faderift | [OPEN] So Much Is At Stake

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[OPEN] So Much Is At Stake

WHO: Character(s) Vivienne and OPEN
WHAT: Catchall leading up to Orlais happenings
WHEN: Beginning of the month up until Orlais event starts
WHERE: Skyhold (early) / Val Royeaux (one week before event start)
NOTES: Open to all. Val Royeaux segment is a shopping trip en route to Halamshiral (which is available for 'guests' to tag around with each other.) Prose or brackets is fine, I'll tag to match.

Early Solace
Courtyard
Even with whispers about ongoing strife in Orlais, little notes and letters finding Madame de Fer's hand confirming as much, she remains in Skyhold for the time being. Her business is much as it has been. No small part of her day is spent working with the younger mages present in the Fortress. With no Circle to provide these youngsters with solid training, they find themselves trouble in trying to alleviate their boredom. The best solution she's found is to take an active role in not only learning their names and personal quirks, but genuinely trying to seek out responsible mages to serve as mentors to guide them. Much of her time is spent finding suitable adults willing and able to work with their younger members.

Balcony
Not quite as many new mages are joining the Inquisition as there were in the early days. Those who do are often either Rifters, or rebels who didn't follow Fiona to Redcliffe, for good or ill. Regardless of affiliation, Vivienne attempts to stay apprised to the numbers of the magically gifted present in Skyhold. It's especially important that she does so now, as the recently appointed mage liaison. For her part, she tries to remain as available to find on her balcony as she may. When a new name is brought to her attention, an invitation is sent out to join her for tea where she holds court from her chaise lounge.

Anyone passing through the Main Hall of a late night might find her still awake upstairs and intent on an alchemy project.

Gardens
Any morning following a late night dabble with alchemy will find the Iron Lady strolling through the Skyhold Gardens. She examines the plants as she passes through, calm as always, though sometimes a thoughtful hum gives away her extra consideration of something she sees.

---

Val Royeaux
Convinced now that the Inquisition will be making a move into Orlais in short order, Vivienne's routine alters. She decides that a little detour en route for shopping is absolutely demanded. Nevermind that the capital is actually beyond where they will be traveling, or that it seems perhaps frivolous to be indulging in retail therapy when there are far more serious matters to attend to. She, of course, insists that if they are to deal with Orlesians, those agents should at the very least look presentable as such. ~~No, plaidweave is unacceptable. Find something else.~~ Shopping is happening. They've plenty of time to conclude their business and meet with the intended encampment at Halamshiral.

She doesn't travel to the capital alone, however. There are a number of people she's invited to join her for the excursion. Not all of them are particularly pleased to be present, but somehow the Iron Lady's gotten her way. Not that blackmail was involved in any way, that's far too cheap to someone who revels in playing the Game. However, her bullying victims might perhaps feel otherwise. She's arranged lodging for them all at Bastien's townhouse, though the Duke is not in residence at present. Playing hostess is quite fun for her, thus Vivienne will point out the best shops, the tastiest pastries, and of course the most ideal restaurants to see and be seen.

Her own personal shopping involves inspecting a golden pig, which she decides firmly against, browsing fabrics, pretty jewelry pieces, careful inspection of practically every bookseller she can locate, and much time inquiring with the local herbalists.

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Ellana can't say for sure how she feels at the moment. It's a strange mixture of awe and unease. While she's always been curious about human cities, this one doesn't seem real. It -- like many of the shops here -- seems like a showpiece. There isn't a thing out of place here. No dirt from flower pots spilled on the ground, no stray cats or dogs, and absolutely no litter. It seems too perfect and fake. She recalls the villagers of Sahrnia and is glad to know that not all of Orlais is like Val Royeaux. Yet at the same time, she's drawn towards shiny brass plaques and the smells coming from the nearby bistro.

While she sees some dwarves and elves walking around the city as well, they aren't many, and nearly every conversation she overhears between one of those races and a human sounds tense. Like at the soiree, Ellana is very aware of what she is, and what she isn't, and with conflicting advice on how to deal with nobles, she's a bit at a loss as to what to do. Be aloof or be a suck up? She doesn't feel comfortable doing either anymore, because she feels she'll just get it wrong and make things worse for elves.

Is it possible to ignore the looks and snide remarks and just have a good time? Is she even allowed to look at the merchandise if she isn't glued to Madame de Fer's side and thought of as her little pet? Ellana doesn't know. She wants to try and have a good time, but she's such a sensitive person that she worries everything will weigh heavily on her. For the moment, she walks slowly behind Vivienne, looking at the fine silks and velvet and knowing they're definitely not the thing to wear unless you spend your life indoors sitting still.

To no one's surprise, Vivienne is a snob. A very practical snob most days, but she has her moments of being elitist. There is a very wicked and smug part of her that is enjoying watching the Dalish reaction to Val Royeaux. Mainly because she doesn't see much sense in living like vagabonds just because you're interested in lost history. She doesn't betray her inner enjoyment of their reactions with so much as a touch of a sly smile.

While she has Ellana in the capitol, however, Vivienne fully intends to take advantage of the opportunity to work on her fellow Council member. They absolutely must swing by the patisserie later for a little refreshment to restore their flagging energies. But first, there must be shopping.

"My dear, I was thinking. Why don't we see my seamstress about having a gown made for you? Something your young man can appreciate."

The woman truly has an ear in practically every corner, it seems.

Ellana never claimed to enjoy living like a vagabond either. That's why she's not aching to return to her clan any time soon. But she knows what her people are like and that she's very much in the minority here. She also knows that elves are between a rock and a hard place no matter where they choose to live. She has no interest in being a city elf either, locked away in a run down section of the city where they're trapped when humans come to assault them. So she'll have to split the middle and live outside both communities.

But while these are issues that are never far from the front of her mind, when Vivienne speaks, Ellana sets it all aside for the moment and smiles softly.

"Oh, a gown for me? If there isn't another soiree to attend, I would have no where to wear something so fancy." And while it does sound appealing to show something beautiful off to Felix, it doesn't seem very practical. "It would go to waste on me."

"Nonsense, darling. When a woman has a suitor, there is always a time and place to wear something pretty." It doesn't have to be a ball gown, but something which flatters her figure is always a good choice. "Even if it is a quiet dinner alone or for a stroll outdoors picking flowers, it wouldn't be a waste."

Granted, not everyone can go charging into battle in silks and jewels and pull it off like Vivienne manages to. But then, she wouldn't much like it if everyone were in the first place.

"Besides, we're so often out fighting, little moments of peace and quiet should be observed with something remarkable, don't you think?" This from the woman who would very much like to be further north at the moment stealing a moment of calm in the arms of her beloved. Even non-violent business is business and she cannot justify the detour north, no matter how she aches to do so.

Wearing silk in the wilderness is definitely something Ellana can't pull off. Which is why she's so dubious about picking flowers in such an attire. But maybe dinner inside Skyhold?

"I suppose it couldn't hurt to consider it. Do we need to make an appointment first?"

"Not when you're with me." A fact that Vivienne seems to enjoy if the sly smile on her face is any indication. Typically? Unless someone was after a pre-made piece (and who in the world would wish that?), an appointment would be called for. Although the local dressmakers are entirely too used to sudden fashion emergencies for somebody's impromptu party.

Vivienne indicates the direction they should go, practically giddy at the prospect of having the dress made, and it's not even for her. "Genevieve will be so pleased to see us. It's been ages since I've dropped in on her and she does so like a challenge." Her eyes sparkle with poorly veiled mischief. "Shall we give her a fright and tell her we've a dinner invitation tomorrow evening and your luggage was mishandled en route?"

It's such a strange world, and Ellana has dived headfirst into it. The fact that Vivienne is who she is and can walk in anywhere to be attended to is still so amazing to Ellana. A mage -- an Andrastian mage who stayed loyal to the Chantry and the Circles -- that has gathered such power still just boggles her mind.

She moves in step with Vivienne, noting how pleased she looks with this. And really, even though Ellana doesn't particularly need anything here, it seems worth it to spend some time with the woman outside of Skyhold to see her in her element. It's a bit like watching a show, she imagines. She's part of the audience for Vivienne's performance on the stage that is Val Royeaux. It's not a performance that Ellana will ever be able to replicate, but it's worth it just to be an observer.

"Oh, well... I suppose it couldn't be too bad a thing to do to her. If she likes a challenge, then she'll get over her fright and rise to meet it, won't she?"

If only Ellana, or truly any of Vivienne's acquaintances, had any inkling just how much work she's put into the amount of control and power she now holds. Of course, it's better that no one does, to allow the illusion of simple ease and grace to continue. But she knows and she doesn't mind reaping the little benefits of her endeavors. The Game is a slippery slope and one must mindfully navigate each and every step or downfall awaits. Fortunately for Vivienne, she enjoys the challenge, and the thrill of winning. It's exhilarating for her.

"Indeed she shall. You'll adore her. She's got the most remarkable sense for something that's daring and new without being painfully outlandish. There was a fashion some years ago that involved having live snakes draped like scarves about one's neck. Thank the Maker those days are past."

As they walk through the streets, Vivienne keeps a close eye on what is the fashion du jour. Skirts flared out by what is presumably some sort of hooped underskirt. Over the skirt bustles. Tapered waistlines. The skirts are possibly not at all practical for her Dalish companion, but the neckline and tapered waists would be terribly flattering on her. She points to the proliferation of square necklines trimmed in lace.

"I think you'd do well with that particular neckline, darling, but I have an idea. What if we went with something more scooped? With the tapered waistline, it'd create the look of a heartshaped bodice." It would also treat her young man to slightly more accessible cleavage, and what man doesn't appreciate that?

Ellana's eyes widen, and she can't tell if Vivienne is joking or not. A hand comes up to rub at her neck, imagining the feeling. She's never touched a snake before -- either living or dead -- which might surprise some seeing as she grew up living every day of her life outside, but she doesn't really know what snakeskin feels like.

Her gaze and thoughts turn towards Vivienne's acknowledgment of clothes and she listens with a small wrinkle of confusion on her forehead before she can envision what she's saying.

"You mean like this?" She draws an invisible heart across her chest and waist with a fingertip and looks up for confirmation. "That would be pretty, I think."

Perhaps out of mercy for Ellana's nerves, Vivienne refrains from verifying if, and to what degree, she participated in that particular fashion. If anyone pays close attention to her accessories, they might find an interesting collection of snakeskin boots, belts, and yes even gloves in her possession. They are not so much in style at present, but for effect they are sometimes brought out. Privately she feels the near future might be an excellent time to wear one or two.

Far more pleasant is the dress planning, anyway. Vivienne nods at her companion. "Indeed, just so. It would flatter you immensely." She looks the elf over, giving particular attention to her coloration. "I'm thinking something in a soft russet. It might evoke a feeling of autumn but it would bring out the color of your eyes."

Ellana isn't used to being fussed over in such a way, at least not usually. When getting her dress for the soiree, the tailors mostly talked around her instead of to her, but they did plan an impressive dress that made her feel like some sort of woodland princess. But talk of her figure, coloration, and whatever else isn't something she often hears. At least it's positive talk? She takes a tendril of hair and runs her fingers through it, a bit bashful.

"What about... gray and blue? I thought Felix might like it."

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[OPEN] So Much Is At Stake

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