OPEN

[salvatore_underfoot]

WHO: Salvatore and You
WHAT: Sal does research on Western Approach
WHEN: Before departure
WHERE: Library
NOTES: Two dorks being dumb at each other

He’d only ever read about the Western Approach, and then, not much. Vaguely. He knew it was an expanse of arid land located in Orlais. If he was going to spend the next few weeks there, he wanted to learn as much about it as he could.

That is why one might find him the library, huddled under a window for light and swamped by piles of books and scrolls, many open, as if he could read them all simultaneously. He’s got an inkwell balanced on his knee and a book for note-taking beside him. He stops reading to jot something down, then scratches at his nose with the quill still in his hand. A splotch of black is left on his nose, but he doesn't notice.

No one else in the room exists.

Comments

[salvatore_underfoot]

It was not a crummy poem. He's going to write it down in fancy calligraphy and frame it and sneak into Alayre's office and hang it on the wall before he leaves.

He's past the point of caring if they're caught. He accepts the second kiss as readily as the first. Though he scoffs good-naturedly at Alayre taking the credit. It was his limerick that put things in motion. "You should try being forward more often. I was beginning to wonder if you even actually interested."

[equanimiti]

While Alayre wouldn't exactly let that sad little poem hang on his office walls, he certainly would keep it hidden under rows of books at the bookshelf. So upon Salvatore's return, the mage will have to search for his piece of poetry to hang again upon the wall.

A sigh leaves the Templar as Salvatore mentions his lack of forwardness. "What can I truly say? I've always been a tad--" He pauses momentarily as he struggles to find the right word. "I suppose 'timid' shall do. I haven't had much opportunities to enjoy the comfort of another." Alayre is a Templar after all.

[salvatore_underfoot]

Recalling how Alayre had blushed during their conversation in the tent, Sal doesn't doubt that one bit. Opportunities for company were not hard to come by in the Circle. But, given what happened to most of those former lovers and friends he'd rather not look back on it.

"Is that what all the gifts were for? Because you're timid?"

[equanimiti]

Alayre smiles ever so slightly and nods. What can he really say? He can't exactly deny his somewhat bashful trait even though he wishes to do just that. "I suppose so." He replies honestly as he brushes his hair away from his eyes. Those silvery-gray strands always get in the way but he refuses to cut it anytime soon. Not everyone looks good in the standard crew cut the Templar typically wear.

"I've been trying to win your attention for some time now." His smile widens a tad. "I just didn't know what to do or how to do it. Therefore, I settled on showering you with gifts."

[salvatore_underfoot]

"Alayre..." Eyes shining, Salvatore shakes his head. Something warms inside him. That someone would go to that kind of trouble... No one has ever expressed their interest in him quite like this before. "You already had my attention."

There's also a small wiggle of trepidation in the pit of his stomach. He distracts it by gathering up the books strewn around them.

[equanimiti]

"I did..?"

A hint of surprise lingers within Alayre's eyes as he stares at Salvatore with such wonder. "Truly?" He questions again once Salvatore starts gathering his belongings. Alayre of course leans in to assist but suddenly he reaches for the mage's hand instead.

"You mean to tell this fool of a man that you've already had your eyes set upon him?" A chuckle escapes him as he brushes his fingers lightly over Salvatore's knuckles.

"Oh, do tell."

[salvatore_underfoot]

Laughter bubbles up at Alayre's surprise. Sal gives up on collecting his books. One of his hands has has been claimed, anyway. "Truly. I thought it was obvious."

He turns his hand over so his palm presses against Alayre's, tangles their fingers together. "I'm not going to embarrass myself and give you details. Use your imagination."