[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

[arlathvhen]

"I understand, most Dalish aren't warriors. It's not very easy to try to chase a deer with a giant sword." For the Dalish, it's necessary to both be able to defend yourself, and be able to go out and hunt down food. That means being able to move more quickly than a warrior can. She laughs, though, at Araceli's next words. "Creators, Taas is a sweetheart of a man, but--no. I don't blame you, I've seen him fight. I wouldn't fight him if I had any choice in the matter." Fighting massive berserkers who could lift you with one hand? Absolutely not.

Her next words continue the laughter, and Beleth just shakes her head, shoulders shaking helplessly. "That would certainly net me some prospective matches with the Dalish. I wonder if Alistair likes bears? Or bogfishers? Maybe I should give it a shot." Not really. But that does give her an idea. "Surely humans have something similar. Maybe Fereldans specifically? But he already has a dog, I can't give him another." What else do Fereldans like? Beating up Orlesians???

She listens to Araceli's gentle chiding, nodding along but not commenting. There's little she can say, she knows Araceli is right. It's a work in progress, trying to be optimistic about this, trying to put her hope in something going right, when she knows how much failure will hurt. The failure will hurt less if she expects it--but expecting it will make it more likely. It's a hard line to balance on.

Araceli's explanation as to her love life doesn't draw a comment at first, either--mostly because Beleth is too busy staring at her, eyes wide. Multiple partners, with open relationships--? It certainly wasn't what she was custom to, but she quickly gets over it, clearing her throat and nodding again. It also confirms in her mind that Araceli would never truly understand what it was like, for Beleth. When you can have as many partners as you please, how could you understand what it was like to never have anyone return your feelings?

The fish pun does earn a giggle, though. "See, I knew you were popular. If it were more common in Thedas, I'm sure you could have plenty of people here, too." Now that would be something to see.