"Emon," Caleb murmurs, and then nods decisively, as though confirming something. In his head, he is. On his mental map of Exandria, this region of Wynandir does indeed correspond longitudinally more or less with Tal'Dorei's great city and the surrounding area. "That is a long way to travel on your own."
As he says it, he realizes he doesn't actually know for sure if Ro is by himself. He hasn't mentioned anyone else, but that means little; after all, Caleb hasn't either. Not yet, anyway.
He can feel the dry friction of his hands beginning to restore a little warmth to Ro's cold fingertips, so as Ro has not asked for him to stop, he briskly continues. He does this for Nott as well, but Ro's hands feel different in his than hers do, despite being roughly the same size. Nott's fingers are longer and thinner, tipped with goblinoid claws, and she has tough leathery-feeling palms. Ro's hands are more like his own, but proportionally smaller.
"I've never been to Wildemount before," he says as Caleb works. The attention is actually rather soothing and he finds comfort in it, so he is reluctant to ask the other man to stop, even when warmth seeps back into his fingertips.
"I found a ship bound for Nicodranas and signed on. Some of the crew were bound some of the cargo we brought over, so I went with them. Thought I could at least see it to where it was going, and see more of the continent while I was at it. We split when they headed back south. They had places to be, I didn't."
So he'd decided to stay for a little while and see what he could see. It hasn't been too difficult to find charity here and there, especially when he's able to happen upon anyone who recognizes his holy symbols. Barring that, he's worked to make his way.
"Ah, you are a sailor." Despite himself, Caleb is interested. He doesn't think he's ever met someone from quite so far away. "I understand if this experience has left you with a...negative impression of the Empire, but there are many places in this country with kind people that are worth seeing."
Ro's fingers are nearly as warm as his now. He hasn't brought it up yet, but it would be strange to continue if it serves no purpose, wouldn't it? He lets it go on for another twelve seconds entirely unnecessarily before he releases Ro's hands with a light parting squeeze.
"There. Just, ah...tell me if you get cold again. I will be here all night." His mouth slants up at one corner in an awkward little half-smile.
"Oh, I've no doubt. I've met good people, more than I've met bad ones or--well. Ones willing to arrest a cleric for helping others." He supposes it isn't bad to follow the law, though when the law itself seems wrong it might take a better person to ignore it than to follow it.
But he isn't from here. Ro sighs softly when Caleb lets his hands go with a gentle squeeze. He settles against the other man and keeps his hands close to his body, curled in his lap. Caleb's promise that he'll be here all night earns an exhaled laugh.
"I will, thank you. Is the part where I ask if you come here often? Oh, or what's a fellow like you doing in a place like this?" He grins up at Caleb, maybe a bit flirtatious. Mostly he just wants to make sure both of them can keep smiling in the face of this stupidity.
It has been a while, but Caleb still recognizes flirting when he hears it. What's difficult to understand is that it's directed at him. A joke, probably. Just Ro trying to lighten the mood, as he had. He can appreciate that.
Still, he feels his face take on a little color, especially noticeable when he is otherwise so cold. He gives a soft huff, which is near enough to a laugh, and glances away rather than look directly at Ro's smile.
"Too often, actually," he says. He tucks his hands back beneath his coat. "Well, this is only the second time, but I am trying not to make a habit of it."
"Probably for the best," he admits solemnly. "It's definitely one of the more expensive habits I've ever had and I've only just started."
He's trying to keep a smile at bay, but it hides in his voice. Ro shifts a bit, just trying to be comfortable without being a complete lump against Caleb's side. He doesn't want to make him uncomfortable, either.
The smile creeps across his face eventually. Ro adjusts Caleb's scarf around him, wrapping more of it around his neck now that the rest of him is safer beneath the other man's coat.
"Don't feel like you have to answer, but... is that a spellbook jammed into my side or are you just happy to see me?"
It's a stupid innuendo that doesn't even work given that he's not on top of Caleb and he knows it but he's going for it anyway.
When eventually Caleb does look down again, he finds Ro smiling. He's noticed this already, but his smile really makes his face light up. And while he might be sitting a little stiffly still, he doesn't move away when the halfling leans into him.
The nonsensical innuendo startles Caleb into a wide-eyed blink before he gives another little almost-chuckle under his breath. "Or maybe I just like books," he suggests with a raised brow.
Usually, he tries to avoid sharing this information. Wizards are not so common, and many of his and Nott's cons only work if he keeps his arcane abilities hidden. But if his goblin friend is going to break the two of them out of here tonight, there is probably no avoiding Ro witnessing him doing at least a little bit of magic.
"It is. A, um, a spellbook. My spellbook. I have more knowledge of theory than practical skill at this point," he relents after a moment, again glancing away. Not out of embarassment, but more because he finds it difficult to look directly at Ro for so long while he is looking back. "I try not to draw attention to it. Sorry, I can move it if it is too uncomfortable."
"No, it's fine. I was just curious. And both surprised and impressed you hid it well enough they didn't take it."
Or maybe it had just been much easier to take things from Ro, who is more than two feet shorter than Caleb (he's guessing). Ro looks down, absently running his fingers along the embroidered hem of his shirt. It's one of his nicer ones, go figure. There's another question on the tip of his tongue, but he doesn't really want to invade Caleb's privacy. The man is already sharing personal space he clearly wasn't entirely comfortable giving up in the first place.
"I've got a little book in my pack," he says with a faint smile. "I know a few ritual spells I keep in there. Just in case."
Caleb shakes his head. It really isn't so renarkable. "Most people do not usually think to search for something so valuable on a man who looks like I do." Just his disguise (nearly indistinguishable from his actual identity--so can it really be called a disguise still?) working as intended.
His expression softens as Ro mentions keeping his own little book. "That is always useful," he murmurs. "Do you use divine magic to access them? Or are they recorded with the arcane formulas, the way I would?"
Admittedly, he's always been curious about how and where these things intersect for casters using other methods. And what else is there to talk about? They have hours to wile away yet.
"Mostly divine, but I've been working on learning arcane formulas," he admits. Despite the warmth of the body next to him, a shiver makes Ro tremble briefly. "The use of components, somatics, speaking isn't all that different."
Just the source of the magic itself, he supposes. Ro wonders about that, though he's never wondered particularly hard or for extended periods of time. He's more interested in the doing.
If all of his things weren't in his bloody pack all the way over there, he thinks he could be a bit more useful in whatever escape attempt Caleb has in mind. He's been hinting at it... or at least, Ro thinks he has.
Caleb gives a thoughtful hum, but his musing is quickly set aside when he feels a distinct shiver wrack the small body curled against him. He frowns, quickly concerned again. Shivering isn't a good sign. It means Ro's body is already cold, whether he's taken notice or not.
While he has nothing more to give him to cover himself, he knows very well how best to warm up and stay warm with limited resources. Some nights, it was the only reason they made it to morning.
"You can move closer," he offers quietly. "You will only get colder if you do not. As will I, for that matter." His side feels nice, but the rest of him is distinctly chilled. "The best way would be to sit in my lap." Ah yes, he's definitely blushing again. That will keep him warm. "Not, ah--like that, of course, but. I have had to get through nights like this many times, and nothing works as well as getting close to someone else."
"Should've saved that spell book joke," he says with a weak laugh. He's grateful for the dim light, hoping it hides the warmth in his face.
He's careful as he leaves Caleb's side in favor of sitting in his lap. Clamoring on top of Caleb feels like an invasion, but Ro tries to keep firmly in mind that he's been invited - encouraged - to do exactly that. And he knows that snuggling up to Caleb's chest and stomach would help them both. Ro is small, he'll keep Caleb's core warm while gaining similar benefits. This isn't the first time he's curled up with someone against a sharp chill.
Caleb says he's had to get through a lot of nights like this, and it takes everything Ro has in him not to ask. He's aware that Caleb might be able to wrap his coat around both of them like this rather than having to keep it open for the extra shape against his side. Ro curls close and rests his head against Caleb's chest. Trying to keep space between them would kind of defeat the purpose.
Caleb remains still as Ro accepts the invitation to climb into his lap. He'd offered, but he still isn't entirely prepared for how it feels. Ro is warm and solid, though small and light, and the way they fit together is unmistakably intimate. Only when he is settled does Caleb reach for the tattered edges of his coat and pull them around them both, covering the other man's smaller body and his own.
At least he feels warmer almost immediately. Being able to close his coat fully is a big help, as is Ro's warmth against his core. He curls his arms around the halfling without hesitation, holding him close, because he knows what is needed. That doesn't make him comfortable, but he can tolerate it. He learned years ago that embarassment and propriety stop mattering when the alternative is freezing.
"Better, ja?" he murmurs, low and soft. "You will be warmer soon. We both will."
Ro breathes a quiet sigh as the coat closes around them both. Caleb is warm and living beneath him, and it's difficult to resist relaxing entirely against the other man. He feels Caleb's arms around him, the gentle weight resting against his body and holding him in place.
"Yes," he answers, just as soft. Ro's shivering stops shortly after Caleb's arms wrap around him, his body still save for the rise and fall of his chest as he breathes. Warmth seeps through him and it makes him feel tired - perhaps that's just the day catching up with him. Ro gives in, closing his eyes.
"Thank you, Caleb. This would have been a very difficult night without you."
Ro doesn't think he would die in the chill of the cell, but he would be in a bad state come morning without the warmth of his cellmate.
Rather than look down at the halfling in his lap or stare at the featureless stone wall across from him, Caleb decides to close his eyes as well. He tells his body when to breathe in and out, concentrating on that rather than the level of contact he is currently tolerating--and on some level, beneath the immediate discomfort, enjoying. He misses the days where he could feel close to another person like this without second-guessing it. Just as much, he feels guilty for feeling that way.
At least Ro has stopped shivering. He is doing that right, if nothing else. His chin dips down toward his chest, and he could touch his nose to Ro's dark hair. He doesn't, but he still smells plain soap, something distinctly herbal, and the familiar scent of hay, the last of which carries a sense of comfort he hadn't expected. His arms tighten just a bit, though it would be impossible to draw the other man against him any further. Ro is already relaxed where he is snuggled into his chest.
"In a way, that makes me glad to have been taken in," he murmurs. It hardly makes up for the rest of his miserable existence, but this once he has done some good. "I think I can improve it further still," he adds. Though he has already decided to share this, he must still be careful. Testing the waters, he asks, "What if I told you that we could both be out of this cell and well away from here before morning?"
"I'd ask you how," Ro answers, speaking softer now that they are well and truly close to each other. "And then I'd ask if I need or could do anything to help."
Ro isn't interested in staying here for a second longer than he needs to. Breaking out is no worse than the law that jailed him in the first place; Caleb should not be in here because someone thought he might steal something. As far as Ro is concerned, it doesn't even matter that Caleb was thinking about it at the time: he hadn't done anything.
Maybe he's being baited. The thought does occur to him, the possibility that Caleb is entrapping him somehow. But he doesn't want to doubt this man or the help being offered. He wants to believe it is genuine. He wants to believe it is possible.
That is a good sign. Caleb had expected a readiness to get out of here, but the inmediate offer of assistance bodes well. "Possibly," Caleb says, considering. "If you have any spells that could conceal our passage after we leave the building, that would be very useful. But as for getting out of the cell--we will have some outside help."
Caleb explains that he'd come here with a friend, his traveling companion, and the two of them had become separated when he was arrested. "She is very skilled at sneaking about and getting past tricky locks. I have heard from her already, and she will be returning for me in a few hours. I do not think these doors will pose a problem for her."
Which, of course, leads him to the reason for his wariness, if Ro had started to wonder why he hadn't come forward with this proposal sooner.
"But her appearance is considered...alarming by most in this area. If you are to leave with us, you must swear that you will not raise a fuss when you see her. The trust I am extending here will end swiftly if you do."
"I have ways to help if I can get back to my pack," he says softly. Ro's paying more attention now that Caleb's said there's someone else who is going to help them. He opens his eyes and peers up at the other man.
"If I know she's coming, I expect I won't be very alarmed," he says after a moment of consideration. "And if she's helping, then she's a friend."
It's as simple as that, isn't it? Ro's met all kinds of strange people, ones who others might be afraid of or consider dangerous, but so long as they're not actively trying to kill him, he doesn't see a need to react with anything other than curiosity, or at least caution.
"And I am very motivated to be out of this cell. Raising a fuss won't get us anywhere."
"That is what I hoped to hear." Caleb's relief is quiet, but present. It wasn't a mistake to share a little more with this stranger. Not yet, anyway. Ro can be trusted to act in his own self-interest, at least, which at the moment means a collaboration. "We will help you, and you will help us." A mutually beneficial exchange is familiar territory. It feels better to contextualize this new acquaintanceship that way, as something tangible, something he can understand.
He can feel Ro's eyes on him, but doesn't open his own. His head is leaned back against the cold stone behind him, and if he thinks very hard about contingencies for escaping this miserable little town, he can almost forget the weight and warmth of the halfling in his lap. But not quite.
There is what will happen after the escape to consider also. Logically, he and Nott should part ways with Ro as soon as possible. But Caleb can't help considering the alternative. What if they didn't? Surely there could be some benefit to traveling with a cleric, even if it is only for a short time. They would sacrifice a little in maneuverability, going from a pair of two to a group of three, but Nott might be less conspicuous if they have an actual halfling with them to add to the illusion. Most will look at Ro, then a similarly-sized cloaked figure, and simply assume.
But of course, he is also assuming a lot. After their obligation to one another here is done, Ro will probably not want anything to do with a washed-out wizard and a drunk goblin who just barely survive by stealing what they can and cheating hard-working folk out of their coin. Which is entirely fair.
Best to leave after for after, he decides. Making plans too soon rarely does him any good. Against Ro's back, his fingers twitch and then settle, restless. He wants to pet his cat. Then it occurs to him that he is free to, now that Ro knows about his spellbook.
"Do you like cats?" he asks, which he can recognize must seem like a rather nonsensical thing to ask out of the blue.
Ro closes his eyes, allowing the exhaustion of the day to catch up to him. He knows he cannot rest for long, not if there is to be an escape, but he can take a few minutes now. Caleb is warm and solid, the wind whistles by shutters that do nothing to keep out the chill.
He feels like he might doze off when Caleb speaks again. His eyes blink open and he peers up at Caleb curiously.
"Cats? Oh, sure. Definitely used to having a few around. Kind of impossible to avoid in a fishing village, and I haven't been on a ship yet that didn't have a couple dedicated mousers."
Even ships without cargo had mousers to keep rodents out of the food stores and away from ropes.
That answer earns an approving hum, then a muttered, "Good. Then you may meet mine."
Lifting one hand, Caleb snaps his fingers, directing his magic to connect with the well-known fey essence of his familiar to bring him forward. Opening his eyes, Caleb watches a puff of amber smoke dissipate, and the very creature he's been missing for hours now sits beside his knee, tail curled around his paws and green eyes peering up at him. Caleb instantly cracks a smile--small, but full of fondness.
Straightening up, he reaches for Frumpkin, rubbing between his ears and then scratching under his chin. The sensation of soft fur under his fingers and a rumbling purr beneath that are an immediate balm to his ragged nerves. He coos to him a little in Zemnian, telling him that he is the best boy (because he is) and he's very glad to see him.
In Common, he says, "Say hello to Ro, Frumpkin." Frumpkin gets up to pace a little closer to his side, ears pricked forward as he looks expectantly up at his human and the halfling-shaped lump beneath his coat. Cooperative as ever, he gives a soft, questioning chirp.
Ro looks confused for a moment, but then Caleb snaps his fingers and--a cat appears. He assumes it must be a familiar, but that doesn't really sate his curiosity. He's jostled a bit as Caleb straightens himself.
"Oh, hello," he says to the rather handsome cat. It's rather charming the way Caleb coos at the cat in a language Ro vaguely recognizes but does not understand. He thinks he's heard it in his travels in the Empire, especially in the countryside around Rexxentrum.
Ro's hand appears from beneath the coat so that he can offer it to the cat.
"You're quite a welcome surprise." He smiles a little when he feels the tickle of whiskers against his fingers. He is quite charmed, actually, to realize that Caleb's familiar has taken the shape of a rather handsome but otherwise common-looking cat.
A lot can be gleaned about a person, Caleb has learned, from observing how they treat a cat. Ro's initial surprise is followed quickly by warmth and curiosity as he extends a hand to Frumpkin, and Caleb instantly likes him a little more. He was getting there already, but kindness toward Frumpkin goes far in his book. The proximity he has allowed Ro so far now seems slightly less risky.
"Isn't he?" Caleb agrees, always glad for Frumpkin to be admired. Frumpkin is glad for it too, rubbing first one cheek and then the other against Ro's outstretched fingers. "You have probably guessed that he is my familiar. But more importantly, he is my cat. His name is Frumpkin, and he is a very good boy. The best."
Frumpkin purrs loudly, and he is as warm and alive-feeling as any non-fey cat, which means he is good to curl up with on cold nights.
Ro's expression softens as Frumpkin rubs against his fingers, and as Caleb talks about him like a pet. That's quite endearing. Ro moves his hand so he can scritch a little along Frumpkin's chin - the cat seemed to like that when Caleb did it.
"I could move if we'd like Frumpkin under here, too," he offers.
The cat is probably better equipped to handle the chill than either of them, he looks quite warm with his lovely fur coat. But Ro offers all the same, because he is clearly a comfort to Caleb, who has relaxed by degrees beneath him since Frumpkin appeared.
Frumpkin does like that. His neck stretches toward Ro's fingers, chin tilting up to make room for more scritches. Caleb strokes along his spine from his head all the way to the end of his tail, which is raised and swaying gently in the air.
"Ah, no need," he assures quickly, though the offer is a kind one. "But--thank you. He does not get cold, so he will be okay laying beside us."
If he is close enough to pet, for Caleb to take comfort from his warmth and his purring, it will be fine. Already Frumpkin's presence has his chest feeling a little lighter, his breathing deeper, and his hands have stopped flexing and tapping, given something to do. Even the one on Ro's back, not currently occupied, has fallen still.
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As he says it, he realizes he doesn't actually know for sure if Ro is by himself. He hasn't mentioned anyone else, but that means little; after all, Caleb hasn't either. Not yet, anyway.
He can feel the dry friction of his hands beginning to restore a little warmth to Ro's cold fingertips, so as Ro has not asked for him to stop, he briskly continues. He does this for Nott as well, but Ro's hands feel different in his than hers do, despite being roughly the same size. Nott's fingers are longer and thinner, tipped with goblinoid claws, and she has tough leathery-feeling palms. Ro's hands are more like his own, but proportionally smaller.
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"I found a ship bound for Nicodranas and signed on. Some of the crew were bound some of the cargo we brought over, so I went with them. Thought I could at least see it to where it was going, and see more of the continent while I was at it. We split when they headed back south. They had places to be, I didn't."
So he'd decided to stay for a little while and see what he could see. It hasn't been too difficult to find charity here and there, especially when he's able to happen upon anyone who recognizes his holy symbols. Barring that, he's worked to make his way.
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Ro's fingers are nearly as warm as his now. He hasn't brought it up yet, but it would be strange to continue if it serves no purpose, wouldn't it? He lets it go on for another twelve seconds entirely unnecessarily before he releases Ro's hands with a light parting squeeze.
"There. Just, ah...tell me if you get cold again. I will be here all night." His mouth slants up at one corner in an awkward little half-smile.
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But he isn't from here. Ro sighs softly when Caleb lets his hands go with a gentle squeeze. He settles against the other man and keeps his hands close to his body, curled in his lap. Caleb's promise that he'll be here all night earns an exhaled laugh.
"I will, thank you. Is the part where I ask if you come here often? Oh, or what's a fellow like you doing in a place like this?" He grins up at Caleb, maybe a bit flirtatious. Mostly he just wants to make sure both of them can keep smiling in the face of this stupidity.
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Still, he feels his face take on a little color, especially noticeable when he is otherwise so cold. He gives a soft huff, which is near enough to a laugh, and glances away rather than look directly at Ro's smile.
"Too often, actually," he says. He tucks his hands back beneath his coat. "Well, this is only the second time, but I am trying not to make a habit of it."
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He's trying to keep a smile at bay, but it hides in his voice. Ro shifts a bit, just trying to be comfortable without being a complete lump against Caleb's side. He doesn't want to make him uncomfortable, either.
The smile creeps across his face eventually. Ro adjusts Caleb's scarf around him, wrapping more of it around his neck now that the rest of him is safer beneath the other man's coat.
"Don't feel like you have to answer, but... is that a spellbook jammed into my side or are you just happy to see me?"
It's a stupid innuendo that doesn't even work given that he's not on top of Caleb and he knows it but he's going for it anyway.
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The nonsensical innuendo startles Caleb into a wide-eyed blink before he gives another little almost-chuckle under his breath. "Or maybe I just like books," he suggests with a raised brow.
Usually, he tries to avoid sharing this information. Wizards are not so common, and many of his and Nott's cons only work if he keeps his arcane abilities hidden. But if his goblin friend is going to break the two of them out of here tonight, there is probably no avoiding Ro witnessing him doing at least a little bit of magic.
"It is. A, um, a spellbook. My spellbook. I have more knowledge of theory than practical skill at this point," he relents after a moment, again glancing away. Not out of embarassment, but more because he finds it difficult to look directly at Ro for so long while he is looking back. "I try not to draw attention to it. Sorry, I can move it if it is too uncomfortable."
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Or maybe it had just been much easier to take things from Ro, who is more than two feet shorter than Caleb (he's guessing). Ro looks down, absently running his fingers along the embroidered hem of his shirt. It's one of his nicer ones, go figure. There's another question on the tip of his tongue, but he doesn't really want to invade Caleb's privacy. The man is already sharing personal space he clearly wasn't entirely comfortable giving up in the first place.
"I've got a little book in my pack," he says with a faint smile. "I know a few ritual spells I keep in there. Just in case."
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His expression softens as Ro mentions keeping his own little book. "That is always useful," he murmurs. "Do you use divine magic to access them? Or are they recorded with the arcane formulas, the way I would?"
Admittedly, he's always been curious about how and where these things intersect for casters using other methods. And what else is there to talk about? They have hours to wile away yet.
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Just the source of the magic itself, he supposes. Ro wonders about that, though he's never wondered particularly hard or for extended periods of time. He's more interested in the doing.
If all of his things weren't in his bloody pack all the way over there, he thinks he could be a bit more useful in whatever escape attempt Caleb has in mind. He's been hinting at it... or at least, Ro thinks he has.
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While he has nothing more to give him to cover himself, he knows very well how best to warm up and stay warm with limited resources. Some nights, it was the only reason they made it to morning.
"You can move closer," he offers quietly. "You will only get colder if you do not. As will I, for that matter." His side feels nice, but the rest of him is distinctly chilled. "The best way would be to sit in my lap." Ah yes, he's definitely blushing again. That will keep him warm. "Not, ah--like that, of course, but. I have had to get through nights like this many times, and nothing works as well as getting close to someone else."
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He's careful as he leaves Caleb's side in favor of sitting in his lap. Clamoring on top of Caleb feels like an invasion, but Ro tries to keep firmly in mind that he's been invited - encouraged - to do exactly that. And he knows that snuggling up to Caleb's chest and stomach would help them both. Ro is small, he'll keep Caleb's core warm while gaining similar benefits. This isn't the first time he's curled up with someone against a sharp chill.
Caleb says he's had to get through a lot of nights like this, and it takes everything Ro has in him not to ask. He's aware that Caleb might be able to wrap his coat around both of them like this rather than having to keep it open for the extra shape against his side. Ro curls close and rests his head against Caleb's chest. Trying to keep space between them would kind of defeat the purpose.
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At least he feels warmer almost immediately. Being able to close his coat fully is a big help, as is Ro's warmth against his core. He curls his arms around the halfling without hesitation, holding him close, because he knows what is needed. That doesn't make him comfortable, but he can tolerate it. He learned years ago that embarassment and propriety stop mattering when the alternative is freezing.
"Better, ja?" he murmurs, low and soft. "You will be warmer soon. We both will."
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"Yes," he answers, just as soft. Ro's shivering stops shortly after Caleb's arms wrap around him, his body still save for the rise and fall of his chest as he breathes. Warmth seeps through him and it makes him feel tired - perhaps that's just the day catching up with him. Ro gives in, closing his eyes.
"Thank you, Caleb. This would have been a very difficult night without you."
Ro doesn't think he would die in the chill of the cell, but he would be in a bad state come morning without the warmth of his cellmate.
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At least Ro has stopped shivering. He is doing that right, if nothing else. His chin dips down toward his chest, and he could touch his nose to Ro's dark hair. He doesn't, but he still smells plain soap, something distinctly herbal, and the familiar scent of hay, the last of which carries a sense of comfort he hadn't expected. His arms tighten just a bit, though it would be impossible to draw the other man against him any further. Ro is already relaxed where he is snuggled into his chest.
"In a way, that makes me glad to have been taken in," he murmurs. It hardly makes up for the rest of his miserable existence, but this once he has done some good. "I think I can improve it further still," he adds. Though he has already decided to share this, he must still be careful. Testing the waters, he asks, "What if I told you that we could both be out of this cell and well away from here before morning?"
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Ro isn't interested in staying here for a second longer than he needs to. Breaking out is no worse than the law that jailed him in the first place; Caleb should not be in here because someone thought he might steal something. As far as Ro is concerned, it doesn't even matter that Caleb was thinking about it at the time: he hadn't done anything.
Maybe he's being baited. The thought does occur to him, the possibility that Caleb is entrapping him somehow. But he doesn't want to doubt this man or the help being offered. He wants to believe it is genuine. He wants to believe it is possible.
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Caleb explains that he'd come here with a friend, his traveling companion, and the two of them had become separated when he was arrested. "She is very skilled at sneaking about and getting past tricky locks. I have heard from her already, and she will be returning for me in a few hours. I do not think these doors will pose a problem for her."
Which, of course, leads him to the reason for his wariness, if Ro had started to wonder why he hadn't come forward with this proposal sooner.
"But her appearance is considered...alarming by most in this area. If you are to leave with us, you must swear that you will not raise a fuss when you see her. The trust I am extending here will end swiftly if you do."
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"If I know she's coming, I expect I won't be very alarmed," he says after a moment of consideration. "And if she's helping, then she's a friend."
It's as simple as that, isn't it? Ro's met all kinds of strange people, ones who others might be afraid of or consider dangerous, but so long as they're not actively trying to kill him, he doesn't see a need to react with anything other than curiosity, or at least caution.
"And I am very motivated to be out of this cell. Raising a fuss won't get us anywhere."
And it will apparently get him left behind.
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He can feel Ro's eyes on him, but doesn't open his own. His head is leaned back against the cold stone behind him, and if he thinks very hard about contingencies for escaping this miserable little town, he can almost forget the weight and warmth of the halfling in his lap. But not quite.
There is what will happen after the escape to consider also. Logically, he and Nott should part ways with Ro as soon as possible. But Caleb can't help considering the alternative. What if they didn't? Surely there could be some benefit to traveling with a cleric, even if it is only for a short time. They would sacrifice a little in maneuverability, going from a pair of two to a group of three, but Nott might be less conspicuous if they have an actual halfling with them to add to the illusion. Most will look at Ro, then a similarly-sized cloaked figure, and simply assume.
But of course, he is also assuming a lot. After their obligation to one another here is done, Ro will probably not want anything to do with a washed-out wizard and a drunk goblin who just barely survive by stealing what they can and cheating hard-working folk out of their coin. Which is entirely fair.
Best to leave after for after, he decides. Making plans too soon rarely does him any good. Against Ro's back, his fingers twitch and then settle, restless. He wants to pet his cat. Then it occurs to him that he is free to, now that Ro knows about his spellbook.
"Do you like cats?" he asks, which he can recognize must seem like a rather nonsensical thing to ask out of the blue.
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He feels like he might doze off when Caleb speaks again. His eyes blink open and he peers up at Caleb curiously.
"Cats? Oh, sure. Definitely used to having a few around. Kind of impossible to avoid in a fishing village, and I haven't been on a ship yet that didn't have a couple dedicated mousers."
Even ships without cargo had mousers to keep rodents out of the food stores and away from ropes.
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Lifting one hand, Caleb snaps his fingers, directing his magic to connect with the well-known fey essence of his familiar to bring him forward. Opening his eyes, Caleb watches a puff of amber smoke dissipate, and the very creature he's been missing for hours now sits beside his knee, tail curled around his paws and green eyes peering up at him. Caleb instantly cracks a smile--small, but full of fondness.
Straightening up, he reaches for Frumpkin, rubbing between his ears and then scratching under his chin. The sensation of soft fur under his fingers and a rumbling purr beneath that are an immediate balm to his ragged nerves. He coos to him a little in Zemnian, telling him that he is the best boy (because he is) and he's very glad to see him.
In Common, he says, "Say hello to Ro, Frumpkin." Frumpkin gets up to pace a little closer to his side, ears pricked forward as he looks expectantly up at his human and the halfling-shaped lump beneath his coat. Cooperative as ever, he gives a soft, questioning chirp.
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"Oh, hello," he says to the rather handsome cat. It's rather charming the way Caleb coos at the cat in a language Ro vaguely recognizes but does not understand. He thinks he's heard it in his travels in the Empire, especially in the countryside around Rexxentrum.
Ro's hand appears from beneath the coat so that he can offer it to the cat.
"You're quite a welcome surprise." He smiles a little when he feels the tickle of whiskers against his fingers. He is quite charmed, actually, to realize that Caleb's familiar has taken the shape of a rather handsome but otherwise common-looking cat.
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"Isn't he?" Caleb agrees, always glad for Frumpkin to be admired. Frumpkin is glad for it too, rubbing first one cheek and then the other against Ro's outstretched fingers. "You have probably guessed that he is my familiar. But more importantly, he is my cat. His name is Frumpkin, and he is a very good boy. The best."
Frumpkin purrs loudly, and he is as warm and alive-feeling as any non-fey cat, which means he is good to curl up with on cold nights.
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"I could move if we'd like Frumpkin under here, too," he offers.
The cat is probably better equipped to handle the chill than either of them, he looks quite warm with his lovely fur coat. But Ro offers all the same, because he is clearly a comfort to Caleb, who has relaxed by degrees beneath him since Frumpkin appeared.
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"Ah, no need," he assures quickly, though the offer is a kind one. "But--thank you. He does not get cold, so he will be okay laying beside us."
If he is close enough to pet, for Caleb to take comfort from his warmth and his purring, it will be fine. Already Frumpkin's presence has his chest feeling a little lighter, his breathing deeper, and his hands have stopped flexing and tapping, given something to do. Even the one on Ro's back, not currently occupied, has fallen still.
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