We deserve it, don't we?

[lost_and_foundry]

Barcus lives in a well-appointed home in the Upper City, which is a surprise to most of the people who know both him and the political and social structures of Baldur's Gate. It's a swanky neighborhood, is the thing, and Barcus has never been the sort of man to admit he's well off. It's not something he thinks about; he measures his wealth in the time he has to pursue his private projects, and in that sense he's...comfortable, yes, but there's always going to be something he wants to learn that he can't get around to. Ah, well. Life is too short.

In any case, his home is very nice indeed, though it isn't one of those ridiculous patriar mansions like Cazardor's gothic monstrosity. Three stories, one of which is entirely underground and which houses his equipment. The ground floor is a living area. The top floor is a library, with a collection that impressed Gale the first time he saw it. (Not a tenth the size of his own shelves in Waterdeep, naturally, but a good piece of work nonetheless, never knew you had it in you, Barcus!) Outside is a small walled garden, which he never bothered to grow anything in before, but now that he's "home" again, ostensibly with the ability to travel to and from Caldera as he likes, he's set a few potted plants in place, trying to decide how much care he can remember to give them.

Satchel, to her great credit, has settled into the place like it was made for her. Mornings, she can be found sunning on the patio. At night, she prowls the upper-floor library, as if patrolling for mice. Or bookworms.

Should a visitor from out of town arrive, it would not take much effort to find him. The Ironhand-Gondian alliance has picked up steam fast, gathering immense influence in a short amount of time. His name is known, as is his work, and--perhaps to his detriment, in the long run--his address.

Do come visit!

Comments

[arlathvhen]

"I would certainly like some tea." Beleth speaks up finally, having lulled her fussy infant into sleeping in the sling around her chest. "If the offer is still available. Floral, if you have it. I worry about herbs and caffeine with Nori." There is a gesture to the now sleeping baby, still young enough to nurse, and thus, young enough for Beleth to fret over what she puts in her own body.

"The little one -- littler one, perhaps," She says, as she watches her little-but-not-as-little daughter peek over the table at the cat in question, too distracted to argue that she's not little at all. "He is Aenorean -- though I suspect he will be Nori for a while yet." Aenorean being a mouthful for any little mouth. "He'll grow into it, though, as will Avi. And Lini as well -- Lingrean, Nori's twin. She is with Felassan. She was being fussy, so he located a store where people were doing... party tricks?"

An odd thing to see, when so used to Southern Thedas, where magic was shut away from the public eye.

It is then that she manages to pull her mind off of the children, and put her focus on something besides.

"But what about you, falon? How have you been? I kept meaning to come sooner, but..." A meaningful glance at the children once more. "...I got distracted."

[goethbeforethefall]

Solas looks up from his task of ensuring their daughter's gentleness, and easing the cat's rightful caution.

"There are three," he says with what he is clearly trying to make a humble tone; his pride in the accomplishment, in the children, and in Beleth herself, spoils the effect, and he isn't sorry for that, "Twins run in Beleth's line."

And how own, now— a thought no less strange and satisfying for being the hundredth time he's had it. He has never had family before, not like this, and despite his dignity Solas is dizzyingly, brilliantly happy.

"We have all been busy. It has been three years, for us; the work is significant, but the reward worthy of it. Our children will grow up in a world free from Blight."

[lost_and_foundry]

Satchel's caution is easily assuaged. The trick will be to keep her from trying to climb into Avi's lap while she's still standing.

Barcus nods at Beleth as if to say tea is absolutely still on the table (figuratively speaking; he'll have to make it before it's literally available). "Chamomile all right? I get a taste for it in the evenings before bed."

His hospitality is promptly derailed by the additional information, however, and the way his face lights up you'd think he'd just been introduced to his nieces and nephews by blood rather than by way of friendship. "Twins?? Oh my dear, congratulat--you know, I'm not sure Sorcerer's Sundries is ideal for children, but never mind that--congratulations!"

He makes a move to hug Beleth, adjusts his approach so as not to squish the baby, and embraces her gently before forcing the same sort of hug on Solas. "Gods, I'm a little envious. We'll have to adopt if I'm ever to have any, but I grew up in an enormous family. I've thought about it."

Bel probably needs time to settle in before he broaches the topic.