: 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]

She would not--- [ Except that was an empty exclamation, he knew that she would-- if the idea occurred to her within any form or fashion. They both knew Jester, and Caleb had reminded Essek just what a force Jester was to be reckoned with. He worried his lower lip with his teeth and as he tucked the book underneath his arm and then looked to Caleb with a wry smile. ]

I suppose that we shall have to cross that bridge when we come to it, if we come to it; that is if Jester decides that is a bridge to be built in the first place.

[ A glance to Caleb; he had not thought of a quick hook-up because he was not the sort to merely hook up, he found it too messy and complicated but he rather thought of perhaps what it would be like to kiss the other man, to be kissed by him.

And that was where it crossed into highly dangerous territory. ]

Until our date then?

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb's eyes rose very slowly because they both knew she would, yes. But he could not help a smile in return to the one that Essek fit him with. A slow nod of his head.]

I suppose we shall, ja. Or whatever other chaos she chooses to visit upon us.

[There was nothing but fondness in him as he spoke of the little blue tiefling. He stood then, and in a very bold moment, reached out for Essek's hand, taking it up to press a kiss to the back of his knuckles.]

Until our date. I'll see you tomorrow.

[And he'd go home and totally not panic the whole time. Yup.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Well that was not very fair of Caleb Widogast, the way that he took up the drow's lavender hand and then pressed a kiss onto the top of it, he watched with a stunned fascination. It was not that it was the first time, but it was how 'unpracticed' it was; most of the time those who choose to do such things had an ulterior motive, but this was. perhaps because this man wanted to do it?

He could feel his breath literally catch in his throat before finally it was expelled. ]

Until them.

[ And Essek Thelyss found that he was looking forward to it, despite his better judgement and certainly despite the fact that the voice deep inside of himself was trying to communicate that he did not have any time for something like this, certainly not with a man who clearly was quite content with his life which was full of books, teaching and cats. Despite his better judgement, he had already made the decision that he was going to follow through with it. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[It was true. Caleb, despite being an international man of mystery, was not very polished -- but he was tragically earnest despite himself, at least when he wasn't playing the part of assassin. Right now though? This was just Caleb being himself, and perhaps being a bit swept up in how something in the drow had caught his attention and drawn him in.

He smiled, nodding.

Reluctantly he released that hand and turned to go.

He'd wait until he was out of sight at least to pull out his phone and to text Jester a simple thank you which was responded to immediately by a HA I KNEW IT YOU HAVE TO TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT OH MY GOD ARE YOU SEEING HIM AGAIN CALEB ARE YOU DATING A HOT MODEL NOW?]

[zauberdecke]

[ Once Essek was in his Uber and the driver was heading off toward the hotel, he received a similar text from Jester, perhaps but a few minutes after she responded to Caleb. To which point he sent back a very perfunctory. ]

We shall see how it goes, Jester. He was rather pleasant to talk to, and so I have agreed to another date.

[ Another text, this time in all caps: "DID HE SMOOCH YOU? I WILL BE YOUR BRIDESMAID WHEN YOU BOTH GET MARRIED AND HAVE BEAUTIFUL KIDS, I WILL BE GODMOTHER JESTER AND WEAR FAIRY WINGS AND SPOIL THEM" ]

Slow your horses, wedding planner. We have not had our first date, and as for kiss-- he kissed my hand, which was nice. He was very much a gentleman.

[ausgebrannt]

[OH MY GOD YOU DIDN'T KISS HIM EXCEPT HIS HAND CALEB YOU HAVE TO BE BOLDER IT'S FINE I WILL COACH YOU IN ROMANCE]

That is a very kind offer, but I think I will manage. We have a date tomorrow.

[He would not survive Romance 101 with Professor Lavorre. But he was admittedly a bit nervous, the sort of nerves that came with butterflies. And those butterflies would be fluttering about right up to the point where he arrived at the door to the cottage at the Lavish Chateau where Essek was staying.

The Zemnian professor had a small bouquet in his hand, lavender and bluebells and vibrant purple asters, perhaps a strange little wildflower looking assortment and not the traditional roses or lilies. He raised a hand to knock, stepping back.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Honestly, Essek had not known exactly how casual or formal it would be; he had erred exactly in the middle, dressy but not too dressy. This was after debating if he would rather be overdressed or underdressed. Though the fact that they would be out of doors for a little bit certainly did guide his hand toward the wardrobe and finally he choose a pair of leather capri pants, a sleeveless turtleneck and a pair of booted heels.

It was understated but also there was care involved within it too. A few simple silver pieces, a bracelet and a pair of dangling earrings completed the look; he had just finished his makeup and was reaching for his purse when the knock on the door came. And thus he opened it to be face to face with Caleb Widogast, holding a bouquet of flowers.

He'd been the recipient of roses and lilies-- the sorts of flowers that were effusive and showy, but this? He reached for them and observed them for a long moment, they were beautiful and quite exotic to someone like him who was indeed used to the more traditional flowers-- that was because invariably a great many men lacked imagination. ] These are very beautiful, please come inside while I put them in water? [ He motioned for Caleb to come inside the little cottage that was rather elegantly appointed. ] You were right on the dot, your sense of time is impeccable Professor Widogast.

[ausgebrannt]

[Essek had clearly erred exactly correctly, utterly exquisite really. This beautiful man was so far out of his league -- both the league of his alter ego mild-mannered professor Caleb Widogast, and his spy side which was slightly less mild-mannered at the very least.

He was dressed casually, but clearly care had been taken, a pare of slim fit jeans in dark denim, and a striped button-down shirt in a soft lilac color, like he couldn't help but have Essek on his mind. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, a messenger bag slung across his chest.]

I do aim for punctuality. It is one of my more boring but steadfast virtues. [He smiled and stepped inside.]

You look lovely.

[zauberdecke]

I highly doubt you are boring in the slightest.

[ Essek said with an almost knowing smile, perhaps it was the fact that he had seen Caleb talk rather animatedly about his hyper-fixations which somehow managed to mirror his own. He was putting the flowers in a vase and arranging then in a manner that would look good, then leaned down to inhale the fragrance. ] Did Jester happen to tell you my favorite flowers? If so that would be considered cheating.

[ He approached and then lightly touched that forearm. ] But I will not hold it against you if that is indeed the case. [ His eyes slid up and down Caleb, quietly assessing though what he found there was.. well it was absolutely more than nice. ] I do not believe that there is a single boring thing about you, and I rather find punctuality admirable and attractive.

[ He pointed to his finely crafted watch. ] You arrived right on the dot, there is something very attractive about that.

[ausgebrannt]

I... no. But now that you mention that, it would have been very clever of me to ask, and I am disappointed in myself. I am usually far more cunning.

[He managed with a sheepishly self-deprecating smile. But he was also preening just a little that Essek apparently favored some of the flowers at least. He could feel those sharp violet eyes move over him, and found that he liked the thought of Essek looking at him.

His expression warmed at what the drow had to said.]

Is that so? Then I'll consider myself starting this out on the right foot.

[He offered a hand out towards Essek.]

Shall we get going then? I thought we could start at the bookstore.

[zauberdecke]

[ Almost effortlessly, Essek bypassed that hand and instead took the arm and slid his own hand into the crook, right against the forearm. He could feel the subtle muscles just underneath. A man who likely worked quite a few sigils for both work and for hobby. Also another point in his favor; for all that Essek lived a very exciting life, it was nice to not feel like the world hinged on his next move. ]

Though I will give you a hint of another flower that I do like.. jasmine, I am very fond of jasmine.

[ Essek gave away a secret, and 24 hours in retrospect-- he'd probably and likely balk at such secrets being given away, but at this moment he could not control his tongue. ]

Do you have a flower you are fond of, Professor Widogast? You strike me as the type to have a favorite flower.

[ Lead on, mystery man-- the drow was quite content to allow the other man to lead. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb could get used to the way that hand fit int he crook of his arm, and he reached over with his free hand to slightly set upon Essek's ever so gently, as if making certain that it was settled and secure there before he did indeed lead on. They had a bookstore to get to, and the first start of his carefully planned date.

For his beautiful skeptic of romance.]

Jasmine? Mm... there is something very fitting about that. [A certain elegance that Essek radiated, perhaps? Also the hints of that floral scent that seemed to linger about the other man, coupled with the clear crisp scent of winter's first snow.]

Ah well... I am very fond of cornflowers. They grew all about in the hills around where I grew up. And, well, [A pause for another sheepish smile.] Dandelions. I know many consider them weeds, but they're bright and lovely. And can be made to make a very nice wine.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was absolutely a sceptic but perhaps this man would teach him a few things, he had found himself (despite himself) opening up to it. And the warmth of Caleb's hand over his own was not unpleasant in the slightest.

A little spot of quiet harmony in such a fast paced world.

The door was locked behind them and then very soon they were walking down the street toward the main thoroughfaire where all of the best shops were located; he may have looked up the address of a few bookstores for later but he had not pursued that yet. ]

I have never had wine made out of flowers before, and unfortunately dandelions are not so prevalent in the Dynasty-- in Roshna the plants that thrive the most are the ones that adapt to shade and night easily.

[ He cleared his throat. ] My mother would consider a dandelion beneath her..

[ though Essek did look up at Caleb ] your eyes are very cornflower adjacent.

[ausgebrannt]

Ja, that is right. The Dynasty's capital lives under the lingering night. I have heard of it, but never seen it myself.

[Eventually he assumed his missions would take him that deep into the Dynasty though. But work was not what he wanted to think about right now. Instead he wanted to let himself get lost in the company of the man on his arm.]

Many people would consider them such, I think. But that does not seem to concern the dandelions. Maybe I find that admirable too. ...and then of course, I'll admit to being fond of the whimsy of making wishes on little seeds that will float away with them on the wind.

[He found himself blinking and fighting a sudden rush of flushed pink rising in his face.] That, I think, is the nicest compliment I have ever received.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was something so unmistakably genuine about this man who blushed because his eyes had been likened to the azure of cornflowers, it was a innate desire to protect him against really just anything.. the world perhaps; his world which arguably did not have room for Professors with charming manners and cornflower blue eyes.

Essek did not know why he continued down this path, why he was even here walking down the street with this man and listening to him wax poetic about wishes and dandelion seeds.

The warmth of his palm over the back of Essek's hand did nothing to squash those near delirious thoughts of Essek Thelyss' mind-- better wisdom had all but fled as he anticipated the date (despite himself). ] I would say that perhaps you may come to the Dynasty however I know that relations between the Dynasty and Empire are tenuous at best-- it is only with my visa am I allowed even out.

[ And he'd gotten looks while he had been here for his shoot in Nicodranas, but due to the seaside cities proximity to the port and other cultures, there had been no rude slurs. He probably would not set foot in Rexxentrum where he was sure that anti-Dynasty was at it's height. ]

Are you.. from Rexxentrum?

[ He had to ask, the accent was very pronounced. This man was from deep within the Zemni Fields, perhaps pretty close to the Empire where this accent flourished. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb knew it was a bad idea too. This life he was pretending was his only life, it was perhaps the exact life that would want to go and fall in love with a beautiful, fascinating, whip-smart man. But the other half of him? That would only complicate Essek's life, perhaps even endanger it if Caleb ever did anything to get himself burned.

But there was something he couldn't shake, a pull towards the drow that felt impossible to even begin to resist.]

This is true. International tensions are high. It is too bad, I think. It would be better if we could live in kinder times.

[Of course, in kinder times he might be nothing more than what he appeared to be.]

From near there, ja. A small town in the Zemni Fields.

[Oh yes, he was Zemnian and Empire-born as they came, Essek.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Thus begged the question, perhaps it was curiosity that inspired the next that came from Essek's mouth. It was curiosity as the Shadowhand, but it was also from Essek himself-- who he was at his core. ] It is not many from the Empire that would want to be seen with a member of the Dynasty, perhaps you surprise me a little bit.

[ Yes, perhaps interesting to contemplate. ] Though perhaps I should not be surprised, what with your interest in Dunamancy which is a Dynasty related field.

[ They walked down the street, having such a conversation. ] Kinder times, you are an idealist then?

[ausgebrannt]

I am of the Empire, but... I like to think more than that, I am of my own mind.

[And right now he'd made up his mind about Essek being thoroughly fascinating and intriguing, and not only for the Dunamancy discussions, but for all the things he was learning about the Dynasty man, who liked jasmine and bookshops and did not believe in romance.]

I've found myself, quite recently, with an interest in another Dynasty related field.

[A playful light in his eyes, the subtlest tug of a smile over his lips, always that awkward hesitation at the edges of his emotions, as if he wasn't entirely certain he deserved to be having them quite so loudly.]

No, perhaps just a realist who stubbornly wishes to be hopeful... that we can be better than who we have been.

[zauberdecke]

[ Oh, well that hit him square in something that he was not familiar with. Was it the heart, or the fact that the interest in him was not cloying or overpowering. Most men, when they attempted to hit on him, tended to throw their weight and power around as if that would be the deciding factors to which that he would deign to offer his time. Not really the best method for someone like Essek who did not need power nor did he need anything that anyone else could provide him with.

But the statement, it caused him to flush and he was hoping that Caleb did not see that or else his cover would be blown as being cool, calm and collected at all time. ]

Dunamancy is perhaps far more lucrative; Remember that I do not believe in romance. [ He said as casually as possible, but there was no real force behind it. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Ah yes, I have not forgotten. But I did just admit my stubbornness, ja?

[He'd make a believer out of Essek yet, if he had his way. He was, however, somehow oblivious to the flush on Essek's face (which honestly was a tragic roll of the dice), likely because this was all happening as they reached their first destination for the evening, the tucked away little bookstore that he'd mentioned the night before.

Caleb shifted ahead without letting Essek off his arm to open the door and escort the drow through.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek almost seemed to glide through the door that was opened for him, and then he was awash in a realm very comfortable to him, a realm of books and parchment; the scent of an old bookshoppe, of leather and slight must as well as paper.. this was pleasant to him and he drifted off to peruse the shelves.

It was not a bookstore like he was used to, this one was cozy and held little nooks filled with books-- the organization was very lax as if it was a banquet for surprise. He was a man who knew his way around a bookstore, much like Caleb was.. and while perhaps he was a little bit too dressed up for a bookstore, he still managed to look completely at home with the way that he pulled out a tome and opened it gingerly and with careful and reverent fingers. ]

You have made a mistake in bringing me here, Caleb Widogast.

[ Or maybe not so much a mistake, perhaps this was one of the routes to Essek's heart. ]

[ausgebrannt]

If it is a mistake, I'm happy to have made it.

[Because Essek did seem at ease entirely in this place, as if he'd stepped into a setting that had been made for him, or that he had been made for. Either way, Caleb tilted his head as he watched him.]

Shall I show you my favorite section?

[He might have planted a few little things for Essek to find in that section. ...look he'd had the whole day to put this together, and he was determined to make the best attempt at giving Essek a romantic date that he could.]

[zauberdecke]

Of course.. you must forgive me, I tend to forget myself when it involves books.

[ A rather sheepish smile before he closed the book and then slid it back into it's place, and then he nodded for Caleb to lead on toward his favorite section. Essek was absolutely unsuspecting of whatever Caleb had planned which was probably a good thing.

He did not read romance novels, and the Drow were very not romantic by nature so he would have no idea as to whatever it was up a certain sleeve. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I am guilty of the same thing.

[They were nerds of a feather in this, Essek. And the whole of it was an attractive look on the drow, this other side of the elegant worldly model that Caleb expected few people had the opportunity to glimpse.

He led Essek down a few rows of shelves to a little alcove with a chair (that may have found its way here as the owner realized it kept the ginger wizard from sitting like a hobo on the floor. These were the books of magical theory, of arcana beyond the basic mechanics of spells and cantrips long known.

Caleb had wagered a guess on a few volumes that might catch Essek's attention, and tucked inside one or two of those there were small cards with the drow's name and a few lines in Caleb's handwriting, that when put together were the components and sigils of a spell that was not in any common curriculum, one that was of Caleb's own making. It was a wizard sharing a glimpse into his spellbook -- his heart and mind more than anything else could be said to be -- with another, a perhaps startlingly intimate thing when one thought closely about it.]

Here we are. I spend... perhaps a bit too much time in this little corner.

[zauberdecke]

[ As they walked, Essek perused the covers and allowed his well manicured hand to lightly trail against the leather book covers, the bindings were a comfort to him as well as a much needed pleasure after much time spent on the beach modeling the latest in Nicodranas swimsuit fashions. Such would circulate within the Dynasty, the Menagerie Coast and then overseas to Tal'dorei and Marquet.

For someone who was drained easily by the demands of people, this was a welcome excursion.. date, if you will. He found a volume on Ad Astra Celestia and then opened it up, and flipping through the page. A little notecard caught his eyes of which he plucked out, his name written on it in a handwriting he was not familiar with. He held it up between two fingertips and looked at Caleb Widogast with a raise of his brow.

Then he turned the car over and looked over it and saw part and parcel of something. ] Is this.. a spell? [ Well only part, but he had to smile to himself. ]