[OPEN] So Much Is At Stake

[madame_de_fer]

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.

Comments

Val Royeaux Shopping Mingle

[madame_de_fer]

((Feel free to tag around in this space. Or gripe about why Vivienne dragged your character out to shop. Or admire the views. Have fun!))

That one shop....

[gatheringstorm]

"So, you sell one very expensive item? And that's it?" Korrin looks from the mystery box to the smug owner of said box, incredulous. Who owns a store with just one item?

The proprieter sniffs and crosses his arms. "The item is irrelevant. The price is worth it."

"But what the hell is it?" Because really, why would anyone sink ten thousand gold into something without knowing what it is?

"If you have to ask, you are not the one to buy it."

Increasingly annoyed with the man's attitude, Korrin crosses her arms in turn and glares down at him. "How do you keep a shop open with only one item? What kind of sense does that make?"

"My 'shop' is a destination. Luminaries of every description journey here to see what is denied them--"

"Except they can't see it, because it's in a fucking box." Korrin narrows her eyes at the pompous twit. Fucking Orlesians....

[madame_de_fer]

Now Vivienne understands the rules of engagement when it comes to this shop and the box contained within. The point isn't to buy the item, or even know what the item is. One is meant to be seen here, considering the purchase. Would it look better in the music room or the day parlor at the chateau? One comes in, considers, is seen in the shop as a potential customer, giving an airy promise to return once just the correct spot is found, and generate more interest from everyone else. It's a Game. Can you convince your fellow snob that you are going to claim something before they can?

The problem is, Korrin does not understand how this should work. And her grouchy tone is not at all helping with the appearances they should be generating in feigned but uncommitted interest. Vivienne would explain to her how this should work, but inside the shop is certainly not the place for it. So she intercedes with a more appropriate response.

"Now, darling, I don't need to look inside. Although I do wonder, would it look better on display in the library or should I have it installed in my suite at the palace?" She glances at Korrin as if they are both fabulously wealthy and she is in great need of decorating advice. Essentially ignoring the out of step questioning of earlier. "What do you think, my dear?"

[foxsays]

Araceli knows rich people. Araceli knows rich people both from sneaking into their houses to steal from them (and to sleep with their daughters or sometimes their wives) and then from mingling with them as a guard, and she definitely knows this attitude. Perhaps she should have intervened a little earlier but after having to deal with so many Orlesians up close and personal, she deserves a little entertainment.

"Sirena!" Bursting in with a touch of scolding in her tone, she swings up on her toes to kiss Korrin's cheek, all smiles and windswept curls tossed over her shoulders, she turns her attention to the proprietor, then to the box, crouching down to get a look at it. "Where is your sense of intrigue, Korrin Ataash?"

"Thank you my-" The man attempts to speak, seemingly relieved by his supposed rescuer but Araceli talks over the top of him, and her next words have his neck flushing crimson, the mask fortunately covering his face.

"Wasn't it worth it after the soiree when you got to peel me very slowly out of my dress into just the corset? Perhaps it is like that, no?"

Oh dear, he's too scandalised to speak in the face of these alarming bisexuals in his shop, Maker have mercy.

[serannas]

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.

[madame_de_fer]

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.

ota;

[foxsays]

A chance to go to Val Royeaux at long last isn't a chance Araceli intends to turn down, and since Korrin's going anyway, and they've discussed it for months? Well she makes arrangements for Lux (because no, she doesn't trust Orlesians that much) and tags along, dressed in her guards uniform she arrived in.

It isn't home (and she prefers Antiva, and if asked will say in no uncertain terms that she prefers Antiva) but this is where bards began and since she's training to become one, it feels right to finally set foot in Orlais, and she wanders around slowly to take it all in. Of course she has to stop to try the food and drink here, to see if they've got a decent grasp of how you're supposed to cook and if maybe Orlais knows what spices are - perhaps it's just poor sad Ferelden that runs screaming from anything stronger than salt.

But she has a list in hand that involves visiting a seamstress, jewellers, bookshops, and seeking out whoever happens to make the best sort of corsets for a girl actually blessed with a bust rather than having to rely on the corset to make her bust for her. After all, she's going to be off to Rivain before the month is out, she'll need things for the trip, and to make the night before she goes memorable for one Korrin Ataash.

[serannas]

Since she's in way over her head here, Ellana quickly moves to Araceli's side, noting the list in her hand.

"Would it be all right if I walk with you awhile?" she asks, her nervousness apparent. "I'm not sure how I'm supposed to act in a place like this. I feel no matter what I do, it will be wrong, but you're always so confident. Maybe it will rub off on me."

Pel Ashara

[mythalenaste]

Pel came initially to drop off copies of her book to the bookseller, who gave her the look he might have given a dog trying to imitate human speech and turned her away. This was Val Royeaux, not a novelty shop in a backwater Marcher village. He ran a respectable establishment, he said as he shelved the new issue of The Randy Dowager.

She exits the shop with all of the copies of her books and sits down for a minute of forlorn contemplation before shouldering her burden and heading into a clothes shop. She is immediately turned away. Nobody decent wants to be seen buying clothes from a shop that sells to rabbits.

Ultimately, she tucks herself away in the café and nibbles a frosted cake.

[foxsays]

So far Val Royeaux has passed in a blur for Araceli, slipping out of a seamstresses across the street from the cafe with a glance about for Korrin; stealing her measurements from the tailors visiting for the soiree at Skyhold means the Korrin doesn't have to deal with the hassle and rude comments, and that Araceli gets to surprise her whenever the garments make their way to Skyhold. With a few of her own purchases tucked her arm, she spots Pel, setting her things down as she asks for brandy, not wine; her shard hand is the one carrying her goods so right now? Well she's just another Antivan with too much Rivaini, they're such odd creatures, especially the girls.

"Hola Pel" She greets as she finally drops into a seat, shaking out her curls as she gets a proper look at Pel because Araceli's been in Thedas long enough now to know how elves are treated, and five minutes in Val Royeaux is only a reminder of the soiree but worse. Being the common girl around nobles can be very much the same. "Do you want a drink? It's my treat."

[madame_de_fer]

There are some things that manage to irritate Vivienne more than others. Typically she never lets on to what those are unless there is a reason to do so. But not always.

Pel is among her guests for this trip and whatever the Orlesian opinion on elves, and the Dalish in particular, the woman should be accorded a modicum of respect as such if for no other reason. That and it's terribly poor form of the bookseller to shoo her away without any consideration whatsoever. Not a wise way to play the Game. At all.

Vivienne swoops in all smiles and grace, beaming down at Pel in such a way to put the bookseller on notice that the elf is not friendless, and that he's quite possibly made an enemy of the Iron Lady.

"Ah darling, there you are." She peers at the stack of books, knowing exactly what they are and who penned them, but using them to goad the merchant anyway. "Did Varric send you all this way to do his heavy lifting? I told him this was to be a vacation."

At least two heads swivel in their direction at the mention of Varric. Seems there are fans in the local crowd.

ota!!

[arlathvhen]

Val Royeaux is a city like no other, something that any Orlesian would be all too willing to smugly tell you. It's certainly like none of the cities that Beleth has ever been to before, and she's a little starstruck. There are some worries involving getting lost in a city this size, but Beleth is a Hunter, and she's good at picking out landmarks and remembering them. It was far harder in the forest, at least.

But there's no gripping from her, she had been quite excited to come. And even if it's far different than the world that Beleth is used to, it's a taste of a world that she has signed herself up for, when she went to apprentice herself to Leliana. It's a world that she has to master, so she can serve as a bridge between it, and the Dalish.

The first stop is for clothing, and proper courtly underthings. Including corsets, an item that Beleth would have assumed was some form of torture, had she not been made aware of them previously. The assistants are trying, very diligently, to add a little more shape to Beleth's lean frame, with little success. She handles the fussing with thinning patience, and thinning breaths.

The second stop is much more pleasant. It was easy to locate the pastry shop--you simply need to follow your nose. And Beleth was delighted to discover that the owner was a kind enough sort, if somewhat...naively racist. But all Beleth had to do was bat her eyelashes and look up at the woman with big eyes and exclaim that she had no idea any of this had even existed...!!

She leaves the pastry shop a few minutes later with a bag of various samples. Creators bless.

[eolasemah]

Sina has been pretty much hyperventilating ever since they first saw the city from afar-- she's seen Kirkwall and Starkhaven from a distance, but neither of them were so grand as this. As dubious as she is of humans and their endeavors, even she can't deny that Val Royeaux is beautiful.

Beleth is something of a security blanket for her, and she tags along with her friend to the corset fittings and the odd shiny clothing and the fancy pastries, none of which fully makes sense to her, but all of which she finds fascinating. All the while, Sina looks charmingly provincial in her long tunics, fur pauldrons and leather wraps, and draws more than one curious Orlesian eye as she makes her way through the streets. She speaks very little, but nearly has a conniption when they find a bookshop, which she hurries into.

About half an hour later, she emerges, crestfallen, after a long and extremely confusing conversation about how money works and you have to buy things, it's not like the library, you can't just walk off with books or barter with something useful. Her world is shaken.

balcony

[apostafuckyou]

Well, an invitation to tea was, somehow, the strangest thing that had happened to him since joining the Inquisition. He'd arrived a few weeks ago and promptly begun delivering lessons to mage children. He'd joined the council not long after that and claimed an errant broom closet for a laboratory.

He wasn't sure how to think of Madame de Fer, nor was he sure what she must think of him. Despite being for the circle and unabashedly so, he bucked tradition in a few other ways. He preferred roughspun shirt and pants to robes, and instead of being all serious and cautious about magic, he could be seen in the courtyard sometimes, attempting to make carved wooden dragons fly. Being a hick from the glorified road stop that was Crestwood, he wasn't sure what, other than magic, he and Vivienne could possibly have in common.

She was important, though, and he wasn't getting the sense that her invitations were optional. So he was there at the appointed time, not exactly dressed fancy but at least clean and free of food stains. His body had finally gotten the picture, and he was starting to gain some muscle back as he came back from eight months of poor nutrition. He'd never rebelled, he was just a grouchy old man who'd decided to hole up in a hut instead of doing anything useful. He knocked on the doorjam as he stepped through the door, and gave a respectful nod when Vivienne looked at him. "Hello."

[madame_de_fer]

"Ah there you are, my dear. I'm so pleased you could join me. Do come in and make yourself comfortable."

Vivienne is all warm smiles and graciousness with her newest guest. He hasn't shown up in some detestable plaidweave, and thank the Maker, he seems adequately bathed. Everything else is just a little time and polish which can come as opportunity allows. Almost no one gets away from her without at the very least a reference to a quality tailor.

What she does know of him so far, she approves of. He's from a Circle and was not numbered among the rebels. That puts him several steps ahead of the majority of the mages present in Skyhold. Her intention is to gradually lead them all to the path of sensibility and order, but to do so requires allies with clear heads and agreeable personalities.

She sinks down onto her couch, reclining comfortably while waiting for Raylan to take a chair. "I've so been looking forward to getting to know you better."

Balcony

[judgemewhole]

The message sent to the Iron Lady is written in a well-versed and educated hand that she knows well, and the book that is sent along is a tome she had been waiting to receive, along with some other important magical pieces.

The note read:

Congratulations, Madame Liasion. I thought you might want to start your term with some items rescued from some of the Circles.

Yours faithfully,

Knight-Commander J.L. Norrington

[madame_de_fer]

Upon receipt of both the gift and the note, Vivienne takes a moment to collect herself. She's truly moved that James has been so thoughtful to rescue items stolen from the Circles. Her hand lightly traces the binding of the tome, and she finds herself relieved to see it whole and unblemished, as so much else has turned up.

A note is sent back in her elegant script:

My dear James,

I cannot thank you enough for the service you have done for myself and the Circle. Do allow me to extend you an invitation to dine with me tonight and express my gratitude in person.

Yours,
Vivienne

Rarely does she commit anything to writing, much less signed with her name. It is a precaution against a fatal move in the Game. This note, however, comes with full confidence that it will not now, or in the future, be used as any variety of ammunition.

Balcony

[stabsbooks]

For all that has changed in Skyhold since the Herald's death and the arrival of the Rifters, some things are still the same. Vivienne's presence on the balcony is a constant, even as the keep grows more and more crowded and the responsibilities of the Inner Circle grow.

It makes it easy for Cassandra to find her now.

"Vivienne!"

She storms up the stairs and onto the balcony, full of righteous fury, not caring who hears or what she might be interrupting. She advances on the mage, and for once neither Vivienne's reputation nor her iciest looks have a hope of stopping her.

"You. You are behind this, aren't you? Even after the ball. Even after I told you I had no interest in him. And now we are to go to his estate?"

Duke Pelletier had spent the entire evening at the ball watching Cassandra greedily, without once mustering up the courage to actually speak to her. It had been easy enough to avoid him, but that had been for a single night. And the teasing from her supposed friends and allies had not helped.

But this - to spend what may be months in such close quarters, unable to escape, trapped by the ridiculous rules and requirements of the Game...She shakes her head, her expression pained.

"I cannot believe this! The Inquisition will be indebted to him - " And he will try to collect, oh, of that she is sure. Her expression darkens, brows drawing down as she points a threatening finger at Vivienne. "If you think for one moment that I will be convinced to give him anything - "

[madame_de_fer]

For all the storm and bluster headed at her, Vivienne is remarkably calm and utterly nonplussed. In fact, she only just looks up from where she's sitting at her desk writing a letter, with perfect posture. Despite the verbal barrage, she takes the time to complete the remainder of her sentence, signs her name with a flourish, and sands the parchment to speed the drying. She couldn't possibly look more at ease if she tried.

Only once her letter is satisfactory does she stand to greet the fuming Cassandra. Warmly with a faint smile and a look that might be read as feigned innocence. The Iron Lady did in fact hear everything and is quite enjoying the spectacle exploding in front of her. It does so make for an entertaining change from the ordinary.

"Darling, you seem terribly distressed. Perhaps you ought take a seat until you've quite recovered yourself." Vivienne chooses, however, to remain standing for the time being, so that she has the advantage of height over the Seeker, should she require it.

The entire objection lodged is temporarily derailed by Vivienne requesting confirmation of facts. They'll come around later to the brilliant stroke she's accomplished in her correspondence with the little Duke. "Has Duke Hugues agreed to permit an encampment, then? I know he was so very eager to serve Andraste in whatever way her could. I think it's precious how devoted to the faith he is at such a young age and with so much responsibility on his shoulders."

Notice, she is not denying she potentially had a hand in their intended destination.

Balcony

[fledglingenchanter]

Sadira had heard of Madame De Fer spoken in everything from hushed whispers and reverent tones to snide contempt and disdain-- depending on which person she'd been talking to at the time. For awhile now the younger mage had been building up her courage to approach the renowned, First Enchanter for tea after the surprising invitation. Unfortunately, she'd been called away to do an errand, which had taken her away from Skyhold for a short time. However, now that she was back, she was determined to introduce herself and show her support for Circle mages. Sadira was after all desperate for a place to belong. While the people of the Inquisition had been accommodating, she still felt at odds with the greater majority of them if only because she remained unsure of herself. In the end, her little escapade away from Skyhold had done nothing to make her feel more welcome as her return had made her feel no less uneasy.

However, now that she'd plucked up enough courage to actually approach Vivienne's balcony, she was at a loss for what to say. So instead of speaking, she just stood there like a bump on a log holding her invitation almost like a shield until she finally found her tongue enough to mumble out a slightly awkward greeting.

"First Enchanter de Fer, it's an honorable pleasure to meet you."

[madame_de_fer]

On Sadira's arrival, Vivienne is carefully draped on her chaise lounge, casually reading a letter in a scrawling hand. A tiny peek at the script will reveal it is little more than a gossip rag from some wealthy woman in Val Royeaux with more news to share than sense in the telling. Nothing even useful in the Game, really. Pity.

She looks up from the letter and a warm and inviting smile fills her face. "Ah my dear, it is such a delight to see you." Rest assured, the greeting is charming but Vivienne is taking in every detail from the mumbling to the way Sadira is holding her invitation like a shield against being eaten by the Iron Lady. All things she files away for later if she ever needs them. "Do come and make yourself comfortable. I've been so looking forward to your visit."

balcony;

[foxsays]

Having spoken to Adelaide extensively if by chance, as well making plans to speak with Benevenuta, Vivienne remains the one member of the Mage Council Araceli hasn't spoken with at all; a conversation in passing at a seamstress pales in comparison to a lesson with Benevenuta, her friendly acquaintance with Adelaide, and of course her friendship with Ellana. Her relationship with Korrin speaks for itself.

She leaves the letter herself when Vivienne is away though not a soul can attest to having seen her making her way up - indeed, when did Araceli Bonaventura last set foot in the main hall outside the soiree? - but there it sits with a bottle of good rum on a table, written in an elegant hand.

Madame Vivienne,

Allow me to offer my congratulations on your position, I am certain that this can only be a great thing for the Mage Council and their cause. Please allow me to introduce myself properly; I am Araceli Bonaventura, and I had hoped that I might steal a moment of your time at your convenience. You will know Korrin Ataash, and she is of course dear to my heart, and thus her work with the council matters a great deal to me however there is much I still wish to learn of mages in order to support her better, and who better to learn it from than a woman such as yourself?

Please enjoy the gift, rum is customary among my people as seafarers where the water never keeps, it is water of life and so to give rum is to give life and health.

Yours,
Araceli Bonaventura

[madame_de_fer]

The gift is received with a mixture of curiosity, amusement, cynicism, and healthy wariness. Vivienne never stops playing the Game and sees all people and all their actions as movements, whether they mean them to be or not. The polish of the letter, the flattery, the request for a meeting, the careful mention of Korrin all speak of one attempting to make their first moves in the Grand Game.

In all honesty, the Iron Lady cannot help but presume that Korrin has at the very least persuaded this woman with her very biased (and ignorant bias at that) opinion on Circles and mages. Thus she quite questions every bit of the true motivation at the heart of this little gift.

Still. A gift has been given and a pretty note with it. It behooves her to send along a gracious thank you note and the requested invitation for some of her time. It hurts her nothing to be both grateful and curious about this new player. The rum is carefully stowed with her little collection of fine wines she's rationing as the months roll by. The letter is also carefully stored and placed somewhere secure. Just in case.

Vivienne sends along a messenger to deliver two separate envelopes. Both are perfumed very lightly and written in Madame de Fer's recognizable handwriting. The first is a very lovely thank you note conveying gratitude both for the gift and the sentiment behind it. The second is a formal invitation to join her for tea in the afternoon three days hence. Tidy, properly executed, and exceptionally careful not to tie the two together in writing.

balcony.

[elegiaque]

A few short months ago, a private invitation from Madame de Fer would have given her both fits of anxiety and something rather exciting to write home about, starstruck and fascinated. A few short months ago, though, Gwenaëlle was less well acquainted with Morrigan - her offhand asides on this very subject have somewhat dulled the mystique, and it's a more thoughtful young woman who ascends the stairs. Still cautious; Vivienne is the Game in a way that she's long since ceased to even aspire to, Vivienne is dangerous and she'd be stupid not to take that seriously.

A little less larger than life, though. A woman.

She can sit down to tea with a woman, she thinks, preparing to fall back into familiar patterns; to make use of her own shortcomings and protect herself with them. Look at her and see what she wants to be seen as, and not look closer -

"Madame," she greets, politely, taking a seat opposite for herself and arranging her skirts neatly; sleeker and darker than the fashionable set of Orlais these days, but it suits her, too well-made and cannibalizing for itself too much from current style for it to simply be out of vogue, no, she has decided to dress this way for her own preference. "Thank you for the invitation."

[madame_de_fer]

"Of course, darling! I'm so very pleased you could join me." Vivienne's response to Gwenaëlle is far from fully falsely pleased. It's something of a relief to have someone of gentle breeding present. Even if the young lady in question is a touch headstrong. It's a quality trait for an Orlesian heiress. It makes for a delightful break from the mundane, if nothing else. Besides, the Iron Lady has an interest on two fronts: Gwenaëlle's shard and her father's blatant attempt to seduce Vivienne before. Charming man. Not quite that charming.

Today she's wearing a curves-skimming outfit of royale sea silk threaded with silver and a horned hat made from what is unmistakable dragon scales. Vivienne means to appear both refined and elegant, while maintaining herself as a force to be reckoned with. Even against dragons. She finds it helps to keep herself firmly in control of her own life by controlling how she projects to others. Naturally she rises from where she's been reclining with a book that she's not actually reading, to give the Vauquellin heiress a fully proper greeting. Her heeled boots add a good four inches to her height and yet there's not so much as a hint of a wobble from them.

"Do come and make yourself comfortable, my dear. I feel we've so very much to discuss." Starting with the shard and ending with Emeric.