Aspel felt like her heart was about to leap from her chest, and out her throat at any given second if she were not careful. Knights from Kerwon the comment still rang in her ears, and even the mere thought caused her heart to pick up pace with anxiety. Was someone she knew here? Had she heard a cousin’s name murmured amongst the crowd? Faram. Her chest tensed, breathing felt like a chore.
There was a wave, a comment or name called in her direction and Aspel smiled - as best she could, and hoped it didn’t look strained - and returned the greeting of some noble or another who wouldn’t have given her the time of day just a few months before. Making her way into such a well noted spot within the Fighter’s Guild council had earned her far more eyes, and some ire than she’d really cared for, or - on some levels - expected. Certainly, the smith had known she wouldn’t be able to continue her quiet little life as a smith, and merc for hire but…
The conversation took only a few seconds, a greeting, a couple niceties (as Aspel had taken to calling them at this point in her head), and brief comment or two about the current event, and the present state of affairs within the guild - briefly touching on how things were well, and dispelling any rumor of negativity (though there always was some) - before a kiss was placed against the woman’s cheek, and the conversation seemed over.
Thank Faram.
It was just in time as an armor clad knight seemed to be striving her way, just in time for Aspel to turn on her heels, and pretend - as best as she was able - that something else had caught her attention in the garden, and that way she did head.
Hopefully, she wouldn’t have a panic attack before making it there.
Ari stood just inside the door, pinning her cloak closed and donning gloves. She had almost skipped the tour of the gardens altogether, but the fifth person who had raved about their beauty had finally convinced her to make her way down and brave the cold, despite her thin gown and impractical shoes.
One only lived once, she supposed.
That thought was cut off as she beheld Aspel coming towards her, dressed in elegant finery and looking a little hunted. She was not quite sprinting in her heels, but it was a near thing.
Eyebrows rose in surprise and she noted but gave no heed to the feeling of pleasure upon seeing the other woman at all; she had assumed that they were unlikely to cross paths this evening. “Please tell me there’s no fire,” she said by way of greeting. Somehow, Aspel didn’t appear the sort to run from an ill-intentioned gentleman.
The voice caught her off guard, a startling surprise of sorts. Though, it was far from unwelcome. A strained, and only mildly distraught smile was offered to the other woman in return. “No fire, I assure.” Eyes glanced between the bard, and the potential other areas presented to them at this time. “Were you?” A hand gestured leisurely off to the side, indicating where she was guessing Ari might be headed, and somehow she hoped that was indeed the case. If it were not, well… Aspel might just make a run for the front door before long if not otherwise occupied.
Though, what was her plan if she couldn’t use the bard as a distraction? Something flickered inside of her for a moment, a bit of doubt that threw shadows across her entire psyche for just a moment. It was something that would need to be ignored for now, something she need not think of. Certainly, if she could not find solace in Ari, something else could be had, no? The idea of her running from the palace - while terribly appealing - brought with it the unfortunate notion of just how poorly it might end up reflecting upon the guild, and really, that was a burden she was not quite ready to bear.