: 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]

[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.

[zauberdecke]

You owe me nothing, consider it a "my regrets" gift for the loss of a supper dance. [ It was equally as fascinating to watch as the cogs made turns within that expression, no doubt everything was infiltrating his awareness and he hummed in a certain amount of pleased. ] I do understand pride, however; as such perhaps you can teach me one of your spells in exchange, not this morning but eventually

[ much like any wizard, it was a passion fueled of knowledge; any excuse to fill his book with some new knowledge. ] the spell I cast... I can dictate it to you and you can put it in your spellbook later.

[ Essek is not aware that Caleb has a set of spellbook holsters. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I believe that is a very equitable exchange

[Caleb had been about to protest that Essek had already fully made up for the lost supper dance with this lovely morning tea time talk. But that trade seemed to placate something in him.]

I will teach you a spell. More than one if you like. I am a wizard after all, and at heart my ego enjoys showing off.

[And he did enjoy teaching, took a great deal of pleasure in the meeting of minds and the communing of knowledge.] ...though you do not need to dictate it to me. I paid close attention. [And he had an infuriatingly good memory.]

But, ah... speaking of showing off, may I make a quick introduction?

[zauberdecke]

I would be happy to learn anything you are willing to teach, as a matter of hunger, I am not one that can resist such.

[ And here Essek looks a trifle confused as he leans back as he looks around for anyone that could of entered the bookstore though he had not heard the bell over the door ring with an entrance. ]

Introduction? To whom?

[ausgebrannt]

I fear we may get along too well.

[He did not fear that at all. He was actually a little thrilled at the idea, of meeting this man who he felt this connection with on an intellectual level, an understanding of how insatiable the drive for knowledge could be. It would never be satisfied, not while there was still more to discover, more to craft from the elements of reality itself and--

Oh right he was getting distracted.

A smile, soft but with a hint of mischief and he snapped his fingers. All at once a small ginger cat appeared twining around his legs before hopping up into his lap. Caleb took a moment to pet the new arrival.]

Lord Thelyss, may I present Frumpkin, my dearest companion.

[The cat turned in Caleb's lap to regard the drow before ducking his head in a little kitty-ish bow.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek watched as the ginger bengal cat made a flourishing entrance almost out of the aether, and then regarded him with preternatural eyes. There was an air of assessment about him, a measuring before a bow. Certainly, Essek imagined that he must've passed muster else the cat would not have done that-- be bowed in return, giving respect to the Familiar. ]

What exceptionally pretty manners he has. [ Essek had not been allowed pets, there had been a few animals that Verin had snuck in, but they had not lasted long because his brother was loathe to keep anything secret-- hiding was not his strong suit.

But even then, Essek could tell he was not a pet, but a companion.

He did not know what possessed him to say this but he did. ] You should bring him to the next ball, put him in a cravat and waistcoat if he will allow, a little hat-- the ton will be delighted and your name will become known separate from Miss Lavorre.

[ Essek was proficent enough a needle he could whip something up. ] The ton are bored most of the time, and seize upon novelty-- [ And Essek wanted to see this man, he realized this and felt nearly dizzy with the knowledge. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Oh? What do you think Frumpkin? Shall we dress you up for the party?

[Frumpkin looked from one man to the other. His dignity. HIS DIGNITY! But for his wizard's sake, he supposed he could allow it. So long as he was allowed to look dapper for the occasion.

A soft trilling meow before he leapt gracefully to invite himself into Essek's lap. This was your plan, Essek. Frumpkin expected to at least be lavished with affection for the price of his participation.

Caleb chuckled and sipped at his tea.]

Though I do not know where I would find cat-sized finery, unfortunately.

[zauberdecke]

[ For a moment Essek was absolutely stunned when Frumpkin made his way onto his lap, however he very carefully mimic'd the way that it was clear that he enjoyed being petted, primarily from watching Caleb lavish him with affection in greeting.

The fur was so soft, it was almost unbelievable.

Then as he stroked and followed the hair of the cat, he spoke carefully. ] I could make something, I am not horrible with a sewing kit and I've been called upon many a time to sew up repairs as needed. However, the top hat, you shall have to procure for Lord Frumpkin, after all I think that I could not do a dashing little top hat justice for him.

[ It was the most vital part, you see. ]

[ausgebrannt]

The top hat is the most important, ja.

[Caleb's voice sounded genuinely wistful for a moment, perhaps an odd way to react to this particular discussion. But the reason became clear in the next moment.]

When I was a small boy, my favorite story, the one that I would beg Mutter to read to me was called Der Katzenprinz. It was about a magical cat in a top hat.

[Frumpkin, who was aware of this because he knew far too much about his poor broken wizard, meowed in his agreement. Clearly he was meant to be a prince, so this was fine. Also fine -- far more than fine -- was the way Essek was petting him. Yes, that was very welcome. So Essek would be treated to a happy purring cat head butting into his touch.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Warm kitty soft, warm kitty purring.

For just a brief moment, Essek was hypnotized by the purring, the head bunting and the tactility of fur against his fingertips. It was a soothing sort of strain, no doubt the same that Caleb felt with his emotional support familiar. Essek had no idea what sort of memories this brought up, but judging from the wistful, it came from a place where the other man could not go back to.

Hiraeth.

A little scritch underneath the chin, quite happy to be indoctrinated into servitude to this Familiar. ] It sounds like a lovely story, I should like to read it-- I do enjoy other books, not just magic ones and I would be happy to take your recommendations-- [ And then back to the subject at hand. ] And consider the waistcoat and cravat made for Frumpkin, he will be the best looking Cat at the Ball.

[ausgebrannt]

[Frumpkin was all too happy to soak up the attention, from this other man who clearly had caught his wizard's eye. Frumpkin was fond enough of Caleb's strange group of friends, but Essek had very soft, clever hands. Excellent petting.

So the purring would continue.]

I will lend you my copy.

[It was in Zemnian, but Caleb imagined that Essek knew a spell for that. Or he could cast that spell on the drow. Or he could read it to him. It was a short story, after all, one that would not take too long in the telling.

And he liked the idea sharing that piece of himself -- his real self, a story that Bren Ermendrud had loved and nearly worn the lettering off the spine of his copy -- with the other man.]

Frumpkin and I are both in your debt. I think he will enjoy the ball. Your dance card will fill up quickly, Frumpkin. Be prepared.

[zauberdecke]

[ It was the boon of being a wizard, the softest and most clever of hands. Essek made no secret of the fact that he was enjoying this very much, he'd never had a cat grace him so assiduously like this so he would soak it up. He looked up to Caleb and tilted his head to the side, though he was very careful not to stop the petting. ]

Next time we should meet-- [ Hopefully it would be tomorrow around this same time at the bookstore; tonight Essek would be at the Opera with his mother and there would be much visitors to the box but he rather thought that his mother would not extend an invitation for Caleb to come visit, if her reaction to his claiming the super dance could be believed. ]

I do agree, all the ladies and men will desire a dance with the most beautiful cat at the ball, it is true.

[ Frumpkin had yet another person underneath his cat paw, congratulations on scoring another adoring fan. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Ja, next time.

[Tomorrow. That was what Caleb was hoping too. That he would come here tomorrow and Essek Thelyss would be here tomorrow, and they would discuss books and magic, and he would show him his favorite story from his childhood. He would find out more about this intriguing man, and they'd--

Ah well. No sense imagining impossible things.

Caleb laughed at that pronouncement, as Frumpkin tripped his agreement. That was right. He was the prettiest cat. And the cleverest cat. Clearly.]

This has proven to be an unexpectedly lovely morning, Lord Thelyss. I am happy to have run into you.

[zauberdecke]

I agree completely, it has been very lovely; far better I think than the supper dance where we would've had all of the eyes of the Ton upon us. [ And Essek was not an extrovert, he was far better at little intimate moments like this where there was a mutual meeting of the minds; at the supper dance they would've conversed but Essek would have been quite aware that his- mother's eyes were upon him.

It was funny because for a moment, he thought that if he were able to choose his own suitor, he'd want this man to call on him.

But that was neither here nor there, there was no use wishing for impossible things, now was there. ] I will start drawing some plans up for Frumpkin's grand ensemble, it will give me something to focus upon, yes?

[ausgebrannt]

I think so too. It has been nice to have no one to interrupt our conversation, and no unpleasant dance partners to avoid/

[Caleb was decidedly an introvert as well. Books and cats were more comfortable than people, especially in large groups. Connecting in this way, one and one and quietly, allowed to simply be himself (as much as he could allow that given his circumstances) it was rare and precious.]

I look forward to see what you design. So does Frumpkin.

[A pleased little trill from the familiar as he was mentioned.]

[zauberdecke]

The pleasure was all mine, Mister Widogast.

[ The barest flush even as he leaned over to grab a parchment which he then started to write out the instructions for Fortune's Favor and how to cast it, the writing was pristine and neat, the somatics were impeccably flawless, and then afterwards he wrote down the requirements for the spell before he handed the sheet over to Caleb. ]

Here, this is for your spellbook.

[ It was yet a further gift for the ginger man. ] It may assist you in future endeavors. [ Essek knew nothing of Caleb's plans, but it was a useful spell regardless. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb takes the transcribed spell with a murmured thanks, tucking it carefully away in the inside pocket of his jacket. He makes his goodbye with a very clear indication that he will see him tomorrow, just here.

And he did. They traded more magical thoughts and theory, discussed spells, got into philosophical and practical discussions about the foundational workings of the arcane. Days passed. A week of them, then another. Caleb knew he was in trouble when each afternoon was filled with looking forward to the next time he'd set eyes on Essek Thelyss and steal more of his time in their secret little space.

By the time the next ball of the season rolled around, Caleb was determined to steal some of Essek's time, whether Duchess Thelyss liked it or not.

He was dressed perhaps a bit nicer than he had for any other gala event this season -- still nothing terribly fine or fancy, but there was a new cravat in a mysteriously never-before-present-in-his-wardrobe shade of lavender, beard well trimmed, hair brushed to shining. Jester had helped with the tailoring, so that his clothes seemed to fit him just a bit better.

Drink in hand, he surveyed the growing crowd, looking for a particular drow. Perhaps he ought to check behind the ferns.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek had enjoyed his mornings with Caleb, the magical discussions-- the companionship of someone who truly understood him-- they traded book recommendations and magical theories in equal doses, and it kept Essek wishing that he could allow this man to court him; however he knew who his mother thought to be eligible and it was rather repulsive how he found the mere thought of that idea.

There had been a few private parties in those two weeks but nothing Ton-wide except tonight. He was dressed in his finest, brocaded waistcoat and a cravat that was black but had elegant little marblings of gold, perhaps a warm not as well to the gentleman wizard.. his gentlema n wizard.

He was not behind the ferns per se but close enough that he could make a dash if needed. The supper dance had already been taken but there were dances left, including a walt- and just because one signed their name for a set did not mean that dancing needed to occur.

Essek saw Caleb approach and stepped forward. ] Good evening, Mister Widogast-- I hope you do not mind that I am horrible with smalltalk and do not care about the weather nor the state of health my family members are in.

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb's expression lit up at the sight of Essek, and there was no hiding it in that moment. Blue eyes widened and then warmed, like the sun coming out from behind the clouds and lighting the sky with a promise of summer. He inclined his head in a small bow of acknowledgment.]

Lord Thelyss, good evening indeed. I was hoping to cross your path.

[He allowed himself a laugh.] Then we will skip the small talk. I am not good at it either.

[And he had no family to ask after in any case.] Shall I be forward then? I hoped to find a space on your dance card, if they have not all been already spoken for.

[zauberdecke]

[ It felt far different after a few weeks of bookshop meetings; in that time he'd seen the other man in his element; amid books and excited talking that somehow managed to get him pulled in as well, pouring over books while tea steeped and lingered in their cups; first hot and then cooling while time passed in a steady and all too soon haze. And now Caleb approached and he straightened a little bit, attempting not to appear like he was too terribly well-known to Caleb, but nevertheless it shone in his eyes.

He removed the dance card from his waistcoat and then held it out. ] As a matter of fact, I have a dance free. [ A single blank spot on that dance card, one that he had been insistant upon not being filled-- if it had not been filled by Caleb, he would've kept it to himself and blocked it off; but Caleb was here and thus it needed a signature now, did it not? ][ The drow said with a smile that was only meant for the other scholar.

Was it his imagination or did Caleb look especially dressed up this evening, and the shock of purple at his neck in the form of a cravat looked very attractive. ] Purple suits you, Mister Widogast--

[ausgebrannt]

I am just in time then.

[He would very eagerly snag that empty space and sign his name there to claim a moment with Essek this night. There was a small rush of relief that he had, that he had not missed his opportunity. Handing it back to the drow, he smiled, trying not to look quite so giddy as he felt.]

A waltz. My favorite. And with my favorite dance partner.

[Well, now he was being forward, but bit by bit Caleb Widogast had grown brave, had come to believe that this connection between them -- the pull that he would have described as magnetic were it not so much stronger than magnetism and more like gravity itself -- was a mutual one. An impossible one, of course, but mutual just the same.

Perhaps, he held out some hope that he could handle his business with Ikithon and reclaim his name and title and sweep in to court Essek as he properly deserved, but he knew that was a fantasy and nothing more.

That didn't stop him from smiling brighter at the compliment.]

Thank you. I've found myself unable to get this particular shade out of my head. I can't quite remember if it is the evening sky or a pair of eyes -- both are scattered full of stars and I have lost myself gazing at both, so I hope you can understand my confusion.

[zauberdecke]

[ How dare Caleb Widogast say such things, a flush came to his cheeks and he glanced away for a brief moment as he attempted to compose himself; however it was clear that the words had hit their intended mark and flustered him a little-- and it did not seem as if it was in an unwelcome way whatsoever, but a frisson of delight at being thought of.

Essek accepted the dance card back and tucked it firmly into his waistcoat.

It was not a coincidence that after Caleb's dance, there was a ten minute break for the musicians. Which gave them a space of time together further even though they had seen each other this morning. ] I do not know what to say.. [ He said as he fingered the little amber like threads that ran through his own cravat, somewhat like the strands of Caleb's hair carrying fire and light within them. ]

You know, I think that blue and amber are starting to be my favorite colours.

[ Not as eloquent as Caleb, he realized this after he said it; biting his lower lip almost shyly. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb would count that a small but crucial victory, really. He did not exactly want to fluster Essek, but he'd apparently grown brave enough that he wanted the drow to know that he was rather smitten. It was probably a terrible idea, but hearts were notoriously poor arbiters of consequence, weren't they? And the way Essek flushed, the way he responded, how was Caleb supposed to resist?

He clearly wasn't, and there was an answering flush of pink rising across his cheeks, the freckled bridge of his nose at those words.]

Is that so? I will certainly keep that in mind... because I won't be able to forget it.

[Oh they were both in trouble here.]

[zauberdecke]

[ They were both starting to act like fools, it was true. The sort of fools that would likely get into trouble; heads were being turned and there would be no returning them when it came down to it. It was the fact that they had spent so much time in proximity, and now they were here a a place where courtship was the name of the game.

It was not just about parading one's wealth and power, but to gain useful alliances as well-- and right now they had forged their own alliances, one that held a purpose that would not be listening to anything else. It was their hearts that fluttered with awareness and a mutual desire-- it was clear in their own dealings with each other.

It was clear to anyone who choose to look at them. Jester would be asking Caleb some very pointed questions come the end of the ball. ]

You do not strike me as the sort that will forget anything, Mister Widogast-- in which case, I suppose I am at the leisure of your memory.

[ If Essek was a cat, there would be his tail slightly vibrating and curved in a delighted question mark way, a subtle hint to an subtle courtship that was right now happening behind the scenes. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Fools who were not paying nearly enough attention to where they were and who was watching. But Caleb was entirely swept up in Essek to think as carefully or logically as he ought to. Instead he was busy basking in having this lovely creature's attention on him.]

I could not forget anything near so important as you, that is true. Not now or ever, I expect.

[Essek had gone and imprinted himself on Caleb's heart and soul by now, which was startling since Caleb was rather certain his heart had been shattered and burned to ashes with the death of his family. But here he was, with it fluttering and racing in his chest.]

Then I... ah... I should leave you to your evening. Until our waltz.