open | the drunk horn's so violent, all spinning out sound

[faderifting]

WHO: Everyone
WHAT: SATINALIA
WHEN: Firstfall 1
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Party hard, use content warnings, move explicit content to inboxes.

Named for Satina, the smaller of Thedas' two moons, Satinalia is a celebration of freedom, marked by wild celebration, pranks, the donning of costumes and masks -- not the fine, delicate masks of Orlais, but animals and caricatures and playful horrors -- and the exchange of gifts both sincere and satirical. There's also the crowning of a Fool to rule for the day, or two Fools, in this case: Iskandar and Valentine are given crowns and the right to issue orders. Non-military orders. Unless they manage to start some kind of battle between their imaginary kingdoms.

Elsewhere in Thedas, the festivities may last a week. At Skyhold, no one can pause the war for that long. But all those who can be spared are released by late afternoon, given the night and the next morning -- handle those hangovers before reporting back to work please -- to enjoy the celebration in the fortress or the even less restrained revelries in the valley.

This day was originally a celebration of Zazikel, the Old God of Chaos, but let's not dwell on that.


SKYHOLD

Tables in the Great Hall are piled high with several whole roasted tuskets, meats thinly sliced in the Orlesian style, a tower of cheeses and candied fruits, and great bowls of Antivan pasta with brightly colored sauces. Casks of ale and wine are tapped, emptied, and replaced to keep a near constant stream of alcohol flowing, only improving the efforts of a trio of bards in the corner playing music that's spirited but still easy to speak over. An area near them has been cleared for entertainers: a small troupe of exceptionally limber acrobats tossing and climbing each other in increasingly impressive shapes, and then a team of dancers, romantic and expressive, performing a piece made famous in the theaters of Val Royeaux.

Even once the entertainers finish and leave space for the guests to dance, the party remains more on the sedate side. The celebration indoors is meant to impress and entertain visiting dignitaries and nobles: others are welcome to assist with the schmoozing, but anyone too rowdy or otherwise controversial will be asked politely to relocate, and no one who looks even slightly mischievous or inebriated is permitted into the gardens or library or other easily-damaged areas of the fortress.

The courtyard is noisier. The sparring rings and archery targets are claimed for contests of strength and skill made intentionally ridiculous: soldiers fighting in costume with raw fish as weapons or their hands tied behind their backs, training dummies dressed in discarded finery, an archer capable of standing on her hands and shooting with her feet who's happy to give demonstrations. As the light fades the play-fighting does as well, replaced by music and dancing, with the way lit by braziers and candles and glowlights from Orlais strung in the trees and along the walls.

After midnight, the celebrations within the walls taper off. Some people need to sleep. But those who don't may make the journey down the path and into the valley.


THE VALLEY

In the valley, there's no one to say shush. The party starts early and runs late enough to be early all over again. The food is less fine -- stew and bread, cider and ale, some barrels of young wine and rough liquor gifted by the quartermaster from a mistaken shipment. For anything nicer than that you'll have to bring your own or charm someone who has, but plenty have brought out their carefully hoarded stocks tonight. Flasks of rum from Rivain or treacle-sweet wine from Antiva, tiny boxes of candies and chocolates, small pouches of smokeable herbs: there isn't much of anything but there's a little of everything, all available for the price of a well-played trick or well-placed kiss.

Tonight instead of the usual spattering of camp- and cook-fires, the camp is lit by torches and roaring bonfires, the entire valley caught in the shifting, flickering firelight. Shadows flare and twist, flames limn masked faces in gold and orange and red, and the constant crackle and spark provides its own accompaniment to the music. Fiddles and drums pound and wail, spinning dancers faster and faster, whether big circles of linked hands tugging each other round and round the fire, or a crush of couples, each clasping and spinning and catching and pressing close again. Some duck into shadows, clutched together out of sight until the wind changes and shadows shift, revealing some and concealing others.

There are games down here, too: knives and axes and arrows aimed at hay bale targets, circles marked out with rope for grappling or boxing rings, a bizarre struggled over a greased pumpkin, even pairs growling across tables as they arm-wrestle. The prizes are mostly just the cheers of a wildly enthusiastic crowd and maybe a half bottle of stolen brandy, but there are plenty of challengers all the same and plenty willing to bet on the outcome. The Inquisition is a truly motley assortment, and scattered around are plenty showing off their skills, from juggling to firebreathing to telling fortunes. Instruments from a half-dozen countries can be heard, and small groups clustered around dry patches of ground or upturned crates roll dice and deal cards two dozen different ways.

Unlike up at the keep, this party takes a little while to ramp up, as more and more people finish their shifts and make their way down to join, and it only gets louder as the hour grows late. There haven't been many chances to let loose since all this began, and Maker knows they've all been under plenty of stress. Loud laughter and singing and music continue well into the wee hours, and the crowd only finally thins out several hours past midnight, with a hardy (or foolhardy) core still just stumbling home at dawn.

Comments

Jamie | Valley - OTA

[wontforgetyou]

For once, Jamie doesn't feel obligated to attend the more formal festivities up in the keep proper, and once he's able to cobble together something resembling a costume he makes his way down to the valley, more than content to not have the eyes of every noble on him.

He's more comfortable down here, especially since he's managed to find someone to explain what the evening's all about, and he brings a few things with him - some small boxes of candied fruit and and a flask of whiskey that he's willing to part for a clever trick or a bonnie lassie's kiss - and he brings his bagpipes as well. The music he coaxes from them goes with the mood of the evening, growing faster and wilder as time goes on, and he's well enough now that he's able to keep pace with the other musicians with no problems.

The whole evening's not spent playing, though, for there are plenty of other things to indulge in. Eating is still far and away his favorite thing to do, but he also tries his hand at some of the other games of skill and chance, whether it be knife throwing, arm wrestling or playing cards. He's also not about to turn down the chance for some dancing, taking turns in both the large group dances and the smaller ones, and he's not shy about approaching a pretty girl and asking for a turn or two around the fire - or ducking into the shadows for a bit, should the evening happen to go that way.

Sleep will happen when it happens, but until then, he's not going to worry about it - or about anything else, at least not tonight. Tomorrow'll be time enough for that. Tonight is for other things.

[theproperglove]

Jospehine's gown is in the same colours as her usual garb but with longer skirts; she's had to hitch up her dress as she's made her way down into the valley. She's had a few drinks but not enough to be divest her of her faculties; when one is so enmeshed in the Game as she is, it is never a good idea to lose one's focus.

Still. It is Satinalia, and Josephine is Antivan, and she certainly plays the part of being more free-spirited than she usually is. When she spots Jamie from some distance, her eyes brighten, and she makes her way over quickly, dropping her hold on her dress and allowing it to skim the ground in the process. "Jamie!" she exclaims, once she's just in hearing distance. "It is good to see you so well." She'd seen the reports from the mission he'd partaken in the other month, after all.

Kain | OTA

[in_death_sacrifice]

Skyhold

Even though he doesn't like returning to his noble roots, these sort of events are something which Kain grew up with, and he's well used to them. At least the attire isn't the standard formalwear. He's a dragon, of course- but then, he's a dragon every year. His mask is an especially fearsome one, saved just for this time of year, and his suit is covered in decorative scales meant to resemble a dragon's.

He's not the most socially outgoing, even with his upbringing, so he tends to mostly just observe the more raucous and silly sparring events with a drink in hand. He does pace around quite a bit, quietly taking things in, pausing to watch anything that catches his interest.

When the dancing starts, he starts to move aside. He has too many memories of things simply not working out at soirees back home. Though... he does wonder if he has the courage to try it this time...

Valley

By now, Kain has had some drinks and has loosened up... well, to the extent that he ever does. He's definitely eyeing the boxing and the arm wrestling, thinking those would in fact be down his alley. More serious than the playful events earlier, actual feats of strength. He turns to whoever happens to be nearby, asking, "Are you ready for a challenge?"

He also hangs out by the fire for a time too, watching the dancers and listening to the music, lost in thought.

[theproperglove]

Josephine, of course, is carefully keeping an eye on the attendees at the celebrations at Skyhold proper, hoping to nip any potential trouble in the bud before it can even begin to bloom. The man dressed in the dragon theme might not be causing any trouble now, but he is quiet, and Josephine wanders over to see if she can, perhaps, draw him out of his shell a bit.

"I love your mask," she begins, sidling up beside him surprisingly well considering the diameter of the gown she's wearing, "where did you have it made?"

Merrick; Valley, ota

[dalishious]

Merrick, of course, is avoiding the Skyhold party like the plague. He isn't dressed in a costume or anything, just his usual black, but he isn't hiding in the shadows. Instead he's quite animated, participating in games and tests of skill-- particularly knife throwing, which he enjoys doing just to show off and impress onlookers. He also participates in card games and arm wrestling, cheating heavily at both.

He partakes in the available libations, but also brings along some of his own stash. It's his own recipe for hooch, it's insanely alcoholic, and no you can't have any-- unless, of course, you manage to impress him somehow. He also has his own collection of herbs, and he'll pass his pipe around near the bonfire when he's not spearing things on the end of a sharp stick for roasting. And if you're so inclined, he also has a few hallucinogens on hand, which are bound to make this party a lot more interesting.

By late evening he's quite loosened up, enough to hop on tables with his guitar to play and sing along with the other musicians. He belts with wild, youthful energy, far different from the cold precision he displays in battle.

For someone who spends most of his time hiding in the shadows, he's behaving just as joyfully as everyone else, as if an invisible but very solid barrier has started to chip away.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin naturally sticks to the valley party, because that's where the best stuff will happen. Who needs the stuffiness of the Great Hall? Satinalia isn't about restraint, after all, so the whole point is lost on those poor nobles. When not dancing with Araceli (or taking her kadan to some shadow area to have her way with her), she'll be around for the knife-throwing to cheer him on, and join in on the card games, cheating just as much. The late evening has her stretched out and perfectly mellow with a tankard of mead she hasn't drained yet, grinning and laughing at his sing along. She raises said tankard, in high spirits and glad to see the same from him.

Geneviève OTA (prose or brackets ok)

[bouclier]

Skyhold

Geneviève naturally is expected to make an appearance at the Skyhold affair, and while she'd needed to send out for a few things last-minute she shows up dressed as a woman of status should be. her gown is possibly more simple than some of the more elaborately outfitted Orlesian women, but no less fine, and her mask identifies her as some sort of non-specific sea creature. Depending on who asks, she's an elegant fish or a cetus. For one particularly drunk dignitary she insists she's a half-fish, half-woman creature that lures sailors to their deaths.

Her hair falls in curls down her back, though a good deal of it is pinned up behind her head in a pearl-and-seashell comb, matching the pearls she wears around her neck. The yellow feather brooch marking her as a chevalier is in it's usual place pinned to her bodice. She socializes as long as she is expected, drinking several glasses of wine and dancing with any who ask, though she's quick and polite to disengage when the dancing is done. Unless someone catches her interest, of course, though in this crowd, that is rare.

Mostly, she looks bored, but the good wine and food helps.

Valley

Once she's had enough of the party in the keep she makes her way down to the Valley, with the help of two particularly youthful stablehands and a bit of flirting, she doesn't even have to walk the whole way. She has with her a bottle of wine as she assumes most of what they'll be drinking in the valley below is swill, but she's got a comfortable buzz going and would like to progress into not caring by the end of the evening.

She may be a lady of proper upbringing, a chevalier, and an Orlesian, but the party below in the Valley is more the kind of thing she enjoys, the kind of party she would throw, were she the one in her family to throw parties. Dancing less about form and more about the music, laughter and drinking.

Her fine dress may make her stick out, but throughout the night she can be found playing Wicked Grace, or throwing knives, or doing other things generally considered unladylike in high society. She's in a good mood for the first time since coming to Skyhold, really, and the general stiffness she usually carries with her lapses as she smiles and speaks with others around the fire.

valley;

[inagutterson]

Since Yngvi didn't bother going to the fancy party - not yet at least, because it'd be weird to go there without Asher being around to scandalise some noble or other, probably by spilling wine on them or just not having bathed for a week on purpose - he's brought his own drink.

Or is attempting to. It's a tricky business to roll a cask of Avvar mead when you were already drinking and you've got one nug (it sounds like one nug but it keeps blurring into three, sometimes four) running around your feet the whole time but he manages. Just. Spots something fancier than his booze and gives a heavy sigh.

"Madam." Grave suddenly, almost too grave as he holds up a hand. "Wine inspection, you know the drill don't even try to say you don't."

Rydia | Skyhold - Valley OTA

[blessedmaiden]

Skyhold
Rydia had never ben too fond of public events, especially pompous ones like the Celebration in Skyhold (At least for her standards), but basically living in the fort curiosity won over her and she decided to attend. At least to leave her room for a while. She's not even in a costume, the woman is just using her everyday clothes but- they may look exotic enough to fool those who aren't too familiar with the summoner. A long plain gown to cover her legs, a cheap dragon mask to cover her face and- done! Perfect to go!

She's carrying carring a black bag with an embrodied white dragon on it and while one may just assume it's no more than a stupid, way too large bag probably carrying girl stuff- it's actually the place where she carries Kain's ashes. Yes, it's a creepy thing but she's never leaving the urn behind, in case she'll find a way to return home it will be offered to the dragoon's 'family', Kain and Rosa, Rydia can't risk to leave that world without him... right? That's what friends do, they carry your corpse trying to bring your remains to the people who cared the most. It's not like she's ah hopeless sentimental when it comes to family bonds.

The party doesn't seem to appeal the woman too much, Rydia isn't exactly socializing: she's walking around, watching people dance and taking small pieces of food now and there. As much as she'd love to grab someone's arm and drag them on the dance floor, no matters who, everything seems a bit too formal for her tastes. Maybe she should just leave and leave all the fancy stuff to those who can actually appreciate it.

Valley
A few glasses of Rum later, in a place that suits her way better, Rydia is finally starting to enjoy herself. Sweet Leviathan, she didn't even realize how much she missed the loud sounds of a crowd during her months of almost isolation in Skyhold (And Mist, before finding herself in another world)- reading books is great, learning it's wonderful, but having so many creatures around... it's makes her happy. And, yes, maybe part of this happiness comes from the alcohol she had but for now all is great. Even Kain's urn that has been with her for almost a month is now sitting on a stool while she dances with strangers. She didn't take her clothes off but the mask is now missing, lost who knows where.

Is she drunk? Probably. Is that a problem? Well, not really. For now.
"Hey, you! Yes, you.. come here, join me for this... thing. Stuff. Show me how you move those legs!"

Valley

[circleprodigy]

Having returned to the Valley as soon as she tired of courtyard shenanigans, Inessa perks up upon seeing the green-haired rifter woman. She hadn't been forgotten, though the elven mage didn't know how to approach her after the gruesome death of her friend. Garahel does, though, heading toward Rydia with a friendly bark and tail-wagging. As his mistress follows, he looks up hopefully for some petting time.

"Hello again, Rydia. I--wait, you mean dancing?" Drunk dancing, at least for some. Given her size, there's absolutely no way Inessa would not end up trashed, so she's been avoiding alcohol altogether. She isn't one to judge, though, smiling at seeing Rydia enjoy herself.

Korrin | Valley | OTA

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin doesn't bother to attend the Skyhold festivities beyond using the courtyard as a prelude to the real party in the valley below. There, she can be as loud an obnoxious as she pleases, and expect the same from others. It'll be a wild night, and not holding back is half the fun.

When it comes to refreshments, she'll contribute with a few casks, having sent for them in advance. Her maraas-lok stash is less widely shared, but still given to those who ask and think they can hold their hooch. Spoiler alert; unless they drink like a fish or are as large as a qunari, they can't. Observing their reactions and quick descent into inebriation is part of the fun, too.

While Korrin isn't musical herself, she appreciates its presence and will readily join in the dancing. Special attention is given to her kadan, Araceli, but she'll also dancing with anyone interested...if they can keep up. Korrin is an energetic dancer and not about to hold back in this area either.

The games get her interest, too. She'll join in on the archery contests just for the hell of it, not expecting to win anything, and naturally throws herself into the arm-wrestling bouts, happy to take on anyone who thinks that just because she's a mage she isn't as tough as her kin. Watch out for her near any games of Wicked Grace, too, she'll cheat shamelessly tonight.

All in all, don't expect her to leave until dawn, unless Araceli's still-recovering body needs help back up to the fortress before then.

[universal_charm]

It was Kirk's first Satinalia, so naturally he was living it up and soaking everything in. The celebrations of a people said a lot about them, and he was always happy for a chance to let loose and have a night not to think about consequences or a dark horizon. Add to the fact he can never resist a challenge, and it's only natural that he would end up across the table from Korrin, sleeve rolled up and a shit-eating grin on his face.

"Got one more challenge left in you, Korrin?"

Iskandar | OTA

[conqueredhearts]

Skyhold

Now what would this celebration be without its Fool? Well one of them anyway. He was dressed well even if he was without a mask. Honestly he hadn't really felt like wearing one when he could just show off his face for all the world to see just who they'd crowned. Perhaps some wouldn't wish to have this honor bestowed upon them but, well, Iskandar was getting a damn kick out of it. Certainly he didn't know what all of this was about but a celebration was a celebration in his eyes. A time for people to escape the dark times for a bit.

So the huge man could easily be found with food and drink much of the time. More often with drink if one were to be perfectly honest about the situation. This was a man who adored his wine so of course he was going to partake in it as much as possible. Besides, what kind of King would he be if he didn't do everything to great excess?

If one wanted to be ordered by him though that could be arranged. Especially since most of his orders tended to be on the playful side. A kiss please! A dance then! And so on. Had anyone ever delighted in this role as much as he had? Well he certainly wouldn't know that answer but he hoped not in a way for it would mean such surprise on the faces around him!

Which he had already since he was a rifter crowned for this...

Valley

Later when things have moved down to the valley, Iskandar was still there among the people. Once again he was partaking in as much drink as possible and clearly had no complaints about the quality. It all tasted quite delightful to him and he certainly wasn't going to be picky about it like the King of Heroes had been during that feast of Kings. Nope. He was going to enjoy every last drop as he wrapped arms around friends. Or even strangers who got close enough and seemed even a little bit friendly.

Kisses were still flowing here too as he enjoyed the games and dancing. At times he even shared songs of his own, his rich and deep voice filling the air when he did so. Apparently he had managed to learn a few of the tavern songs by sitting there listening to them! One could feel free to teach him a few more though. He would simply adore that.

But really if one just wanted to sit on the lap of this large King he would happily welcome that! He was here for alcohol, affection, and to party. It was going to be hard to figure out if he was drunk or not since this was the sort of man he was all the time anyway.

Valley

[blessedmaiden]

"Oh my, aren't you a cutie? You remind me of uncle Titan so much..."

Rydia is drunk. Completely drunk and she spent most of the night laughing and dancing with people, genuinely enjoying her time in the middle of the crowd and appreciating the fact no one tried to stop her from doing anything because 'that's inappropriate for an human girl'. And now? Now the summoner is going wild. The alcohol woke up her more childish side as well, apparently, but since it took away most of her melanchony and sadness as well everything is more than welcome for once.

She's lying down on some boxes, looking up at him while playing with an empty glass of ale. "He can lift three cows with his left arm, you know? Can you do the same?" That's... definitely not a sober grown up woman should act but at the moment Rydia isn't quite herself.

Pel | Valley | OTA

[mythalenaste]

Pel glimpsed the highbrow party with stupid frilly foods on her way from the library. This party is better.

She changes into a frock with a slightly more plunging neckline, only because pregnancy has given her cleavage for the first time in her life. At thirteen weeks, her baby bump is tiny, with a distinctive point that makes it look different from normal belly fat.

Early on, she can be seen eating a bloody-rare steak she purchased earlier today, one she barely cooks over the fire before tearing into.

Having been here a year, she has picked up on several of the dances. The exercise does wonders for her morning sickness and energy levels, so she is prepared to dance until the sky lightens, if her body allows it.

[blessedmaiden]

The 'elegant' party is definitely too much for Rydia's tastes as well- but she shouldn't have been allowed to join the party in the valley because now she's completely wasted. And after dancing with random people and getting rid of her boots because her feet hurt (a terrible idea, now her legs are positively freezing and tomorrow she'll have to search for them since they're her only boots) she just decided to lie down and look at the people around her in complete... awe.

Let's be honest, she's mostly staring at dwarven, the summoner seems to have a weird fascination with them, but some other people seem to catch her attention as well. The human with the fish tattoo in the middle of the forehead, that elf with actual facial hair (and a beard she can proudly call beard, the guy with six fingers... if something grabs her attention she's not ashamed to show she noticed.

"Mmmh?" And Pel isn't safe from Rydia as well. The summoner barely pays attention to her at first, then something catches her eye and she jumps on her feet (her cold, dirty feet...) approaching her. No greetings, no hellos, she just walks more or less straight in her direction trying to approach the other woman... and trying to find a decent position to press her ear against her stomach. Definitely not the best approach and Pel would have all the time to push her away before she gets too close.

Sorry?

Zappherey "Zapp" Brannigéne - Skyhold - OTA

[thezapper]

Skyhold is, of course, the place to be. Zapp is, if nothing else, a man who is always in the place (be it good or bad) at the right time. Naturally, it followed that Zapp was rubbing elbows with the best of them and enjoying the hired entertainment.

Tonight, in honor of this most uproarious of holidays, he'd donned a truly ridiculous costume. He'd debated dressing as a Ferelden warrior, complete with Kif as his trusty mud-slathered hound, but he just couldn't bring himself to put on the costume. It was just so...drab. (The fact that there would be Ferelden dignitaries in attendance, honestly, had not crossed his mind.) Instead, inspired by some of the common folk wandering through Skyhold, Zapp had decided to go a bit more exotic with his costume this year. Elf warrior was a bit played out, at least in the more polite parties, but Zapp? Zapp had decided to be original and add some appeal to his elf warrior costume. He was a sexy elf warrior. Between the acrobats and the general air of silliness, he felt he fit right in.

It helped that there were plenty of examples of woodland elf folk running about. Great reference and all.

With all his lavishly decorated (but somehow matching) browns, greens, and leather bits, Zapp had apparently gone to some effort to look the part. He had a makeshift bow (but hadn't bothered with arrows), and at the suggestion of a lesser noble he was familiar with, had decided to start carrying a leg of lamb as though it were a dagger. His mask was still in the Orlesian style (this was a bit last minute as far as costume decisions went), but he'd had Kif paint it up with some of those colorful face markings like the wildlings wore.

All in all, he was obviously in the spirit of the holiday. He would have been in the spirit even without the wine...but the wine did help.

closed: lexa

[levered]

"What are you supposed to be?"

This is a very hypocritical question. At most Clarke is wearing the hint of a costume -- she's trying, she tried, there's a strip of cloth with eye holes tied around her face in place of a mask, strips of the same cloth making ears on her hood, and tusks (from the aptly named tusket) dangling from the edges to clarify what it is she was aiming for.

She also has a bottle of -- something. That she got the well-placed kiss way. She's holding it when she sits down next to Lexa on a stump that isn't precisely sized for two people, squeezed in too close and sideways.

[heda]

At home. Focused. Not at a party. Less flustered by Clarke's sudden appearance. Above all of this.

"Working," Lexa replies dryly, instead of any of the above.

She's even less in costume than usual: no paint, no coat, no swords. No bottle, either, but she has a mug, which is not her first and not as full as it should be. But it's hot here by the fire even if the breeze is cold against her back and the wine's not getting better as it gets warmer. She takes a gulp to wet her throat and cover her uncertainty and then shifts enough to get a better look at Clarke's outfit.

"A tusket?" Eyebrows say she's incredulous. "Why did you pick the ugliest animal?"

James Norrington - Skyhold

[judgemewhole]

Well, where else would the representative of the Templars be, then helping with the schmoozing? There were more than enough of the faithful here with deep pockets, glad to see one of the Templar Order out and about with no red things sticking out of his face. James had a reputation - a stodgy one - but still a reputation.

His costume is simple - he is dressed as a a pirate, and all his days out on the road have made the growing of the beard to go along with it much easier. He will be moving about to every group, speaking politely but quietly, sliding away from any gossiping Orlesians as quickly as he can.

Sooner or later, he will find a quiet corner to drink a few glasses of wine in, and take a damned breath.

[universal_charm]

At first Kirk almost doesn't recognize James from the last time they had spoken, but a few takes and it clicks whom he must be. He has to admit, the man fits the costume - it looks good on him and the beard helps. Plus, it's rather the opposite of anything he would have thought the other might dress in.

Kirk was far more simple, with a blue-green mask stuck with tiny feathers at the edges and several blue and green sashes tied to lie behind him. It was a poor showing, he knew, but he hadn't the coin to spend on anything fancy, nor the skill to construct something himself.

"You know this is a party, right? You're not supposed to work at parties."

Bethany Hawke - Grey Warden Mage Of Sunshine

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Skyhold

Bethany had arrived back in Skyhold only recently with her team, but she had managed to throw on her robes, pull up her hair and head up to socialize with all the fancy people. She wore a crown atop her head, a little crookedly for all the golden paper, but she wore her blue gown and looked regal enough -- except when she was laughing or simply smiling.

She oozed charm for the Inquisition and the Wardens, trying to gain them as many supporters as she could, with her dimples alone. She really wasn't much one for skills of contest, but she cheered everyone else on heartily.

The Valley

She did, however, make her way down into the valley in the later party of the evening, to join her fellow Wardens, the Kestrels, and all her friends in the festivities below. Here, she let her hair down, and did magical tricks with her fires and ice to amuse everyone.

She did also tell stories about her sister, her adventures, to anyone who asked, cheerfully telling tales from Varric's own books. Still, she was most comfortable in the circle of her friends, leaning back against a tree, her hands folded around a cup of spiced mead, dark eyes watching the fires dance against the sky.

Skyhold

[conqueredhearts]

One of the crowned Fools was greatly enjoying himself and took notice of the young woman at one point. Not only was she lovely to look upon but she happened to be having quite the time of her life. So even though he towered over her, he went right over with a large smile on his face as he held out his hand to her.

"Might this King of Fools get a dance with you? Of course you will have to teach me the steps of this land but I learn very quickly, I promise."

Rachette

[sistertohermen]

Skyhold

As usual, Rachette is the kind of person who, upon discovery, will get ushered out. It's actually really disappointing--she had thought maybe that if they weren't inviting all the frou frou Orlesian dicks, she might be able to get away with partying, y'know, indoors. But alas, appearing 'civilized' to 'visiting dignitaries' is more important than either having a good time or their own people.

Whatever.

But until it's strongly suggested she take her poor dirt child, shiny-stealing ways to the valley, she'll make her way around Skyhold. Out in the courtyard, she'll marvel at some of the skills--firing an arrow with ones feet! wow!--and marvel at some of the...foolishness. Indoors? Occasionally eyeballing anything shiny or coinpurses. Being a branded dwarf with an outfit that isn't the most clean, and being proud of it. She's taking food. She will just straight up pile up a plate high with the good stuff. And she's taking it with her, damn it!

If tonight is a night to be foolish, then she won't bother to be sneaky about how she goes around. She'll be loud and proud and not hide. And maybe that's foolish in itself, right?

Valley

When she inevitably either gets bored of how the upper crust parties or gets told in not so many words to take her ass and fuck off out of sight, she'll take her food (THANKS) and mosey on down into the valley. And she's willing to share, because the food down here is in its own way just as good, and the company more than preferable.

She'll take to the arm wrestling table, but more importantly, she'll take to the grappling ring, because if there's one thing she loves, it's showing up people that underestimate her power as a small busty dwarf. She'll watch some of the other antics, too, and cheer on competitors throwing their axes and knives. Not participating, mind; her dagger is for stabbing more than throwing, and she wouldn't trust her aim to be that good. Dancing? Mmmmmaybe a silly jig with a charming enough partner. And if nobody starts a rowdy drinking song, she'll start one for everyone to join in, even if she doesn't drink much herself.

valley;

[inagutterson]

So yeah all the food in Yngvi's pockets is stolen. Not all of it is for him when he's got four nugs to depend on him, a dog he has to bribe (why is there a dog in Gwenaelle's life, he hasn't exactly gotten to that story when he's been teaching it how to dog properly because that's what he does in his duties as her captain of the guard) and a Gwenaelle Vauquelin to look after. Because he has to take things back to her and make a racket in the process.

It's not that he thinks he's the only dwarf in Skyhold but y'know, usually he thinks that he and Gunnar are the only dwarves anywhere that matter if their elders aren't around to swiftly and mercilessly disabuse him of that notion.

When did he last see a female dwarf though? Probably Kirkwall and the last time he was there he was at funerals and such so it's been a long bloody time. That accounts for some of the staring, maybe not all as he chugs from a bottle of something that doesn't have a label anymore.

"Won't be long before someone decides they'll throw you I reckon." Hello hi he's Yngvi how do you speak to people.

Hermione | OTA

[bookish_lioness]

Skyhold

She'd heard whisperings of some sort of party, and though she didn't know what to expect from it, Hermione is a bit past seeing any sort of value in purposely isolating herself. So though she'd never really taken to Thedas' clothing, she still has the red dress that Teren had modified for her for Madame de Fer's soiree several months back, and that should suit her well enough for this particular affair.

She can be pleasant, when she wants to be. She's quite good at it, really, so long as no one tries behaving inappropriately towards her. But even Hermione Granger knows a stuffy party when she sees one, and so she mostly nurses a glass of wine and lingers in the periphery of the dance floor, people-watching for a bit before going outside and observing the entertainment in the courtyard. It's a bit livelier out here, but that can just as well be a result of the fresh air and different set of faces surrounding her, both of which come as a welcome change of pace.

Valley

The noise from the valley draws her attention before too long, and she finds herself straying further and further away from the "proper" party. It's amazing, really, the sorts of things the locals do for fun or in the name of tradition, but they might just think bobbing for apples or sending costumed children to beg strangers for candy is just as odd. So she partakes in the occasional game here and there, though she's smart enough not to put down any bets while attempting to learn Wicked Grace, and there's no harm in trying archery for the first time when she's not actually in the middle of a battle.

While any dancing she might have done in Skyhold would have been a matter of simply being polite if someone had asked her, this is a much more casual atmosphere, and Hermione has picked up enough of the dancing hereabouts that it feels a bit more organic to move along to the music. She doesn't usually drink much aside from wine, but if a trusted friend were to offer her something, she might at least try it. And if someone she doesn't know well enough to trust does the same, she'd turn them down but at least concede to a dance or a chat. It's all just harmless fun, after all, so long as she doesn't get away from herself.

Valley

[gatheringstorm]

The 'proper' party doesn't see Korrin's presence at all, but she's all over the valley celebration. Arriving early and promptly diving in to every sort of activity available, the Vashoth mage is having a blast. Having participated in some Wicked Grace, she takes a break afterward to fetch some spiced wine while watching the archers. There's a lingering thought to join in after she's finished, but Hermione at the range catches her attention. She leans against a tree and raises her glass.

"Not bad! Just raise your elbow a little higher and you've got it."

Harry Potter

[undesirableone]

Skyhold

Harry spends most of his time in the castle in the courtyard. He had originally thought that seeing a feast in the grand hall of a fortress like this would remind him of Hogwarts but the atmosphere is so different from his memories that he doesn't actually have to worry about feeling that level of homesickness.

He much prefers watching to contests with interest. It's not Quidditch, but at least it's more exciting.

Valley

He eventually makes it's way to the Valley once he finds out that the party continues there. He reaches it after it's started to pick up. It's here that he actually eats something and taps his feet to music - he can even be easily be persuaded to dance.

This is better. This feels more like people who actually like one another.

Valley

[tallasaking]

Speaking of people who like one another, there's a jovial, "Well there is the young man who saved my life, much to the chagrin of this Inquisition."

Tyrion emerged from the party goers, a mug of mead in hand, and an impish gleam to his eyes as he tipped a bow to the young man, "You look like you've just escaped some rather awkward conversation, yet I don't see a single, whatever are they called, Orlesian, about."

Cyril Ashara

[samahl]

[Skyhold]

Cyril is always impressed by the luxury of the events they hold in the castle. The dancers and entertainers had been a sight to see and the food is all rather beautiful looking as well as delicious. He enjoys his time here, despite the more sedate nature of the party, because it means talking to people and trying his best to be charming. He's wearing all silver again and the back of his tunic has a design that looks a bit like halla horns threaded through it. That's the closest he let himself get to wearing a costume for the event.

He doesn't get intoxicated, as he very rarely drinks alcohol around people, but tonight it's more about keeping his mind sharp and trying his best to make sure people have good things to say about him and their time with the Inquisition in any little way that he can.

Valley

Eventually he makes his way to the valley because there's only so much schmoozing a person can do. Here he seeks out more familiar faces rather than trying to socialize with any visitors.

Satinalia is about freedom and enjoying yourself, and Cyril plans to do that once he's down in the Valley and among friends.

{ valley }

[aceso]

Cyril is someone Christine recognizes more by voice than face, but she has seen him around Sam at times, or outside the armory, so she comes up to him with her cup of mulled wine and lack of a costume. She's been too busy to worry about making one.

"Cyril?" she asks, about ninety percent sure it's him.

Felix Alexius - Valley

[blightedson]

Felix doesn't even bother going back up to Skyhold. He had to live through enough stuffy, upper class parties in his previous life as a magister's son, he really doesn't feel like wasting whatever time is left for him as a Warden entertaining those sorts of people.

Instead, he spends his time by the fires or watching some of the games. He doesn't partake in them without some prompting, but he enjoys cheering on people and partaking in a bit of alcohol. Not enough to make a fool of himself, they already have two they don't need one more, but enough that he relaxes and enjoys himself.

[serannas]

Ellana started out up at the Skyhold party with her fennec mask and shawl of sewn pelts, but when she arrives at the valley's celebration, the mask is set back on top her head until she can find a safe place to stash it. She has a handful of candied nuts in the palm of her hand (the chocolate cost a kiss, so she declined) and is searching for people she knows. Finding Felix is a welcome surprise, and she bumps into him with her hip as she comes to see what he's watching.

"Eeeeeevening," she draws out teasingly.

Araceli Bonaventura; ota

[foxsays]

Skyhold;
With a simple mask and dressed in something that's a cross between a coat and dress, Araceli's finally ditched the crutch for just the walking stick. It begs for questions, but now that's she's mostly mended it feels wrong to not be talking with the nobles, doing her part.

This time there don't seem to be clues left by the Nightingale for her to find, but she makes her way between guests to play her part. Of course she's happy if someone wants to come steal her for some reason, especially if it means getting to sit down away from just as much scrutiny for a few moments.

Valley;
Eventually, when she feels like she's done enough of her actual work without overdoing it (just because she hasn't seen her teacher doesn't mean she's an idiot, and she was told to listen to the healers and their instructions), Araceli slips her mask in her pocket and disappears off down to the valley camp.

She does give in and sling one of Asher's slankets about her. No dancing tonight but her hand is mended enough to play the lute that she's retrieved from her quarters, and she has her cards and dice in one of the hidden pockets of her gown if anyone feels like trying their luck.

{ valley }

[serannas]

It's not often that Ellana performs music on her lute for people, mainly because she isn't very good, but after a few drinks she scampers to Felix's tent where she last left it and comes back to the warm glow of the fires to play. She had a fennec mask earlier in the evening that's been dropped off in the tent, but the shawl part of her costume remains for warmth. She strums her lute, playing snippets of the few tunes she knows, though she doesn't sing. When she spots Araceli, Ellana beams and waves her over.

"Oh, will you play with me? You can play the really intricate parts and I'll play the simple bits."

Pamelia Islain ; ota; prose or brackets welcome

[anacardiaceae]

~[ skyhold ]~

Pamelia is here, ostensibly, to make sure that no one in the boxing ring ends up drunk and injured. One or the other is fine, though she'll treat injuries and falling over drunkenness with the same bitten cheek and deft hands.

Her dress definitely marks her as someone from somewhere else - somewhere not Ferelden or Orlais, and her speech clarifies that she is, in fact, Rivaini. Her hair, forever a loose riot of curls, won't stand for a traditional hair covering and thus sits at her shoulders, but that's what metal pieces are for.

Her plain staff is at her back, clearly designating her as a Mage and she politely asks the staff whether or not certain foods have meat (if they do, and it's not meat from something that lives in the water, she's not eating it. Period.)

Anyone who catches her eye will get a smile and anyone who approaches her will be treated or spoken to with kindness, though when left alone Pamelia fidgets and feels out of place among the dignitaries.

~[ the valley ]~

Here, Pamelia feels a little more in her element and it shows; she laughs more easily, interacting with children and drunken fools alike. As the night shifts to predawn she begins brewing up tea, passing it out to everyone. Hangovers? Suddenly a lot less trouble, though those who drink much and drink often may need more than just the cup of tea.

Skyhold

[foxsays]

The voice catches Araceli's attention more than the dress; there was usually at least one of the mages from Dairsmuid with her during her recovery at the healing tents, and that's what has her turning away from the nobleman she's talking with.

(Politely listening to in truth, her expression is polished but he is an exceedingly dull man and the excuse to escape him comes quickly, easily. Men never seem to realise that most of the time any woman might listen to them at a party is almost as much a work of art as the festivities.)

Retrieving a glass of wine on her way over, she stops a polite distance away to spare a glance at the boxers out of the corner of her eye before she speaks. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight? Or are they keeping you busy behaving like children that got into the strong stuff?"

Church

[motherfucking_ghost]

Church hangs around Skyhold mostly for food, warmth, and poking his head out into the courtyard to laugh at dudes slapping each other with fish. The fuck, Thedas. You're all right sometimes.

But mostly he's in the valley. He is overall less controversial there and much noisier. He's here for card games, and dancing, and pretending like he can sing, and eating, and merriment, and drinking, and everyone's much more fun here, even if it's getting chilly as fuck. That's what bonfires and warmer clothes are for. He's here to paaaaaartay, because apparently these guys replace Halloween with all night (all week?) parties. That's almost better. Almost.

[aceso]

Christine is somewhat into the spirit of the holiday. She's drinking mulled wine and laughing along with the tricks people are doing. She's dancing, singing, and sampling the rustic food. She's just not wearing a costume because she's had too much to do lately. Really, between her patients, researching red lyrium, learning to ride a horse, going off to the Frostbacks to wrangle nuggalopes, and studying to be a Knight-Enchanter, Christine has been swamped. This excuse to celebrate is sorely needed. Ponce is being watched for the night, so she's ready to have some fun. And who better to make her laugh than Church?

"Hello," she greets, coming up to see what he's involved in at the moment.

Nari Dahlasanor -- OTA

[nadasharillen]

[Valley]

With her slender boyish form, and face covered by a cunningly carved wooden wolf-mask, its mouth parted in a mischievous grin, Nahariel is a fairly androgynous presence at the party; and altogether difficult to identify as herself. Her shoulders are draped in a wolf-skin, brushed to a dull sheen, and the rest is her nicer set of hunting leathers.

She speaks little, but will dance and drink with anyone, emerald eyes glittering with mirth--although as the darkest part of the night sets in, she'll excuse herself to the edge of the party, and take up a watchful perch with her back to the flickering light and continued merriment of the celebrations.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin, exhausted from archery and arm-wrestling, and now encouraging people to sit and drink with her, calls out when the 'wolf' is close enough.

"Need a break? We have spiced wine over here!"

She raises a cup, savoring the scent of it as well as that of the campire. Watching the sparks soar upward from the flames, she smiles widely. It's a night worth savoring and she plans to do just that, with or without a drinking partner. Though having one is definitely preferable of course.

Morrigan; ota

[arcaneadvisor]

Valley;
Tis more than likely that the arcane advisor should put in an appearance at the party proper where the honoured guests are gathered, but Morrigan shuns it entirely, same as she shuns the mask, the proper gown. She dresses dark as is her preference, in something that might not look so out of place in the Wilds as she moves through the valley with Kieran often at her side.

Grief and terror cast long shadows that she cannot shake so easily, not even returned to Skyhold after her absence in Kirkwall and Vimmark and she would prefer not to have him too far from her sight if she can help it.

A chosen few might get her dancing, more will get her talking especially when she finally sends Kieran off to bed. Or rather, to Gwenaelle knowing that the young woman should have company and that she'll settle better with someone that cares (and a hound, even if still a pup) watching over her son.

Ask her about eluvians however and oh dear, it seems you've tripped and fallen into the punch. How tragic.

ciri | ota

[ichaer]

ＳＫＹＨＯＬＤ

For once, Ciri is not donned in her armor but rather simply for once since her arrival in Skyhold some months ago. Both her clothes and wolf mask also help her not stand out so much considering her plans for being in the fortress this fine evening.

Certainly not anything terrible but she does seek out familiar faces with intent on mentioning a much better party happening in the valley. Outside in the courtyard, she cannot help getting wrapped up in one of the little amusing games happening at least for a little while. One ends with her atop her black mare, Kelpie with bow in hand and aimed at an amusing little dummy that is hung upside down from the battlements. It a brightly colored oddity and she is urged at race along a roped off area and fire as she passes. It's easy enough but there is a faint look of surprise when her arrow tears through the burlap man and it explodes in a rain of confetti and candy, quality candy too. She can't help but look amused, petting Kelpie down along her mane where it has been braided with flowers and ribbons.

As fun as some of the games are she is here for a reason! That reason just happens to be lifting some food and drink. Most of the stuff is far too fancy, weird things she remembers from her time in Orlais and is immediately passed over but there is a lot to consider bringing back down to the valley party below. Mostly it is fancy cinder, ale and sweets but most of everything is fair game as she tries things here and there for confirmation on taste. But if someone happens to pass by as she slips away with something then they'll be given a wink and her raising a finger to her mouth with a quiet 'shhh' almost hidden by laughter.

ＶＡＬＬＥＹ

With some of the stolen food, drink and one cheese tower in hand, Ciri returns to the Valley as things begin to kick off and does not hesitate to join in with the fun.

The mask is thrown off once she is back within the crowds that are far more comfortable than the nobles filling Skyhold's courtyard, sipping back drink and letting the hard beat of the drums set the mood. It is hard to pass up taking part in the games and Ciri can often be found with drink in one hand and knife or axe in the other as she aims at the painted bales of hay. She is better with knives than she is axes but the grin never leaves her face as she laughs brightly with other gathered around, challenging and betting with the more invested ones. Otherwise, it is not hard to find her very far from loud games of Wicked Grace or even arm wrestling some of the overconfident boys.

She puts on her own show later in the evening. She is poised high atop posts that certainly had not been built for this sort of display that usually made up part of her training regiment. People are easily amused and she is happy to show off her skills, blindfolded but sticking her flips and cartwheels as she moves from post to post. Her sword is spun much like a baton and although she grins, laughing with whatever crowd she has managed to gather there is no doubt that she is serious about each move that she makes. It ends with a flip, her body twisting in the air as she lands and bows dramatically, pushing her blindfold up in order to finally see once again.

And as the night goes on it becomes increasing hard not to join in with the dancing. In fact, she's joined some that have begun dancing atop the makeshift tables that had been set up for folk to sit and enjoy their food at but have largely been out of use as the night continued on. As the music swells, she can only laugh and reach down to grab whomever happened to be walking by at that moment. Whoever this person might be, they are being pulled along atop the makeshift table by one grinning ashen-haired Warden. Flushed from drinking and excitement but no where near done when there's dancing to be had!

"Come on, let's dance!" Dare to say no to such an excited (and very stubborn) face?

Otherwise, she'll moving throughout the party and trying everything until night gives way until morning but even then it's doubtful sleep will even be considered.

Valley

[circleprodigy]

Knowing all about how incapable she is of deflecting in the face of such excitement and stubbornness, Inessa laughs as she's pulled up to the table. There's no resistance on her part, not that it would take much to scoop her up anyway. It's be a long evening, though for a good reason for once. Resigned to the fact that she's not going to get much of any sleep tonight, Inessa spares a wistful glance at a half-dozing Garahel. The mabari, having overeaten, is now just stretched out on his back, an immovable muscly bulk.

"Alright, but if you go too fast, you also have to catch me before I fall off the table. Fair?"

Valley - OTA

[ancarrow]

The party is a far more raucous environment than the order and tranquillity that Eirlys usually strives for, but for once she looks entirely at home in it. She's been looking forward to Satinalia for months, and for once her basket isn't full of medicines, but instead holds the products of her labour in the corner of the garden she's claimed as her own flowerbed -- Satinalia in her alienage held the tradition that everyone in the community would bring something to share, so she's made sure to carry that on here. In exchange for the clever tricks played and kisses offered, she'll happily share bouquets, cards, even crowns of the flowers that she's cultivated, dried, and crafted herself to bring colour and cheer through the winter to come.

Later on, she can be found among a small crowd of elven refugees, each trading songs and stories of their alienages, and whirling round to the fiddle music in a folk dance that, to their surprise and delight, seems to be common across all the alienages represented there.

Still later, she's sat at the edge of the festivities, a little more subdued, the nostalgia she's found in her revelry now tinged with sadness in her longing for home and childhood, her memories of her sister and herself preparing for Satinalia being her most cherished.

[serannas]

Seeing people pass by in flower crowns makes Ellana greatly desire one for her own head and she searches for their maker until she comes across Eirlys. Having long ago abandoned the mask portion of her costume, she wears ordinary leggings and a shirt with a fox pelt shawl as her fennec costume. Her lute is strapped to her back and she's just polished off another glass of hot cider which has warmed her down to her toes. But sadly, Ellana is the first to admit that she isn't clever enough to come up with tricks for treats and so she gives her friend a hopeful look.

"Oh, Eirlys! What would you like me to do to earn one of your flower crowns?"

Kaisa | Valley | OTA

[unbrokenoath]

It's only natural that Kaisa chose to hang out in the valley. She has no desire to try to hobnob with all the fancy people up in Skyhold, even if they have better food. But honestly, with her costume, she might not have been let in to Skyhold, anyway. Her costume appears to be taken straight out of one of the Avvar holds--but at least she bothered to make sure it was accurate? Her pants are fluffy and leather and painted with black and white warpaint. The warpaint covers her entire body, and may, in fact, be the only covering on her chest.

She's constantly on the move, and can be found enjoying all sorts of activities the celebration has to offer: grappling and boxing is a favorite, as well as arm wrestling. She tries her hand at throwing axes at the hay bales, her aim starting out solid, but steadily declining as the night wears on. And the reason for that is the ale that she can often be found with.

Overall, she's having a great time, and is more than happy to be approached for drinks, challenges, or simple chitchat.

[gatheringstorm]

Relaxing with a drink by the fire, Korrin laughs and raises it upon catching sight of Kaisa. "Now that's a kickass costume! Nice war paint there, Kaisa." She wiggles her eyebrows, playful as she offers some mead. "A woman after my own heart, you know. I would have done that, but I spent all my war paint fixing up my new nuggalope."

Yep, still bursting with pride about snagging one, let alone a whole herd for the Inquisition.