faderift | OPEN

WHO: Vivienne and YOU
WHAT: Madame de Fer is returned to the Inquisition and open to deliver opinions. About everything.
WHEN: End of Firstfall through the beginning of Haring. about a week
WHERE: Around Skyhold
NOTES: Vivienne is her own warning.

It's been a few weeks since Vivienne was last present with the main body of the Inquisition. There had been a matter of great importance to attend to in Val Royeaux. Alas, much as she'd quite prefer to stay by Bastien's side, especially now, she knows far too well that this is the place she needs to be. The Inquisition has the potential to shake Thedas to its very foundations and she is determined to be present when that dust settles. The loss of the Herald is a grave blow to the fledgling organization, but that merely spurs her on all the more determined to see this through to the bitter end. There will be time enough later for personal grief.

It doesn't take her long at all to lay claim to the balcony overlooking the main hall of the fortress. In short order, she's got herself a quaint sitting room set up with the best views available. There's quite a pile of books she's brought with her as well. Anyone who's curious or just observant will notice that when she's by herself, she seems quite engrossed in some manner of research, reading intently or taking notes. Those with the knowledge or true skills of perception will note that the books seem an esoteric collection of magical theory and alchemical discourses. Even while busy with this pet project of hers, she remains poised like a queen seated in state to permit a miniature court to be held with herself presiding. Naturally.

She does have other business to attend to. The leadership of the Inquisition must be made to see the importance of how the group presents itself. Certainly the quartermaster is doing his best to see everyone outfitted, but there's still new recruits who are little better than scruffy ragamuffins milling about. There is a need for funds to keep everyone fed and armed, and for that they must at least look like a respectable group, not like a gang of alienage starvlings looking for a handout. Yes, if one espies the Iron Lady marching across the fortress with a determined glint in her eye, it's to seek out those who matter and are in a position to correct this terrible atrocity of poor style.

Not everything is all lazy reading and fashion organization. Despite choosing fine silks with gems as her attire (finished off with creative hats) at all times, Vivienne doesn't neglect the very necessary attention needed to practice her Knight-Enchanter skills. There's no mistaking her for a mage, as she lobs ice at her chosen training dummy out in the courtyard. The surprising behavior is her sudden calling up a sword out of thin air, taking a melee-range method of attack mingled in with the magic. And yet somehow, despite this very real exertion, Vivienne somehow manages not to break a sweat. Maybe that's the chill of being high in the mountains, however.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A small tap came at the opening to the Enchanter's balcony parlor, heralding a diminutive elf wearing a shawl and carrying a basket. Trembling like a nervous fawn, Sina glanced over the imposing woman and gestured to the basket with her other hand.
"Herbs, for your research," she said faintly. Someone had asked that they be delivered upstairs, whether it was Vivienne herself or just a helpful soul who'd decided she needed a distraction.

For the most part, Vivienne has not the least bit of problem as coming across as intimidating. Putting a little fear into people is a good thing, as it helps her stay in control of her life. However, she's quite certain she's seen nugs with more courage than this timid little elf and there's a small part of Madame de Fer which feels perhaps the slightest bit guilty for being so frightening. A very small part.

The contribution of herbs for her alchemy research though, that is greatly appreciated. Vivienne beckons the girl closer, with a faint smile. "Thank you, darling, I appreciate you bringing them. Let's see what you've brought."

She holds out a hand to accept the basket. Vivienne means to inspect the contents for quality and quantities, but that is a practical concern to know what she has to work with.

Sina mutely complied, holding out the basket for Vivenne to sort through as she desired. She had met people from the Circles since arriving at Skyhold, but never anyone so highly ranked, with so much power. This was not a human to cross, that much was clear.

"These are wonderful, my dear. I do so appreciate you going to the trouble."

Once Vivienne has made a quick inventory of the basket's contents, she smiles at Sina and motions to one of her chairs. "Have a seat and relax a little, since you've gone to all this effort. Tell me, did you gather these yourself?" It's kindly put and fraught with genuine interest. Just because the Iron Lady manages to inventory people as she does herbs doesn't quite mean she's entirely without care for others.

The praise elicited a smile from the diminutive elf, and though Sina hesitated at the offer she did eventually cross over to perch on a bench. "I did," she said softly, "I... do my best to look after the gardens here."

With great care, Vivienne sets aside the basket, unwilling to jostle the precious contents until she can see them more suitably stored. "If this is an example of your work, I daresay you're performing marvelously." It's a rare person who can work with plants. Or more precisely, it's not a skill she herself possesses and finds it best to leave just physical labors to those who find it suits them. The Iron Lady enjoys her gardens at home, but doesn't have the slightest inkling what goes into tending them.

Onto other prying. Vivienne's attempting to keep track of the mages present in the Inquisition, their skills, their opinions. All of it helps her keep a firm grasp of all going on around her. "Now I understand you were a mage in your clan. Might I inquire what fields of study interested you?" Nevermind Dalish elf almost invariably means questionable apostate, it's important to find out if dabbling in blood magic is in her repertoire.

Sina beamed at the compliment, her confidence visibly growing until Vivienne changed the subject. She had feared this, having seen how the mages of the council fought amongst themselves and knowing she could never hope to be as eloquent as Pel or the other "apostates". She chose her words carefully.

"The... preservation of my people's traditions," she said mildly, lowering her head and glancing at Vivienne through her eyelashes. "I'm Keeper's First, and it is my duty to learn and continue the Old Ways."

OPEN

the balcony

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