[ 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

[comtessedevelony]

Tea for the ladies. The serving girls sweep in and again- more of the wineglasses (Save those already filled) are swept away and pots of tea distributed. The Comtesse makes no comment other than to offer another link of sausage to whomever seems to have an empty spot on their plates. "The Estate specialty."

[tactical_alert]

Malcolm is either oblivious to the looks or pretends to be oblivious. Their opinions on faith and the Chantry might vary wildly, but he's trying to make a good impression. And it seems to be working. Wine is fine for him; all things in moderation, and with food fit for a king (or a comtesse, anyway), he doesn't fear getting sloshed. More sausage it is.

"There do seem to be few willing to take in the displaced in the fighting. The Inquisition has taken interest, of course, and would like to help where possible, but at the end of the day it is something to be resolved by the will of the Orlesian people. Or whichever party happens to give in first. Faith, hopefully, will also see your estate and your people safe."

He's happy to indulge in food for a bit, the pleasantries more or less out of the way, but business is business, and he likes to get right down to it. "Comtesse de Velony, we appreciate your shelter and your food, but do allow me to strike at the heart of the matter of these charges against you. We will, of course, be grateful for your cooperation in this investigation. I cannot guarantee we will be out of the way. We mean no offense whoever we may talk to, whatever questions we ask, whatever we may do while searching for our people."

[dashing]

Doubtless it would be a little on the nose to turn immediately to the maid or butler and start questioning them right away. She sips her tea, sets it down, and amuses herself with the brief and very self-aware delusion that she started a trend. (Laughable, that.)

At the very least the Seeker seems to be a good talker, and he navigates the balance of respect and directness ably. That was a lesson Herian suspected she had yet to master, and her gaze turns to him for a moment of consideration. Of all the people to fall into the role of their speaker, however unofficially it might be, he is doubtless the best qualified of them. Honourable possibly, if his manners were indicative of much else about him.

"I speak only of personal perspective, but I believe one of the most admirable qualities of the Inquisition and its members is the broad spectrum they represent. Mage and Seeker, Grey Wardens, noble and common all alike and bound together— our people are dear to us, even with our differences." She feels like she is looking everywhere except at the Dalish, the new scars on her ear feeling too hot and too raw and obvious even if they are healed already by magic and mostly covered by her hair. "We would appreciate all aid you might be able to offer us in ensuring their safe return."

[comtessedevelony]

"Wherever you need to go, whatever you need to ask. My home is your home as long as you need. Valery has keys to all of the estate save the Slaughter House, the Smoke House, the Tannery, and the Perfumery. The Butcher, Tanner, and Perfumer have those keys, ask them and they will cooperate." Her eyes flick to those present at the moment. Her will is law in the Estate and this transparency is required if they are to clear her name. "How many were they, again? The rumors themselves were vague. Perhaps the Gardener or Tanner saw them these past few weeks- they've spent a great deal of time at the edges of the estate while fulfilling their duties."

[justice_is_blond]

"Seven members of the Inquisition have gone missing in the area." As well as the others that are rumored to be gone, but he thinks there might be some foundation there seeing as the missing scouts were mostly the responsible sort. He doesn't need to add those in to his comment, though. She has to have heard of them.

"And we appreciate your openness. Your help in this matter will make our job far easier and get us out of your way all the more quickly."

If she's innocent. He doesn't know enough to say yet, and he can't really say he has much trust for nobility.

[anacardiaceae]

Tea, thank someone; while the sausage is well-seasoned (and that might speak to a cook that is not from Ferelden, at least) Pamelia is also. Smol, as they say, and thus uninterested in getting sloshed unlike some folks who don't have to worry about that.

Pamelia gives the serving girl a grin. She's pretty, and the men are talking (or something like that); she can afford to flirt with someone she's sure must be bored out of her mind.

A bit. Anyway.

"Maker knows we don't want to be a bother."

[comtessedevelony]

"Seven. I will have Clara speak with Loupe- see if we cannot rouse his memory of the night he saw them. Should he recall anything I will make certain he speaks to one of you." Or all of them. Whichever might come first. Eléonore dips her head in thought for a moment, slicing another bit of sausage and flicking it playfully under the table for whichever hound might find it first.

Behind her Clara, the Valet, shakes her head but Eléonore ignores it for the moment. Guests are guests, Dog or otherwise.

The serving girl blushes faintly, clearing her throat as she murmurs. "The honey is from our apiary, and this season they've tried to keep the bees near the lavender- you should be able to taste it."

[anacardiaceae]

Is it common for Valets to correct the decisions of their mistresses? Pamelia thinks 'no', but nothing about this place appears common, from the looks of it just this one evening in.

She takes note of it though, making a bit of a show (for the poor serving girl) of adding honey to her tea and then popping the spoon in her mouth before setting it on the saucer. "It's very sweet." And so are you, is the implied.