Wizard born in flame come ask for forgiveness.

[born_in_flame]

The door shows up at the worst possible time, but the tall man with red hair and bright blue eyes has gotten used such things happening. He studies the door for a long time with a dubious expression like he is expecting a trap. But the door is calling to him and Caleb Widowgast has never been one to shy away from such a call. At least he isn't now. He grasps the handle and pulls it open stepping through without fear.

He glances around as the door shuts behind him searching for something that looks familiar. His gaze falls on what looks like a tavern only....it doesn't look like any tavern he's ever seen. He moves inside and glances around. He knows that he stands out, with his red hair tied back in a ponytail and his tall frame. He moves to a table and settles in glancing around at the other people. Almost like he is being compelled to, Caleb poses a question to the room. "If you had the chance to rescue a lost friend at risk to your own life....would you do it?"

Comments

[tieflingtarot]

Excuse you, Caleb Widogast.

You don't get to just waltz into the bar and ask a question like that simple as you please!

Except that's exactly what he'd done. Molly had missed his entrance, ensconced in a small corner tucked behind a trellis where he'd spent several hours now happily reading cards for inebriated patrons. He'd been taking a brief break to get a couple drinks down, only to choke on his ale when he heard that familiar voice speaking up.

Caleb would likely hear him before he saw him, that tell-tale jingle of jewelry and decoration heralding the tiefling poking his head around the trellis, red eyes lighting up when he spotted the wizard, a brilliant smile spreading on his face.

"Gods Caleb, most of the fine folk here are far too drunk for that sort of question."

[born_in_flame]

Caleb feels his heart stop for a moment at the sound of that familiar voice. It had been a year....a long, sometimes terrible year since he'd heard that voice speak in that way. He refuses to consider Luicen the same as Molly because in his heart they are not. Molly is Molly. He can only stare at his lost friend trying to make his brain process what he is seeing. Finally he speaks his voice rough with emotion. "Mollymauk," he asked, terrified to hope. "Is it you?"

[tieflingtarot]

Caleb wasn't the first to have found this place. Yasha had come wandering in one day, so he knew. He knew what won that reaction from the wizard, knew why he'd asked that question. But he also didn't want to think about it. Didn't want to think about the horrible asshole who'd stolen his face and hurt his friends. So instead he let his grin turn a bit toothy, brows lifting to exaggerate the expression a bit more in a playful manner.

"It's me, the original and immaculate. And look at you! Love what you've done with your hair~"

[chiaro_oscuro]

"...yes. I've made that choice before. It was the right one."

There's another wizard who approaches Caleb, this one with a distinctly alien look to the weapons he carries at his side. He's fairly distinctive figure with his dark robes and mane of long black hair. Ben Solo looks over the newcomer, more curious than anything and interested in what kind of world this stranger comes from. He's carrying a mug of what looks like beer.

His answer is quiet, serious. "I'd make it again, if I had to."

[born_in_flame]

Caleb nods. He would move the world to bring Molly back to them. He doesn't really want to think about why that is, because he is rotten at feelings. He glances over the man with a thoughtful expression. Caleb doesn't look like much to the outside eye. A tall unassuming man with long red hair pulled back in a ponytail. A mug of something dark is sitting in front of him now. HIs clothing is simple but well made and fits and when he speaks his accent sounds German but not completely so. "As would I," he says, "and so I will. My friend's life needs not more pain in it."

[chiaro_oscuro]

Ben nods in agreement. "I hope for both of our sakes and the sake of our friends that we won't need to make that choice again." He takes a draft from his drink, finding a nearby seat. "My name's Ben. I don't think we've met before - are you a new face here in the Nexus?" That was his guess. The other man's features seem unfamiliar.

[has_a_phd_in_teddybear]

He was supposed to be having a day where he just kept his head down, and here you are asking questions like this. Dean looks up from his beer on the table by the entrance he'd been playing with, and just raises an eyebrow at him.

"Better question is: would you not?" He says it like he almost doesn't understand not not doing so would be an option.

[born_in_flame]

Caleb chuckles. "Ja," he agrees softly, "this is true. I have no doubt I will do what needs to be done in the end.....I am alone in the world beyond my dear friends...but my friends are not. Perhaps my choice would allow me to pay my dear friend Molly back for his own sacrifice."

[has_a_phd_in_teddybear]

At the word sacrifice, Dean's expression turns to something a touch more contemplative. "Wait a minute, that changes things. Like, entirely. Take if from someone who has been on both sides of that coin, the best thing you can do for this 'Molly' is probably to live your life in a way that he would be proud of you and pleased for you." He shakes his head. "The knowledge that someone has sacrificed themselves for you? Especially when you were doing it to save them in the first place? It's..."

That knowledge nearly killed him. "It's heavy."

[dance_magic_dance]

The question peaks the Goblin King's attention a little as he sips at his golden goblet currently filled with a ruby red liquid. Wine? Perhaps. Jareth had his long legs stretched out over the arm of the chair as he sat comfortably in the corner of the tavern watching, always watching. His cane resting at the side of his chair not being used but always ready.

"Ah, a newcomer. How wonderful! I suppose it depends on how much you value said friend's life and what the outcome would be for both parties in the end. As for putting my own life at risk to rescue this cretin? Goodness no."

He let out a soft laugh at that as if the man's question was mere amusement. Oh, this one was curious. Sipping some wine, Jareth sat up and patted the seat beside him as an invitation for the long haired man to sit if he so wished.

[born_in_flame]

Caleb raises an eyebrow....this man has power he is certain of it...he gives off the same vibes as Essek once did...only more. Caleb sits but his body language makes it clear he is not relaxed. "I value my friend....highly," Caleb says carefully, "his death has deeply affected me and seeing his body corrupted hurts.....those I care for have their reasons for.....remaining on this plane...I do not. I am the last of my line...so there would be..not many to miss me if I make a sacrifice should one need to be made."

[multiversal_science]

There's an older woman with wild frizzy hair and thick, weighty spectacles sitting at the table nearest to the door sipping a glass of wine. A glass she's going to pause in the middle of enjoying to set it back down and peer up at the new entry.

"That's a question filled with problems, there. I'd say with the information given, you'd be a fool to do so."

She pulls a handkerchief out of the crisp white labcoat she's wearing to reach up and wipe a bit of dust off her glasses. "Do you have more data?"

[born_in_flame]

Caleb puzzles over the word data and assumes she means more information. and he puzzles out how to explain what is going on without seeming crazy since this seems like the type of place that might draw people from all corners and that means not everyone's culture was the same. "My friend died....and his body was corrupted by magic....but I believe my friend's soul still remains and can be saved. But the way of doing so may harm the person doing it.....my friends have family to return to I do not.....so the risk to myself...not as grief laden....as it would be for them."

[multiversal_science]

"If the body was corrupted well after your friend passed, what makes you think his soul is in any danger?" The woman shifts in her seat to get more comfortable staring up at this young man since he seems to show no interest in moving anywhere more convenient.

"Your friend is dead, by all accounts. Is it not better to let them rest?" But it's a story Liv's heard before, albeit delivered with much more nuance than Wilson ever did.

"A body is just a vessel after all. Why should any of us care about what happens to the meat, bacteria, and fatty acids that make up us once we're no longer here? And to already be thinking of sacrificing yourself for Just a friend? Are you looking for an excuse to kill yourself? Is that it?"

[sohoangel]

Sitting at the end of the bar with a glass of mead in front of him, Aziraphale turns to look at the newcomer. His expression, already kind-hearted, softens further at the nature of the question.

"Yes, I believe I would, although I suspect my friend would not want me putting my life at risk. Is this perhaps more than a mere hypothetical question for you?"

[born_in_flame]

Caleb sighed and when he speaks his soft quiet voice carries a German sounding accent though there are ways he pronounces certain words that makes it clear it isn't quite German enough. "It is.....a dear friend of mine died to save me...and now his body has been corrupted by......a powerful thing" He stresses thing like it's sour in his mouth. "I think he can be reached but the risk is great....and my best friend she has family to return to...while I do not.....if I risk my life then my friend and those who love him too will live."

[sohoangel]

The accent alone is intriguing to Aziraphale, although he's much more focused on the words themselves as Caleb explains his situation. "A possession?" he asks curiously. Those don't normally involve death where he's from, but he's trying to keep an open mind.

"My dear fellow, your intentions sound very noble, but surely the risk is less for everyone if it's divided among you and your best friend?" He fusses a little with the hem of his waistcoat, rubbing at a worn spot in the fabric. "I was in a similar spot as you, once, trying to solve a dangerous situation on my own. I thought leaving my best friend out of it would spare him somehow, but it only made everything worse. If she wants to help, perhaps it's better to work together?"

[thewiselion]

Caleb is a cat lover right?

Well, he will definitely take note of the large Lion that has taken interest in his question. Aslan, King of Beasts, watches the tall man with a calm expression for a moment. Then pads forward.

"Perhaps you have already taken that first step... Who are you seeking?" His voice is soft, with a slight purr at the backend.

[born_in_flame]

Yes, yes he is. He can also recognize a being of power and inclines his head in respect as the lion approaches. "My friend's....body was corrupted by an ancient thing...but I believe the soul of my friend is still alive inside it. But...I fear the battle to free him may end with my death should I and my friends attempt again to reach him."

Caleb sighs softly. "Part of me feels selfish for thinking of one life when so many are at risk."

[dalek_bugnut]

AFFIRMATIVE, responds the Dalek sitting in the corner, knitting. Yes. It's knitting. It has special attachments.

IT IS AN ACT OF NOBILITY. A DALEK SHOULD ALWAYS BE NOBLE. HUMANS WOULD DO WELL TO FOLLOW OUR EXAMPLE.

[born_in_flame]

Caleb is used to seeing odd things in his travels but he has never seen a creature as this. He looks on in fascination. "And what may I ask is a Dalek," Caleb asks, speaking with an accent that will be German sounding to anyone else but has a gentle singsong cadence that isn't quite German enough. "Are they noble creatures by nature?"

[eumenis]

Furiosa is seated near the window, settled in a booth with her back to the wall and legs drawn up so she can use the light from outside to light the book she's reading. She's a slow reader despite having a quick mind. It's not a skill she gets to practice often, and what she's looking over appears to be a book of poetry aimed at children.

In contrast, the drink by her elbow looks like hella strong bourbon, neat.

She glances up at the question and nods faintly. "Have done. Would do again. It only sounds stupid on the face of it. People don't survive well alone. When you have someone you can trust, and like, you hold onto them."

[born_in_flame]

Caleb nods tightly sipping something dark and bitter from a mug now. "My greatest regret is....not telling him how much he meant to me before it was too late. If I can bring him home now then I must......if it within me to try."

[unpacified]

"Wouldn't be the first time," says Pacifica with a shrug.

[born_in_flame]

Caleb smiles. "You have saved friends before," he asks, his voice quiet and gentle and carrying a German sounding accent. "It is good you are willing to do so. Facing the darkness is hard."