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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((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!))

"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....

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.

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."

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

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?"

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.

"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."

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.

To Korrin's pragmatic, 'nothing goes to waste' mind ingrained by years of mercenary livng, such excess just for the same of it is incomprehensible. And that's just in terms of Orlesian nonsense she can see; to not know what you're buy, to just be here to...what, impress other people? If this is part of the Game, it's an excessively stupid part, and her expression says as much. Sorry, Vivienne, she's not buying it.

"Nah, put it in the main hall. It can be flanked by those huge, gold qunari statues. That way, whenever anyone approaches they'll also have some eye candy." Because whatever it is, she doesn't trust it to be anything other than gaudy as shit. The shop-keeper, momentarily appeased by Vivienne's attitude, sniffs disdainfully at Korrin's sarcastic idea.

Raylan came into her little area and sat in one of the chairs -- surprisingly comfortable. He stayed forward in his seat, arms loosely perched on his knees. He certainly had a clear head, although an agreeable personality was a little more debatable.

"I don't really know what to say, ma'am," he said. He could at least be polite. She hadn't given him any reason for him to stop being polite, anyway. "There seem to be a lot of mages here, I didn't think you even knew who I was."

There was a kind of low-grade...something, happening. Something a little like intimidation, but not. Vivienne was highborn and powerful and a beautiful woman, to boot. Raylan didn't know how he was supposed to talk to highborn beautiful women. There'd been a few in Kinloch Hold, but he'd avoided them.

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."

James receives the note just as he is finishing up with his paperwork, gathering it up. The note brings a touched smile to his face - Vivienne never sends notes when she can simply have the messenger offer the invitation out-loud. So he is quick to reply, after tucking the message safely into his pocket for safe keeping. He can lock it into his room later.

Dearest Madame Vivienne,

I would be delighted. I do have a young puppy to see to before I join you, however, so please accept my apologies if I am slightly tardy.

Sincerely,
James

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 - "

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.

Gaudy and excessive is the mode of style in Orlais. It cannot be helped. Everything is a show from ridiculous statuary in a breakfast room to the masks the owners wear with jewels and feathers and whatever insane adornments are the fashion that particular week. C'est la vie.

Vivienne is equally inclined to sniff at the sarcasm because clearly putting the item between two statues of that magnitude would diminish the display. She refrains, however, only because Korrin has mercifully caught on to the game being played, at least in part. Also because the merchant is watching them with unveiled interest and a flick of greed in his beady little eyes.

She studies the box intently, as if she were genuinely interested and attempting to place the item in her home somewhere. "What about the third dining room on the marble display? It'd make for a daring conversation piece. I'd be the envy of Ghyslain. Everyone would clamor for a dinner invitation." Vivienne squints, feigning suspicion at her company. "You're not going to snipe it behind my back are you? I'll be terribly cross if you do."

"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.

This one's so polite. Vivienne appreciates that about him right away. Loudmouths like Korrin have their charm, but the blatant lack of civility (and unchecked profanity) does wear from time to time. Nevertheless, she gets the distinct impression he feels uncomfortable to some degree with her and at present she prefers it that way. It is always her intention for those she interacts with to come away with the impression she wishes them to have of her. Charming but in control, a touch intimidating, is usually what she aspires to.

"I'll admit that I'm very interested to know what brought you to the Inquisition. We've had a large mage population for months, so someone new will set all the gossips afire trying to determine if there's a daring secret waiting to unfold." She pauses long enough to pour two cups of tea and extend one for the taking. Nibbles of small sandwiches and cakes are available for the taking when wanted. "And as the Mage Liaison, it's my responsibility to keep apprised of our members and see that everyone's concerns are being adequately attended to."

Tardy or not, the Iron Lady is pleased to have pleasant company for the evening. Not that dinner in Skyhold is quite the grand affair as one would see at her home with Bastien. Supplies are limited and all must make their sacrifices for the betterment of them all. As she pointed out once, she may miss her little luxuries but she does not require them. Many forget that she was of the Circle long before she was the mistress of a duke and advisor to an empress. Not that she minds in the least, creative forgetfulness can be an asset.

Dinner has been brought up, but Vivienne is engrossed in what appears to be a very complex written formula which she is making notes on. A few bits of leaves and twigs are scattered on her desk and her attention seems to be intent on capturing something regarding their nature more than sitting down to eat. Just a little preparatory work for later this evening.

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.

If it weren't for the food, Korrin would likely dismiss the Empire in its entirety. But Skyhold cuisine often leaves something to be desired, and Araceli has been craving a decent shopping trip forever. So, she's here for both those reasons. That doesn't mean she has excessive patience for constant snobbery and things that make no sense, however. Orlesian inclinations toward both are a constant source of puzzlement.

Mention of dinner parties with whatever was in that box has Korrin letting out a soft snort, rolling her eyes. That would be sure to draw some fascination from the nobility, as ridiculous as the whole thing is to her. When she responds, her tone is rather deadpan."Maybe I should. My company leader would be absolutely speechless about receiving such a gift." Speechless about the cost and the concept and the stupidity of it all, and no doubt Shokrakar would never let her hear the end of it for even including her in this, but still.

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."

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.

Edited 2016-07-05 16:17 (UTC)

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?"

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."

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[OPEN] So Much Is At Stake

Val Royeaux Shopping Mingle

That one shop....

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Pel Ashara

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