[ CLOSED ] WAR TABLE: INVESTIGATE COMTESSE DE VELONEY

[comtessedevelony]

WHO: Herian, Anders, Issana, Velanna, Pam, Malcolm
WHAT: A series of disappearances in the Orlesian countryside has culminated in the vanishment of some of the Inquisition's own scouts. A team has been sent to investigate the estate of one Comtesse Eléonore Vaillant de Veloney.
WHEN: Over the span of 4 days in the 2nd week of Harvestmere.
WHERE: Estate of Comtesse Eléonore Vaillant de Veloney
NOTES: Trauma, gore, dark themes, homicide, pretentious wine usage, other things not labeled as to avoid spoilers.

Welcome to the Estate

It is a terrible misfortune, all these disappearances- but with a civil war on and all this strange Venatori and Red Templar activity- with the rifts in the countryside? People simply not appearing where they ought is a sad reality. Nothing to be done for it. That such an esteemed noblewoman has found herself unjustly accused simply due to her wealth and prosperity? Cannot stand. Comtesse de Veloney invited the Inquisition herself to investigate her manor and put the matter to rest- they are to be afforded all the cooperation and respect imaginable.

Even the mages. Even the elves.

They are met at the gate by a veritable delegation of footmen led by the Gardener and Tanner to see them inside and out of the stormy, dreary weather. Packs are secreted off to rooms (a lovely set of suites in the east wing if the Steward does say so herself), baths drawn (The Comtesse insists, it's been just dreadful and they've come all this way), and a lavish banquet prepared.

Comments

THE ARRIVAL

[comtessedevelony]

The Banquet

[comtessedevelony]

Dinner Is Served

While rain falls outside the opulent dining hall has been laid out with many sausages (for which the estate is quite famous) and roasts, stuffed hens and stews and curried lentils, spices from Tevinter and wine brought up by the somewhat tipsy but ever cheerful Butler. He pours the first round of glasses himself as the Valet directs serving girls with the Butcher's aide. All hands are, apparently, on deck for the evening's meal.

The Comtesse joins them swiftly, sitting at the head of the table, more than gracious in offering the choice bits of roast, sausage, fowl, and cuts of steak to her guests.

(ooc: Dinner is to be one long thread, pop in and out as you like. The Comtesse, Butler, and Cook, Scullery Maids, and Butcher may be questioned at any time during or after the meal, though the Comtesse will retire not long afterward.)

Anders, OTA

[justice_is_blond]

1. Forked.

"Why?" It's a quiet question as Anders sits down and stares in horror... at the forks. At the multiple forks for each person. There's an order, he's heard as much, but what sort of order he has no idea.

"No one has this many hands, no one needs several different forks." His voice is as low as possible; he doesn't want it to carry past their group. Yes, he's a farmboy. He doesn't want to look it.

2. General conversation

"The estate, what we saw of it during the storm, seems to be doing well. You've not been troubled over much here?" People are vanishing in this area. The Comtesse and her staff aren't being bothered? It's another sign that something's amiss.

The Suites

[comtessedevelony]

Sleep Well, Inquisition

The rooms are, as promised, quite lavish, very much in the current style of Orlesian luxury, each with a pull cord to summon assistance at any hour of the day. Care for a bath? Ring for it to be drawn. Want a meal? Ring for a serving girl to scurry your order off to the cook. Need a nightcap? Ring for the Butler and he'll be happy to find you a marvelous bottle of wine to sip as you relax in utmost privacy.

(ooc: to be used for any of the four days to rest, mingle, share notes, suspicions, etc. The Butler, Steward, and House Maids may be summoned at any time here for questioning. Please indicate the day and whom you wish to speak to in the subject header if you want to summon them.)

House Maids, first day

[circleprodigy]

As with the dining area, the luxury of the guest quarters is more than Inessa is accustomed to for multiple reasons. Though life in a tent can be tiring at times, she can't quite bring herself to relax in surroundings so lavish. After he'll knock over or break something, the Grey Warden has stern words with Garahel, who huffs but nonetheless restrains himself from his more enthusiastic moments, at least for now.

During down time, she can be found in her room, reading when Garahel is asleep or spoiling him if awake. Or, if spotting a light on below their door, Inessa will quietly knock and ask to enter theirs. Normally, she can keep to herself just fine, but in this instance, it seems best to compare impressions.

She's a little more hesitant about contacting the staff, not wanting to bother them, but overcomes that to request towels from the house maids. Garahel needs a good rub-down thanks to the storm, and Inessa won't have her mabari dripping all over the place.

Butler, first night

[justice_is_blond]

This is ridiculous. The luxury, the comfort, he doesn't even know how to take it. Purrelden seems to think the answer to it is attempting to climb the curtains, which unfortunately means Anders is spending a lot of time urging the kitten down. When she's finally settled down and fallen asleep on a far-too-soft pillow, Anders decides he might as well ring the bell to ask for a drink... and also to thank the butler for his help earlier.

Night 1 - Note Sharing - Velanna's Room

[tactical_alert]

Somehow, through a comedy of errors not detailed here, Velanna's room somehow ended up filled with Inquisition members filtering in to lay out what they've found out so far, agreeing that for safety's sake, each night should meet in a different room. Something is amiss in this wacky estate, though whether it actually has to do with the missing Inquisition members is...still in question.

(ooc: Please reply to this with a list of major points each character would share/let the group at large know, for the sake of expediency and figuring out who knows what. Clarifications and some playing can be done below those, if desired.)

Night three, Pink Panther Re-enactment with Narcisse and then Mal and Inessa

[justice_is_blond]

It's time, he's decided. He's talked to some people, it's time to see what's down in the cellar, find the source of the lye, see if there's a lie involved, and so on. Anders rings for Narcisse.

Ophelia, second day?

[circleprodigy]

Thanks to Margret, Inessa now knows who she wants to speak with next. When it's time for her morning tea, she will specifically request Ophelia in hopes that they can have a private moment alone. Garahel doesn't count for that, though he'll be happy to make a new friend.

Night 2 note sharing - Anders' room

[justice_is_blond]

Anyone familiar with Anders' name, which is likely anyone save the very, very drunk Narcisse, would not expect the group to gather in Anders' room that night and likely wouldn't be planning on it or prepared for it. This is what he pitches as to why anyone who wants to share info should gather there, and it seems to work.

Or maybe no one feels like arguing. He'll take it, whatever the reason is.

[ooc: LOOK I AM A COPYCAT but mostly because Shawna already did this perfectly for the first night so - Please reply to this with a list of major points each character would share/let the group at large know, for the sake of expediency and figuring out who knows what. Clarifications and some playing can be done below those, if desired.]

Night 3, Ophelia's room? (Inessa and whoever else)

[circleprodigy]

Inessa is unusually impatient, more than ready to see this through and prevent Ophelia from going to a fate not of her own choosing. They've searched around and seen enough. This has to end now, while it's (hopefully) not known how much the Inquisition's agents have learned.

Garahel has strict instructions tonight. He is to remain at Ophelia's side and protect her when danger surfaces. The servant will need all the protection she can get, and Inessa can hold her own, at least short-term. That isn't to say she hasn't requested backup, so whichever other agents are available, she'll welcome their aid.

Before dusk, they linger around Ophelia's room unless the servant has told them of another typical pick-up point. In there are any last-minute changes or suggestions, now's the time. Otherwise, they wait and see who comes.

THE ESTATE

[comtessedevelony]

(ooc: to be used for any of the four days to explore, question, and otherwise investigate. All of the Estate Staff, House, and Scullery Maids are available for questioning in their respective locations, please indicate the day and location in the subject header.)

The House

[comtessedevelony]

Such a lovely Home

Once the storm has settled and the sun streams in through the windows, it is easy to see how well kept the Estate is. The building itself is old Orlesian- opulent, well furnished, many rooms and halls and alcoves filled with art and sculpture. Now and then there are odd weapon stands- asides from the Estate Staff make mention of the former Comte and his fondness for exotic or ancient weaponry. A few notable Dalish items are among the number in what used to be his Study, polished and dusted with care among the shelves of books no one reads any longer. If asked for a tour The Steward will happily comply, walking from room to room, citing history of any particular artifacts or paintings available.

Now and then the Butler can be found wandering about with a bottle tucked under his arm, offering a sip of this or that, taking requests, offering over a little (harmless) gossip. The Cook and Scullery Maids keep to the kitchens and dining room- but are more than happy to prepare any dish requested. Coming in late at night might earn a fortune told- if they ask politely. After meals the old cook and maids pass around a pipe and bottle of something or other, telling tales, swapping secrets.

The Valet isn't often seen outside of The Comtesse's Company- either just outside her private chambers, sitting near her in the library, or nervously doing needlepoint in her rare moments alone near one of the large windows in the rarely used salon in the West Wing.

Study/Kitchens

[circleprodigy]

Naturally, Inessa is drawn to the study, inspecting both books and notable items, Dalish or otherwise. She takes her time, not in any rush nor interested in skipping over details. Thorough is always better, in her mind.

Late at night, a bout of insomnia finds Inessa entering the kitchens, an apologetic smile on her lips and a soft-spoke, polite request for tea. She's hoping that her clearly non-noble status will give her a little more leeway and the chance to learn more about the estate and the people within. Garahel is not brought with her this time, as this isn't Ferelden and his presence might do more harm than good. That said, a snack will be requested for him as well.

The Valet in the Salon with the Needlepoint

[anacardiaceae]

Pamelia is wandering, and feels...well. This place is incredible, and she's a little in awe with a feeling of don't get too comfortable following just after it. There are humans here, and elven servants, and everyone is happy and polite and smiling. A bright distinction from Crestwood, for certain.

There is always, she's learned, a bit of a catch.

Maybe the catch is something simple. Rich Orlesians get up to all sorts of nonsense.

When she comes into the salon she sees the Valet frustratedly picking out threads from her needlework. "Oh! I've never been able to do that sort of thing," she offers with a smile. "You must be more patient than I."

comtesse in the library

[dashing]

Despite herself, and despite the serious air that more than like befits all missions, Herian cannot help but smile a little as she enters the library. It sparks a rare moment of fierce nostalgia, as she moves toward the shelves and reaches out to the books, tempted to run her fingers along the spines. They are such a tactile thing; texture of cover and page under fingers, the scent of ink, and weight of them and the sound of paper scraping over paper with the turning of each page. Herian stills just short of touching the volumes, but closes her eyes and breathes in the smell of paper and leather, of dust and wood. It is like being home, in the Spire, for just a brief moment.

day 1, steward, blah blah touring

[tactical_alert]

They are given the run of the estate, and while Malcolm is glad for such a grand gesture, such supposed openness, he doesn't trust it--can't afford to trust it. Still, as it is, he wants to get the lay of the opulent mansion. He'll skulk around himself later, but he'll take the Steward up on an offer of a tour. It'll get him a basic layout without being rude, and it'll get him a little history and information out of it. Properly dried off and fed, Milady the poodle accompanies him, quiet, alert, glued to his side to be as out of the way as possible.

He does ask a few clarifying questions now and then, and, alone with the Steward, will definitely take the opportunity to ask her a few more questions...not regarding the history of the house.

"I can always appreciate a man with an interest in weaponry," he says of the weapon stands littered around their path. "He clearly cared about them, or at least cared to show them off. How long, may I ask, has it been since the Comte passed on?"

Study

[failedfirst]

Velanna initially enters the Study to look around for anything peculiar or any papers left out that were missed. She is however drawn to the Dalish items. She knows there are many humans who collect such things. It makes her nauseous to think of them being here, pieces of elven history, held by a human noble. If she were a little more impulsive she might try to appropriate the items.

As it is she just spends some time curiously looking at them, adding sketches of them to her notebook. If someone happens by, and the upset from seeing Dalish items on display has passed, she'll inquire as to how they came to be here and if there's any known history attached. It might not be relevant to their investigation, but it's relevant to her personally.

Day 2, the Valet outside the chambers with the needles yes everything must be Clue now

[tactical_alert]

The Steward had mentioned that for information on the Comtesse's earlier life, one might ask the Valet. And while he could ask the lady of the house herself, it might be prudent to get the insight of someone else first. She's not the easiest person to find, and yet, somehow...there she is. From the tour, he knows the door to be de Velony's private chambers, and he dare not interrupt a lady while inside unless it was urgent. But the Valet is a different story.

"Lady Clara?" he ventures with a very shallow but very polite bow. Milady lingers several paces behind, occasionally sniffing at the air or turning her head toward a sound but otherwise - there. "The valet, as I understand it? I do hope I'm not disturbing your work." Not that it would matter terribly much if he was. "If you've a moment, I'd like to speak with you."

The Garden

[comtessedevelony]

How do your Flowers Grow?

Lush and remarkable for the vibrancy of it's blossoms, in the light of day it is like any other garden. A small hedge maze, rows upon rows of flowering bushes, climbing ivy and roses, a few fruit bearing trees next to the kitchens- even a small patch of ground dedicated to grapes both The Gardener and The Butler baby incessantly. The Tanner can be found in the shade of the bushes on one of the low, stone chaises, drinking. In the evening the Perfumer can be found selecting particularly pleasing blossoms for his next batch. The Butcher moves bones from the Smokehouse & Slaughterhouse to a shack in the far back early each morning.

The Tannery & Perfumery

[comtessedevelony]

Sour moods Smell Sweet

Adjacent buildings with very different purposes, the Tanner and Perfumer are often seen arguing behind one of their buildings- usually about off cuts of leather ending up near storage vats of valuable fat- or floral and herb stems ending up near the sealed bins of tanning liquid. Both buildings are locked up at night and neither have any assistants for their work, preferring solitude. There are, of course, rumors of some manner of romantic involvement hidden under the arguments- though one of the House Maids will let slip that she'd seen the Tanner go after the Perfumer with a knife at least once before.

The Smoke & Slaughterhouse

[comtessedevelony]

How the Sausage gets Made

Here the stoic Butcher holds court, away from the cook and her maids, the Gardener and his flowers, even the other Estate Staff and their loyalties and arguments. No one here but the pigs and chickens and goats that make up the meals of the Estate's fine dinners- for the duration of the Inquisition Agent's stay only the best is to be served for every meal. More work for her- and her complaints are well remarked upon. Unappreciated, she is, or so some might say. Jealous of the Cook's cushy position when it's her hard work that make the meals go smooth. The bone pit between the houses is cleared out early each morning by the Butcher- both buildings locked up tight whenever she's away, guarded sternly when she's present. Though she can, on occasion, be lured away by the Tanner to share a bottle of wine in the garden.

THE VERDICT

[comtessedevelony]

What is to be done?

Culprits apprehended (or slain), survivors gathered, mended, ledger of slaughtered persons gathered- it comes to this. Bringing everything from the depths up to the Comtesse' salon where Roland waits at her shoulder with daggers on his belt, Ignatia at her right hand, fingers laced with Eléonore's in a show of comfort.

The scullery and house maids are absent, minded in a separate room by Valery. Edgar hovers at the door to make certain none try to slip in and hear anything- even if he himself would rather not be present. Narcisse- as a witness, still drenched in sweat and bottled blood and horribly, terribly sober for the first time in years sits off to the side, awaiting instruction from the Inquisition Agents.

It is to be had out, now. The truth. What ought to be done.

Le Inquisition du Loupe, enjoy my fake French - Velanna and Anders

[justice_is_blond]

[Seeing as his work with Malcolm as good guardsman, bad guardsman had gone so well, it had only seemed natural to try it again. It was even more natural to work with Velanna this time around. The only real question had been how to split the suspects so they couldn't compare stories or build each other up. In the end, it came down to selfishness. Narcisse had been key in saving Anders' life, therefore Anders didn't want to interrogate the woman Narcisse loved. It just didn't seem right.

So here he is, with Loupe tied to a chair, leaning against the wall and staring at Loupe with something that's on the friendly side, waiting for the man to come to after Velanna's sleep spell.]

Good morning. How are you feeling? I'm a healer, if the answer includes pain.

Interrogation of the Butcher

[tactical_alert]

It's not hard for Malcolm to slide back into the routine he'd pulled with Anders, mostly because he is angry, and he does want answers, and he will get them one way or another. To have someone with him to even things out might be nice--though he doubts that Gabriella the Butcher is going to truly respond to such an act.

He's since put something across his cut, had a quick cold wash, washed Milady, put on a new shirt, and had coffee. Despite the chaos and being up all night long, he looks fresh. And angry, he also looks angry. And honestly hasn't had anything to eat, either, pushing aside the revelation of what they all must have at some point consumed.

His arms are crossed, his dagger close at hand just in case. Barely lets her get both eyes open before launching into it with his clipped, tight words hissed out. "Who else is working with you?"