: STAR-CROSSED SPIES AU :

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek Thelyss had been set up on a double date by his friend Jester.

He was not one who particularly enjoyed social interactions. He had enough of them both in his profession as a model, as well as his moonlight job as a spy for the Dynasty Government. Both sides of him did not have much in the way of time for such frivolities as dates. Certainly he was seen on the arm of quite a few men, but those were for publicity only and otherwise he eschewed any such interactions.

But Jester was Jester, and she was insistent.

Jester had caught him reading some tome on the intricacies of Dunamantic Technology and said that she knew just the man for him. To which case it became a Hurricane; Hurricane Jester coming in to whisk him away. So he decided to go and then at the end of the evening he would tell Jester's mystery man that he was not interested and thank you for his time. But that did not mean that he was going to show up being anything less than the model Essek.

So of course he would dress with care; even though he was sent on crushing this man's hopes he at least wanted it known that he was quite the prize, because he did have a bit of vanity to him.

A small local restaurant was selected on the seaside of Nicodranas, where he was currently on location for a beach shoot. One that specialized in fresh seafood. He wear tight white velvet pants and an off the shoulder slinky tunic, his hair was styled immaculately with little sparkly stars that still managed to hang in those waves.

Jester had told him to carry the book and so he had it tucked underneath his alongside his little beaded clutch. He walked into the cozy little seafood restaurant and glanced around as he surveyed the people to see if he could possibly guess who his date would be. That is, if his date had even arrived yet. ]

Comments

[zauberdecke]

[ Well, that was not expected at all.

Perhaps it was because this gesture did not feel smooth in the slightest; it was somewhat shy and awkward but also incredibly endearing too. He could feel a slight quickening of his heartbeat before he shoved it aside. No.. no no no.

Until Caleb's eyes alighted on his book and then he removed it from underneath his arm and then he set it down on the table very carefully. ] Oh this book, Intricacies of Dunamatic Technology-- I am somewhat of an ah.. dabbler.. in Dunamancy.

[ A lie, he had written several well-known thesis underneath a different pen-name. He did not want to ruin his reputation as a model-nee-socialite, the closer one got to those thesis and likely it would be easier to trace that author back to one of the Dynasty's most illustrious minds. ] It is a fascinating course of study and there is little free time I have so what little free time I do have is spent in gainful study.

[ He then sat down in the chair that Caleb pulled out for him and then allowed himself to be scooted in. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Oh ja? It is fascinating. I think so too. Dunamancy is a field still full of the undiscovered. I am very enamored of it. Tell me, have you read anything by Barrah'ra Elemmiire? He is the preeminent mind in the field. And I... ah.

I am rambling. Sorry... I have that bad habit.

[Caleb had the decency to blush at his own launching into a full on nerdgasm in the first few moments of even meeting the drow. Good job, Widogast. Flawless, really. Jester was going to strangle him at this rate.

He did make sure that Essek was settled and seated and pushed in before he retook his own seat.]

Shall we order some wine?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek never wanted it to get out that the thesis were written by himself and so he carefully laid his hand on the book and laughed softly, though one could imagine that it was in regards to the professor's own nerdgasm and blushing that felt so sincere. Oh yes, he could see why Jester thought to hook the two of them up.

Though he would stand stalwart, he absolutely had no business getting involved in this man when he was honestly so very busy with the various aspects of his own job(s); both overt and subvert. ]

You are quite right to ramble, I am sure that no one holds you to barring your enthusiasms. I have read some but not all, I know that he has quite a few treatise under his belt, the beginning texts I have read but I have not fully absorbed myself into those of more advanced specializations.

[ He rested his clutch on the shelf next to the table and then turned his attention to Caleb. ] What are you a professor of, may I inquire? Unfortunately Jester told me very little of you in detail.

[ausgebrannt]

Ah well, I have been informed that I am a huge nerd.

[By Jester. And Beauregard. Caleb did smile a quieter sort of expression.]

They do get quite advanced. This much is true, but his writing is very accessible. I recommend it to my students when they show an interest.

[He looked across the table at the drow, blue eyes fixing on him, his full and undivided attention.]

Of course, ja. I'm a professor of arcane studies. My specialty is transmutation, though over the past few years I've been focusing my study in Dunamancy as well.

[zauberdecke]

That is not such a bad thing, I am what you would call a secret nerd though Jester had my number when she saw what I was reading one day while we were getting ready for one of my shoots. [ He nodded as the waiter came to fill their water goblets and then he lightly tapped on the step with a well-manicured fingertip. ]

I would like some wine, to answer your previous question.

[ He had forgotten to answer the question with the veer of their conversation. ] I intend on working my way through them as time permits, perhaps branching into other areas. [ Well there went the whole letting this man off gently, in fact he had forgotten quite honestly his original intent to let the other man down. ]


I think that if I had not been coerced into this business through familial pressure, it would've been something that I would have liked to go into, full and undivided research. I did study at the Marble Tomes Conservatory, but then my family thought that I could be used as a societal pawn so here I am, I forge connections through my work and bring illustricity to Den Thelyss.

[ He made a dismissive gesture as if he did not find that satisfying whatsoever. ] It is nice to see someone pursuing their dreams.

[ausgebrannt]

She is very observant, our mutual friend. ...and difficult to say no to.

[Impossible? Impossible to say no to. But Caleb would order wine, a fairly decent bottle really, for the table.

Then he could concentrate on Essek once again, which was turning out to be far more thrilling than he had expected. A tilt of his head at that. That was a shame then, if this clearly bright man was being kept from truly pursuing what he wished to. Clearly Essek Thelyss was beautiful, flawlessly put together. It was no wonder he did so well as a model, and no wonder that his family saw the social capital he could generate. But that was hardly fair to him.]

The Conservatory is certainly the place if one wants to learn Dunamancy. I was a student of the Soltryce Academy in my times. That is still my home base as it were, though these days I find traveling and guest lecturing suits me well. It affords me a bit more freedom.

[Which works well when one is a spy and needs to have reasons to be various places without questions being asked.]

You are far too clever to be a pawn, I think. Far too sharp. I think you are meant for much more than that.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek had been perusing the menu and the selections, he did not overly concentrate on his weight nor obsess upon it but it was true that he had little appetite that had nothing to do with his chosen profession's laser focus on appearances and everything to do with the fact that often he either forgot to eat or he was too busy too. He ordered a light fish dish, with steamed vegetables, something that would not be too terribly heavy.

Once he had mentally decided, his gaze flicked across the table at the Professor. ] You think that I am sharp? [ A raise of his brow, a little quirk to the side of lip as if in contemplation. ] You have only just met me? Normally those who just meet me are of the impression that I am much too sure of myself, perhaps a few ego issues.. also fastidious.

[ He rested his hand almost lightly on the Dunamacy book, fingertips skirting against the leatherbound cover. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I can see how people might be a bit distracted by the fact that you are impossibly beautiful. But that is very much distraction, ja?

[Caleb's gaze was still fixed on Essek. He was an anxious enough creature that he'd looked up the menu here and made a decision about what to order days ago. So he'd only given the menu a cursory glance for appearances sake.]

The Marble Tomes does not accept just anyone into their ranks. And even with your family name, it would take a keen mind to make it there. You read Dunamancy books for pleasure, and you have not missed a single detail since we began this conversation, have you?

[Caleb sipped at his water and offered a smile.] You are more than just a pretty face, Essek Thelyss. ...I will not comment on your ego. I have not formed an opinion on that just yet.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek leaned in, placing his chin on the palm of his hand as he considered the other man carefully, the way that it was clear that there was perhaps a few anxiety issues in the other man, the way that seemed to tug at something within him-- and that sort of feeling was nigh impossible to define at this maiden voyage of their acquaintanceship.

But there was a sharpness to those eyes at well, certainly something that he saw underneath the surface.

A mild mannered Professor, if he was anything more than that-- Essek rather thought he would have to be very careful indeed. ]

You are correct on those counts, I have retained all of this conversation. Certainly enough to know that you are not 'really' reading the menu. If you were, your brows would have furrowed just a little bit as your eyes followed the words across it.

[ A soft laugh. ] You looked up the menu on the webpage, did you not?

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb had the grace to look sheepish, the faintest start of a flush rising across freckled cheeks and the bridge of his nose. But he still smiled, ducking his head with a nod.]

Ja, you have me. I did. It soothed a bit of my anxiety to have a plan in place. I am... not the best at being social, so I thought I would try to make the rest of this simpler for myself.

[Another sip of his water and his smile widened.]

Very sharp. And I do mean that as a compliment, Herr Thelyss.

[zauberdecke]

[ He lifted his glass of ice water to take a sip and then he placed it back down on the cloth covered table with the barest hint of a thud. ] It is always a good thing to be prepared. I picked the first thing that came to my eyesight because food is rarely a priority for me, with my schedule, it is usually more of a time issue.

[ He then folded his fingers together. ]

I am not very good at one-on-one interactions. I am usually better at when I have an 'audience' that does not require in-depth engagement.

[ausgebrannt]

That much I would not have guessed.

[Essek seems to confident. Caleb's smile turned a bit wry.]

I am terrible at them. If Jester were not so aggressively friendly, I would have likely messed that up as well. It is not my strongest suit. I am much better with books and theories and spells than I am with people...

[And magic and assassination. But that was not really something one brought up over dinner.]

But I am glad that I let myself be bullied into agreeing to this.

[zauberdecke]

[ It appeared as if they were both experts in their fields, both above table as well as under the shadows of perception and reality. He thought the other man was.. worthwhile, charming even, in a very nerdy way. Was this the sort of people he was attracted to? He wondered if that was the truth, he did not experience much in the way of it.

He had only agreed to this date because Jester had been a force. ] She does certainly bully, does she not? And then the waiter came by with the wine, pouring into crystal glasses before leaving it in a little silver vase, then their orders were taken with Essek rattling off what he wanted and then handing the menu back to them.

Once that was done, Essek continued. ]

I have found that books tend not to disappoint one in the end.

[ausgebrannt]

She does, but it is done with the best of intentions.

[Caleb adored Jester, clearly. There was an affection in his voice that was unmistakable. For admitting his lack of ability in socializing, Caleb was at least extremely fond of the people he did manage to become friends with.

He paused long enough to give his order as well, choosing seafood as well -- they were in Nicodranus, it would be silly not to take advantage of the proximity to the ocean and the specialty cuisine -- what sounded like a very appetizing seafood stew and brown bread.

And then it was back to his companion.]

That is true. People are... more complicated.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek should be sociable, he realized this. Or at least make some sort of awkward attempt, so as he picked up his glass of wine to sip he lodged another question at the other man. ] What do you enjoy doing, do you have any hobbies?

[ Essek was not sure that shopping counted as a hobby, but rather a distraction and perhaps even stress release. He'd not discovered other more interesting forms of stress relief, the times that he had.. well-- it had not been enjoyable in the slightest. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I'm afraid I'm very boring. I keep myself busy with my job, between researching and writing. I like reading though, when I have free time.

[He made time for reading, honestly. He would not admit that a lot of that reading was romance novels. Shush. He was a romantic at heart, deep down. Beneath all the anxieties and nerdery. And espionage.]

And what about you? What do you do when you are not modeling or studying Dunamancy?

[zauberdecke]

I am afraid I am very boring as well, I have not had a great deal of time to develop any hobbies other than dabbling with subjects that I find incredibly fascinating.

[ Though there was something, of course there was something. And he allowed himself to admit this to Caleb Widogast as if he could somehow trust him. Perhaps that was the furthest from everything but it felt authentic in this moment. ] No matter where I go for a shoot, I do try to go somewhere such as a museum or an art gallery, or a historical site.

[ He wondered if being a tourist was a hobby? It was certainly something that he generally did alone. He would grab a map and take a self-guided tour in the time that he was allowed. ] I do quite a bit of traveling with my career, though I have never really had a full-fledged extended vacation, it is usually an hour here or there where I can get time to do so.

[ There was a look of utter chagrin from Essek's eyes. ] What genre of books are your favorite? [ Yes, he is asking that very loaded question, Caleb. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Ah! That is a very worthwhile way to spend in new places. I enjoy museums very much.

[And history. He found himself drawn to those sorts of things as he traveled too -- in between the assassinations and infiltrations and guest lecturing. He was a busy man, clearly. Too busy really to date.

And yet. There was something about this man across the table from him that had caught his attention, more than he had expected.]

...oh. You asked that question. What I should say is that I read a lot of treatises on magical theory and innovation. And that is true. But I also enjoy more, well, romantic tales.

[zauberdecke]

[ Both of them were too busy to date and yet here they were at the behest of their mutual friend Jester, who just happened to know two spies inadvertently, and be completely oblivious to all of it, and Essek had not really thought that this would go over quite as well as it did but he found he was enjoying the presence of the other man from the thimblesfull of time he'd been granted. ]

Museums are as a matter of fact my favorite places to go, though I do have a fondness for old historical houses, how they were decorated and how they were lived in.

[ A sip of his wine then. ] Oh, so you share Jester's love of reading smut.

[ He'd seen the books, of course he had. Jester was always attempting to read him aloud passages when they were on a shoot together, as if she thought that would kickstart his blood or something. Unfortunately he was not sure that was even possible. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb did not bother trying to hide the smile as Essek talked about the things that he enjoyed. He could see Essek touring through historic houses, could see him taking in all the details. He had a feeling that the drow had an eye for decoration, for design and fashion in general.

He ducked his head with a nod, a quiet chuckle.]

Guilty as charged, ja. We trade recommendations.

[Caleb was well aware the tiefling was partial to the ongoing series about Oskar and Guinevere. He enjoyed that one well enough, though his favorites were, unsurprisingly perhaps, the sort of smut with a bit more intrigue.]

[zauberdecke]

That is very very endearing.

[ Perhaps Essek would enjoy books like that, though he'd never dabbled and never really thought to. The server came back with the salads and the bread basket and took their orders then, to which Essek ordered his own dish-- something light but decidedly from Nicodranas, and displaying a mutual love for seafood as the case may be. It was likely he shared Caleb's view that when in Nicodranas, order the seafood.

Once they were both ordered and squared away, he woudl continue. ]

Honestly, if not for Fjord.. it is likely I would have attempted to set her up with my brother.

[ausgebrannt]

She is very smitten with Fjord. Thankfully he is equally as smitten with her.

[Or Caleb might have had to set him on fire. But now he was curious.] Your brother, hmm? Is he also a Dunamancy-inclined model?

[Caleb had no siblings. He'd been raised an only child, though there had always been a feline 'sibling' or two around. Even now he was very partial to cats, and though his lifestyle did not lend itself to keeping a pet, having a familiar was a very useful thing in his true career.]

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a soft laugh at that, the idea of Verin being locked-in enough to ever study Dunamancy, that felt nearly ridiculous. He shook his head then as he swirled the liquid in his glass, rather quick to amend. ] Oh absolutely not, he certainly has the looks for being a model however he is a Captain in the Dynasty Military.

[ A high ranking official, though he only shrugged at that. Not even his brother knew about his career and for that he was rather happy for, the less Verin had to get embroiled in things, the better. ]

He is what Jester would define as a 'himbo', I suppose. All brawn and enthusiasm and brains only when it's down to the wire.

[ausgebrannt]

[Essek had a beautiful laugh. That was the first thought that flitted through Caleb's mind as the drow answered, and he was certain for a minute that he looked a bit embarrassingly smitten. Pull it together, Widogast.]

Ah, I see. Then you must have been an interesting combination growing up.

[Caleb was clearly picturing it. Himbo brother and very poised and particular Essek. It was a genuinely adorable picture.]

[zauberdecke]

[ And here was this borderline insufferably adorable man having gotten him to speak of his family. He had not expected the conversation to go quite here and the other man was fishing that information out of him skillfully, he tried to hide the aftereffects of his laugh and the ensuing smile from his lips. ]

That does not happen very often.

[ And then he clarified as he set down his glass and then reached for a piece of bread which with perfectly manicured hands he methodically started to rip apart. It looked precise the way he did so, but perhaps also with a strangely erotic quality to it. Certainly Caleb would be looking at fingers that could perhaps form sigils beautifully. ]

Talking about myself, I had hoped actually to get yourself talking about you so that I would not have to be pressured to reveal things about myself in case I found I did not like you. Most people are quite content to talk about themselves for an unspecified length of time, just from personal experience.