#☼*・ﾟ Friends — ↳ proelio-procusi

[astravates]

Their dynamic was complicated at times, fraught with misunderstandings and stubbornness, but there was no denying the bond that had formed between them. A connection of mutual respect and loyalty, forged in the fires of adversity and strengthened by their shared experiences. "Ja, okay," he conceded finally, a touch of laughter threading his voice as he began to relax again. "I will work on it. Perhaps on our next excursion I will splurge on a few extra spell components." He knew it would take time to unlearn deeply ingrained behaviors, but Beau's straightforward challenge had planted a seed in his mind. "I expect you will hold me accountable?"

"Yes, I am gonna tell you a bit of a tip I've had to do with Yasha, ask yourself when you are telling yourself no to something if you would tell me or any of the other of the Nein no, and if not and you can afford it, get it for yourself. Otherwise the rest of us are just going to get it for you anyways. Also another way to look at it is if you are fully stocked up and equipped you can better help and take care of the rest of us you know." Beau spoke knowing full well Veth would get anything Caleb put back if he came up with silly reasons not to get it. Jester had done similar already and Beau was half tempted to just sneak the items into his pack with no warning if needed.

[astravates]

@proelio-procusi asked: ❛i could really go for a hot chocolate right now.❜ // halloween themed starters;; open

"It is a pity we do not have Caduceus around to make hot chocolate, ja?" Caleb replied, a wistful smile playing at the corners of his lips towards Jester. "He always knew just how to make it. With whiskey, of course." The firbolg had a knack for crafting the most exquisite hot chocolate, using a blend of rich cocoa, creamy milk, and a secret mixture of spices.

[astravates]

He's a ten but he's read more smut then most people ever will

♢      —        send  [ THEY’RE A 10 BUT … ]  and finish it in my muse’s inbox.

"Tease all you want, but I am well versed on several points of history because of smut novels. Historical sex is the best sex to read."

[astravates]

"I remember everything about our time together," Caleb said softly, his gaze meeting Astrid's. He moved closer to the table, fingers tracing over the small carving she had etched into the wood so long ago. A heart, with their initials intertwined.

"This place holds some of my fondest memories. Dancing with you both until the early hours, sneaking kisses in dark corners…" His voice trailed off as he lost himself in the reminiscence. With a wave of his hand, soft music began to fill the air, the same familiar melodies they used to sway to.

Caleb turned to face them, hand outstretched in invitation. "Shall we dance? For old time's sake?"

The pair followed Caleb through the tower, still impressed with the level of magic he had seemed to figure out all on his own, a testament to how truly skilled Caleb was.

Once they had stepped through the door they paused, taking in the space around them. Astrid did a small turn in the space before eyeing the table they had often sat at between rounds of dances. "You even included the small carving I added to the table." She hummed a bit before looking at him, something warm and soft in her gaze.

Eadwulf chuckled slightly. "You always kept track of all the details now didn't you?"

[astravates]

Caleb pulled back slightly, just enough to look her in the eyes, his own gaze filled with an intensity that cut through the haze of alcohol. He gently took her hands in his, their fingers intertwining as naturally as they had all those years ago.

"Astrid," he began, his voice a bit rough, "there has never been anyone else. Not anything serious, really." Sure, there had been feelings for Jester, for Essek, but what he had with Astrid and Eadwulf was different. Whether that was a good or bad thing, Caleb found he didn’t much care right now. "The years may have changed us, shaped us into different people, but my feelings for you both could never change. Even if I wanted them too." And maybe he should want them too, maybe they weren't good for each other. Maybe.

Astrid savored the warm coming from Caleb. Without him close she felt chilled in more ways then one. "I don't know if that is entirely true but it is nice to know it is unlikely." Her voice was soft as she stayed close to him.

"You know both Wulf and I wouldn't mind if there was some one else too. It's been years and with that comes the chance of you seeing someone else. "

[astravates]

Caleb chuckled at the thought, his eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine amusement. "Ja, and then she would begrudgingly admit that it was actually quite insightful, all while trying to maintain that grumpy exterior of hers." He took another sip of water, the wheels in his mind still turning. "Perhaps we could even include some sketches, you know, to really drive home the whole cat analogy. I am sure Jester would be more than happy to lend her artistic talents to the cause."

"It would be funnier because she would actually read it and find that there is actually information worth keeping in the library." She hummed with a soft smile as she watched him. Being able to be this close to him again did something to them that she wasn't entirely sure fit the rest of her anymore. Astrid felt like a young girl again in some aspects and it was an odd and yet exciting feeling.

[astravates]

Despite his acceptance of his new name, Caleb couldn't deny the strange feeling that washed over him when he heard it spoken by Astrid. He had always been Bren to her, his name once rolling off her tongue like a familiar melody. But as they stood facing each other after all these years, it felt like an acknowledgement that they were no longer the same people they once were. The girl he had loved was different now, transformed by time and experience. So was he.

“I can’t promise that, Astrid,” spoken in Zemnian once more. “I have a responsibility to my friends. To my home. I worry our sense of duty may differ these days.”

"Caleb... you know I can't say certain things out loud." She spoke with just admitted how much she had been planning when it came to Trent. "You need to stay away and out of his line of sight or he is going to use you against the both of us." She spoke running fingers through the short blonde hair.

"I am sorry you were alone.... and I am glad you are no longer alone but it would be better for all of you to be elsewhere." Astrid spoke gently as she looked at Caleb trying her best to read what he was thinking when it came to her and Eadwulf's plans.

[astravates]

He smiled warmly at Astrid's words, his heart fluttering in his chest. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so at ease, so content in the presence of others. It was as if no time had passed at all, and they were just three young lovers sneaking away for a moment alone once more.

"Then let us ascend," Caleb said with a dramatic flourish of his hand. He closed his eyes and concentrated, picturing the eighth floor of the tower in his mind's eye. Slowly, their bodies began to rise off the ground, defying gravity as they floated upwards through the center of the tower. Finally, they reached the second to last floor and Caleb gently guided them through a locked doorway into a dance hall—a perfect replica of the one they used to frequent together in Rexxentrum. "Look familiar?"

Astrid felt warmth spread through her from the brush of Caleb's fingers, her own were so cold compared to him. Eadwulf's weren't cold per say but it seemed like Caleb was always as warm as the fire he seemed to wield. Both took in Caleb feeling things click back into place like a well deigned puzzle. They all just fit and it made both of them want to steal as much time as they could with him. Yes a lot had changed, not just the name but Astrid caught the new scars on his skin, Eadwulf saw the way that he had closed off in some aspects and opened up more in others.

"I think that is a wonderful idea." Astrid spoke as she shifted to take a sip of her drink, her cheeks starting to warm slightly under Caleb's gaze.

[astravates]

Caleb blinked in surprise at Beau's words, a faint blush creeping into his cheeks. It was true, he had a tendency to put others before himself, to prioritize their needs and wants over his own. It was a habit born of guilt and self-loathing, a belief that he didn't deserve the same kindnesses he so readily bestowed upon others. "Ja, well..." he stammered, searching for the right words. "I suppose old habits die hard. But you are right, of course. I should be more willing to invest in myself and my craft, I suppose." He paused, his expression turning thoughtful.

"The only reason Frumpkin doesn't complain more is cause you spoil him at every opportunity." Beau spoke with a knowing smile. "And it's only cause you also feel the need to have to justify getting what you need for your spells. We really need to work on you willing to spend money on yourself. You do things and spend money on all of us without thought but you don't think you deserve the same." Beau spoke as she finished what was left of her drink and wondered if she should get another or not.

[astravates]

Caleb nodded thoughtfully as he chewed, considering Beau's words. "Ja, I suppose you're right. A true romance must have its happy ending. But perhaps a historical drama with romantic elements could provide a more grounded perspective." He took another bite, savoring the rich flavors. "I think looking into historical figures is a brilliant idea. Someone like her mother could be quite inspiring. And the fey connection... I am sure there are plenty of cautionary tales there as well."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "You know, it's funny. For all her wild flights of fancy, Jester is surprisingly grounded in many ways. She sees the world through this lens of optimism and possibility. It is admirable, really."

"Okay but I will say in order for a book to be categorized as a romance it has to have a happily ever after funnily enough." Beau wasn't surprised by that fact when she had poked into categorizing books at the Cobalt Soul. "So technically it would say have to be a drama or historical book with a romantic sub plot if that makes sense." She explained as she continued on her meal leaning back in the chair enough that the front legs of the chair Beau was in left the floor.

"I'll also see if we can find any historical figures that might interest her that we can pull something for, maybe a courtesan like her mom or something about the high fae for her connection with Artagan?"

[astravates]

Caleb chuckled, the sound warm and genuine in a way it hadn't been for many years. "You're right, Wulf. We have all grown in such different ways, it would be difficult to have a fair competition at this point."

He stood from his armchair, moving to the sidebar to pour each of them another generous glass of the amber liquid, fingers brushing against theirs as he handed them their drinks. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow across their faces. Caleb studied Astrid and Eadwulf in the flickering light, taking in every detail—the sharpness of Astrid's features, the broadness of Eadwulf's shoulders, the way their eyes still shone with the same familiarity he remembered from their youth, despite everything different now.

"Perhaps instead of a competition, you would allow me to show you more of the tower?" Caleb suggested, a rare playfulness in his voice. "There are many rooms here I think you both would appreciate."

"Daggers mostly though I am decent with a rapier as well." Astrid awnsered the question a small smile coming to her lips. She knew Caleb would remember her former skills with a knife and posions only now she had spent the time to refine it.

"A demonstration might be fun but it's hard to compete when our skills are all so branched out." Eadwulf spoke with a slight chuckle.

[astravates]

Caleb smirked softly at Beau's protective nature. "I understand, Beauregard. And I agree." As they finished their meal, Caleb found himself feeling grateful for Beau's companionship, despite their less-than-ideal start. She had a way of keeping him grounded, of pulling him out of his own head when he needed it most. And her insights, her perspective on the world, never ceased to surprise him.

"You know," he said as they stood to leave, "I am glad we had this time together, Beauregard. Shopping for spell components is not so tedious with you to speed things along." His lips quirked into a wry smile. "Even if said friend does complain more than a fey cat."

"It is, and I don't want to take that from her, I just don't want someone else to take advantage of her kindness." Beau had seen it happen to others, taken advantage of over and over till there was nothing left to give. It was not something she wanted to happen to her friend if she could do anything about it.

"I'm sure Dairon would have some ideas where to start as far as those figures go and if not could still point us in the right direction."

[astravates]

Caleb swallowed a mouthful of food and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Ja, I imagine they could keep us entertained for hours. Perhaps even days." His mind was already racing with the possibilities, the wealth of arcane knowledge Allura must possess. But he pushed those thoughts aside for the moment, focusing instead on the meal and the company.

"You know," he said after a pause, "I've been thinking about what you said earlier, about Jester and her expectations. Perhaps we could find some stories that blend romance with a dose of reality. Tales of love and adventure that don't always end with a happily ever after. Though, she may not like it."

Beau was glad to have the food in front of them and was glad that she had pushed for food first before Caleb dived into the new books. Chances are the wizard would have forgotten to eat otherwise. Beau relaxed further into her chair as she started eating.

"Really seems like it, and so does her wife's." The two clearly were not green as far as adventuring went and it was a rather nice change of pace when it came to people in positions of power. Those two actually knew what it meant to be doing what the nein had been having to do and didn't underestimate them like many others had.

[astravates]

Caleb's expression softened, his eyes meeting Astrid's with a mix of tenderness and understanding. He gently cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing a small circle on her skin. "Nein, Astrid," he murmured, his voice low and warm, "you could never overstep with me."

He leaned in closer, their foreheads nearly touching. The scent of ale on his breath mingled with the familiar smell that was uniquely Caleb—ink, parchment, and a hint of cinnamon.

Astrid stayed close to him relaxing against him, not wanting to move away at all. Instead she leaned into his hand as she let out a breath. "I should have asked first..." She admitted softly. It had been so long and she knew in the time they had been apart Caleb could have moved on to someone else.

While her Caleb and Eadwulf hadn't exactly had a traditionally relationship it didn't mean he wasn't in one now. "I hope I didn't over step." She spoke softly looking at him.

[astravates]

Caleb's breath caught in his throat as Astrid's lips met his, the kiss sudden but not unwelcome. For a moment, he froze, mind reeling at the unexpected intimacy. But then instinct took over and he melted into her, one hand coming up to cradle her face as he returned the kiss with equal fervor.

It was like no time had passed at all, like they were still those young lovers stealing moments in the shadows of the academy. Her lips were as soft as he remembered, her touch igniting a fire in his veins that had long lay dormant. When they finally parted, both breathless, Caleb rested his forehead against hers, eyes closed as he savored the closeness.

The gentle squeeze of reassurance is what snapped her control. They had always made themselves be careful, held to a standard that was high enough that it could cause problems if it wasn't for Eadwulf at her side. Something about Caleb though broke down those walls and tears collected at the corners of her eyes.

She shifted before moving to pull him into a kiss, wanting him as close as she could have him right now. Even though so much between them was different it felt like a comfort, it felt like coming home.

[astravates]

Caleb chuckled softly, remembering the eager young man he had once been, always hungry for new knowledge. "It was not easy starting over, nein. But magic has always been a part of me. I could not imagine giving it up entirely, even after everything."

His gaze shifted to Astrid, curiosity piqued by Eadwulf's revelation. "Particular weapons? Do tell. I must admit, I am intrigued." Caleb had seen Astrid's skill with a blade firsthand, but he wondered what other deadly talents she had acquired.

"Perhaps a demonstration is in order?" he suggested, a playful glint in his eye. "I happen to have a training room in the tower. We could have ourselves a friendly competition, for old time's sake."

Astrid nodded a little bit. It was something that had been hinted about in what information Trent had tried to gather when Caleb first appeared in their lives again. "It must have not been easy starting over again." Astrid spoke gently. "I am only a little suprised you stayed with it considering you always were the one most excited to be getting a new spell." She spoke gently.

Eadwulf nodded a shifted a little. "Astrid has become more proficient in battle without the use of magic. If anything her new skills would probably be seen as a help rather than a miss step." Astrid threw him a look and then rolled her eyes.

"I learned so we could escape situations better and blend in more, my blade work really only is good with particular weapons."