. Maybe some day, he'll get everything back, but for now he freezes as Gale begins to undress.
He drinks in those broad shoulders and another memory pops into his head: one of a bed in the forest beneath the canopy of streaming stars, Gale climbing toward him with those same broad shoulders and...
No, he has to stop the sweet memory before...
Tav tastes the tang of metal on his tongue and knows he's having a nosebleed. He presses his dirty shirt beneath his nostrils and figures well, since he's already bleeding, he might as well allow himself to stare and allow the memories to continue.
The brush of Gale's lips on his. The confession that seeing Tav in battle sends his heart racing. The sight of Gale's tower in Waterdeep before telling him Tav only want Gale as Gale and nothing more.
And then the memories slow with the bleeding and Tav can hardly believe that such an incredible man could want him. For what Tav remembers, he's a bit of an idiot. He lost an eye, accidentally set off gods knows how many alarms, eats an alarming number of strange mushrooms and other flora, adopts any animal that might come near him, and yet? Gale seems to still care for him, perhaps even love him.]
[ He's unwrapping the layers of his robe, setting them aside to wash and then crouching to dig through his bags -- loose hair falling forward into his face as he searches. ]
We can freshen up your clothing tomorrow, and I'm quite sure I can help with anything that needs mending.
[ Either by needle and thread, or the touch of magic. A simple mending spell is not beneath the Wizard of Waterdeep. He pauses, a loose white shirt in hand, then pushes to his feet. ]
Now I am aware this colour may well be inviting dis--
[ He turns, and takes in the sight of Tav both staring and also bleeding again, into his current shirt no less. ]
On second thoughts, let's skip the white. Are you...?
[ A silly question, given how much he's bled already, but as long as it isn't gushing this time? ]
[Tav must tear his gaze away to step the surge of memories and the bleeding that accompanies them. There's something so intimately familiar that he can't shake the sight of Gale like this.]
I was... [Tav goes a deep shade of red, the colour splashing across his cheeks and inching up his ears.] I was remembering a few intimate moments.
[His skin feels hot, his throat tight, but he can't blame that on the torture.] Perhaps purple? Or blue?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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!!
Date: 2023-11-09 12:33 am (UTC)If Gale will have him, Tav would like to stay in this bed with him, nosebleeds aside.]
May I stay here? In this bed with you?
[He wipes away the last of the blood coating his lips and chin.]
HELLO!
Date: 2023-11-09 12:38 am (UTC)[ He snags up his wet cloth again, gently cleaning as much of Tav's face as he can. ]
I'll be here, as long as you'll have me. A little nose bleed can't scare me off, not after everything we've been through.
[ In the grand scheme of things, as frightening as it is to see it's at least a more mundane problem than an Elder Brain or the Chosen of Bhaal, among other things. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-09 12:44 am (UTC)Once Gale finishes, Tav starts to unbutton and shirk his dusty clothes, grateful that Halsin closed the door on his way out of the room. There are newer scars on him from Orin's torture, crisscrossing between the multitude of his freckles but he pays them no mind as he watches Gale's face for approval.]
Sorry, I've no other clothes but these dusty ones and I'd hate to dirty the bed.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-11 12:23 pm (UTC)[ He's not quite as slender as Tav, his shoulders are broader, but that does mean nothing would be too small at least.
His eyes skim the scars, thoughtful, but he turns and rinses out the cloth regardless -- sets it as neatly and begins to ease out of his own clothing. ]
Not quite as fashionable as your own attire, more functional, but I do have some plain shirts if that would suit.
always a delight!
Date: 2023-11-11 01:17 pm (UTC)[He thinks he did, once. Helped to keep tents in shape, or boots from falling into disrepair, but all of that is lost to whatever happened to him in the underground. Maybe some day, he'll get everything back, but for now he freezes as Gale begins to undress.
He drinks in those broad shoulders and another memory pops into his head: one of a bed in the forest beneath the canopy of streaming stars, Gale climbing toward him with those same broad shoulders and...
No, he has to stop the sweet memory before...
Tav tastes the tang of metal on his tongue and knows he's having a nosebleed. He presses his dirty shirt beneath his nostrils and figures well, since he's already bleeding, he might as well allow himself to stare and allow the memories to continue.
The brush of Gale's lips on his. The confession that seeing Tav in battle sends his heart racing. The sight of Gale's tower in Waterdeep before telling him Tav only want Gale as Gale and nothing more.
And then the memories slow with the bleeding and Tav can hardly believe that such an incredible man could want him. For what Tav remembers, he's a bit of an idiot. He lost an eye, accidentally set off gods knows how many alarms, eats an alarming number of strange mushrooms and other flora, adopts any animal that might come near him, and yet? Gale seems to still care for him, perhaps even love him.]
I Emerge from my blanket cave periodically
Date: 2023-11-11 04:53 pm (UTC)[ He's unwrapping the layers of his robe, setting them aside to wash and then crouching to dig through his bags -- loose hair falling forward into his face as he searches. ]
We can freshen up your clothing tomorrow, and I'm quite sure I can help with anything that needs mending.
[ Either by needle and thread, or the touch of magic. A simple mending spell is not beneath the Wizard of Waterdeep. He pauses, a loose white shirt in hand, then pushes to his feet. ]
Now I am aware this colour may well be inviting dis--
[ He turns, and takes in the sight of Tav both staring and also bleeding again, into his current shirt no less. ]
On second thoughts, let's skip the white. Are you...?
[ A silly question, given how much he's bled already, but as long as it isn't gushing this time? ]
<3
Date: 2023-11-11 05:54 pm (UTC)I was... [Tav goes a deep shade of red, the colour splashing across his cheeks and inching up his ears.] I was remembering a few intimate moments.
[His skin feels hot, his throat tight, but he can't blame that on the torture.] Perhaps purple? Or blue?
no subject
Date: 2023-11-20 02:36 am (UTC)Well.
That...
He clears his throat, turning to stash the white shirt and pick something else. ]
It just so happens I have plenty of purple and blue, by chance. Here, try this.
[ The shirt he turns back with is a deep, dark purple. It's a simple enough design, nothing fancy, but it's only for sleeping. That should be fine. ]
Are you, uh, still...
[ He waves a hand to his nose. Is he still bleeding? Should he fetch something else first, leave the shirt until later? ]
(no subject)
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