Almalexia. (arithmeticks) wrote in emillion, @ 2013-12-17 10:21:00 |
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Much noticeable effort had been given of late to retreat from the familiar walls of the Cathedral. At least, now that she was both able and willing to untether herself from what had become a most challenging daily routine. Having spent the past weeks tending to the ill and aiding Father Luscini’s efforts to treat those in need had left her in an unfavorably difficult personal state. Not that she was particularly prone to admit as much to others, of course, but the young woman had seemed to have nearly reached her limit before events had finally taken a turn for the better. Such difficult matters could not be so easily brushed aside from her thoughts, she admitted to herself. And so in between her duties as a mage, she found herself quite a bit more willing to retreat into the sanctuary of the city (and away from certain ponderings) as a matter of respite. After all, had it not already become a personal point of interest to increase these activities, in the name of personal betterment? This had been another effort in that regard, and Lex realized she was rather anxious to see Arielle Chiaro once again. To note, perhaps, that everything was indeed improving in a positive manner for others, and no further dire circumstances had recently transpired. The people in the coffee shop did provide some hope as well to these wishes, for they seemed to her quite willing to march back into the day to day process of living. So much so, in fact, that Lex noted the excited whispers of the Duke’s upcoming ball. The mage sat at a small table and added sugar to her coffee, listening to the discussion and realizing she’d forgotten entirely about the event herself. Well enamored in her own thoughts, she almost missed the other woman approach. Ari breezed in late, which was really par for the course; windswept and cheerful, with cheeks rosy from the cold, she made her way across the crowded coffee shop to settle at last in a chair opposite her friend. It had been some time since they had seen each other, and had things not been so wildly out of sorts recently, she would have no doubt made an effort to drag the reclusive mage from the cathedral before now; as it stood, however, she was glad that they had at least managed to make this appointment (even if she had been habitually late in keeping it). It was good to be back to life, in all its chaotic glory. Perhaps unlike many of those who had been impacted by recent events, Ari was glad to let them go and put them in the past (and, in some regards, to stop thinking of them altogether, considering just how anxious and unhappy she had been). She was thus her usual cheerful self as they exchanged greetings. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she tacked on at the end. “I hope you didn’t wait too long.” “Not at all,” she said with certainty, feeling a slight hint of relief at Ari’s apparent high spirits. “I am grateful you had time for such an appointment, of course.” Lex, polite and reserved as ever she had appeared, set aside her stir spoon and held the cup of coffee in both hands and attempting to soak up its warmth. Winter was something of an unpleasant time, even without sickness sweeping through the streets. Though she had dressed as appropriately as one could be allowed, her cloak sitting discarded just beside her, she had not yet entirely fought off the chill. (Or perhaps it was just a ghost of the sensation creeping back up at the sight of the street outside the shop windows.) “I hope you are well today?” Looking slightly hopeful as she asked, a waiter came around at once to take the other woman’s order. Once finished, Lex watched the young attendant slip back behind the barista counter. “One can only sing so many hours per day before one requires sustenance,” Ari proclaimed. “Or, in this case, coffee. I’m sorry I’ve been scarce; I’m glad we both made time for this. I am doing as well as can be expected, with this miserable weather,” she added. “Winter tempts me yearly to return to Ordalia -- until I recall why I left.” It had always been a bit challenging to read the mage’s mood; today was no different, though Ari thought she seemed well enough. “Are you keeping busy?” she asked. She could have asked directly about how the last few weeks had gone, perhaps, but she preferred not to dwell on that unpleasantness. “This time of year is always a bit frantic.” “Ordalia does not sound unfavorable,” Lex agreed, taking a small sip of her coffee and recalling more agreeable times. No doubt the two were considering widely different scenarios, but the sentiment remained the same between them. She decided it was likely for the best to keep her attention away from the dreadful business outside from then on. “It is indeed,” she agreed, “I have a number of duties and current studies to occupy my time.” As her advances in magic and other academic areas had been put on hold for sake of emergencies, Lex now found herself anticipating the return to normalcy and study. Even if the year itself had proven itself challenging in ways one could hardly begin to predict, she did expect the unease she felt to eventually subside. “Although I have found it useful of late to run errands outside the scope of the Cathedral as well.” Lex cast a glance over her shoulder to note with curiosity those people speaking behind her. “Do you have any particular thoughts on the upcoming ball, I wonder?” Certainly everything she had gleaned about similar events were from those with decidedly painted opinions on noble activities, and she felt as though another perspective might very well prove more informative. Her brief jaunt to the Founders Festival only provided so much tangible data, after all. “I am tempted to run off for a few days, anyway,” Ari said wistfully. She wondered if she’d be able to talk Aspel into a few days away. Then she wondered if they would wind up fighting for their lives somehow. Maybe not. “Around Faram’s Mass, we’ll see. Once the gala is past.” She followed Lex’s gaze and felt her smile broadening. “I love balls,” she admitted with relish. “And, for once, I won’t be stranded in the orchestra, so I intend to enjoy myself and dance until I have to be carried out. The duke is one of the very best at throwing parties.” Most likely because his were so unconventional. “Are you planning to go?” she asked curiously. It did not seem quite Lex’s sort of event, but the other woman had surprised her before. “Oh?” Lex’s attention was drawn back to the bard. “You have attended before?” Not that she was particularly surprised, of course, even with her love of such events now professed. Ari seemed adept at finding all manner of adventure and excitement, a fact that made even a reserved person such as Lex envious from time to time. Certainly she could imagine her right at home in such festivities. For her own sake, as it had been at other public events, Lex’s interest was, she reasoned, one of intellectual curiosity. Observing at a careful distance, one could learn quite a bit. If she found suitable reason to investigate this particular ball, certainly she herself would feel no particular need to participate in dancing and the like (regardless of past exceptions). “Perhaps,” she said, sounding thoughtful. She gazed into her coffee cup. “I have taken it into consideration.” “It is something of an annual affair and I am -- very casually -- acquainted with the host. He has invited me to play in his orchestra from time to time, though as I said, I’ll be only another guest this year.” Smiling, she added, “I must find occasion to wear the gowns my mother procures for me, after all; they would be quite wasted on my day-to-day life. “And you ought to go,” she said, “if it interests you. At the very least for the music and the food, if no other reason. Unless you are opposed to nobles, but then,” a rather knowing look, “I think that is not quite the case.” Lex attempted not to cough. She put a hand over her mouth politely and decided against presenting an argument on the matter, feeling at once like a misbehaving scholar caught in a prolonged scheme. The moment subsided quickly, but she found that she could not inherently disagree with Ari’s observation. As peculiar as it was to be caught in their midst at times, she felt no particular distaste of their company (objectively speaking, of course). “To listen and observe then,” she agreed thoughtfully. “And perhaps to sample certain foodstuffs.” Although, now her mind had begun to wander to other considerations. Vaguely did she recall some casual discussion with Rictor over various rules and expectations given to nobles (though certainly she could not ask his advice on this matter, for if she was to go, then caution demanded that he play no obvious part). Lex therefore knew a certain degree of planning would hence be in order. Again, she found this to her advantage--even if it was to benefit her own distraction. “However, I wonder if there are not important details one must make note of before presenting themselves at this ball?” “Wear something pretty, steer clear of mistletoe, and recall that the Bards’ Guild is full of… exuberant individuals who are bound to make your evening interesting,” Ari rattled off immediately. There were, perhaps, other considerations, but as far as she was concerned, these seemed the key items of note. “Do you dance?” she asked curiously. “You may have to come up with creative ways to refuse invitations, if not. I sincerely doubt the gathered gentlemen will leave you be, and most noblemen I know don’t tend to accept a ‘no, thank you’ as reason enough.” “Oh?” Lex sipped her coffee, looking suddenly more serious. She hadn’t considered the possible risk that she might be required to participate in such activities. Conversing with unknown gentlemen could prove to be a tedious distraction to her intended observations, she realized, and the need to avoid these issues became at once an imperative. “I shall take the matter into due consideration,” she replied, giving Ari a grateful expression. “Thank you for the words of caution.” The advice did also serve to pique her curiosity, however, and Lex leaned forward slightly. “Would you perhaps share with me your prior experiences? I believe I should enjoy hearing of them as well.” “We may be here all afternoon,” Ari warned with a laugh. “I go to quite a number of balls, between the functions I work and those I am invited to attend.” Her coffee arrived then, right on time, and she sipped at it as she considered where to begin. It was very fortunate that she liked telling stories. |