Project Ishgard

gabriel · "I have never in my life been so bloody weary of the inside of Angelique Hall as I am as of this fortnight, cousin," he lilted back in her direction, one hand dropping to rest upon the cane that was near at his side. "Lovely piece, though. Selaphiel purchased it for me and gave it to me only after giving me a tongue-lashing that would put our mother to shame."

nicolas · Nicolas Baudin dipped his chin in greeting, daring even less to meet her eyes. "My lady." He spoke with the same respect he reserved, it seemed, for the Angelique family alone. "I hope your travel was undisturbed."

salome · Salome Angelique peels the frosty half-gloves off of her hands and stuffs them into one of many pockets her fur-lined jacket hosts. A pianist's fingers join her palms in reaching toward the source of heat in front of her. "I trust that your injuries are on the mend, then, if you've been given leave to hobble about Coerthas." Salome glances at the man standing next to Gabriel. A halting smile greets Nicolas. "The skies have been less cooperative than the roads have been, Lord Baudin. Thank you." She gestures toward the Observatorium tower so as to indicate that she's been skygazing. "How kind of you to look after Gabriel in his state."

gabriel · "I do not think Selaphiel was ill-tempered to see me go," remarked the Viscount's second son, drumming his fingers against the arm they rested opposite of. "Nicolas was ever-loyal during my time on bedrest. I was not told if you bothered to drop by, cousin." Not that he would likely go visit her if she was on bedrest, either. They weren't particularly close. Gabriel lacked comraderie with most of his blood-relatives, notably.

nicolas · "He is my friend─" Came the halting reply, eyes cutting towards Gabriel. "…he is in great health, as you can see." His words seemed laced in sarcasm, but it was mild and difficult to discern.

salome · Salome Angelique huffs a laugh. "I did not," she retorts brightly, turning her hands over to warm the other sides of them. "Surely your healers tended to you well enough; it was notice of convalescence and not a funeral that I received, after all. Or shall I begin to come running every time your savage wit gets you into a… scrape?" The smile she holds for Nicolas gentles when he speaks up to claim her cousin as his friend. 'Friend.' "He really shouldn't be left to his own devices. Ever."

foster · Foster Arjerm walked up to the fireplace waiting for a pause in the conversation before letting out a low hum "Lady Salome " he nodded to Gabreil "Hello there again!" Then to Nicolas 'And you was well! I pray you three are enjoying yourselves?"

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique gave a scoff--by the Fury, it was a scoff that had gotten him into this mess--as he combed his bared fingers through those gossamer waves. "I suppose it was being left to my own devices that resulted in some ignoble lordling challenging me to a duel…" His eyes drifted with a slow, steady movement to gaze in he direction of the Baron who stood next to his cousin. "Baron Arjerm. How fare your mines? I believe my brother has been in talks with your wife as of late…"

foster · Foster Arjerm smiled "Please Ser Foster is preferred, I am a knight before all these else" He chuckled "And aye yes seems there is a interest in my silver ventures and your own as it were? Though we mostly deal with Mythril and Mythrite"

salome · Salome Angelique turns her head from right to left upon hearing her name. Smiling eyes blink twice, exactly, before the familiar shine in them dissipates and is replaced by practiced manners. She steps closer to the fire so that she isn't an obstacle betwixt Baron and Lords in their speak of silver.

foster · Foster Arjerm looked to Salome "No need to move, your part of the conversation and my greeting too" He smiled warmly.

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique's face seemed to falter just a bit at the idea that knighthood preceeded lordship, but he did not remark upon it. His bare fingers simply traced the ivory of the cane at his side. "Indeed. My brother has been speaking with… your Baroness," there was a light scald on his tongue, but it dissipated readily; "in regards to co-operation. May it be fruitful for both our families, lest we resort to marrying Salome off to a weathly house." Half-jest. But only half.

foster · Foster Arjerm blinked softly into a hum tilting his head to Gabriels words "You can call her Lady Xera as you would…she is my wife not my property" He chuckled warmly into a sigh running his hand through his hair "Though aye it would benifit a great deal for some sort of arrangement yes…though please forgive my ignorance who of the two is head of house?"

salome · Salome Angelique reaches into the pocket she'd stuffed her gloves into only a moment ago. Her fingers curl around the collection of cloth; a tell of some sort, surely. "Not at all, my lord," she corrects Foster. "In fact I have very little to do with my family's mining operations. Truly, Selaphiel and Gabriel are much better suited to such conversatio --…" Her head snaps back toward Gabriel, complete with furrowed brow and lips pressed thin with an unspoken threat in response to his little 'joke.' Were they in a more private setting she might have outright called him a chocobo's arse. For the moment, she simply stares icecicles.

foster · Foster Arjerm clouldnt help but chuckle "You may not be part of your house's dealings Lady Salome but your very much part of the conversation and greeting if your wish to be" He offered a warm smile into a nod "Plus we dont need to talk about noblity dealings at all…could be soical for the sake of being soical! Though you being wagered as a playful gest at being married off sorta brings you into matters a bit closer"

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique tasted bile. Oh, he tasted bile on his tongue and the rapid tap of the cane against the stone floor of the establishment would echo that. It was like a warning hiss of an Ul'dahn viper as his bright eyes narrowed. "My brother is slated to inherit our father's title of Viscount. I am but a second son." The word was as bitter as poison, a poison he'd known all his life. A poison that was part of his person. His own rising flame was abated as Salome's eyes turned to him, and he smirked. The keen eyed would be made privy to the taper of his canines. But only the most keen eyed. "How fares Aubin, cousin? I have not seen that hound in some time."

foster · Foster Arjerm let out a low hum into a a sigh from the sheer venom in the mans town at his own life circumstance "Are you one who embraces or accepts the old traditions Lord Gabriel?" He tilted his head to the side crossing his arms waiting for his words his eyes narrowing with a cold focus, almost ravening in their glint.

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique's smile fell shy of those cerulean occulars, peering across at the Knight-Baron. There was a frigidity, where comraderie could blossom amongst soldiers from the war, there was naught but an expanse of rolling ice. It was as the first frost of the endless winter. "Such political conversations. Were you not just the one trying to turn conversations more lighthearted?" A hand was pressed flat just above his left hip, applying pressure to a sudden ache. They had warned him to mind his humours.

foster · Foster Arjerm let out a hum "More so to offer an alternative to your clear plight or shown distaste of your situation? If you want the house challenge your bother in a duel of honor for it…/but/ if your content to accept tradition for what it is there is nothing wrong with that either.. just a suggestion as I am here to help as I can" He shrugged "So been dealing with anything of late that is been interesting? Newer ventures, fanciful purchases? Play's or entertainment from the outside?" Foster looked to Salome "And what have you been upto yourrself if I may pry for the sake of easy conversation?"

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique rolled his tongue in his mouth, behind befanged teeth, but cut his attention back to the knight at his side. The conversation could bob dead in the water, for all he cared. "Nicki." It was Nicki when he wanted something. "Would you perhaps fetch me a drink? The doctors will scold me if I do not take my medicine as appointed." What had Gabriel been up to? Recovering from nearly being skewered. Who had time for flights of fancy and plays when one was in a duel that turned deadly?

nicolas · Nicolas Baudin drawn from his disassociation, the redhead's focus honed in on the sudden lilt to Gabriel's tone. "Wine?" He asked, without hesitation.

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique tapped his cane on the ground, pushing his way off of where he was leaning. He was thoroughly warmed, by this point; no need to linger further. "I'll be moving to that table," as he pointed to the now-empty sitting space. "Oh, cousin. Salome. You're welcome to join us, if you see fit. --And yes, wine." Pain medicine and wine. Gabriel had been having a time of it.

foster · Foster Arjerm looked to Salmone "I think your family is of a rather unfavorable view of me" He shrugged smiling to the noble woman.

salome · Salome Angelique 's hackles smooth themselves out, if only because Gabriel has thought to invoke the name of her beloved sighthound. "Aubin is well," she reassures the breeder whose discerning eye had all but crafted the animal she had chosen to hunt at her side. She nods in agreement when Gabriel and Nicolas wander off in search of libation and somewhere to park their hindquarters, yet it would be rude to simply turn and leave Foster's polite question unanswered. Salome gives the wad of gloves in her coat pocket another squeeze and summons an apologetic smile. "My family is of a rather unfavorable view of everyone," she explains. "Even themselves. Perhaps especially themselves." Her thoughts wander back to the look in Ludwig's eyes when last she'd seen him a few suns past. "As for what I've been up to, I…" What has she been up to? … that she can talk about. "Well, the summer hunting has been good," she supposes, neverminding that seasons no longer have much weight in the frost-bitten north. "Have you partaken?"

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique took the glass of wine, reaching into one of his pockets to withdraw a small, metal container. The top is etched with the family crest: the winged lion on a bed of laurels. Two small pills fall into this hand from it, and he tosses them into his mouth, chasing with the wine he readily took from Nicolas. "Say, Nicolas," mused the man, eyeing the Elezen who leaned against the bar for just a moment. "Is that not the man who ran a certain--club for some time? Before it closed?"

nicolas · Nicolas Baudin pushes from his perch, then, and finds the humble barmaid with a cordial smile. It is wine, he orders; of course. Red, and the finest they have to offer, which he worries is little compared. Nonetheless, he returns to Gabriel's side with not one, but two glasses, balancing the former infront of his "friend."

foster · Foster Arjerm nodded with a smile "That makes sense…sadly we see it a lot more often the we should…and more sad its how house's rip themselves apart from within. 'He shook his head "Though its good you've been keeping hunting! You've a delightful hound for it if I am to be honest. I spent quite a bit of last week enjoying their company. Though if I may ask is it relaxing for you or do you enjoy the game aspect of it all?"

nicolas · Nicolas Baudin paused, the taste of wine hovering close but not yet had. "…I wouldn't know." He spoke low──truthfully. Perhaps he had simply forgotten or failed to pay proper attention.

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique let the glass clink against the table before him, leaning his back in the chair. The movement caused the dullest of aches, but he supposed that such was what the medicine was for. "Perhaps I'm mistaken." Gabriel wasn't mistaken, he just wasn't willing to push the conversation further, if Nicolas was disinterested. "That damned inquisitor still has not paid the visit he promised," the dragoon went on to muse, sparing a glance in Salome's direction. "Mayhaps he has forgotten by now…"

salome · Salome Angelique issues Foster a quizzical expression. Now, why would he have mentioned houses ripping themselves apart from within? That such a thing could occur amongst her family has clearly never before crossed her mind. "… the hunt? I… can't say that I've ever thought of it as a game. A sacred ritual, perhaps. A devotional blessed by the Spear. Surely the loss of a life could never be relegated to… entertainment."

xera · Xera Arjerm found herself given to a jovial glide, the woman's imposing form taken to a squick perch next to her lover and hastily setting a gentle press of her lips along the upper cusp of his brow. "Well there you are darling, I had the most interesting meeting with Dzemael but as that's concluded I decided to make my way here. Is all well?"

foster · Foster Arjerm smiled softly "Aye rather the game in the sanes of hunting game…and its classfied as a lot of things" he chuckled "But I would be delighted to head out with you on a hunt if you'd entertain the comapny for a new hunt?"

nicolas · "I would hope he has." He mused, lifting the glass for a taste of what he paid for; and it was, precisely, what he paid for, earning no less than a curl of his lip. Mediocre. "…best he has." He spoke it like a small prayer, a bid of the Fury that his friend and family would be left alone after such an… ordeal. One he would rather not recount, even to himself.

gabriel · "I would rather needs not have to herd my cousins into hiding anything suspicious again," lazed that voice from his lips. Salome and her woods, Ludwig and… whatever the hells it was the Ludwig did. Gabriel didn't ask. Gabriel didn't care, until the family fell under scrutiny. "I do not go to a restaurant in the Brume expecting fine cuisine; I do not go to a lowly bar in the midst of Coerthan nowhere expecting fine wine. It's passable." He swirled it in the chipped glass.

nicolas · "I never said it wasn't." He muttered, as if he were not scooting away the wine. Perhaps he was simply not in the mood and it had nothing to do with the quality.

xera · Xera Arjerm smiled as she slunk a hand gingerly along the back of Foster's waist and preened with her ears in a gentle dance that soon saw those violet eyes roaming upon the other woman. "I heard talk of hunting and various ventures, do try to bring my love back in one piece, it causes such a fuss otherwise my lady…" She drenched those words with a playfully honeyed tone that crept through the space and soon after she perked to look at the table on the far side of the room. "OH -- him, he's such a charmer, we had such a delightful conversation previously my darling and I'm positive we'll have many more. Thorns are what make communication a wield of weaponized words after all and I would consider myself a decent duelist in that regard." Xera Arjerm smirks confidently at Gabriel Angelique.

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique shrugged his fur-draped shoulders, taking a drink from the glass. If Nicolas didn't drink his own, he probably would. Oh, the doctors had been after him not to go drinking alcohol. Something about his humors again. They could bugger off. For a moment his eyes cut back towards ther Arjerms by the fireplace alongside Salome, having felt eyes upon him for a moment. He said naught, though. "It is good to be about with you again, Nicki." So spoke the devil, tongue forked as a snake.

salome · Salome Angelique lowers her chin after catching Xera's eyes and being introduced properly. "Baroness," she greets her. "It would seem that your husband is indeed trying to talk me into a hunting trip." Her smile is every bit a well-tutored dazzler. "I confess it doesn't take much to talk me into hunting trips. Very well. We'll make the arrangements by courier. For now, I beg your leave to visit with my poor, hobbling,… charming, cousin."

foster · Foster Arjerm looked ot his wife with a smile motioning to the table "If you wishing another bout of conversation with them love feel free too enjoy yourself dear…or you can stay close by the fire with me here getting lost in each other's eyes" He winked as he looked to Salome "Aye that's beyond find my thanks for your time and apologies to hold you up so" He bowed.

xera · Xera Arjerm saw those lips part in a knowing grin that slowly widened over the woman’s olive features before she took to a gentle hold at the knight’s waist and jostled him just once for emphasis. “Look at you making such lovely friends darling, I’m certain the two of you will have a wonderful time…though I’ve no intent to steal you darling, your cousin seems to be apt to his cups and a soothing hand might just be what’s called for all the same.” Xera Arjerm nods.

nicolas · Nicolas Baudin flooded with a moment's warm, he nudged the wine towards Gabriel, knowing well he'd drink it. "It is good to see you about." And he meant it, a momentary flicker of light in those eyes as they met their cold, blue counterpart. He swallowed. "I believe Salome is coming to speak with you… and I need some fresh air." Biting cold as it was; but if it kept him from feeling fixed between two, snarling lions…

salome · Salome Angelique offers the Arjerms a polite farewell before finding her way to where Gabriel and Nicolas have sequestered themselves.

gabriel · "Abandoning me to Salome's clutches?" inquired Gabriel, right as aforementioned lady took her seat at his table. "Will you be going back to your home, or to my manor?" And then his eyes upon Salome as she joined the table he was seated at. "Hm. You navigate social spaces with more grace than I expected. Though I suppose I haven't seen you about in Society for some time."

nicolas · Nicolas Baudin paused, eyes fixed on Salome in hesitation. He parted his lips in question, but found it a momentary prisoner to his shame; and then it fell at Gabriel's feet, hoarsely. "Where would you have me go?"

gabriel · "You have done so much to care for me until now, Nicolas, I would hate to cut such devotion short." Devotion. It was, in fact, devotion. Oh, one that could rival religion, but they didn't talk about that. "Getting into and out of clothing proves a struggle. I could use the help." (Perhaps a little salacious.)

salome · Salome Angelique exhales relief upon dropping into the chair at Table Angelique. She pulls her hand out of her pocket, finally. "One of us had to learn how to behave themselves in public," she flings back at her cousin. Her head tilts toward her right shoulder as she eyes Nicolas. He seems uncomfortable. She cocks a fair eyebrow and passes it back and forth between her tablemates while they decide where Nicolas' escape will lead him.

nicolas · Nicolas Baudin's ears bled a gentle red, leading him to stand with a quickness. "Send for me if you must." Left vague and whether he meant once Gabriel returned to the warmth of his estate, or prior, the dragoon was parting for the doors, pausing only to spare Salome a respectful nod.

salome · Salome Angelique hisses a scold at Gabriel after Nicolas makes his exit. "You torture that poor man," she accuses.

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique let his gaze linger after the retreating figure of the oh-so familiar face around the Angelique manor before snapping his eyes back to those of similar hue. "He likes it." A one-shouldered shrug and a sip of the wine before him.

salome · Salome Angelique snorts dismissively. "That's entirely beside the point. What's this business about the mines with House Arjerm, now? The Baron has asked for my company on a hunting trip and I imagine I'll be expected to be able to carry on some manner of conversation about dealings."

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique wasn't going to press the point, if Salome wasn't. Insofar as the inquiry of the mines--he brings the second glass to his lips. "Baron Foster's wife," (again with that) "has some sort of inititive to bring attention back to Ishgardian silversmithing, I believe Selpahiel has a mind to supply Angelique silver to the cause. Or something along those lines." He swirled the wine in the glass, as though it would make it taste any more palatable.

foster · His ears perking to the side a the mention of his house. Foster Arjerm sighed softly into a shake of his head "Sorry love" He looked over to Gaveriel setting a sharp pitched whistle "I told you she has a name, and she is right here…respect it or meet me outside with steel in hand to defend your honor"

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique would like to, once, just once, not find himself threatened with steel. And so, he shifted in his chair. "You threaten a man with a cane? Ser Foster," if he wanted that title, so be it, "I would think you had more honor." An exhale, heavy, oh Fury, heavy as the weight of the world on his shoulders. "Yes, of course. Lady Xera."

foster · Foster Arjerm smiled 'I have quite a bit of honor to hold a noble man accountable for things he should know better about and know the consquinces of such. Honor doesnt care if you've a cane or are blind, if you use it as a sheild its as valid as the utterance of priase from a hertic. But I thank you for the adjustment and your a mesure better then most who are less agreeable for such. You have my thanks"

xera · Xera Arjerm perked with her wine set to her lips and sighed as she turned to Gabriel with a slower shake of her head while she pulled her lips thin and offered a quaint nod. "Given that you're the second son I would expect some sense of graceless banter when so suddnly shifted into a grander state of social clime so I suppose I could be given to some form of forgiveness in all of this provided it doesn't happen again but if you wish to barb at my husband so these deals won't offer much in a boyant air"

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique lifted his bare hands in acquiescence. Though he smiled, it was cold, and it was bitter. "My deepest apologies. I suppose I am out of sorts still from the duel not even a fortnight ago. Forgive me my trespass upon your names, Lady Xera, Ser Foster." Because if Gabriel knew nothing else, it was when to tuck his tail and heel. It was one of the first tricks taught to his dogs, after all.

salome · Salome Angelique's eyes roll. "I think you've had quite enough 'outside time,' Gabriel," she murmurs, lowering her volume. "And as you're in no condition for another duel, I must insist." Her rise to her feet doesn't leave much room for argument. She leans down to whisper an additional comment beside his pointed ear.

gabriel · Gabriel Angelique admittedly, nearly choked on the wine that he was sipping on at the utterance into his ear. He simply gave a nod, gripping the lion's head of his cane as he came to stand. Moving past his cousin, a handful of gil was tossed onto the counter, as a tip, and-- "For their bottles," as he gestured at the amorous couple at the end of the bar. He then returned to stand by Salome. "You are right. The hour grows late. I'd hate to keep anyone up wondering if I died in the snow."