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Estinien grumbles, but he doesn't have the spirit in him at the moment to keep arguing with him. Instead, he just sullenly waits for their mutual coats, and heads out of the manor at the same time Aymeric does. As they leave the building, Estinien feels like Aymeric is doing him the favour - benevolently forgiving his inadequacies like he always has.

He had only hoped that he might return the favour by supporting him at this event, and now...

Estinien pauses mid-thought, looking at Aymeric with surprise as he begins to speak again. And now... Aymeric seems as pleased as could be? It's hard to make sense of, when he's spent this whole time fearing that he'd somehow ruined Aymeric life. Even in advance of the natural effects of the cold, Estinien's face and ears may appear pinkish.

"Aye..." Estinien admits awkwardly. Like, it was pretty funny, on one hand. "Yet... I had hoped to lend credence to your efforts, and instead... I have only caused more stigma for you to battle against."

Though Aymeric really does seem happy, part of Estinien can help but wonder if he's just trying to cheer him up - to assuage his guilt. For his part, Estinien sounds more genuinely distraught by this than he usually lets on, his hands in his pockets and his posture closed.

"You need not coddle me..."

Estinien's own lack of amusement in the events does sober Aymeric a little, as does his comments. So caught up as he has been in the novelty of having someone stand in for his honor, to not let these sorts of indignities go unspoken of--it's so refreshing that he had no realized how it might affect Estinien.

Or rather, how hard Estinien has been trying for Aymeric this entire time.

"My friend..."

Aymeric reaches out, placing a hand at Estinien's forearm in a quiet request for him to stop and look up at him.

"'Twas not mine intent, though I do apologize it seems that way. Nothing that transpired this eve is irreparable. And save for this one incident with Ser Triaraut, you conducted yourself well. Yet, that you were willing to stand in my defense means more to me than I can say. That I would much rather have than the approval of the High Houses. I speak only the truth when I say I would rather spend the evening with you than with all other guests in attendance."

It does go a ways to convince Estinien of Aymeric's sincerity on the matter - which he, again, looks surprised and puzzled about. His shoulders relax, and he stoops over less, meeting his friend's gaze. Some of that gloom fades in favour of him looking generally unsure.

Some part of him fears that Aymeric is being naive, and that the effect he's had will be grievous in yet unseen ways. He never allows himself to fret like this about anything else, he realizes. This level of anxiety is foreign to him - positively bizarre, when there is so much about life that he's numbed himself to. Becoming aware of that makes him feel somehow exposed.

"Then... I am glad to not have caused undue harm," he says carefully, allowing Aymeric to keep hold of his arm for as long as he pleases. "Though, some part of me regrets having missed the night's conclusion. I had hoped to see other nobles skirmish about tarts, not to wind up in a fight myself."

And keep hold he will, allowing himself that selfish desire for contact. He shakes his head again--that is most certainly to reassure Estinien that he did not ruin Aymeric's reputation wholly. A small misstep, in the grand scheme of things, and Aymeric does not vie for approval of Dzamael as it is, knowing that such things would be impossible.

He does give an amused chuckle at Estinien's apparent wishes for the evening. "Had I set that bar too high?"

Giving into temptation, he gives Estinien's arm a light tug to urge him forward, back towards the Astrologicum and the edge of the Pillars where Aymeric lives. But he does not pull it back.

"Perhaps on another venture...although I would understand if you would prefer not to attend a gala or ball for some time."

"If any were to invite me after tonight, I would have to think carefully, aye," he says with a small amount of amusement, at least loosening up a little they make their way home. Maybe it would be so bad to try again, but only with Aymeric present.

"Though, it seems we will not yet have the chance to put your dancing lessons to the test." He's still not sure if he would have been in the mood to attempt it, were the dance to happen, yet missing the opportunity completely is another thing he's vaguely regretting. Though maybe he is still only pining after the idea of doing it in a place where they could be truly alone.

Yet, he finds himself comforted by their return to Borel Manor. It's begun to feel more familiar and homey to him in ways than even the Congregation, though he would be reluctant to admit it.

Edited 2020-11-06 05:52 (UTC)

Ah, yes, the second concern of the night--only after Estinien had shown up in full armor. It had seemed almost ages ago after all the other adventures that they had, but Aymeric does find himself filled with a little remorse that they did not get to dance at the party. He does enjoy dancing quite a bit, after all.

"A shame, 'tis true," he laments, though there is still a smile on his lips.

If asked, Aymeric would blame it on the high he has been riding off of since leaving the Fortemps Manor, what he offers next. But in truth he likely would have made the gesture either way.

"Since we still have some of the night left and if you have no need to hurry to your own quarters, we may yet still garner how much of my lessons you retained."

When Aymeric agrees, Estinien just sort of assumes they are going to leave it at that. After all, the dancing was for the party, and they'd never done it before that. He couldn't see any reason that would change, for events outside that context.

He thought he understood where this was going, but now he realizes he has no idea. He turns to look at Aymeric, dumbstruck - even as they continue on down the street, all but holding hands.

"Yet still...?" he repeats. It's true that he was hoping they would spend a bit more time together before he went back to his quarters, if only to cleanse the pallet... but this is more than he was expecting.

The more he considers it, the more Aymeric finds himself enamoured with the idea. It is entirely possible that Estinien will turn him down outright, and that would fine, as he would much prefer to be able to spend a little more time with his friend regardless of how it is spent, but he is feeling bold. Too bold, perhaps.

"While I do not have a live orchestra at my beck and call, we do have an orchestrion and several rolls to choose from."

He casts a glance to Estinien, doing his best to not look hopeful and likely failing at that. Despite his practice at keeping a mask in front of others, he is finding it increasingly difficult to even bother hiding his reactions in front of his friend.

"Even so, we did not eat a proper meal and I am certain I can put something together. It would not do to let you leave with an empty stomach."

Estinien has, admittedly, been feeling some pangs of regret that he never got to spend any time with the buffet table, so the offer is not without obvious merit. Aymeric is clearly flying high, and it seems like it would be a shame to deny him, though Estinien also finds himself uncertain how to accept such a proposal gracefully.

Is this... normal? Is this a standard thing for two grown men of Ishgard to do together? He has no point of reference, so he honestly doesn't know. He isn't sure whether to interpret this as simply an extension of their usual activities, or whether there is an additional intensity here, after the night they just shared.

"I would not be opposed," is what he manages to say, doing his best to conceal how confused he is. This is turning out very differently than he had anticipated, after declaring that he would remain to face the consequences. "To catch up on a few drinks would not go amiss, either."

Edited 2020-11-06 19:38 (UTC)

Aymeric is fairly certain that this is not the standard thing for two grown men of Ishgard to do together, but he also cannot find it in himself to care. Estinien is his friend and they should be allowed to spend their time together how they wish, should they not? And if he wants to dance with his friend and make him dinner, then he will.

"The cellar is ever at your disposal, as you well know," he says, rather chipper, all too glad that Estinien has agreed.

When they make it to the manor, Alfred is notably surprised that they are earlier than expected. Aymeric makes an offhand comment that the party had gone a new direction and they had opted to spend their time elsewhere. Alfred did not ask any further question though it was clear that he did not fully believe it.

Aymeric beckons Estinien to the kitchen, rolls up his sleeves, and immediately sets to work.

"What say you to a simple onion soup?" A classic of the region, and not usually the fare one may find in the nicer restaurants of Ishgard. "I find myself looking for excuses for extra cheese."

Estinien looks a little flustered when they are met with Alfred, both because he doesn't seem to be buying Aymeric's excuse and also because he's been sent a bit off-kilter by this whole situation. He's gone from expecting to face jail to having Aymeric cook for him, and he isn't sure what to make of that.

One could interpret this as him having done well, somehow. Yet, Estinien is still cautious in that assessment.

Estinien follows him to the kitchen all the same - it's not a place in the manor they've spent much time in, considering. He watches his friend quietly, his armed crossed as they usually are when he's in unfamiliar territory. At least the food Aymeric mentions is something he's had before, but still not something Estinien himself would have any idea how to cook.

"Sounds appetizing," he says, at a loss for better works. He'll be watching extra close as Aymeric gets to work. "Do you often... cook?"

Or whatever this is. He hadn't thought Aymeric would be required to.

Any man should know his way around his own house, no matter what the room, but the way Aymeric moves about his kitchen suggests that he does more than round up food every now and then and wait for his meals to be prepared. He readily grabs an apron from the closet and starts to pull out the pots and ingredients.

"Not often, but I do find it relaxing, in a way." He turns on the stove and sets the pot and a bit of oil to begin heating as he immediately moves to start chopping the onions.

"It has proven to be useful when we are out on the field from time to time." Estinien may or may not have noticed that Aymeric did tend to offer to man the rations or fire if there was a meal to cook, although such actions then hardly took much skill.

"What sort of cheese would you prefer?"

The truest answer is that it 'doesn't really matter', but with Aymeric clearly putting so much of his heart into this, Estinien is endeavoring not to be a brick wall. He's usually not the sort that makes requests, most often abiding but what is already on offer. He glances around the kitchen, like he's not quite sure what he should be doing with himself.

"Well... the kind I am most accustomed to is that made with karakul cheese." Of course, when they had first discussed his knowledge of the animals, Aymeric had remarked that he was unfamiliar with the practice of their milking, so he assumes that it isn't available. "But I am certain whatever you have on hand will suffice."

He supposes he has seen Aymeric handling rations fairly often, but he had always just assumed that it was something he did out of a generous spirit rather than anything else. He feels a flicker of anger when he is reminded of the way Aymeric's good nature has been taken advantage of recently, and how that snake Triaraut had tried to shame him with it.

He's going to be thinking about that man's smug face for a while - though at least he can also recall the addition of red wine.

Aymeric does smile a little at that. "I had wondered, but I did not want to assume as much." What with Estinien raising them after all, but that did not necessarily mean he preferred it. That being said, he puts down his knife to retrieve a few options of cheese...

...one of which is decidedly karakul. Aymeric sets them out on the counter.

"I confess that after you mentioned it the first time you came over, I had been keen to try it myself." To his credit he looks just a tad sheepish about it. "Mayhaps we create something of our tradition and combine a few? Karakul and...Trou du Cru may go well together. What do you think?"

When it comes to food, familiarity could breed the strongest affection, and that's certainly true of Estinien. Given that he's never been particularly thoughtful or adventurous about what he eats, most of what he finds draws his attention is whether he's seen something before. Sometimes it can be entertaining to eat something completely foreign to him, but when he simply wants for nourishment, the familiar is the most reliable.

His surprise when Aymeric reveals that he has some of the stuff around is obvious. It feels... pointed, in a way. Something he clearly went out of his way to do, either because he envisioned this moment, or because he's just been so curious to try something Estinien had told him about.

It inspires some strong emotions, which simmer in his chest. They are mostly positive, he thinks, there is some bittersweetness there as well - something about the experience of being known almost makes him feel helpless. As if a hook has been placed within him, so easily able to tug at his heart. He tries to keep the struggle from his face, though he has clearly dipped into one of his more thoughtful moods.

"I know little of the latter, but I will trust your sensibilities." It's entirely possible he's had it, but just never put a name to what it was. "...Is there going to be an onion selection process as well?"

Managing a bit of humour, at least, though it's also a real enough question.

It is nigh impossible not to notice the shift in his demeanor. Aymeric has long since learned that gestures of familiarity are not always taken with an easy smile and he can guess as much that the fact Aymeric happens to have karakul cheese on hand may seem a tad suspicious. (Over-invested, maybe?) So he feels the need to explain,

"I requested it once to try it and the staff has since decided to make sure that we do not run out."

He hopes that paints an easier picture to view, less imposing on Estinien's own sensibilities.

The fact that the other man does attempt a joke eases things a bit for Aymeric as well, who smiles as he returns to slicing the onions.

"Alas, we have but one kind in stock. Mayhaps another time we can be even more adventurous with our flavor palette."

The steps go quickly--add the onions, simmer, add minced garlic, simmer. Aymeric narrates a few of the steps along the way mostly to keep the kitchen from falling to silent, though he generally finds most silences with Estinien at this point companionable. He just does not want his friend to feel put upon.

Once the cooking wine is added, the broth reduced, herbs and spices, and set to cook again, Aymeric puts a lid on the pot and steps back. He begins to untie the apron as he speaks.

"Well, that will be cooking for a while. Shall we select a few drinks from the cellar and then see what Orchestrion rolls we have on hand?"

Estinien's interest is easily expressed by the fact that he keeps hovering around Aymeric while he cooks, apparently somewhat engaged by the act. Whatever concerns he had about the cheese situation seem to be fleeting, because while he does retain a somewhat thoughtful disposition through the rest of the process, it doesn't seem like it's because he's bothered.

He makes idle chatter and when Aymeric explains what he's doing he even asks a few questions. There isn't anything that complicated about it, but he realizes how rare it is for him to witness someone cooking in such a personal context. Historically it has been communal eating areas with simple food, and earlier than that, Alberic had been just as utilitarian as Estinien himself would end up being. Neither of them were good for much, that way.

So, of course, it pulls him back to the only other option - the time before. Of course it would. Where else would these fond memories of the food have come from? It's the second time these sorts of feelings have been stirred, and though it's difficult for him, it's also endearing on a level that's too deep to grapple with.

Thankfully, he doesn't have to, because soon enough they are moving on.

"Is the Orchestrion in the cellar as well?" he asks. "It would be unkind to wake the whole household." It's starting to get late, he realizes.

Aymeric takes pause as if he had not considered the notion at all. Though, he realizes, the outposts in Coerthas and the barracks at the Congregation were hardly known for privacy or...soundproofing. That Borel Manor be built of heavy stone and wood of centuries past could easily make it an echo chamber all in its own.

"It is in the dining room," he says simply. The dining room, when hosting a party, can be converted into a more communal area with the table removed. They had no such large halls as the High Houses so they make due with what they have. He does offer a smile "Both my mother and Alfred's quarters are on the other side of the manor. They shall go undisturbed."

The cellar--the site of their first real night as friends. He looks back on those memories fondly, as well as the others made in the moons that followed. He knows by now a few of the bottles that Estinien has favorably praised and selects one on habit alone.

"Fury, I cannot recall what Count Edmont had selected for his own banquet. I suppose it matters not. This is our party now, after all." He waves the bottle merrily at Estinien.

"Would you do me the favor of selecting our second bottle for the night?"

He makes a sweeping gesture towards the cellar at large.

When he first encountered the cellar, Estinien had no idea where to start. Thankfully, a year of conversations and drinks with Aymeric have done something to flesh out his knowledge of the collection. He recognizes the bottle that Aymeric picks, for instance, and is pleased with the choice. But what else?

He nods in acceptance of the quest, and then wanders a ways down the row. He doesn't know in particular he is craving, but given that the night is currently being driven by strange and unexpected turns, he decides to find something completely on a lark. Something that catches his eye, even for simply aesthetic reasons.

...Which he ends up finding in the form of some kind of green liquid, set in the back of the row, as if it didn't have anything else to be sorted by. He plucks it out and brings it back, almost as if in challenge. He squints about the label.

"Wormwood, apparently," he says, showing it to Aymeric. "Of Gridanian import?"

Aymeric is admittedly curious to what Estinien will pick, mostly because he knows that Estinien's opinions about alcohol revolve around if he can drink it or not. They will probably be avoiding the few bottles they know will knock them straight back on their arse, or so he thinks, until Estinien comes out with an import.

His brows raise an ilm, then he smiles with a nod.

"The nature of Gridanian spirits can make you feel as if you are truly there, or so I have heard." Aymeric motions for Estinien to follow him back up the stairs. "My father was keen on collecting 'unusual' bottles when he could. I cannot say I have actually tried that one. A fitting choice, my friend. Tonight is a night of many firsts."

Estinien follows Aymeric back to the main floor, feeling more engaged than usual with the idea of the mysterious drink he found, that even his host isn't that familiar with. He's never been to Gridania, despite often hearing things compared to it, but he had been fascinated with the idea of it since the days of his youth.

He did notice the bottle is fairly high alcohol content, so he's going to avoid having a repeat of that first cellar night. Especially if they are meant to be dancing at some point, which... yes, he remembers, that is what Aymeric is planning, even if he still finds himself a bit confused. Regardless, it seems like he'll probably be staying the night at this point.

Coming back up to the main floor just makes the sent of the soup more obvious, and Estinien is being forced to contend with the fact that he didn't eat much before the party. He'd been expecting to eat while he was there, yet the combination of being late and immediately going on a diversion meant that he hadn't had much but a few pastries.

The promise of a midnight meal and further drink is seeming increasingly appealing, and despite feeling a bit adrift in the circumstances, he realizes that he's actually in fairly high spirits as well. It's quiet, private, yet spontaneous - much like most of the best moments so far.

The next time Aymeric glances in his direction, he may notice that he's smiling a bit more broadly than usual.

"Come to think of it, exploring the great trees of the Twelveswood would make for quite a sight," he muses. "Scaling them would be of little hardship, with what I've learned."

Edited 2020-11-08 00:07 (UTC)

He most certainly does take notice, as he always does when Estinien seems to genuinely be enjoying himself. That is really all that Aymeric wants, in the end, especially after dragging Estinien to something so far out of his element. Yet he could not be more happy with the turn of events, social faux pas included. Aymeric likes parties well enough, but they can be taxing when the need to put on airs is more important than enjoyment.

This? This is better. He can be as flippant or goofy as he wants to be with Estinien. Feeling more relaxed makes him more animated, less reserved, and he mirrors that same pleased expression that Estinien wears tenfold.

"'Tis not all that far, really," he muses aloud as he guides them to the dining room. "Perhaps a short foray into the Shroud may be warranted? After scaling the Vault you would most certainly rule the canopy." And Aymeric would very much like to watch that.

Once they are in the dining room, he takes care to shut the heavy doors behind them. It is the room on the farthest edge of the manor, closest to the Astrologicum. He does believe they will be afforded ample privacy. Setting the bottle he chose on the table, Aymeric moves to the small bar in the corner to retrieve two wine glasses. Had he felt a greater need for propriety he would have served each liquor in its own glass at the bar, but this is informal.

"Let us begin in more familiar territory," he says as he pours them each a little wine from the first bottle.

Estinien takes the wine easily, making up for what he missed out on during the party in short order. The precise type of wine wasn't important, really - both are clearly of good make, and Estinien gets into this new offering with little trouble. If anything, though, he's particularly eager to eat.

In the interest of distracting himself, he goes over to poke around at the Orchestrion that Aymeric had mentioned. He's never had one, himself, given that he rarely sought out music on his own accord. As with many things, despite his poorly refined tastes, he wasn't completely immune to its wiles.

"Hmm," he says, still thinking about the Shroud. "Would that the trees will it. Is that not the pecking order in Gridania? I wonder if the Twelveswood would be offended by my hubris."

The idea of the trees being filled with spirits that ultimately governed who was and wasn't allowed to exist among them has always filled Estinien with curiosity, while simultaneously being a good way to make a child feel thankful to live in the relatively placable mountains of Coerthas. Dragons aside, of course. Looking back, he would easily take the tree spirits.

Aymeric cannot help but outright laugh at that. If anyone were able to upset the trees themselves, it might as well be Estinien with his infamous stubbornness. He takes his own wine glass and joins Estinien at the Orchestrion, but regards his friend more than the contraption at the moment.

"Then we shall have to be on our best behavior." Their best behavior, as if Estinien is not the one who normally lacks decorum. If tonight has proven anything, it is that Aymeric clearly sees a time and place for it. "Mayhaps a peace offering would fitting? Bringing a little 'Wormwood' back to the Wood itself."

He clicks his glass with Estinien's before taking a sip, finally turning his attention to the Orchestrion.

"'Tis an older machine, but in good working order. Do tell me if you have any requests." Though he is fairly certain that Estinien does not, he always leaves the option open for his friend to speak his mind. He starts to pull out rolls of music, taking a quick glance at the title tag before sliding them back into place as he continues to hold his glass in the other hand, sipping occasionally. He did have two glasses at the party, but it does not nearly feel like enough.

Aymeric has certainly never been shy about imbibing, and Estinien's main goal is not to make himself sick. He continues to sip as well as Aymeric looks them over, leaning in to look at the labels curiously as they are sorted. He doesn't recognize most of the song titles, usually going from sound alone, but one of them catches his eye.

"Hm," he says, tapping his finger against one of the rolls Aymeric pulls. "I think I might know this one." Probably in the Forgotten Knight, or maybe some kind of street festival. He thinks it must be some kind of lively dancing music, though the specifics are hard to recall.

It brings back hazy memories of being a teen in Ishgard, back when he had still been largely unfamiliar with the city and too sullen to learn. Did he know the name from the lyrics, when there had been singing accompaniment?

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