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[Saelfen was just packing his belongings for the job when he received the message. While he had not expected Taryon to respond so quickly, he couldn't help but sigh with relief. He reads the message with a small smile, his blue eyes beaming with delight. He isn't used to people seeking his presence. It feels nice.

With haste, he answers in return.]

Taryon,

It would be an honor to be your second pair of eyes. I certainly don't mind the idea of us working together on this endeavor, especially since I intend to repay you for those lovely poems.

Nonetheless, I'll come meet you, and Earl Grey is fine by me. To be honest, I'm not particularly picky about tea as long as it tastes good.

I will see you soon.

Best Regards,
Saelfen

[Repay? Maybe he shouldn't have written that, but it's too late. Saelfen already sent the message and he's halfway out the door.]

Oh, boy. [His body tingles with renewed vigor. Saelfen will spend the afternoon and possibly evening with him, and there's some sort of promise of "repayment" that is unspecified but is directly correlated with the love poems. Is it a kiss? Taryon hopes it's a kiss. Those are always the best rewards.

Well, money is also great, and so are physical gifts, but a special allowance can be made here.

The water has boiled, and the tea is seeping before Taryon returns to his workshop. An extra chair has been brought in, and work for all other projects are cleared off of the tables. Notes are arranged tastefully over the desk.]

Doty, wait at the front and let Saelfen in.

[And now, the doorman is in position. Should he light a candle and make this more romantic?] No, that's too much. [He decides to sit down and thumb through his existing notes instead.]

[It could be a kiss, depending on Saelfen's mood. He's very affectionate today, especially after not seeing Taryon for a while. Those love poems are still fresh in his memory and deep in his heart. While the prospect of working with Taryon on this group project excites him the most, he can't help but want to be in Taryon's presence.

This marks the first time they'll get a chance to spend the day together, nevertheless the evening. That is why Saelfen doesn't waste any time meeting Taryon and Doty at the workshop. He gently taps his knuckles against the door and waits for Doty to open it.

The moment the automaton opens the door, Saelfen walks right in with a delightful smile on his lips.]

So this is the face of my beloved poet?

[He's teasing of course.]

Edited 2024-09-18 02:16 (UTC)

Tary.

[Doty steps to the side to allow Saelfen to enter. His left arm is folded before his chest, as a well-paid doorman would, as his other hand is held out towards the hallway.]

Tary! [This is directed up the stairs: he's calling for Taryon.

The artificer's footsteps are heard overhead before they appear at the top of the staircase, then descend. When he is halfway down, he turns to the front door and grins. He hopes his face isn't noticeably redder.]

Hello! Welcome to our humble home. Come in, come in. [He waves Saelfen closer.]

Oh, Doty! [Saelfen laughs as he realizes Doty has arrived to greet him. He gives the automaton a playful wink. He's just overjoyed to see Taryon again, especially those flirty poems. However, he must maintain appearances. He can't let Taryon know how happy he is for fear of being embarrassed.

That is why Saelfen comes to a sudden halt and takes a moment to clear his throat. He needs to calm the fluttering butterflies in his chest. He is Saelfen, the Silver Spider, not a lovesick maiden.]

Ah, thank you for inviting.

[He smiles at Taryon before giving him a rather polite bow for the sake of appearances. However, he quickly makes his way over towards the blond with such glee written across his face.]

You're home is quite beautiful, a far cry from my little treehouse.

[There's that cool-headed drow, no doubt full of poise and confidence as he presented himself in his poems, and Taryon must match his level of self-control. No sudden clasping of hands, no shy smiles and certainly not twiddling of thumbs. This isn't their first dance at the wedding. This is just a normal date. Guys don't turn into lovesick idiots after their first romantic outing.]

It's a castle. There's nothing more impressive than something that should have taken years to built without magic. But I'm certain your home has its rustic charms. After you.

[He bows and holds his hands aside to guide this esteemed guest towards the workshop.]

Dory, get the tea set ready. [The automaton turns silently and marches upstairs, as any obedient butler would.]

Thank you.

[Saelfen gives Taryon a warm smile as he walks towards the workshop. He pauses briefly at the threshold, his eyes widening in amazement as he slowly steps inside. This is Tary's world, his small home away from home. Nothing is more important to an artificer than their workshop. It's like a haven for them, a refuge from the world that constantly pollutes their minds.

He walks through the workshop with a hint of reverence in his steps, his hands folded neatly behind him. Saelfen is doing what he can to stop himself from tinkering with Taryon's things. After all, he doesn't want to be a rude guest.]

You've been busy, haven't you?

[He offers Taryon a little smirk.]

I do hope my lovely poems inspired you to do your best, handsome.

Oh, yes. I've been going through my books and notes to figure out the most efficient way to enchant all of the walls. I was thinking about laying down an arcane network along the length so that when it's time to infuse magic, it will travel more quickly down the leylines. The problem is that I worry that this will create weak spots, but I'm not certain what other technique to use besides going over the entire area bit by bit.

[His arms become animated as he walks around the workshop to collect his tools in one hand while picking up a chair for Saelfen with the other.]

They've given me something to think about while at work. The bakery, I mean, not that I dislike it, but I couldn't get to get back and do something with my hands and make use of that inspiration.

[He holds the seat before Saelfen as a gentleman would for a lady.] I think I will be further motivated now that I have a beautiful muse before me.

[Well, let's get down to business. It seems Taryon has already done his part of the homework.]

Any corners of the walls that are not covered by the leylines will be weaker than the rest of the structure. This is why I propose the possibility of doubling up on the arcane network you propose, by adding a second set of leylines going vertically across the walls to match those that I assume would be going horizontally.

[It sounds like double the work, but this way they can be certain the walls are properly fortified. The last thing they need is a brute to be able to punch a hole in the walls. Miss Belladonna would be upset with them if they botched this job.]

A beautiful muse? [He chuckles quietly as he sits down at the table.] My, my, whatever shall I do with such wonderful praise.

I certainly hope I can rouse more than just your creative spirit, Tary.

[Taryon nods with Saelfen's suggestion and draws additional lines on his plans. Perpendicular leylines cross his own, creating a grid of structural beams like magic rebar in concrete. The corner gets another line on the edge, knowing that there is where all of the stress will congregate if a massive blast hit all of the walls. The application must be precise, which is why they are two intelligent and somewhat dexterous crafters working together.

Taryon's sole reaction to Saelfen sitting beside him is a small twinkle in his eye. The focus is in his work, no matter who beautiful the company is. That is the dedication one requires when it comes to the sciences. To keep one's mind on higher matters rather than base carnal desires is the mark of a wise man...

...which Taryon is not, because the suggestion coming from his...partner in science and in romantic manners has him pause his work and fear looking the drow in the eye.] What do you mean?

[It's too easy to tell that his heart is beating faster while he reviews his drawings. There's nothing else he can add to them until he starts the actual calculations and enchantment process; all this is to stall for time until he knows that he isn't getting excited for no reason.]

I think you know what I mean.

[Saelfen responds, resting his elbows on the table and placing his hand under his chin. He's feeling very flirty. That should be obvious from the way he looks at Taryon with such anticipation. He's watching the man like a hungry hawk, his eyes narrowing slightly as he concentrates solely on Tary.]

If not, then shall I state it plainly?

[He quizzically tilts his head to the side, just waiting to see Taryon's reaction.]

Tomorrow waits for no one, as we now know after looking into the future. So; why do we wait when there is passion between us?

[Taryon continues to avoid Saelfen's eyes, but the confirmation that he is correct in his assumptions blocks his thoughts on the project from connecting. It should be obvious, than when two people get together romantically, the topic of carnal intercourse will follow. But here? Someone propositioning him in the middle of praising his work? It's too much like his fantasies to be real.

When he finally looks up, Saelfen's expression is not one of jovial rhetoric. This is a "now or never" issue - sure, they have a future, hypothetically, but he's just about asking they head upstairs to his room and...]

I...well. [He clears his throat and sets his tools on the table.] It's not like we're on a tight schedule. I suppose we can indulge in some...fun, especially since you have become enchanted by my brilliance.

[His eyes dart from his hands to the table, then back to Saelfen. He's a beautiful man, but there's a limit to what they can do in public. How daring can Taryon become knowing that no one will walk in on them? Science encourages experimentation.]

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