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[suavesunglasses.livejournal.com]

Characters: Vossler, Al-Cid
Progress: Ongoing.
Summary: Drunken makeover shenanigans.
Location: Lindblum
Date: Post-Event; February 1803.
Warnings: ...drunken makeover shenanigans?


After the events in Memoria, Al-Cid had taken up a room at the inn, simply because he was too drained to travel anywhere else. After about an hour of sitting in his room, the Rozarrian simply sighed and headed downstairs to the bar. Ordering something that his accent wouldn't allow him to properly pronounce, Al-Cid leaned against the bar, surveying the room and trying to decide if he wanted to stay at the bar or go to a more secluded booth. Really, the man was just trying to keep his mind busy for a bit.

The bar was mostly empty. Most of the patrons were likely with their friends and loved ones after the event, but Al-Cid was a lone Rozarrian noble in the middle of a strange world. Pulling his sunglasses off and tucking them into his shirt, he looked back at the bartender and ordered another drink.

Comments

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

Like Al-Cid, Vossler was all too eager to find a distraction after being made to relive some of the memories that he would sooner prefer to forget. While he wasn't prone to drinking in order to drown his sorrows like some, he figured that it was a better alternative than turning to the royal family, who had their own experiences with the phenomenon to overcome.

Once there, however, he began to second-guess his decision to come in the first place. Had there been more people present, it was likely that Vossler would have simply headed back to his room--of course, he would come to regret this decision soon enough, but for now he approached the bar. The fact that the flamboyantly dressed man to his right resembled the Rozzarrian noble who had greeted him upon arrival did not go unnoticed, however, and so before he could request a drink of the barkeep, Vossler found himself staring in Al-Cid's general direction.

[suavesunglasses.livejournal.com]

Immediately glancing up as the other man approached the bar, Al-Cid was somewhat startled to find that he recognized him. It seemed he and the Dalmascan Captain (if he was still called that; Al-Cid had no idea if Vossler had been taken back in by Ashe or not) had shared a common thought after the little trip down memory lane. Taking his second drink from the bartender, the Rozarrian nodded toward Vossler before pushing it his way.

"Captain." Really, the other man looked like he could use it -- even without his staring. Besides, Al-Cid was happy to see a (somewhat) familiar face. "It is good to see you, especially after... recent events." Frowning at the thought, Al-Cid decided that finishing off his first drink would be an excellent idea. He didn't particularly want to talk about Memoria.

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

A wise decision considering the idea of re-visiting the recently trudged up memories that they were made to experience was probably the last item on Vossler's agenda at the moment--or ever, really. He took the offered drink, looking it over briefly, before looking back to Al-Cid ... while trying to keep from staring all over again, or mentioning the other man's manner of dress.

"It would appear that Gaia is not as large as some would think. Had I known you were within the city, I would have paid my respects much sooner."

[suavesunglasses.livejournal.com]

"I may not have been here. I have taken to wandering, in order to see the entirety of this world. It may be easier if I could acquire a chocobo... perhaps permanently. Renting one is convenient only if one needs to make a short trip, and I mean to travel quite consistently for a time. Perhaps I should attempt to recreate the noble cavalries of Ivalice... They could be useful for more than my own wanderings, and it would be a means of income. After all, there is no Rozarria here."

He knew he was rambling, but it was at least a subject of conversation beyond relived memories. Signaling the bartender for another drink, Al-Cid shook his head slightly. He didn't really notice Vossler's odd looks toward his perhaps questionable clothing, but he would soon enough; it didn't seem like the man to stare so blatantly, especially not at clothes.

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

Somehow the idea of a Rozarrian noble breeding chocobos seemed almost as ridiculous as the outfit that Al-Cid was currently wearing--in public, no less. But Vossler made sure to keep his opinion to himself. It wasn't often that he was able to enjoy the company of another nobleman, especially here.

"You have taken to traveling alone?" He asked, genuinely curious and perhaps a little concerned, before finishing off his drink. "I would think that someone of your standing should require an escort. I have not experienced much of this world, but if others like Vayne Solidor and his Judge Magister dogs are present, it would be wise to take precaution."

[suavesunglasses.livejournal.com]

It was perhaps ridiculous, but Al-Cid had always been the black sheep of the Rozarrian noble family. He was not the heir, and so he was able to get away with some things -- such as fraternizing with Lord Larsa, young though he was (yet older here, and that worried him, though he would not tell the Solidor that. Vossler, perhaps, if the man pushed).

Chuckling lightly, Al-Cid set down his empty glass in favor of the new one, somewhat aware that he was maybe drinking a bit too quickly but not really caring. "Perhaps, but I have no one that I trust enough for such a thing. I am a loner even amidst our fellows from Ivalice. All have their own agendas, and a Rozarrian noble? I would fetch a fair price should someone choose to sell out to such hounds. 'Tis the nature of blood feuds." Granted, Vossler was the known traitor, and so Al-Cid made sure to lightly stroke the holster of his gun as he spoke before shrugging. "It is no ideal situation, that is certain, but I am not content to idle."

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

Vossler held no ill will toward Rozarria now that matters had been fully explained to him. In truth, he intended to make good on his word to act as an ally to Al-Cid, if not to show gratitude for his role in assisting the resistance with their effort to bring down the empire's occupation and allowing Ashe to reclaim her throne, then as a royal from an allied nation to Dalmasca.

"Were I not sure of your answer already, I might suggest traveling alongside her majesty--or perhaps the Marquis. I doubt even Vayne would be bold enough to attempt an assassination amongst such a high profile group of individuals." Setting his own glass aside, Vossler was surprised to see another already waiting for him. Apparently the barkeep meant to capitalize on their patronage, what with the rest of the establishment all but empty.

"I would offer to accompany you were circumstances different, but I am bound by my oath to serve my liege."

[suavesunglasses.livejournal.com]

"I will be keeping an eye on them, to be sure. The Marquis, especially. Lady Ashe has the Lord Rasler, and yourself, but Ondore... This world has not been kind to him. Vayne, alive and well, and the disaster that was the Heads of State meeting... and the Epitaphs. I was with him for that, and that is lucky; the man is far from helpless, but it was not pleasant even with what little assistance I was able to give." Al-Cid shook his head before taking another drink, as if toasting away the memory of that day. Although some parts were... humorous, upon looking back, and others downright embarrassing, it had still been dangerous.

Pausing his conversation with Vossler for a moment to request something a bit stronger from the bartender, the Rozarrian shrugged slightly. "I would not ask you to break your oath, but should circumstances change, I would not mind the company -- if you think you can keep pace with a Rozarrian, that is." The last part was said in a joking tone, accompanied by a hair-flip and a light laugh. Really, he wouldn't mind the company, but he didn't expect any from anyone here. He was considered a bit odd even with others from Ivalice, much less the other Sky People or residents of Gaia. But really, perhaps it was better that way; he had freedom, after all.

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

"The Marquis has informed me of his circumstance," Vossler interjected once Al-Cid put in his order for something a bit stronger. "He has requested my service in the event that Vayne should decide to silence any possible opposition to his current campaign. Winning over the people of Gaia would prove that much more burdensome a task with someone as politically savvy as his Grace--or perhaps even yourself, shedding light on his true intentions." Unfortunately, Ashe seemed reluctant to grant Vossler leave to ensure her uncle's safety. At least not until more than mere suspicion fueled Ondore's worry. Vossler didn't particularly agree, but it was no longer his place to question her judgment.

"Keeping up with a Rozarrian, you say?" His usual scowl seemed to soften some, a hint of amusement present in his tone following the sudden shift in conversation. Vossler sized up his present company briefly, before continuing with his reply. "If it means donning the clothing of a dancer, then it pains me to admit that I have already been thoroughly outclassed in that arena." His glass was set back onto the bar, another (of the ronger variety that Al-Cid had ordered for himself) already waiting for him.

[suavesunglasses.livejournal.com]

"Unfortunately, Vayne has been here for far longer than we have. He has won over many of the people, including the rulers. The most recent Heads of State meeting, the only one that has been called since I have been here... It was not a pretty sight. Not at all." Al-Cid still got headaches just from thinking about it. "The man already has an army. What are we to wait for, then? Their mobilization against us, when we have little to oppose him with? There are no easy answers nor solutions, but any would be better than this sitting around and waiting. Some sort of preparation, whether it has been ordered or is underground -- like your resistance -- is truly all that I seek, yet it seems we are unable to begin even that."

It was incredibly frustrating, and it made Al-Cid knock back his drink a little more violently than strictly necessary.

This wasn't entirely a time for politics, however (in fact, the Rozarrian would be thankful if they could fade into the background for now), and at Vossler's reply, he laughed. "Only for this Rozarrian, as far as I am aware. If nothing else, it has served as source of amusement for others. I am more than just a pretty face, however; it is all about knowing the right moves, if you'll pardon the slight pun. We can not all wear armor." To accent his point, he lightly tapped Vossler's breastplate before chuckling slightly. "That does look quite uncomfortable for a few drinks at the bar, however."

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

Up until now, the finer details of what transpired behind the scenes of Gaia's political arena had been unknown to Vossler. Sure, he knew that Vayne had amassed for himself the support of the public, but if he had convinced even the local monarchs of this false persona, then Al-Cid might not have been incorrect in comparing any attempt they made to counter the man with the Dalmascan resistance opposing Archadian rule. It angered him that fate had dealt this hand, even here. He would have preferred to be doing, rather than lying in wait.

Of course, that only made the small distraction that the Rozarrian provided all the more welcome.

"Perhaps," Vossler agreed, his gaze trailing to the glass of alcohol he had yet to consume momentarily. "I am afraid it has been far too long since circumstances have permitted me to indulge in such a manner."

[suavesunglasses.livejournal.com]

The Rozarrian hummed slightly, so quietly it was practically under his breath. "Yes... I suppose it has been." The fact that Vossler had not lived to see Ashe return to the throne had slipped Al-Cid's mind for a bit, perhaps because the man was so utterly devoted to her, Rasler, and their son here on Gaia -- not to mention to stopping Vayne, or so it seemed. He still wasn't certain of the details of the man's treachery, but he seemed to have turned over a new leaf; at the very least, Al-Cid's instincts were telling him to trust the man.

With a sigh and an exaggerated shake of his head, Al-Cid gestured around the bar. "In that case, you ought to make the best of it. There are none but myself and the barkeep here to see the fabled Dalmascan captain indulge, and it seems as though the good man has work in the back to do; he has left us the bottle."