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[revolutionne]

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[revolutionne]

[ Being invited to a wedding was not uncommon. Even as lesser nobility, Aymeric (and at the time, his parents) had made appearances at several as a show of support but also to be seen, which was the real reason that most if all attended these events in the first place. The sad state of affairs in upper class society, that so many occasions were framed as an opportunity for oneself to move forward rather than the supposed celebration they were originally orchestrated. But Aymeric de Borel was not above such intents--it has been through a mixture of patience, poise, and concerted effort that he has worked his own way up through some level of recognition.

Even more now that he holds the title of "Lord Commander". Though he had a surprising amount of support given his origins, he has yet to prove himself truly worth of the title in the eyes of many. The Calamity and subsequent shift in Coerthas has given more than a few new challenges, with many and more looking towards the military for support as the Holy See and the High Houses debate what to do with the outer settlements freezing over entirely. Resources must be allocated, entire populations of people moved--if they yet exist at all. Trying times this past year and in the years ahead...not to mention the fact that the Dravanian assault has not been assuaged, climate be damned.

Even still, life within Ishgard carries on. He is never one to bemoan someone of the little joys they can find and love can bloom in conflict. He takes his invitation to his particular engagement as Viscount but more as the Lord Commander, finding his footing but still "young and eligible" by many accounts. At the very least he hopes to foster a few new alliances that may help his dealings in the Western Highlands. Working the Temple Knights alongside the private companies of the High Houses is ever a balance.

And it is...exhausting. As used to he is as forced pleasantries, even Aymeric needs a break. The ceremony itself is lovely and for a moment he can bask in the fact that these two individuals, while likely bonded out of obligation and opportunity, may actually hold a level of affection for one another. It's a nice thing to see. Life continues on.

Yet as the social hour begins, Aymeric's attention is constantly being shifted from one person or another. Scheduled dancing is to begin soon and he decides he needs a moment or two of peace and quiet before entertaining however many surprisingly single young (and occasionally older) women are conveniently introduced to him.

Leaving the bottom floors entirely, Aymeric ventures upstairs to find some sort of sitting room--or mayhaps a library where he can collect himself, maybe open a window and let the now frigid air rouse his energies once again. The search is, however, cut quickly short. ]

Oh--

[ As he bumps into a very...very slight woman in the hallway. He holds up both his hands, palms out, with an apologetic smile. ]

--my apologies, I should have better watched my step. Are you unharmed?

[gibbet]

[ The first thing on her mind, when she hears his voice is that she's caught — there goes what little reputation she had as a valuable assassin, and quite possibly her place in the mercenary company. She could kill him, maybe. That would sort it out, and with no one else up here it would be more than a long moment before he was even discovered.

The second thing on her mind doesn't come to it until she properly looks up and sees who it is she's just run into: Aymeric de Borel, Lord Commander of the Temple Knights of Ishgard. He's someone who's presence at the party down below will be missed sooner rather than later, and someone will come looking for him, if they haven't already. She is nothing but busted, here, and she takes a step back, trying to further hide her face inside the hood she has draped over her horns. There aren't many Au Ra in Ishgard; hers is a face he will remember.

Shite, shite, shite. ]

I'm alright, thank you. Just... lost.

[ She's hardly dressed for the festivities, and she knows it. But if she's vague, maybe she can get away with it...? ]

I was looking for... [ Uh. ]

The library.

[IE: The room she just came out of. ]

[revolutionne]

[ There are several things he takes in during her moment of silence: first being that she is not at all in the attire one would expect as a guest, nor is she properly fitted as any sort of maidservant for the local lord as well. It is not unheard of for those of a lower social rung to make their way in to view the festivities firsthand, of course, and it is difficult to see with that cloak--utilitarian rather than fashionable as the ladies downstairs have shed ere they made their grand entrance.

What is clear is that her intention was to remain unseen, which immediately puts him on guard. He is the Lord Commander but moreover he is a Knight, and it is his duty to protect the citizens of Ishgard above all else.

Dressed in his finest he is hardly an immediate threat without a sword at his hip, but he takes stock of the suit of armor on display in the hallway, adored with a sword that has yet to be sharpened in the years past, but it will do if need be.

Aymeric's eyes move slowly to the room she appeared from, which only confirms his suspicions. He cannot let this woman out of his sight. ]

These winding halls can be something of a maze, can they not?

[ Aymeric gives a gentle sweep of his hand to indicate the open doors behind her. He will play along. ]

Though you are not far off of your mark. 'Tis only a few steps behind.

[ Mayhaps he can usher her back into the room, minimizing her routes for escape so he can discern what exactly are her motives here. Estinien and Lucia would be hard-pressed to disagree that any suspicious individuals should be kept away from the party, though they would likely take issue with his tactics of being the only person shutting her away.

Well, what they don't know... ]

The collection is impressive indeed. Mayhaps I can assist? Was there something you were looking for, my lady?