Aspel Cassul: When in doubt, Aspel! (weaponry) wrote in emillion, @ 2013-11-14 08:30:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, !log, arielle chiaro, aspel cassul |
"I’m pretending, There’s not a glimpse of, What you want from me here..."
Who: Aspel & Ari
What: Lunch (and discussion of rumors)!
Where: An eatery not far from Bahamut hall.
When: BACKDATED: Wednesday afternoon (11/13/13)
Rating: PG?
Status: COMPLETE!
The series of events that day hadn’t been… Entirely surprising. First had come the invitation for lunch, then the meet up, and the…. Unfortunate fact of reality had set in upon them. With some level of mutual frustration that the smith would swear could have been cut with a knife regarding how thick it had become, the decision to evacuate to a local cafe seemed an obvious choice when presented. With that, they’d evacuated from Aspel’s office in Bahamut Hall, and redirected themselves accordingly while arm in arm. Thankfully, considering the lateness of their lunch, seating was easy, and it didn’t take long before the waiter had been shipped off with appropriate drink orders for their cool afternoon. Eyes perused the menu - it was rather surprisingly she’d never stopped here before - as ears picked away at whatever sounds offered. “I am still quite surprised they let you out for lunch with all of the shows that are soon to come.” The comment was passive, and Aspel’s eyes only darted up from the menu momentarily before dropping back down. “It would seem a pity to let such a wondrous creature go off into the wild cold of the city without a fight.” Okay, perhaps in her playing she was laying it on a bit thick, but… It was for entertainment’s sake after all. “Chorus rehearsals are weekly, not daily,” Ari said with a shrug. “My scene partner for the first act of the gala has another show in progress, so rehearsal times vary. And the quartet rehearses late afternoons, so I’ll be rolling my eyes at the lot of them in a few hours.” It was a light season for her, in the end, just as she had hoped, leaving her plenty of time for other amusements -- even if they did keep not working out for her, one way or another. She looked over the menu herself, trying not to sigh; she had a fair idea of what to order here, having visited this particular cafe with Drake some time back. She was getting to know the locations around Bahamut Hall quite well these days. At least, with her true plans for the afternoon dashed, she would at get some good soup out of it, she supposed. Small comfort that was. And no one’s fault, really, she reminded herself. She might as well enjoy the afternoon as it had turned out. “In any case,” she said with a bit of a smile, “this particular wondrous creature has a long history of making time for ridiculously attractive councilors who pay such pretty compliments.” Two could play this game, after all. “It would be a pity if that were to change now, wouldn’t it?” “Ah.” Came the simple response to the explanation offered. It made sense enough the smith suspected, though it wasn’t really an area of personal expertise by any means. “Particular reason for the required eye rolling?” An eyebrow quirked over her menu though eyes would not rise from the description she continued to read over. A thought or two trickled through her head as to what it could potentially be, but one could never really be too sure at the same time. With performers it could be something as simple as being overqualified to something as complex as internal political dynamics that must be ignored in favor of the appropriate level of professionalism to be displayed. Really, it was much like any other job in some regards. “Is that so?” A brief raising of her gaze would be earned by the rather elaborate compliment, the faintest hint of smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. “Then I suspect I must continue until my dues are full, no?” A cant of her head would be earned, eyes dipping down briefly as if something had suddenly caught their attention before rising again, the menu placed upon the table with a finger stuck within its folds to hold her place. “Shall I whisper words of worship upon your name, sweet Seraph?” The amusement was clear as Aspel shifted, crossing one leg over the other, a hand coming to easily rest in her lap, and an eyebrow quirking. Just how were they going to play this game this afternoon? “Oh, there are some… shall we say, artistic differences,” Ari replied, thinking of her colleagues for the act two medley. The music was pretty as a picture, she had to admit, and the four of them did sound nice together… when Fellina wasn’t being catty, or Corinne irate, or Damia… well, no, her sarcasm was actually amusing for the most part. “Too many strong personalities in one room, plus one self-absorbed peacock, makes for an interesting work environment,” she said at last. “It will work out; at least no one has come to rehearsal drunk this time, so really, there is no way to go but up.” Aspel had heard all about her adventures backstage at Fedoro, so she doubted she would have to elaborate. “As for showering me with further compliments, only if you really mean them,” Ari responded just in time for the waiter’s return, her tone rich with amusement. She took a greedy gulp of the mocha she had ordered, enjoying the sweetness of the chocolate combined with the bold flavor of the coffee. “Which, of course, I am certain you must. Perhaps we ought to order our food before you tell me just how wonderful I am?” “Is that so?” Another raise of a curious brow, this time clearly directed at the other woman with the menu now away from the smith’s face. A slight frown couldn’t be helped with the memory of the drunken tomfoolery of Ari’s former costar in the play just a few months before. That had been rather… Unfortunate. At best. Really. And while Aspel had secretly wanted to knock the man upside his head for at least one or two of his transgressions, it had seemed as though the bard had things perfectly under control. Or at least… Under control enough to not need some headstrong, protective fighter charging in there, and making a mess of her professional life. While the urge did crop up from time to time, it was more a knee jerk reaction than deep seated concern when it came to the younger woman. In most instances, Ari held her own quite well, undoubtedly, this circumstance would be nothing different than the others before. “Ah, and why, perhaps, would I bother littering my time with lies?” A loaded question considering how much lying Aspel actually did do, not that most would be even remotely aware of such fact. The comment was made, ignoring the waiter for the split second required to get the words out before the smith’s attention easily shifted, offering a slight smile to their server before placing her order, and taking up her own water as the man shoved off, carrying their menus with him. It had made more sense to delay the rest of the conversation until after as the other woman had pointed out. Smoothing fingers over the tabletop in front of her before they rose to tap against the material absently, a smile picked at the corner’s of Aspel’s mouth. “Now, is this the appropriate time to continue our chatter? Or would you wish to delay such commentary until another, more desirable, time?” It really was rather unfortunate pity that their initial plans had had to be cancelled. “If there is an inappropriate time for compliments?” Ari asked with a laugh. “If so, I am afraid I have never encountered it, which fact, by the way, I don’t at all regret. You are always welcome to say nice things about me, now, later, or both. And speaking of,” she continued, “you will be pleased to know that I have heard not a peep about either of us in weeks, and considering I am spending time with choristers, I am forced to conclude that this means no one is discussing us at all. Drake, though…” She shook her head ruefully and said, “I did have someone ask me in rehearsal just the other day how I felt about Merri joining our happy little harem.” She rolled her eyes and clarified, “Her words, not mine. Apparently, they will not stop until they’ve paired Drake with every eligible -- and ineligible -- person in Emillion. It took all I had not to laugh her straight out of the room; the things people will come up with!” "No?" The smirk was easy to come by with the bard's continued banter spilling forth. There was something easy, effortless really with these conversations between the two of them. Though just as the smith began to consider what other compliments may be appropriate to lavish upon her current company the conversation took a curious twist, and Aspel found herself falling silent once more. It was.... Curious what people could or would come up with if given enough time to let their tongues needlessly wag. "Harem, you say?" The tone was equal parts curious, and strangely passive. Almost like one attempting to dissect another who had been brought to their attention through questionable means. The roll of eyes would not be missed however, and a bothersome little thought pondering over just what was Drake and Merrion's relations was quickly shoved to the side. Though, if Ari's stance on the matter was any indication then it would appear any... thought likely wasn't worth the time that would be wasted upon it. "Ah," a second would be taken, mulling over their current predicament. Taking up her glass a sip of the water would be taken, yet the glass continued to dangle idly between fingers after, hovering a ways above the table top. "With gems as such, I am amazed any work is able to be accomplished at all." Really, some people. “Yes, apparently, we have one. Or Drake does. I am not up to date on the specifics of harem ownership,” Ari said, all good humor and amusement. This particular rumor bothered her significantly less than the one labeling her a social climber by virtue of being too absurd to be anything but hilarious. “I shouldn’t mind lazing about for awhile and being fed grapes, I suppose,” she mused. That was the mental image presented by the misconception, wasn’t it? “But such a life would get dull after a time, I suspect.” She left out the fact that she was worried for Merri, but she thought of it. Her conversation with him earlier in the day had not been particularly comforting, though she had every intention of following through on her ultimatum. He would he hauled out whether he liked it or not, plied with wine, and generally forced to live a little instead of remaining a hermit. Unlike Drake, she felt no ill will towards Wil for leaving -- corsairs were, in the end, like that -- but she did think Merri needed a distraction. “I should ask Merri what he thinks of this nonsense,” she mused, along that train of thought. “Making him stammer is an endlessly entertaining occupation.” She followed this statement with another sip of her coffee before saying, “If you think that one absurd, you would not believe some of the other tales I have been privy to, recently. Shall I entertain you with untrue and ridiculous stories about people we know?” “It would seem a terrible bore.” Aspel couldn’t help but easily tack on. Though, the idea of being part of a harem was… Somewhat appalling for her personally. While the smith’s ideals on love and other such disasters were… Far from normal, she certainly didn’t find something so… Grandiose, to put it kindly, much to her liking either. The thought of being considered part of one… Well, it did rub her the wrong way a bit if she were honest. Yet, it was a rumor, and rumors were always silly, and pointless, much like the people who created them. Aspel would just simply need to keep reminding herself of that. There was no need to complicate matters further than they already had been. An eyebrow rose at the sudden shift in topic. Or well… partial shift. It was easy enough to follow. “Is that so?” While the man was Drake’s friend, and had been a customer at The Armory some time ago - she still needed to do a bit more research regarding an inquiry he had asked about months ago - she knew incredibly little of him. Though, wouldn’t that possibly feed the rumors of Merrion’s entanglement with them even more so? A frown was repressed. There was no need to get into Aspel’s unease with the whole mess here. Or ever quite frankly. It wasn’t as if she had the right to anyone’s time. Though, once again, the topic of their conversation maintained its fluidity. Really, it wasn’t terribly surprising with Ari present as she was. “Ah,” A slight smile pulled at her lips, amusement clearly beginning to find its way into her eyes. “I suspect that is as good a way to pass the time as any.” This, certainly, at the very least, would be entertaining if nothing else. Ari shrugged and said, “The gossips do have one thing right -- he seems to be terribly in need of some cheering up. And what are friends for, after all, if not exactly that?” His other friends were apparently content to let him wallow, but Ari was of a different breed; Merri could do with some forgetting. Definitely a lot of wine, she thought -- if not for her (unfortunately), certainly for him. “Let’s see,” she said, leaning forward, resting her chin in her hands, and lowering her voice to a conspiratorial murmur, “there’s been a lot of talk about various members of my guild, which I suppose is unsurprising, but I am uncertain with whom you are acquainted.” There was Vivi, too, but she left that one alone for the moment; best to let that particular one sleep, as it was likely to be true. The connected rumors, however… “Here’s one,” she settled on at last. “There is a quite ridiculous tale of Audrey -- I never will get used to calling her Alys, I’m afraid -- and her sister as some sort of master assassins.” She had to roll her eyes again; really, it was so ridiculous. Of the ninjas she knew, Aud would be the last to resort to assassination, and Juliette, well. “Granted,” she admitted, “I don’t know her sister very well yet -- she’s very quiet when I’m about -- but I’ve the notion she’s somewhat frightened of her own shadow. I do think Aud will like this one better than the last, however,” she mused. “At least the gossips aren’t marrying the poor girl off this time.” A brief nod of her head would be given in confirmation of Ari’s statement regarding what friends should do. Realistically, her and Mag were much the same in that regard. Though, perhaps sometimes they relied a little too heavily on alcohol in their activities, but really, it wasn’t as if they’d harmed themselves or anyone else with it. Really, most were likely none-the-wiser considering the whole mess. Though the continuation of Ari’s tales earned a passive shrug. “From my time smithing, I am acquainted with a large number of people.” Which she was beginning to terribly miss. In a sense, not as much as when she’d first given it up, but considering the time, energy and resources poured into the shop, it was something she’d always miss. Even if Aspel did manage to squeeze out one or two custom pieces here and there. Her timeline was shot though. Deadlines were easily twice what they used to be, and the amount of orders she could actively take without having them incur considerable waiting times had shrunk… Massively. It was unfortunate really. Especially, when one took into consideration the store room nearly full of materials still since her appointment had been… Rather abrupt in the end. Aspel couldn’t help the look of amusement, crossed with a discrediting disbelief at the ridiculous rumor about Audrey. If she had been the type to eye roll, this certainly would have been an ideal time for such. “Preposterous,” came the singular word discarding the rumor. “I still swear I have not the time, wit, nor energy to accumulate the appropriate knowledge to figure out where such obscene thoughts and stories are propelled from outside of wishful thinking, and absurdity.” Because, quite frankly, that was all that was. Audrey? An assassin? It was laughable really. Though… A thought lingered. Others might not think Aspel capable of what she’d done but… It still seemed preposterous no matter how she attempted to turn it around in her brain. There would be no escaping the denial of this one regardless of herself. “If there was talk of her being married off, there would be less struggle in the fighting off of suitors.” Now that, Aspel could understand full well. A spark of something, a plan streaked nakedly across her face for a moment before a wicked smirk arose. “Perhaps, if she ever encounters any particularly problematic suitors, that is precisely the rumor she needs.” The smirk widened a bit. “And I would wager good gil that I could come up with a few names to top off that list simply for amusement’s sake alone.” “I think people may dream them up. Literally, in bed -- possibly after imbibing absinthe,” Ari added after another moment of thought. Not that dreams couldn’t be ludicrous to begin with, but, well. Audrey the assassin she could perhaps stretch her imagination to picture, but the younger sister? Preposterous was too mild a word. “I don’t think Aud suffers from marriage rumors; I more meant her… displeasure,” a mild word, “about Juliette’s supposed entanglement with the Kapur boy.” She shook her head; she had a notion those two were too young, and not at all in years to even know what to do with each other in that way. ‘Late bloomer’ seemed to define the youngest Coulombe. “Aud seems to be doing all right for herself; I think there is some distress over the fact that she’s seeing a common gentleman, but, well… she’s still Aud, after all. Can you imagine her as some pampered trophy wife? Now there, I can believe assassination might actually happen.” Audrey was not as fiercely independent as Ari, perhaps, but nor would she suffer being belittled by some rich man who thought a wife was a possession. “I am curious, however, to know who would make your list,” she admitted. This had the potential to be quite amusing. “Care to share?” "That may not be an entirely inaccurate assessment." Which, considering how some of the citizens of Emillion functioned, Aspel wouldn't be all that shocked if that was indeed the case. Though Ari's next words were more of surprise than the smith would care to admit. Was the bard referencing... Juliette the squire? The one which Aspel assisted in training weekly? Well... She hadn't seen that coming. It did seem to line up however. Especially, considering Aspel did recall some rumor that circulated a bit back about the girl running off with Storm supposedly. While Aspel hadn't given it any mind, well... That didn't mean others wouldn't. "Is she?" The smith had never much gotten into her drinking companion’s personal life too extensively. Not that Aud wasn't one to offer it. "I would take her all the more wise for it. Common men keep in touch with the reality about them, and aspire to become great men before their time is through." Though, Aspel's passive disdain for how nobility ran, and especially how that of Emillion's circles seemed to run, hadn't been particularly hidden from the bard for any stretch of time thus far. "My list?" Aspel couldn't help the amused tone the question earned. "How ridiculous would you wish for me to venture?" Because really, she could quite drag this out if needed for their entertainment during lunch. “He’s a nice enough sort,” Ari said. And trustworthy, which won him far more points than anything else possibly could. “And -- in his favor -- he is not attempting to marry her, which is exactly what she needs right now. Frankly, I would suspect anyone offering hand and heart, were I her.” Even if Aud wanted a family, now was the worst time for her to be accepting proposals. Fortunately, Ari thought her friend realized as much. “I would wish for you to be as ridiculous as you could possibly stand,” she replied, grinning widely. “Come now, amuse me before I tell you the rest of the stories being bandied about the rehearsal halls this week.” “Ah,” Would be the simple response, even though Aspel felt the slightest twinge of doubt regarding this new interest of Audrey’s. Even with the bard’s reassurance, the smith was still hesitant to consider it truly a good idea. Though, if Ari thought it would be okay, Audrey was her best friend and certainly, the bard would do what was required to protect those close to her. Hopefully, Aspel’s blade wouldn’t be required for this one as well… Much unlike Orisino. “Is that so?” Aspel couldn’t help but sound terribly amused. “Well, certainly, Drake is helpful enough, no? And if others wished to conclude he is catering towards a resolution with a harem of sorts, it could assist greatly.” A thoughtful hum slipped out. “Or we could attempt to arrange some sort of slander about her only longing for guildmasters. Perhaps…” The thought would die on her lips, but a thoughtful cant of head would be used in attempts to cover it. “We could find someone to help perpetuate such, no?” If Ari was familiar with Vivi’s relationship with Reinholdt, or thought perhaps the smith herself could forge a connection, Aspel would leave it alone for now. “Kiernan does enjoy a good bit of fun.” Another thoughtful noise was earned. “I have been attempting to train Rictor into a better state of toying with such nonsense, I may be able to drag him in if a religious slant was required.” Then a thought struck and her face lit up. “Ah! We could engage Audrey and Merrion, see what the gossips have to say regarding that.” The thought was terribly amusing to her at least. In fact, she may enjoy seeing them both in the same room the more she thought about it. The fact that she’d grown quite relaxed, and an easy smile had found its way across her face would easily be missed. Though, that would generally seem the norm when seen out with Ari at this juncture in their relations if the smith was fully aware of it, or not. Each successive name had Ari’s grin widening until she burst out in uncontrollable giggles at the mention of Aspel’s brother. “Rictor!” she exclaimed. “Well, speaking of harems! Between the new ladies he’s rumored to have taken up with and other considerations,” and personal knowledge, “that would put your brother at five lovers now, discounting the employees of the various jewel houses, if one wishes to put stock by last season’s news. I hope you know what this means,” she added merrily. “You can’t have him defeating you, of course. You must catch up immediately. How many lovers can you juggle, Aspel? Seven? Eight?” She, too, was relaxed and cheerful. This was the way she behaved with most people, granted; she did not consider what a cozy picture they made, sitting their with their amused conversation and laughter. It had never been much of an act, to her, and she rarely wasted years of her company on someone who did not bring her joy or amusement, one way or another. “Merri,” she said, once she could control her giggles, “would be such a disaster. They do get along fairly well, and I imagine he’d be willing to accompany her places if we asked nicely. Though he’s so hungry for romance, poor dear, that it might wind up a tangle, in the end,” she added. “Faram,” Her mother would hate her for using their lord’s name in such a manner. Regardless of herself, Aspel’s voice dipped down, barely above a whisper. She’d hated the gossips at many a noble party she’d had to attend growing up, and couldn’t help but feel like one now but… At the same time... “Five!?” A firm shake of her head was given, a hand falling to smooth over a pant leg absently. Though the sudden idea of Rictor defeating her, a challenge of sorts, almost made her bristle. “But you see, there is no way he could possibly. Between Duhl, you, Drake, Vivi, Mag, and Faram knows who else, I must certainly be ahead of him by now, no?” Her voice had easily returned to normal at this point. It was almost surprising someone hadn’t had the wit to toss Jareth in there yet. “I am fairly certain I must be able to juggle at least a dozen after all these years of practice I have been stocking.” A sly smirk would be the only indicator of her toying with the entire thing, as her voice easily remained fairly serious in its own way. “Ah, well, we would not want that. Making them both miserable is hardly the desired outcome.” Though, another thoughtful hum would be earned. “Who else could we reasonably add to her list? Aside from myself of course.” The smile had fallen away for a brief second when she’d started speaking but quickly reappeared with the absurd suggestion appropriately delivered. “Oh well, in that case, since you’ve a whole dozen,” Ari said with another laugh. “I never should have doubted you, of course. Shame on me. Poor Rictor never stood a chance. And you and Aud?” She tapped her finger to her chin, giving an appearance of thoughtfulness. “It might be a hard sell, but then, if any woman could entice her, I suppose you would have to top the list, with the sort of legendary prowess it takes to keep a dozen other lovers satisfied.” She winked to show she was joking -- mostly -- just as their food arrived. Once the server had retreated (by the look on his face, Ari had to wonder, somewhat sheepishly, if her last statement had been overheard), Ari took up her spoon and said, “Well, if you’re asking for a list, I can certainly give you one. And let me tell you who will not be on it, per the most recent chatter…” She had not, after all, been joking about the tendency of choristers to gossip; in the short hour that Aspel could spare, there were a great many ludicrous stories yet to be shared. |