A Glorious Wine Tasting

[heiresy]

[With the new Alliance came eager merchants and expanded trade routes. The Limsan wine makers and sellers snapped at the chance to expand their markets; and what better way to sell wine than a wine tasting? The tables were lined all around the ballroom, ready-set to host the moneyed of Ishgard.

The Lord Commander was certainly invited, and he felt obliged to accept. His wine cellars could use some replenishing anyway...

The merchants poured him a little glass at every table, pushing it on him. He drank every glass, and with each glass the next seemed more reasonable. He had worked himself at least halfway around the room before he was starting to eye a way out. His exit is cut off. Nowhere to run-

A woman with a tray of wine stands before him, offering it directly. He can't refuse. He takes it, trying to seem as sober as possible. He thanks her, stepping away. At least with a glass in hand, they aren't making him take up another.]

Comments

[sylphisticated]

[Kiehl can't help but let out a sigh of some sort. He never really had a taste for alcohol (anything he did enjoy was considered girly by most standards).

He regards the glass for a moment before drinking it. If he disliked the taste; it doesn't show other than him pursing his lips a bit after he finishes it.] I am less accustomed to holding my drink than to slaying an enemy. I can easily say that Ishgard may have to reconsider what duties they wish to give if they think that this was suited for me.

[heiresy]

Our tasks can take all forms, Kiehl. You must be at the ready!

[His grin betrays him. He places a hand on the other man's shoulder. ] I'll send my manservant around after us. We should begin a graceful departure. [ He notes the pursed lips silently. It seems his dear dragoon cared a little less for that wine. He makes a note not to serve it to him in the future.]

We should retire to Borel Manor, lest you have somewhere you need to be?

[sylphisticated]

I'm unsure if you're saying that seriously or if you are teasing me.

[Maybe a bit of both even.

The relief that they're going to depart is probably obvious. Kiehl seems to immediately become less tense at just the idea of leaving. He really does not do well surrounded by so many in such a setting. It isn't as though it is particularly new. His duties has him around people more often than not. He simply doesn't enjoy it. He likes to choose his company if he can.]

I have nowhere to be. This day was committed to you.

[heiresy]

How kind of you when your time is so precious... Do you think you can escort me home, then? I fear that I am terribly vulnerable as I am. [To his embarrassment, he starts to lose his footing as he steps around Kiehl. He makes a grab for something, anything-]

[sylphisticated]

I find that my time spent with you is always very well spent. [Even if it's to something like this.] You are being too modest if you do not think that I do not enjoy your company and making the time for you. [Kiehl already has a firm hand on Aymeric's shoulder to help steady him. Once he's sure the other is a bit less likely to stumble; he holds his arm out to the other.]

It wouldn't be any trouble.

[heiresy]

[He rights himself with Kiehl's generous assistance. Catching himself put him very, very close to Kiehl's face. He bites his lip and steps back a pace. There's a flash of something peculiar on his face. ] I am ever grateful to have your company and service, then.

[ He can feel the wobble in his stance even like this. ] Pray allow me to walk arm in arm with you home... As embarrassing as that may be, I would prefer not to trip in public.

[sylphisticated]

[He notices the change, but doesn't say anything about it. It has him curious, but he isn't quite sure he saw what he did or if his mind is playing tricks.]

You can do as you please. I won't deny. [There's just a bit of a smile in his eyes.] When you are ready; we can depart proper.

[heiresy]

Then let us depart. [Though he is holding onto Kiehl for dear life, he also seems comfortable leading them towards his home. There was something very comfortable about leaning on a man taller than himself.

Once out in the cold, Aymeric glances down Kiehl's body, then back to his face. ]

Aren't you cold?

[sylphisticated]

[Kiehl doesn't seem to mind being lead by the other.]

It's a temporary inconvenience. It was warmer indoors though. I'll give you that. [It isn't really a yes or a no to Aymeric's answer in the end.] It won't matter unless you intend to make some detours before getting home.

Should I have dressed more appropriate to here? [He doesn't mean the cold, but referring to Ishgard and the fashion.]

[heiresy]

No, no. We will be going directly home. [Thankfully, his home isn't terribly far from the wine tasting. Though it was on the far end of the circuit...] It's hardly a secret that you are a foreigner... I think it unnecessary for you try to mimic the fashions if you don't prefer them. Though I would worry about you less if you would wear a proper coat.

[He lets out a sharp laugh, his breath visible in the cold night air.] Listen to me, just prattling on and making a fuss... [He glances up, noticing snowflakes starting to dot the sky.]

Allow me one more intrusion. Where are you staying tonight?

[sylphisticated]

I can't imagine you getting very far if we were to detour. [It's a slight tease. A rarity from the usually stoic Au Ra, but he's comfortable around Aymeric.] I can't imagine what would give me away as far as being a foreigner. [Such sarcasm.] I don't think I own a coat that would deem proper to this weather.

[It doesn't help that he spent a good chunk of his time in Coerthas clad in Dragoon armor. A coat just never ended up making it to his wardrobe.]

Probably the inn. [He didn't want to impose on the Fortemps on such short notice.]

[heiresy]

[He looks up at him to grin and chuckle at his jest. Jokes coming from men like Kiehl were such a treat.] You're so broad-shouldered, too. I don't think I own anything that would fit you.

That won't do. You should stay with me. Aside from my manservant, I live alone... I have more than enough room to house you in this frightfully cold weather.

[sylphisticated]

I wouldn't do your wardrobe much justice. [Not sure if insinuating that Aymeric is attractive or downplaying his own appearance. Who knows.] I can look into acquiring one if it'll put you at ease in the future though.

I don't wish to impose on you.

[heiresy]

[He gives him a curious sidelong glance. What was the other man implying here?] I would be very grateful if you did. I know that it is silly to worry about someone like you, but I can hardly help it.

[He reaches over with the arm that isn't bracing himself on Kiehl, placing an ungloved hand on his bare bicep] You couldn't impose on me if you tried. ...And I know for a fact that the beds in my home are more comfortable than those in the inn.

[sylphisticated]

[Like Kiehl will elaborate. He won't.] I will look into it then. [Most of the time; he wouldn't bother. He can make exceptions for certain people.] Your concern is appreciated though.

[Kiehl's skin is cold to the touch. The taller man probably would be more than happy to be back in a warm space. Even if he isn't complaining about it.] Only if you are sure about it. It's not as though I mind the beds of the inn. I have used their services before. [For different reasons.]

[heiresy]

I have, too. —In my younger days. I doubt they have changed the beds since then. You deserve much better. A sight for sore eyes... My home is there, up ahead.

[He begins pulling Kiehl towards it, noting the chill on his skin. The cold had begun to set into his own flesh as well. He unlocks it hastily to usher the other inside, shutting the chilly winds behind them. Once in, he hangs his coat and wipes his boots. ]

Could I get you some hot tea, perhaps? My manservant will have retired for the night, but I am fully capable of being a host.

[sylphisticated]

You flatter me with words. [A little loss to him. He's never been particularly picky about his sleeping arrangements before. He would gladly sleep on the floor if he had to.

Kiehl lets the other usher him in; already noting how much warmer it is inside than it is outside. He glances around him before turning his attention back to Aymeric.]

I would appreciate that. Thank you. [Although, tea isn't probably a good descriptor of how he drinks it. There's probably more milk and sugar than actual tea in the end.

No one would probably guess how much of a sweet tooth he really has.]

[heiresy]

Come sit by the fire while I boil some water, then. [ He leads Kiehl into the parlor. He's still clearly drunk by the way he moves, but it's easier to be this way in one's own home. There are a couple high-backed plush chairs pulled up by the fire. The room is lined with books, and the curtains are drawn against the frozen window panes.

He disappears into another room for a few minutes, coming back with a tea tray. There's a generous pot of coffee, a small pitcher of cream, birch syrup, and a plate of buttery cookies. He sets it on the small table between the chairs.]

How do you take yours?

[sylphisticated]

[Despite being told to sit by the fire; Kiehl was glancing through all the books with a bit of interest. His own place had many. His father was a scholarly type and had a wide collection. He doesn't answer right away even and probably didn't fully realize the other was there until he turns around.]

Ah. Sweet. [Not particularly descriptive.] I like mine sweet. [His tail seems to swing side to side a little more than it usually would.]

[heiresy]

Very well.

[He notes the swing of the tail with interest. He nods, making his tea up as he would for himself. He was under no illusions about how he liked his own tea. Estinien had once accidentally sipped from his cup only to spit it back out, chastising the other man for his tastes. He makes his own cup, sitting back and sipping it.]

Please eat a few biscuits as well; I can hardly eat them all myself before they go stale.

[sylphisticated]

[Kiehl tears himself away from the books to sit across from Aymeric.

He's sure he's offended people with how he takes his tea. His coffee too. Not that it matters to him. If he's going to consume something; he's going to enjoy it.

Except it's a bit too hot. He recoils a little and places the cup back down to let it cool for a bit. Kiehl will help himself to a biscuit instead.] I would have expected there to be more people with a place of this size.

[heiresy]

Don't burn your tongue, Kiehl. [A smile crossed between genuine concern and teasing. Silly.]

My parents were the last of the Borels, and unable to have children. Between the hardships and tragedies of war and their family line's difficulty in having children, our house has emptied save for me.

[ He looks into his cup and sips his tea. He has no difficulty with the near-boiling water.]

I would like to have children, someday. Though for the life of me, I can't imagine when that might happen.

[sylphisticated]

I stopped drinking, didn't I? [He childishly sticks his tongue out at the other.]

Ah... [There's a distant look in Kiehl's eyes. Talk about family and the likes is an awkward topic.] That's unfortunate. Things are looking up now though.

[Awkward. Going to move on from the topic and absentmindedly eat his biscuit.]

I don't understand that sentiment.

[heiresy]

[He smirks for a moment before returning to his tea]

I would certainly say that Ishgard's— and mine own house's futures have vastly improved.

[He looks at him, head tilting slightly.]

Do you dislike children?

[sylphisticated]

I don't like people much. Wouldn't really matter if they were a child or an adult.

[He probably shouldn't say it so casually, but he has never been the type to lie or be vague. He's just the type who doesn't answer questions if he doesn't want to answer them.]

That isn't the reason though. I'm not attracted to women.