Is he? Good. Now I know which floor to drag the blasted thing to.
[You know, he's not sure if he expected more or less hesitance from Winter. Sure, it's hard to steal anything when everything is free, but it may still convenience a few fellow guests who were hoping to take advantage of espresso for a few days.
But the man hardly needs any convincing at all. Much less for Astarion to ply his actual reasoning: because he was asked, and because it's fun. And funny.]
Oh, I donβt know. A lot of people have this thing called morals that get in the way. Thought you might have a few rigid ones, being aβ¦ by the book kind of person?
[A number cruncher.]
One who I recall doesnβt go about looking for fun in the back alleys of his city.
Ah, [he tuts, holding up a finger at him] that's only because of what I said: I need a distraction. Not a man to do the actual thieving part.
[(He will end up needing someone to help him with the thieving part. I just looked it up and on average a commercial espresso machine weighs 150 lbs.)]
Do you think you can keep all eyes off of me while I work? Maybe use your little mimicry trick, or whatever else, to distract whoever happens to be in the cafeteria.
[ They are going to struggle so much with this machine. ]
I'm certain I can.
[ He also could help with the thieving part, and make it far easier, but he kind of wants to let Astarion's little plan play out just to see what happens.
But speaking of, Winter mentally flips through the catalogue of faces he keeps around for such things, and eventually his form ripples and shifts into that of a blonde man, his hair a bit shaggy and features somewhat plain. Not anyone Astarion knows, of course. Not anyone anybody knows, as is the point of his many aliases.
His voice is altogether different as well. ]
I'll be showing up like this if it's all the same to you. Since everyone's eyes are to be on me, and all.
[So confident! Astarion does like that; not that he doubted Winter's ability. He does seem like the charismatic sort that would turn heads if he so chose it.
And possesses the tricks to back up this confidence, too. He hums in assessment, which is nothing short of complimentary when magic changes his appearance.]
Of course. It only makes sense. We'd hate for you to bear the burden of an ailing reputation just because someone associates you with... pilfering.
Oh. [This comes easily, automatically:] Wouldn't you like to know.
[But yes, thank you. He does have talented hands! They are the bane of every overpriced shopkeep who happens to be looking in the wrong direction.]
If you've time today, I'd say we make our move a little after brunch. Not too many people around to make it unwieldy, but just enough to keep things interesting. What say you?
Please, that would make it too easy. And when it's too easy, then I'm not stealing anything. I'm just performing a chore for the man down the hall for the sake of his amusement.
[And he's no one's dancing monkey!]
Then I'll meet you at the cafeteria entrance in just a bit from now. [Clasping his hands together, eagerly.] This will be fun.
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[You know, he's not sure if he expected more or less hesitance from Winter. Sure, it's hard to steal anything when everything is free, but it may still convenience a few fellow guests who were hoping to take advantage of espresso for a few days.
But the man hardly needs any convincing at all. Much less for Astarion to ply his actual reasoning: because he was asked, and because it's fun. And funny.]
But really? Just like that?
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[ He presses the back of his hand to his forehead, tossing his head back dramatically. ]
No, Astarion. Stealing is wrong.
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Oh, I donβt know. A lot of people have this thing called morals that get in the way. Thought you might have a few rigid ones, being aβ¦ by the book kind of person?
[A number cruncher.]
One who I recall doesnβt go about looking for fun in the back alleys of his city.
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[ He spreads his hands. ]
Lucky for you, I have no such qualms.
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[(He will end up needing someone to help him with the thieving part. I just looked it up and on average a commercial espresso machine weighs 150 lbs.)]
Do you think you can keep all eyes off of me while I work? Maybe use your little mimicry trick, or whatever else, to distract whoever happens to be in the cafeteria.
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I'm certain I can.
[ He also could help with the thieving part, and make it far easier, but he kind of wants to let Astarion's little plan play out just to see what happens.
But speaking of, Winter mentally flips through the catalogue of faces he keeps around for such things, and eventually his form ripples and shifts into that of a blonde man, his hair a bit shaggy and features somewhat plain. Not anyone Astarion knows, of course. Not anyone anybody knows, as is the point of his many aliases.
His voice is altogether different as well. ]
I'll be showing up like this if it's all the same to you. Since everyone's eyes are to be on me, and all.
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And possesses the tricks to back up this confidence, too. He hums in assessment, which is nothing short of complimentary when magic changes his appearance.]
Of course. It only makes sense. We'd hate for you to bear the burden of an ailing reputation just because someone associates you with... pilfering.
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[ Says this random blonde dude in Winter's voice. ]
I take it you're not likely to let yourself get caught, right?
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You'll find I'm very subtle, and very, very quiet when I need to be.
[We will circle back to this claim when Astarion is trying to lift up an espresso machine, probably.]
Trust me. [-says the man Winter doesn't really know all that well.]
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[ What could possibly go wrong! ]
So, then, when would you prefer to pull off your little heist?
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[But yes, thank you. He does have talented hands! They are the bane of every overpriced shopkeep who happens to be looking in the wrong direction.]
If you've time today, I'd say we make our move a little after brunch. Not too many people around to make it unwieldy, but just enough to keep things interesting. What say you?
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[ A laugh. ]
Alright, then. I do love a challenge.
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Please, that would make it too easy. And when it's too easy, then I'm not stealing anything. I'm just performing a chore for the man down the hall for the sake of his amusement.
[And he's no one's dancing monkey!]
Then I'll meet you at the cafeteria entrance in just a bit from now. [Clasping his hands together, eagerly.] This will be fun.
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I'll see you there.