: 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]

[ Essek perceived the finesse that was evident in Caleb Widogast, the precise hand movements, the murmured incantations with every syllable enunciated perfectly, and then the magic buoyed itself off of the wizard in a wave that Essek was familiar with however he'd never really thought to appreciate it in someone else.

But perhaps this Professor was just built of different stuff then what normally fascinated him.

Parted lips, his tongue licking his lower lip at the energy; and then a surprised incredulity at the spectral vision, the giant toe beans and the wiggle, a glance past it and he saw that Caleb was wiggling his own fingers as if controlling it like a puppet.

Oh no, that was hot.

Essek was in no small amount of trouble. ] That was highly interesting, I have never been so spellbound by someone else's use of magic as much as I've been of yours. [ He said this with a raise of his brow, a quirk to his lips-- he was delighted and it showed in such soft and subtle ways. ] What else have you created? Somehow I do not think that this is just it.

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb could not help the smile that tugged at his lips as Essek said such sweet words. Spellbound, was it? He liked that very much, because gods knew that the drow had certainly caught his attention entirely. More than that though, it was the subtle signs of happiness on Essek's face, the realization that the other man was actually enjoying himself, which was Caleb's entire goal.]

It is not. I have crafted a number of spells of my own making. Though... that is perhaps the only one that I can demonstrate in a bookstore without being asked to never come back...

[There was a lot of fire involved, Essek. Such was his general predilection.]

[zauberdecke]

[ That did not terrify Essek but it would be a shame to do anything to this bookstore and all the books that lay therein. He placed a hand lightly on that forearm and quirked a slender brow. ] Perhaps one day you will give me a demonstration of that too though I will agree that destructive magics are not..

[ Well he had access to as well though he would never reveal them, those were guarded secrets.. except for perhaps one.

He pulled out a pearl from the side pocket of his purse and then he drew a sigil with one hand, am simple one with very little in the way or design, he passed the pearl through it and spoke the words and then he pressed it against Caleb's forehead.

It was not a showy spell but the pearl sank in and give Caleb a mote of possibility with which to use, it would fill the other wizard with a glow of confidence among other things. ]

[ausgebrannt]

I'd be very happy to, ja, around less distressingly flammable environments.

[Oh Caleb knew several brutally destructive spells -- and at least one was indeed of his own crafting. The others he'd created were less violent. Cat's Ire had its potential, but his Amber Vault was most a utility. He was quite proud of that one, really.

Though now his curiosity was caught as he watched Essek draw out a pearl. The Zemnian wizard recognized a spell component when he saw one, so he watched with rapt fascination as the other man went through the somatic pieces of the spell -- and then in surprise as that pearl was touched to his forehead, breath catching at the feeling of something sweeping over him. Magic yes, but a sort that he had never felt before. This was Dunamancy then?]

That was a very interesting thing. What was the spell?

[zauberdecke]

It is called Fortune's Favor and it grants a mote of possibility that allows you to see conclusions of various paths you may take, so that thereby you may pick the one with the more favorable outcome.

[ He had not created the spell but he had refined it to point-- worked the kinks out of it, it had always been useful when he was on a heist and he was more than happy to share a hint of it with this mild-mannered professor. Surely there was no way that could backfire at all, not even in the smallest of ways, even though it was clear that this professor was precocious and quick to learn and utilize. ]

It is helpful in social situations where I am uncertain of a certain answer and how it may benefit or hinder myself.

[ Essek stood back and regarded the Wizard, tilting his head thoughtfully to the side. ] Perhaps I should not have shown you a spell that is a closely guarded Dynasty secret but as I use it for predominately frivolous purposes, I saw no reason not to.

[ In a way, that was.. dare Essek say, 'trust'?

[ausgebrannt]

Ah... that is a very useful spell. And clever too.

[Oh yes, Caleb could see the use of that in social situations, but also in his other life. It would be extremely useful there. But he'd only been given the glimpse, and that was generous enough of Essek to offer him.

He'd totally use this particular mote of possibility for the kiss he was hoping to steal at the end of the date. Shh.

A smile found his lips and he reached out a hand to catch Essek's fingers with his own.]

I'm honored to have witnessed it. And it will be our little secret, ja? I will guard it closely.

[zauberdecke]

[ Caleb had the singular opportunity of seeing the other man unfurl for him, it was perhaps the way that the quiet but utterly clever and charming Professor caught his fingers with a grace that was very smooth; and Essek was charmed despite himself. Despite all of his better judgements, he wanted to see where the rest of the evening would take them.

Maybe this man would make a believer out of him yet in terms of romance; showing off that spell had been unaccountably sexy in nature.

He bit at his lower lip and ducked his head just a little bit. ] Watch that you do... [ He murmured for want of something better to say, though when he slipped his hand out of Caleb's it wasn't to get away but because a book was calling him-- the way that the skin connected as he drew out, not with a jerk but with a smooth little glide to prolong the contact for as long as possible, until tips said goodbye.

The next half an hour would be spent talking about books and spells, true nerd things. Essek also bought Caleb both the books that he had put the slips within, making a present of them in his own way. Book-gifting for nerds were also the height of romance. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[It was beautiful to witness really, the way those impeccably constructed walls were slowly coming down, the way that Essek was slowly opening like some rare night-blooming flower. The smile on his face softened at the way the drow ducked his head, and the slow way that their hands parted.

Yes, not bad at all, he thought to himself. It was a good idea, this little stop at the bookstore. The first stop. He was not done yet trying to sway the other man to the side of romance.

Their time among the shelves was pleasant though, and he found himself surprised and blushing in pleasure as Essek bought him books. The most romantic nerd gift, it was true.]

Will you join me for a walk now? I think we will be just in time for the sunset to give us a bit of a light show.

[zauberdecke]

[ To be honest, Essek was not the biggest fan of the sun-- it was not because he was a night person, it was the sensitivity. It was the reason why any outdoor shoots he had outside of Roshana would have to happen either in the morning or the late afternoon. It was starting to get darker and he did not think that it would be a hardship to go out walking, it was why he had brought a sun hat and shades.

He had not really taken the opportunity to enjoy a sunset, never had time nor the inclination.

But he found that he was willing to be swayed which was far more willing then he ever would've. ]

I would be delighted to walk with you, Professor Widogast-- after all you do know this town better than I myself do.. likely you will have an idea of the best vantage point?

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb was mindful of the fact that full sun was not kind to the eyes of a drow, and their evening excursion was timed to account for that. The sun would set in gentler shades of reds and violets and then leave them in the soft glow of golden hour.

And once the sun had slipped away and taken all illumination with it, leaving them with nothing but the stars above, then they could head to the final piece that he had planned for the evening.

He offered his arm to the other man.]

I do. There is a garden not far from here, overlooking the ocean.

[zauberdecke]

[ The smile that curved over Essek's lips at the mention of 'garden' spoke more than perhaps he was prepared to reveal with words, that he loved gardens but had not been able to get out to sightsee and check out a botanical garden. But it appeared that Caleb was going to remedy that and in such an effortlessly smooth way; he took the hand even though it was not offered it. A slight hesitation as he slipped his fingers against Caleb's.

As if not wanting to make any assumptions. ]

Then, shall we?

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb would take that smile as the reward that it was, and as a hint that he'd chosen well for their next activity. The greater reward though -- and the more surprising one -- was when Essek's fingers found his.

Oh.

He could see that hesitation. Caleb knew doubt intimately, after all, so he did not hesitate to catch Essek's fingers securely, tangling his with the drow's and offering him a soft, clearly pleased smile.]

Ja. Let's go. This way.

[zauberdecke]

[ It was true that there was nothing more intimate to a wizard than the holding of hands, it was a trust--- considering that a wizard could not perform their spells while holding someone elses hands; back in the old days a wizard would never do such a thing unless they were completely assured that this was a safe space to do so.

But right now, Essek decided to indulge-- and Caleb's hand was delightfully warm, radiating a heat that seemed to counter the chill within his own hands, something more genetic than anything else. ]

My hands.. are not too cold right?

[ He said once they exited out of the bookstore and onto their next location, purchases firmly stored away in bags ]

[ausgebrannt]

[A shake of his head.]

Your hands are perfect.

[Oh wait had he meant to say that? Well, it was true anyway. Essek's hands were soft and elegant, and he'd seen the graceful but infinitely precise way that those fingers had worked the sigils of a spell. He let his thumb graze along the back of Essek's hand.]

The ah... the garden is this way. Not very far. [Don't mind him, Essek, he was flustered because he had clearly developed a crush. On his date. How embarrassing.]

[zauberdecke]

[ How embarrassing indeed however Essek was rather smitten himself by this man who had already blown the entire date out of the water; granted he wasn't consciously aware of it but he'd already been charmed despite himself at the care and attention that Caleb Widogast had put into this date and therefore perhaps that set him right on the path to be romanced.

They walked toward the garden, holding hands and with Essek trying not to feel too self conscious about it-- after all, this was something that he did not let just anyone do. In fact, no one at all.

But here was the wizard professor, holding his hand and drawing his thumb callouses and all right against his own hand, though that brought to mind a question that stemmed from this. ]

Your magic is predominately fire-based? It's the callouses in your hand, I have noticed that is what happens when people choose that.. or earth. [ He was very perceptive, maybe that should've scared Caleb a little bit? ]

[ausgebrannt]

[And he was just getting started, Essek. Caleb Widogast was not a man to do things by halves. He was far too neurotic for that. So he'd given this his full concentration and effort in the one day he'd had to plan it.

The garden was not too far, and before long, he was leading Essek in through the arched gates. They were close enough to the ocean that the breeze carried the soft tang of salt on it, as the afternoon slipped to evening, the fading light of the sun as it prepared to set casting a gentle, glowing light over the flowers and trees that greeted them. The garden itself was one of winding stone paths past well-tended flowers that bloomed in bright pinks and reds, pure whites and vibrant purples.

Caleb however, found his attention continually drawn to Essek, by far the loveliest blossom in sight.]

I suppose it is. Is that strange? My school is that of Transmutation, but something about fire, evocation or not, has always felt strangely natural.

[It defined him, even as it had left its scars deep inside him. It wasn't well-adjusted men who wound up being secret agent assassins and spies, after all. But this dunamancer was incredibly perceptive, and Caleb probably should have been concerned, but instead he was just full on smitten. Oh well.]

[zauberdecke]

If suits you.

[ This may work against them, the fact that their intelligences seemingly did not combine well enough to gain them any sort of advantage on perception-- it was because the both of them were invariably smitten. Now, he leaned into the other man as the gardens spread out before them all sorts of flowers in such vibrancy and that popped out to him in the midst of his darkvision as it seemed to become far more sharpened as the sun lost it's power.

He did not know why there was such a thrumming in his heart whenever he looked at the Professor, but it was there and he still did not know what to do it. ] Your fire is warm, like a hearth.

[ He moved over to one of the little balconied eaves that seemed to overlook perfectly the sea and the ripple of sun as it started to dip just beneath the horizon, then he leaned against it while the breeze lightly rippled against each curl that was tugged by it. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Do you think so?

[Caleb looked over at Essek with that growing warmth in his expression. No, they were both brilliant men, but they were clearly turning each other the sort of stupid that happened to men who were on the road to falling for one another.

It was such a kind thing, to hear those words. Warm like a hearth? Rather than dangerous and destructive like some ruining blaze.

For a moment he just watched Essek as he settled himself against the balcony, backlit by the soft crimson and gold glow of the setting sun behind him. Caleb forgot how to breathe in that moment, staring at him with a enraptured look in his eyes. He shook himself out of it and moved to join him there.]

If I am like a hearth fire... you will have to forgive my failed attempt at poetry. Words are not my strong suit, but you are very much like starlight, the first star of the evening who rises in the sky even before the sun has set, because they will not be dimmed even by the light of day itself.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek had no mouth for poetry, his voice was always matter-of-fact and precise; but he could feel the sincerity in the voice of the zemnian man, the way that he spoke those words-- and Essek could not quite believe the lie that Caleb was telling him, that words were not his strong suit, because he felt them course through him.

Curious, since no one had ever attempted to woo him with words. Normally it was with such mundane things as a fast sleek car, or promises of luxury and power. To be compared to the starlight though, he had never been compared to something so otherworldly. Who was this man? How dare he wreck his entire world view with just a careful turn of a phrase. ]

Caleb Widogast, you speak of failed attempts at poetry but I have never once,l I mean.. well-- no one has ever compared me to starlight before.

[ausgebrannt]

[There was more of the hopeless romantic in Caleb Widogast than he would ever really admit to himself. Too much of his childhood was fairytales and folklore, bedtime stories read to him in his mother's sweet, soothing tones, falling asleep dreaming of adventure and magic.

And then he'd grown up into, well, a broken, dangerous thing trying to hold on to some pieces of the boy he'd been at least in the life he lived as Caleb Widogast. His life as the Scourger, well, that was another story, and not one he wanted to page through right now, not when Essek was looking at him with those captivating violet eyes.]

Then no one has been paying near enough attention.

[He reached out to brush one of those errant curls back from Essek's cheek.]

[zauberdecke]

Do not say such things, you are going to turn my head.

[ Came that whisper, closing his eyes to the slight roughness of fingers against his cheek, the way that they slid down his cheekbone and then brushed hair to a more manageable spot. He'd forgotten to touch up with gravity and thus his hair decided to riot a little bit as curls were wont to do.

The sun was halfway behind the horizon and the waters of the sea was painted shades of gold, orange and violet-- and that too was mirrored in the sky. Conversely it brought out the purples of Essek and the orange of Caleb, making the tableaux even more romantic. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Caleb leaned closer, his voice a soft whisper as if he were sharing a secret meant only for Essek's ears.]

That may be my intention, my dear.

[He very much wanted to turn Essek's head. Among other things. He wanted to lose himself in those endless eyes, wanted to know what the drow's lips tasted like when they melted against his own. He wanted to feel their hearts skip in synchronized beats as they tripped over themselves into a new matching rhythm.

Right here in this sunset tableau, cast in violets and oranges, on the border between night and day which might be the only piece of this world that could ever be truly theirs in a way.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Oh no...

Essek's heart gave a very strange and sudden lurch, all thoughts of this being a very bad idea fled his head-- and the only thing that remained was those evocative cerulean eyes that caught the light in such a way.

A voice pitched only for his hearing, making his slender elven ears twitch; the sign that those words and this moment affected him was the softest catch of his breath. ]

You did it...

[ a soft laugh as he attempted to get his breath back ] you have proven the whole romance thing, I think you convinced me and I do not know how you did it?

[ He swallowed and it came out most audibly between the two of them.

It was the sunset and the proximity, even more important the intimacy that did not rely on sex appeal though there was a tendril of that too, but not overt. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Oh it was an awful idea. His life was not one that should have room in it for love, but here he was fully aware he was falling for this dazzlingly brilliant man. So he would give all of himself to this that he was able to, if Essek would have it. Caleb would love the drow like the day loved the night, in beautifully stolen moments of dusks and dawns, painted in splashes of colors that set the sky alight in pastel blazes, again and again.

He smiled at the sound of that laughter.]

I am not sure myself, but it is the most incredible spell I will ever craft, I think.

[If it had Essek laughing in that soft breathless tone, had the other wizard looking at him in such a way. No magic more powerful could possibly exist.]

I would like to kiss you. May I kiss you?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek Thelyss felt the pull of gravity as well, the way that the other man exuded a magnetism that pulled him ever closer; Essek considered himself a powerful man however nothing had ever prepared him for the pull of something like this, he had no recourse or defense and he was pondering asking him to bed; that was how far gone he was.

He never invited anyone to his bed, ever. That was weakness and more often than not, in his line of work he could not afford even the smallest of encounters, such was his focus.

The ask for a kiss; he could not help but compare Caleb Widogast to all others, and all others were lacking. He'd never been asked for a kiss, most who were foolhardly enough just went for it and usually recieved a cheek or a chin for their troubles. But this man was asking for authentic consent in this which engendered a feeling of.. amazement?

Surely he was out of some sort of Empire Fairy Tale. ]

I.. yes... you may. [ he said even as he felt himself grow a little bit closer, head tilted upward while he leaned against the balcony, their profiles basked in the light of the waning sunset. His eyes were starting to flutter closed in the penultimate sign of trust ]