[ OPEN ] Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a match

[fleurdesel]

WHO: Adelaide, Suitors, Spectators
WHAT: A series of disastrous encounters
WHEN: Throughout Cloudreach
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: OOC POST.

The last day of Drakonis brings a familial attache to Skyhold. François is a stern, formal, and unyielding man at the beginning of the month- hounding Adelaide to make certain she meets each appointed suitor, one for lunch, one for dinner, chaperoning the meetings in hopes of finding a suitable match for the sole single LeBlanc. It becomes rapidly apparent that despite his best efforts, it is for naught. Adelaide, despite being forced into moderate finery and made to sit and bear the company of these men, is less than amused and determined to at least get some paperwork done between meetings. Or during if the conversation is that dull.

The set up for each, unless the suitor has his own mind about the matter, remains the same. Simple and elegant, a table in the garden that is public enough to not be improper, private enough to not invite undue observation, and comfortable enough to suit their needs. The meals are as fine as François can manage with Skyhold's resources and the coin provided for the meetings, each accompanied by Antivan or Orlesian wine. As the month progresses Adelaide's temper grows short and François' patience goes thin. Deviating from the Dossier is not recommended but- desperate times? Desperate measures.

He starts seeking out the clean and respectable looking, dragging them to the table and plopping them in the chair and instructing them to talk, for the love of the Maker.

Comments

Because you know, James.

[judgemewhole]

[James managed to make it almost a whole third of the way through the month before Francois managed to pin him down, and it was through no little effort of the man. James had seen the posting on the first day and then proceeded to be nowhere convenient to be found for almost ten days to save himself from ... well, a truly awkward situation for himself and Adelaide.

On the tenth day, however, Francois caught him coming out of the baths and there isn't much you can do when someone steals your clothes and will not give them back until you agree to have your assigned .... 'courting'.

So there he is, freshly scrubbed and looking all the more grumpy for it, glowering at Francois as he steps inside, and then slams the door in the man's face. With. Great. Emphasis.

Then he turns towards Adelaide, and states frankly.] My Lady LeBlanc, I wish to let you know that I have not been avoiding this meeting because I find you unattractive or not marriage material. In fact, the opposite on both measures. I want to make it clear that this was not my idea because I knew it how much discomfort it would bring you. Clearly, that matters little to that ...

[He glowered at the door.] Snippet of a matchmaker out there.

[fleurdesel]

[ Another day, another meal, another suitor. Another argument about whether or not she ought to be permitted her notes, another victory for her despite all points on the attache's part that it might be distracting her from her duties. It is, that's the point, he can silence himself and sulk in a corner if he likes. And he does. Often. Even after arranging this. Another meeting, another gown. ivory and airy today which suits her fine, if she has to spend one more afternoon and evening shoved in a corset and wrapped in velvet she might scream.

Norrington she'd seen and discounted after the first few days didn't end with him- she'd hoped he had, perhaps, managed to avoid this somehow. Alas. ]

My mother is the matchmaker, my brother the one that recommended you. Next I write him I shall include in every way that he might expect retribution for his meddling.

[ Gracious as she can attempt to be, she gestures to the chair opposite. ]

In his opinion it would be terribly romantic. Which is what comes from having an author in the family I suppose. Please, sit. I'll pour.

[judgemewhole]

[Norrington made some noise that was clear that if he ever met Adelaide's brother, they were going to have a very long talk about what was romantic and what was appropriate and how the two should sometimes meet in the bloody middle.

Still, he sighed, and bowed before her, before taking his chair and sitting across from her.]

Thank you, kindly. [He shifted, folding one leg over the other.] Frankly, I have no idea how your mother has time for this in the middle of a civil war -- but her optimism is something to be admired. Your brother's sense of humor, less so.

[A pause, then he flushed with faint embarrassment.] For me. Not you. Clearly you are a suitable match for anyone.

[fleurdesel]

Some of these might linger from the ledger of potential husbands she made when I was five. It is how such things go in the family. Arrangements made at five, possibilities watched and discarded or reevaluated every other year until I am at the proper age to be married off. Ideally? Twenty to twenty five. I am behind, somewhat.

[ And thank the maker for that. ]

I would not go so far as to say 'anyone', but Mother certainly hopes so. I find myself ill suited to certain kinds of company.

[judgemewhole]

Yes, I would imagine that some things would make you rather frosty to the entire idea. Having it planned out since you were five would certainly take the romance out of it.

[Now, he's got his thoughtful gaze on, and he crosses one leg over another. After all, they're going to be here for a bit.]

May I ask you, Lady LeBlanc, do you want to avoid marriage altogether, or just until all of this is over?

[fleurdesel]

Mages do not marry. The Circles might not be present and they may never exist again- but this is something I do not think will change anytime soon. Several nobles needed a templar present during the lunchon in case I was a danger. Maria was terribly kind to offer herself for that but- the matter stands.

[ It is not an attitude that will change. More than that...she shakes her head. ]

A husband and a family has never been a part of my plan. Perhaps making Senior Enchanter before forty- managing more specific research outside of combat magic, refining techniques for healing and the treatment of illnesses...there is much to be done. I do not have time for it.

[judgemewhole]

Mages marry, Lady LeBlanc. It is just not considered legal in many places. [Was James's wry response, before he gave her a more thoughtful look.]

So your objection is not the legal matter, but one of a personal preference. You do not wish to tie yourself to a lover or offspring. Interesting that your mother does not respect that choice - does she not already have grandchildren?

[fleurdesel]

She has many. It is not a question of grandchildren alone but of potential influence. She has a root in almost every country in Thedas with how my sisters are spread about. The only one without is Tevinter and I am certain, Dorian aside, there are no offers from the Imperium she finds worth humoring.

[judgemewhole]

I see ... [James pinched his brow slightly, before he sighed and sat up to take his wine.] I take it that on paper I am considered enough of an influence to make up for the fact that I am - in fact - a templar, and you are a mage?

[His tone is a little dry.] Or are we simply that romantic an option that it could not be resisted?

[fleurdesel]

You were a recommendation from Gregoire- so most likely the latter. Attempting to tell him that life is not like his romantic novels has done little to deter him.

[judgemewhole]

Well ... at least he has some romance. That should be helpful in his future endeavors with women or men. [He mused as he took a sip of his wine, before he looked over his glass at her, amused.]

What happens if you fall in love, Lady LeBlanc?

[fleurdesel]

Mm?

[ What a strange question. Mages do not- well that would be her answer, save the fact that some mages clearly do.

LeBlancs do not, save for those that do.

In this she has few excuses. ]

Why would I do anything so foolish as that?

[judgemewhole]

Adelaide.

[Now he's going to give her a frankly disbelieving look.]

Love is not something that you choose to happen. Love simply happens. I am asking what will you do when it happens to you?

[fleurdesel]

Ignore it.

[ They are at war in a world that is ending. There is no time for love. ]

I don't have hours in the day to entertain the thought, let alone the reality.

[judgemewhole]

I wish you better luck than I, then.

[Because clearly love just has it out for him. He pauses, because as one workaholic to another ... ]

How precisely do you have time for all these ridiculous meetings?

[fleurdesel]

I will not need it. If there is one thing I learned in the Spire it is that I am not precisely what one would call 'ideal partner material'.

[ Too much time working- and a great deal of contentment in the work. She enjoyed her research, her purpose. Driving herself to much the same here was one of the few things that brought her sincere joy. ]

I bring my work with me and have hired a personal aide that I delegate portions of research to.

[judgemewhole]

I wouldn't say that all, and I am not being charming either. You're dedicated, loyal, and passionate. As long as one understood your work came first - you would make a very good person to be in a relationship with.

[Listen, he'll give you a lot of grief for many things, Adelaide, but give yourself some damned credit.]

Hm. I wonder if I should hire myself a personal assistant. [Much better than using Tranquil, in his personal opinion. Besides, might show a good precedent.] Do you have anyone you would recommend who would not send all my reports to the Mage Council?

[fleurdesel]

I... [ It's hard to argue the point when she is not entirely certain what it is they are arguing over. A vivid memory of Robert saying much the same when she was younger before-

Well.


Before. She sets the thought aside. ] Thank you.

[ What more can she say? ]

Do as I did and post a request on the notice board, that is how I found Hermione. I am certain there is someone that might do the same for you.

[judgemewhole]

[They aren't arguing, which is rather the point. When Adelaide allows it, she's easy to be around.

When she allows it.] You are welcome.

[Another sip of wine, before he leans forward to break off some bread, and then looks at her expectantly. They are eating together, after all. She should eat.]

I shall have to do so ... once this all calms down a bit. I have a dreadful feeling I shall get marriage proposals before I get a reliable assistant. [His lips twitched.] Or another penis drawn on my notice.

[fleurdesel]

[ When she isn't irritable or overworked or stressed or entirely sober.

So.

most often is when she's hard to be around.

Right, the meal. She cuts a slice of roast hen for herself, washing it down with wine. A casual lunch with... a friend.

They are friends, aren't they? ]

If you would like me to perform some inquiries on your behalf, I am certain no one would dare vandalize my posts with genitals.


...I am fairly certain.

Mostly. Perhaps I should not be.

[judgemewhole]

[Honestly the fact that she is irritable, allows herself to be seen as overworked and not sober? Is a measure of trust he did not have some months ago.

He will take what he can get.

That being said, he puts a few items of food on his plate, because yes, they are friends having lunch.]

I would be most delighted, and I would owe you one, in fact. Although I must ask ... have you angered any Dalish lately?

[fleurdesel]

Try the potatoes- I do not know what was done with them but they are quite good.

[ roasted in butter and some manner of herb, most likely. ]

I...cannot say that I have. Those that I know I am on good terms with for the most part.

[judgemewhole]

Why thank you, I believe I shall. Would you like the bread?

[It's still warm, always a wonder to him.]

Then your postings shall probably remain free of profanity and genitalia. Although they are amazingly anatomically correct.

[fleurdesel]

Yes, thank you.

[ She carves off a slice for herself, buttering it lightly. She has not eaten half so well in her time at Skyhold as she has this past month, most of what she spares time for she offers others. Her students, her patients, her friends. ]

If they are defaced I will be certain to cut them out and offer them to Burns.

[judgemewhole]

[He took another bite -- and then nearly choked on it at her comment. He swallowed, coughed a little bit, then took another sip of wine before he gave her a wry look.]

Really, Adelaide -- you need to stop flirting with the poor man. You'll give him ideas. [A pause.] Hell, you'll give your stiff-necked friend out there ideas.