: Regency AU :

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek Thelyss was used to being primped and petted.

He was a Lord and the Heir, but not an ideal one, after all Dynasty protocol favored women over men and always had. He had no real power and he would never have minded too terribly much if not for the fact that he was ultimately treated like a pawn by the Duchess Thelyss-- and with Essek desiring his studies more than society, he knew how to play the game albeit that he did not enjoy it and wished for the moments where he was left to his own devices.

There was a betrothal being brooked between himself and Lord Tasithar, handled by his mother.

It was not one that he particularly desired, but he had little say in the matter-- he merely had to be seen allowing the Lord to woo him, whereas the idea of it appeared distasteful to him. But as he stood there underneath the glimmering lights of the ballroom, holding his mask to his face, he found that there was a strange hollowness to this evening.

All of these people, they all meant very little to him.

Not that he did not have his share of dance partners, he would dance with them. But this was not something that he was well versed in, he did not enjoy the frivolous empty flirtations that was expected of him; cool politeness was the only thing that he could give and even that was as sparse as snow in the marquesian desert. And so he stood there in the corner, waiting for those to sign his dance card and ultimately realizing that he was nothing more than chattel for them.

He raised a glass of wine to his lips, and then ducked behind a potted plant once he saw Adeen approach. ]

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[ausgebrannt]

[Then the time for his dance with Essek came, Caleb found his way to the fern. An he found himself there quite alone. Alone as the music began to play, swell in sound, and still. Alone.

Ah. Well, some things he ought to know were too good to be true, shouldn't he? A faint wince at himself for allowing the distraction -- and worse, the getting his hopes up in the first place -- and he wandered his way off to the fringes of the dancefloor. For a moment he let his eyes sweep the crowd, but no, no Lord Thelyss and his mask where nowhere to be found.

Caleb lingered a bit longer before moving to head out, a short detour to say a fond goodnight to Jester, even if he'd likely see her later given that he was a kept guest of the Lavorres for the time being.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Meanwhile on his way home in the carriage, he was being lectured about letting random no-names sign his dance car; points made about the the old historical importance of Den Thelyss, the legacy that one must safeguard. And also unfortunately an insistence that going forward he was not to leave her side during the course of a ball.

'whowever is this Mr. Widogast' was the primary question, some of it derogatory, when all he could do was sit there in sullen silence. Accompanied was subtle pushes that Essek needed to encourage Adeen more-- and then finally he was home and safely ensconced in his room where he was helped into his nightclothes.

He thought of how Caleb had likely waited for him, and he did not show. Yet another friendship rather curtained by his mother. He tranced, and it was fitfully-- enough that when he got up to breakfast, he had already dressed for the day and resolved to take a morning stroll to the bookstore. Circumstances had played him for a fool and now all he wanted was to be out of his mother's house and safely sequestered somewhere that he could just hole up in a corner and read. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb would do his best to not dwell too much on being stood up. It was after all, understandable that any of the high society would rethink wasting another dance on a nameless, penniless unknown who was passing through town and would be forgotten even before he'd left. That was what he was supposed to be seen as for the time being. It suited him. It did.

And love and romance and family was not something he was allowed to think of anymore.

The next morning, though, he thought he might nurse his wounded heart with his favorite past time, poking his nose into books.

No longer masked or dressed in what passed for fine clothes for a traveling scholar, Caleb Widogast was dressed much more like the wandering professor that he purported himself to be. His hair was half tied back, though his ponytail draped over his shoulder, a brown coat -- well kept but far from expensive. A light scarf draped over his shoulders even if it wasn't exactly chilly.

When Essek arrived at the bookstore, he'd find at least one other patron there, a ginger bearded man running his fingers along the spines of books in the history section of the shelves.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The bell softly dinged to allow Lord Thelyss to enter; and enter he did. He was dressed simply but classically, his coat neat and pristine, his hair nary a lock out of place. This was his freedom, this was where he retreated when he did not want to be home. Yes, there was a library at his mother's house but it was not his library and she invariably knew to look for him first thing there.

A soft sigh as he wandered over to the section, nodding and keeping a wide respectful berth before he wandered to the other side; he had been eyeing the history section but likewise he also did not want to people, especially as he was still upset about what happened at the ball.

Arcane tomes, many of these were ones that he had already read. Well, whatever-- he let out a sigh and a huff as he started to skim his fingertip against the spines and read off titles as if attempting to find one that he hadn't read yet. ]

~Ah, what a wonderful surprise Lord Thelyss-- is there anything in particular you are looking for?~ the shop keeper walked past Caleb and toward the other side of the shelving, where he directed that question to the person on the other side. ]

Just browsing, I do not require any assistance, thank you very much. [ The voice was quiet but still firm and insistant. ]

~Very well, please call for me if you change your mind.~ with the cloying toadying that only someone aware of Den Thelyss' weath and status could maintain. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb heard the ring of the bell announce the entrance of someone else, and hardly thought much about it. He was pulling a book about the history of the Dynasty from the shelves when he heard the shopkeeper start fawning over whoever it was that had come in.

When he heard Lord Thelyss and froze. Oh. That was. That was awkward and strange and what did he do? What should he do? He should leave.

But also, he... he wanted to see him, to catch a glimpse of the man behind the mask. A moment of hesitation, as he watched the shopkeeper move back towards the front of the store. Shutting his eyes, he took a moment to steady himself, waiting. Waiting just long enough that perhaps Lord Thelyss would be distracted, so he wouldn't notice an awkward ginger peering around the corner.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was distracted, he held a book open but he was distracted-- just staring at the words on the paper-- something something evocation cantrips something something. The sort of stuff that was elementary, things that he actually knew the theory of like the back of his hand. Because he was staring hard at the book, a curious sort would be able to clock his features.

Perfect and beautiful, no hair out of place; his outfit was fit for a morning's excursion and thankfully he did not require a chaperone to the bookstore. A nose that was patricianly elegant, and brows that were furrowed in concentration, giving a winged-like expression.

His outfit was simple, but it was still the height of fashion, the cravat nudged up against the column of his throat and then waistcoat showing off a very trim waist. Predictably enough? He was floating but four inches off the ground which set him a only a smidge shorter than Caleb's height. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Of course he was beautiful. Of course, he looked as if he'd been carved from amethyst and diamond dust. The float did not go unnoticed either. Quite an impressive little feat (haha) of magic. Caleb was definitely staring now, would definitely be noticed before too long.

A moment, a decision, and a surprising moment of boldness took Caleb.

Yes, Essek had stood him up. But he'd seemed so genuine in his interest in magic, in discussing it. And here the drow was utterly engrossed in the arcane tome.

Caleb drew back behind the shelf, just enough to quietly case a spell, and then Essek would find himself surrounded one by one by familiar floating amber globules of light.]

[zauberdecke]

[ He notices almost instantly the subtle change in lighting. It is the way that his drow eyes filters out light, and then he slowly pulls his eyes away and upward. Still not looking in Caleb's direction, his gaze focusing on the slight shifting of light patterns over page and parchment. The light reflects off his features, as his eyes follow the bouyant movement.

And then he casts the most intricately delicate shifts of energy.

His eyes alight on the ginger man, scholarly in his mein, if not dressed in the first stare of fashion. His eyes clock the ginger hair tied back in a queue, the serviceable clothing, the freckles across skin and then the generous mouth. Those brows are stilll furrowed, and then he places him. ]

Mister Widogast?

[ It is a polite question but also, he was pleased. It may not have translated to all but the most gentle of waves involving his voice, but it was there. ] Ah, I did not see you there-- please accept my apologies for being unforgiveably rude, this morning...

[ He swallowed, the cravat shifting against his throat witih the movement. ] And last night as well.

[ausgebrannt]

No forgiveness is needed, Lord Thelyss.

[Caleb's smile was gentle as he added, with a sheepish duck of his head.] I am well aware that I am not the most desirable of dance partners. I cannot fault you for having second thoughts. If anything, you ought to be commended for your discernment.

[He realized he was still holding the Dynasty history book and shifted it in his arms a bit awkwardly as if to disguise the title. Don't perceive him, Essek. He had the heart flutters last night. It threw him off.]

[zauberdecke]

[ The self-depreciation hits Essek, it is overwhelming and filled with such statements as 'not desireable' and 'commended for your discernment' of which neither was the case. He closes the book, barely registering the book that Caleb was holding, so intent was he on correcting this. ]

I will have you know that I looked forward to our dance, unfortunately I did not get a chance to meet you behind the ferns because my mother had a bout [ Pronounced in such a way as to leave it up in the air as to that believability ] of the megrims and as such I had no choice but to go home with her; I had every intention on following through with my promise.

[ He rubs his wrist them, an absent-minded gesture. ] I had looked forward to conversing with you, you were by far the most interesting person I had ever encountered at a social function like this, so you must forgive my candor.

[ausgebrannt]

[It was a surprising answer, and it clearly caught Caleb off-guard, if the way he startled at the words was any indication. Blue eyes -- easier to see now without the cat mask in place -- widened slightly.]

Oh.

[Well, now he was flustered. That was all kind of wonderful, actually. Caleb still found it a shock that anyone would actually like him, for him. No wealth or title or land to him. His friends were doing their best to shake into his brilliant but incredibly stupid brain that he was a worthwhile person, despite what he'd been through. But part of him was still that broken thing in the Asylum.

Now was not the time to think of that. No, instead now was the time to blurt out.]

I like your candor.

[Smooth.] I was looking forward to it as well, talking with you. [He looked around.] ...as we are doing now, I suppose. With no one to have a fit of the megrims to stop us.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek felt a burden lift off his shoulders, he shifted backwards a little bit to allow Caleb room in the aisle, looking down at the closed book that he held in his hands. ] No, my mother tends to lounge about until noon, so for the most part we are undisturbed to talk, and if I am being honest we have a little bit more than forty-five minutes. [ An hour and a half precisely until he had to make his way back to his home estate. ]

So maybe it worked out for the best.

[ He was musing over these things, tapping his fingers against the book. ] Were you looking for anything particular, Caleb Widogast?

[ausgebrannt]

Then we should make the most of it, ja?

[A note of excitement had crept into the Zemnian-tinted voice. An hour and a half of stolen time, certainly more than they would have managed between the dancefloor and their time afterwards. It was a sort of serendipity that was not something that often happened in Caleb's life.]

Ah well...

[And now he turned the book he held to his chest around so that Essek could read it.]

I found myself rather curious about the Kryn Dynasty, for reasons I can't begin to fully explain. So I thought I'd try my luck at finding a volume or two on its history.

[zauberdecke]

[ He surveys the book that Caleb is holding, finally surveys it and then he furrows his brows. ] Ah, interested in the history of the Dynasty I see-- well it is stuff that I have been trained on so if you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer them. [ That particular history book was one that he'd already read, and it was standard reading for any young boy in the school room.

He looks around to survey the bookstore and finds the little sitting table in an alcove a few aisle down, one that he had availed himself of many a time. Usually the bookseller would bring tea to him while he poured over books, both new and old. ]

Would you like to sit down over there? Perhaps if we are lucky, the shopkeep will bring us some tea.

[ That was pitched a little bit louder, as was the case when Essek decided that he should get whatever it was that he wanted; the thing was that he seldom asked for much except for these private mornings. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Ja. I would like that very much.

[He would like that more than he had any right to like that. This had turned the way last night had ended on its head, and that wistful regret for allowing himself to feel a connection -- to get his hopes up, and then to see them dashed -- had evaporated into a renewed sort of hope. Caleb Widogast never would learn.

He gestured towards where the drow had indicated.]

After you, Lord Thelyss.

[They could talk magic and history and he could get a clearer peek of this man without the mask -- and not the pretty masquerade one he'd worn, though that was true too. Caleb was more curious to see who Essek was when he was not on the stage that society forced him onto at those sorts of gala events.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek sat down in one of the chairs and then motioned for Caleb to sit down as well-- meanwhile the shopkeep was bustling around making the morning tea for them. This was a traditional space for Essek to occupy, it was the sort of morning he cared for very much. It was one free of frivolities-- and while he did enjoy fine fabrics and luxury, it was not something that he required to live and breath.

These books here, now that was what he subsisted on and he could be very happy amongst them.

What the drow did not tell Caleb was that his mother had seen the no-name on his dance card and yanked him out of the ball before the dinner dance could be procured, which had arguably upset him quite a bit. But, there were ways of circumventing this. ] I am usually here every morning, perhaps a bit earlier on Thursday mornings as that is when their new shipments come in regularly.

[ A hint perhaps that Caleb could meet him here going forward, in the mornings. Where there would be far more freedom to discuss books, magic and history. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Is that so?

[The almost-invitation was not lost on Caleb at all. He took a seat and settled himself, book now in his lap, unopened and held with hands that were trying not to fidget. Despite the anxiety, he couldn't help a smile.]

I have only just discovered this shop, but I have a feeling I may find myself patronizing it more often.

[Early mornings, especially Thursdays.]

I feel more at home among the shelves than at fancy functions.

[zauberdecke]

You are not the only one who feels that way.

[ He fidgets a bit, a little bit of an unlooked for response from him, it was his own private anxieties of course; it came with the sheer uncertainty of his own future; with the whole ritual of courtship which was draining on him. And the fact that if his mother had it her way, he would be married to Adeen before Seasons End in which case the little freedoms he possessed would be drastically curtailed.

Cups were set out before them filled with a fragrant oolong tea. Sugar cubes and cream provided as well as a plate of tea biscuits procured from the bakery down the street; things that were mysteriously on hand for the Lord when he came in early mornings. ]

You are a stranger to society ways then? [ Essek was curious about this man who sat across from him. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Then I am glad we have both found this sanctuary.

[Caleb fell quiet as the shopkeeper appeared with the tea, murmuring a thanks. Once they were alone once more, he considered Essek's question. Oh how to answer that. The truth was complicated.

The lie was simple, but something in him didn't want to simply parrot that lie to this man.]

A scholar isn't exactly a natural fit. And I have been... well, I have been away from the world in many ways, for some time. [That was a kind way to talk about his time at the Sanitarium, but minor detail.] I do not pretend to understand it all, though I know it is more complicated than glamorous clothes and lavish parties.

[zauberdecke]

It is all a political game, in this you are right-- there are queens, there are kings and there are pawns as they move against the board.. that is if you are familiar with Chess. [ He leaned forward then, picking up the tea cup and taking a sip of it, methodical as he considered carefully that which Caleb spoke of.

There was something just underneath the surface that Essek knew was something hidden but he did not pursue it-- rather allowing the other man to choose how much information to give him. ]

Scholars can have their place in society, just often times it is placed on the backburner.

[ A hint of bitterness to his voice, quelling that bitterness with a strong bite of tea that helped to steel his spine further. ] Though from what you told me last night, your patroness Miss Lavorre will help you with quite a bit going forward, though her circle is not.. [ He gestures, making a motion toward himself and the Dynasty-- a different beast in entirely. ] it's friendly at the very least, or so I've noticed from a distance.

[ausgebrannt]

I know chess well. I enjoy it... as a board game. I enjoy it less as real life.

[Though he was certainly on the board, more than he could reveal. Not yet anyway. Not until he'd taken care of his revenge. If they were talking chess though, it seemed to him that Essek Thelyss was meant to be a queen, but was instead being flaunted about as a king, to be kept and courted and kept to some small prescribed part of the board.

Perhaps he was taking the metaphor too far.]

My place is to entertain with knowledge, tricks of magic, to provide some hint of gravity and propriety by my presence -- which is not a bad price to pay for patronage to pursue my studies, and my other passions.]

Miss Lavorre is a very unique sort, it is true. And decorum wears on her. Her circle is the same. They are unconventional, but... ja. Friendly. That is true.

[A sip of his own tea.]

Do you ever wish to flee the chess board entirely?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek would've considered himself more the pawn if he was looking at the board objectionably, though a King would've been an apt fit as the King had very little power and required protection from the others. It was a game that he enjoyed as well, though not when it was so living and breathing.

He looked off to the side, not directly meeting Caleb's eye contact. ] I do, but it is not something that I have a choice in the matter. My amusements are stolen where I am able and I treat them as if they could be the last time I ever indulge in them.

[ He never took for granted his forays out in the mornings, never knowing when they could be cut short. ] My mother is the Matriarch of Den Thelyss and as such, she manuevers and plays the games she must I suppose? And I? I am a son and therefore it is my place to tolerate this. [ A laugh then. ] I do not mean to bore you, in fact we should talk about books and magic, as we intended!

[ausgebrannt]

I do not believe it is possible for me to be bored by you, Lord Thelyss.

[There was no denying the fascination he felt for this other man, so far more complex than the pretty and deliberately desirable prize that he had clearly been paraded about as, and would continue to be this Season.

He ducked his head almost sheepishly.]

Perhaps that was forward. I do not apologize for it though, since it is the truth. But ja, let us speak of magic. I have been eager to hear more of your knowledge on the matter... to perhaps even beg a small demonstration, since I already took the opportunity to show off last night.

[zauberdecke]

[ Now this was comfortable and it was familiar, and Essek smiled-- a real and sincere smile as he removed from a little coin purse at his waist, a little pearl which he held up between his fingertips so that Caleb could view. ] I suppose then I shall show you a little bit of Dunamancy.. this one is entitled Fortune's Favor. There are a few more destructive magics but this is a very nice bookstore and I wish to continue to partonize it so this shall have to do.

[ He then started to cast the familiar and well worn sigils, a smile continuing over his lips as he motioned for Caleb to lean forward toward him, and once Caleb did? He would press the pearl against the forehead where it would sink inside slowly.

Caleb would feel nothing but a little hum of energy in his mind, and everything would start to glow. ] Now to explain the feeling you are having, everything may seem both conversely fast and slow, this is because you are viewing all paths at once for a particular decision to be made.

[ausgebrannt]

[There it was. A wizard in his element. Caleb recognized that quite clearly in the other man as Essek leaned into the spell. He watched in rapt attention, eyes following each movement of those graceful fingers as they produced the pearl from his pouch, as they wove the somatic pieces of the spell.

He did not hesitate to lean forward, even if he was not certain why.

The touch of that pearl and the feeling of Essek's magic brushing against him as it sank into him had his breath catching softly.]

Oh. Oh fascinating. That is... that is a very impressive spell. [He was full of the implications of it.] Though it seems I owe you a pearl now.