[CLOSED] A perfectly reasonable way to deal with your problems!

[alphinerd]

Who: Alphinaud and Aymeric
What: Grabbing a drink and a chat.
When: Sometime during the festival, probably in the early evening because he's not down enough yet for day drinking??
Where: Alphinaud's quarters
Warnings: Just alcohol at the moment. Alcohol led to questionable decisions involving kissing practice.

[Alphinaud was, at least, glad to be - literally - back on his own two feet and able to wear clothes again. The only downside was that, with the refilling of his wardrobe once his punishment was over, there was... nothing that completely covered his body. There were things in there that barely counted as clothing. He'd at least found a few things that he could interchange without exposing too much skin, and it was better than going completely without.

He'd made plans for another get-together with Aymeric that evening, and as he waited for the Lord Commander to show, he tugged semi-irritably at the outfit he'd chosen for the day. The pants were loose and near-sheer, bunching at his ankles and fitting snugly at his hips, but otherwise draping down his legs. The top looped around his neck and covered his chest, but only his chest, leaving his stomach from the bottom of his ribs to the waist of his pants exposed. Thankfully, with the sleeves that accompanied it, the only other part of him that was exposed were his shoulders and a large portion of his back.

It was also red. Red was more Alisaie's color, and he was pretty certain that even she wouldn't wear something like this.]

Comments

[heiresy]

[Aymeric, only a couple minutes late, knocked on Alphinaud's door. He momentarily prayed that he was knocking on the right door, because the wrong door in this castle never led to just an awkward, forgettable moment.]

Aymeric felt terribly about Alphinaud's recent stripped privileges. If Aymeric's clothing wasn't so large that it would fall so completely off of him that it would be worse, he would have offered it to him. They were meeting in the privacy of Alphinaud's quarters, at the very least. Aymeric was dressed in his usual 'round the town outfit: a tunic and leggings in blue and white, respectively.]

[He never came empty-handed these days. He carried a shoulder satchel with a couple bottles of passable, sweet white wine. There was something else in there of a medium size, but impossible to tell from the outside.]

[ He looked well enough, for all the regular nonsense he'd been put through. Well, except for the sheep horns still adorning his head. They were the last of his transformation to fade away. Better than having a wooly ass, he supposed.]

Master Alphinaud?

[alphinerd]

[Alphinaud answered the door rather quickly, having been sitting at the table closest to it in anticipation and mildly frayed nerves at his own clothing situation. He smiled, however, and only momentarily glanced up at the out of place horns that almost made the taller man seem more Au Ra than Elezen. No mention was made, however - his own changes had only just faded, and he was thankful enough for that. It wouldn't do to point out the obvious.]

Ser Aymeric. Please, come in.

[The younger man stood aside, motioning slightly in welcome.]

[heiresy]

[He pulled the bottles from his bag one-handedly, placing them delicately on the table.]

You are a man yet? [While.. odd in its phrasing, he hoped that he understood. In spite of his size, he hoped Alphinaud considered himself a man. At least, in so far as being a receptacle for wine.]

I thought to bring a bottle for each of us.

[And yet, his bag was not empty.]

Pour me a glass, would you?

[He took a seat at the table, allowing Alphinaud to to the hostly things.]

[alphinerd]

[The phrasing of the question caught him a bit off guard for a moment, but Alphinaud quickly understood and waved off any awkwardness with a soft laugh and a wave of his hand.]

Yes, all effects seem to have abated in full. Though, it seems you still have some lingering effects...

[Alright, so maybe he would point out the obvious. He took a bottle without needing prompting, giving it a full once-over before moving to uncork it.]

A bottle for each of us almost seems ambitious.

[It was an attempt at humor, because he knew he wouldn't be able to finish an entire bottle himself. Aymeric, on the other hand, probably could. ... though, the bag didn't escape his attention, and as he carefully poured his company a glass, he let his eyes linger on it.]

Has aught else made the journey with you?

[What else could be in there? Bread? Perhaps cheese...]

[heiresy]

[He reflexively touched a horn.} By the Fury's grace, it should be gone tomorrow. [He had no way of knowing this, of course, but, here's hoping.]

A bottle each is just about proper ration. On a good day, at least.

[Which might drum up questions about how Ishgard chooses to spend its budget. Anyway.]

[He placed a hand almost protectively over his bag.]

Aye, but I will only reveal it to you after a glass.

[alphinerd]

I see. [It brought up questions, indeed... But Alphinaud wasn't too keen on voicing them, at least not at the moment. Then again, Elezen at their full height were much taller than he, and perhaps a full bottle had less of an effect.

He finished pouring a glass for Aymeric, graciously offering it to the other man and hesitating a moment before pouring his own. Would it be acceptable to open two bottles at once? Considering Aymeric seemed intent on draining a bottle on his own, he went ahead and poured his own glass from the second bottle.]

You certainly have a way of piquing curiosity. Alright, after a glass, then.

[heiresy]

Aye, thank you for going along with my little games. Estinien has not the stomach for them. [He laughed dryly, plucking his glass from the tabletop.]

It will be worth it, I hope. 'Tis but a small gift, yet one I believe you cannot afford on your current salary.

[He took long sips of his wine. Finishing his glass would be no problem.]

Sweeter than I had imagined. It should go down easily. [Though he was accepting of Alphinaud's station as a man, it seemed he was still taking a bit of pity upon him.]

So... The Mistress has not fully delivered your clothing privileges to you, has she?

[alphinerd]

I cannot imagine that Estinien has patience for much in the way of fun.

[Alphinaud picked up his own glass, letting Aymeric take the first sip before taking his own. It was indeed sweet, and though the taste of alcohol was still obvious, it was a bit more mellowed by the lack of bitterness. Another sip followed, and another behind it, considerably larger as they went.

But the news of a gift made his eyes widen a fraction, and he settled the glass back to the table after a moment.]

Ah... I was not expecting more of a gift than a drink and company. I know not what to say.

[But at the mention of clothes, the surprise on his face shifted quickly to shame, and he tugged down a bit more on the exposing bit of cloth that covered his chest and picked up his glass once more to further busy himself.]

Not entirely. My wardrobe seems to have been completely replaced...

[heiresy]

[flatly] Estinien's idea of fun is seclusion or battle.

Don't thank me just yet. 'Tis.. [He pauses, thinking about the contents of his bag.] Anyroad, our drinks.

[Aymeric gives him a concerned once over. ]

With similar garments, I presume?

[alphinerd]

I am not particularly surprised.

[He looks down into his glass, swirling the contents for a second and frowning. Estinien, in the point in time Alphinaud had come from, had been missing for so long. Without the desire for revenge, he's not sure what the dragoon would do otherwise.]

Unfortunately. [He pulls a slight face.] It is still clothing, at least, but I suppose I can't expect modesty in a place like this.

[heiresy]

Unfortunately. Modesty is taken in small measures on ones' own time. [Like how he was dressed now. He felt terribly for Alphinaud ever needing to talk to him while he was dressed in his guard uniform...

Face to face with... He hates to ask, but he just can't shake the idea.]

...Are you still honest? [... As in. Are you still a virgin, Alphinaud?]

[alphinerd]

I suppose so, yes.

[He would have to gather his own clothes, then. Simple as that. Whatever salary he receives, he decides, will go towards proper clothing, since the ones supplied to him will never be to his own exact tastes.

... and then Aymeric's question nearly makes him choke on a mouthful of wine, but he at least manages to swallow it before coughing. Though, the tips of his ears are stained pink, and his cheeks are following suit.]

I-- Y-yes...

[heiresy]

I can buy you a few garments, though I wonder if it would be prudent to wear them only in your own room.

[He looks visibly relieved as he continues drinking. He leans forward and pats him on the back.]

Pray forgive me for asking such a thing. It it both none of my concern and aught that I find myself preoccupied with. These lands are not safe, as you know. If you wish to retain your virtue... [He trails off, glancing away, then back to Alphianud.] I may have a solution.

[alphinerd]

It may offer some comfort regardless, if nothing else. But I'm sure I will be able to make arrangements. I would not want to put you in an awkward position.

[Alphinaud looks down at his glass again, frowning as he momentarily wonders where half the glass had already gone.]

... a solution? [He looks up with interest, tilting his head in curiosity.]

[heiresy]

This place is naught else but awkward positions, Master Alphinaud, but we will find a way.

[he glances at the glass, determining it to be sufficient for his purposes.]

Aye. A bit... of a mechanical solution. [He pulls a small metal thing from his bag. It has locks and moving metal parts. It has a cage in the front.]

A chastity belt.

[alphinerd]

[It takes a moment for the realization to hit Alphinaud, the alcohol already beginning to dull inhibitions a small amount. But the moment he does, the flush rises to his cheeks and to the tips of his ears once more, and his shoulders lift and square.]

I... Oh.

[He swallows nervously. In spite of knowing that it is a rather good idea, there's still some thought of Aymeric being this concerned for his virtue that flusters him.]

Will... Will something like that truly work? Will it not upset the Mistress if she finds out?

[heiresy]

I will take punishment in your stead, then. I cannot think of another way to keep the beasts at bay and away from you.

[he unhooks the keys, placing them in Alphinaud's hands.] You have three, you may choose the holders of your spares. I trust you will be wise.

[The look in his eyes is earnest and intense.] Will you accept this?

[alphinerd]

I... Y-yes. You have the right of it. This will keep any unwanted advances at bay.

[Alphinaud nodded, head down and eyes on the keys, and then on the glass on the table. He picked it up once more, setting his jaw and taking a long pull and only wincing a small bit at the swallow. Wine is meant to be sipped, but right now, he doesn't much care.]

I will. And I will take any punishment that may be given. It may have been your idea, but I am fully accepting it.

[Carefully, he unhooks one key, setting it on the table. The other two keys are handed back to Aymeric.]

You will likely see Estinien before I. Please give him one, and keep the other.

[heiresy]

I shall guard it with all of my might, and so shall Estinien.

[With this awkward gift given and well received, Aymeric seems to relax. He finishes his glass and pours another. Fine wines were for savoring, this sweet swill may as well have been hours forgotten, oversweetened tea from the morning, hastily drunk for its caffeine.]

After all, this place has ways of setting a man into bed in ways and with people that he would never have previously dreamt. Every first time is rather awkward, but 'twould be a shame if you had little measure of control over it.

[alphinerd]

Yes. I would much rather have control over anything that might happen.

[The thought makes his stomach turn a slight bit, but he knows that realistically, this place is not exactly ideal. Sex is as commonplace here as merchants in Ul'dah, and common assumption from any of the locals is probably going to be that he is a willing and consenting adult. ... he needs more wine for this, and refills his own glass.]

That something like this is a safety measure rather than a personal choice...

[Should he put it on now? There's really no reason to, not with Aymeric being the only one with him. Aymeric is trustworthy.]

[heiresy]

Aye, I know. This land we live in is a terrible one. I can't even tell if it is truly dangerous or just beguiling.

[He leans over, as if he is inspecting Alphinaud for a moment.]

Man-to-man... And pray pardon me, it simply feels as if I've no one normal to speak to as of late. I feel as though I am going mad. I promise this will make sense in time, but do you have interest in anyone?

[alphinerd]

[The question catches him off guard, halfway through another, much larger drink of wine. Alphinaud pauses long enough to swallow and settle the glass down on the table, but in that time alone, his ears have gone red again.]

I-- Th-that is, I. I barely know anyone here save for yourself, Estinien, Ysayle and Yenh...

[heiresy]

[He stretches a bit in his seat, his eyes flicking to Alphinaud's bed. It certainly looks more comfortable than his own.]

Where do your attractions lay, then?

[He asks it so calmly, so bluntly-]

[alphinerd]

I...

[Alphinaud pauses, chewing his lower lip in thought as he stares down the wine in his glass. He lifts it to take another drink before responding. It's not exactly what he would expect to talk about, but...]

I don't... prefer one over the other, I suppose.

[heiresy]

That is just as well, then. The politics here are based upon sexuality, after all. It seems those with more pliant attractions also attract more power. I have been trying to verse myself on the ways of these lands. The Mistress has visitors of ambassadors frequently enough. I was given permission to... intermingle with them, and I wonder if it would be prudent of me to do so.

Like as not, our salvation does not lay within these castle walls. [He looks to Alphinaud again.]

I am prepared to do what I must for the good of us all, Alphinaud. I will do what I can from my station, but if you believe you discover someone that requires some measure of seduction, I may be up to the task.