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

Samouel Gareth | OTA

[el_tybs]

Skyhold

Sam only makes a short appearance at the party in Skyhold, properly dressed in 'costume' attire - really just his formal clothes and the mask he had acquired in Val Royeaux. Mostly it is out of curiosity to see what kinds of entertainment they have in this part of the fortess, that and to see the crowning of the Fool, or rather Fools in this case.

It doesn't surprise him at all that Valentine is up there.

For the most part he keeps away from the main hall, not caring much to get entangled with the nobles. He had had enough of that back during the soiree, and honestly he doesn't want to bump into a few of them if they had returned.

Valley

Even if the food is considered 'less fine', it suits Sam's tastes much better, as does the entertainment and company. Everything feels more alive, and reminds him of celebrations back at home, though they were far smaller then this. Not to mention there was sweets, which more then happily indulged in.

He does partake in the available alcohol, but sparingly, nursing his mugs as he walks around. Most of it was that he was a healer and should have his head clear enough in case something happened, and a bit because he just was not a heavy drinker. Course if anyone was to invite him to a drinking game, or required that as payment, he could certainly be persuaded to do more.

The games are certainly more entertaining, which Sam cheerfully takes turns in, removing his robe and shirt for a number of them so that they didn't get dirty or torn.

Wildcard
[Go for it.]

valley

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ It took a bit for Kirk to find Sam in the crowd, but when he did he grinned widely, marking his position and hurrying back to find someone else. It's especially fortuitous that Sam has his shirt off when Kirk approaches him with a very large man in tow - all dusky tan and bright red hair.

He lets go of Alexander's hand and motions for him to wait as he goes to Sam, winding his arms around his shoulders and kissing his ear to get his attention. ]</sub>

Think you can tear yourself away from your game for a bit? There's someone I want you to meet.

[conqueredhearts]

[Iskandar really has no idea where he's being taken but he obviously does not mind at all. And when he sees who he's being taken too, well, he minds even less than before. The man is very attractive and he smiles as he watches Jim wrap his arms around him like that. Perhaps this is the Sam they've spoken of before? He knows that he's seen him before but they have not had the chance to really speak yet.

Obviously that's about to change. And how good of it to happen when he has this nice Fool crown on his head! (That's not an important detail. He's just proud of it, okay.)]

I am the someone. I am Iskandar and it is a pleasure to meet you, my friend. Jim, you should have mentioned you were taking me to meet a beautiful man! Though I must say I hardly mind a surprise like this.

[el_tybs]

[Feeling arms wrapping around him and a mouth pressing against his ear certainly surprises Sam, jumping ever so slightly, but once he hears the familiar voice he settles down quickly. Turning his head towards Kirk he smiles - dragging him off somewhere? Course when he hears that Jim wants him to meet someone he blinks, brows raising curiously at that.]

Someone-

[He doesn't even get the question out when a familiar red headed figure steps up. One that he's seen around quite a few times, and someone who was just recently crowned a Fool for the event - he's wearing the crown quite proudly, too.

From drinking and participating in the games his face is already flushed, but at the sudden and bold compliment Sam finds his cheeks growing a bit warmer. Course he still isn't quite sure what's going on besides that obviously introductions are going around.]

Ah, hello, Iskandar. I'm Samouel.

[At that he raises a hand to shake in greeting.]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ Already this was turning out to be quite fun. He did so love when Samouel blushed, such a lovely color on him, and he smiled at the sight of it. He pressed his lips to it briefly, soaking up the heat, shifting his hold so that Sam could turn and better face their Fool King. And good thing Sam remembered Iskandar. He had been on the nuggalope expedition, as Kirk recalled, but hadn't been sure if the two had spoken much.

Well, time to rectify that. Or perhaps not. If things went how he thought, there wasn't going to be much talking being done.

He did have to grin proudly at Iskandar's compliments though, as if part of them had been bestowed on himself. What? Samouel was handsome, and he was proud to say he called the mage his lover. ]</sub>

What, and ruin the surprise for you, Iskandar?

[conqueredhearts]

This is a fine surprise!

[He laughs and takes that hand into his own. A squeeze and then he moves forward to bend down a bit. Because it's true he could just stop here but really he's having entirely too much fun and he's very interested in seeing if he can make him blush more.]

Are you opposed to a kiss then, my friend? I am of the mind to order one currently. You make a tempting picture in your current state of dress.

[He gives him wink that tells him he definitely finds him to be attractive.]

I am tempted to join you in this state too.

[el_tybs]

[There's a lot going on around him that Sam cannot quite focus on one thing. Having Kirk kissing him on the cheek and turning him around more fully definitely has his attention. As does the word 'surprise' being mentioned between the two men. What surprise? He missed something.

Actually he's just about to ask what is going on when Iskandar starts shaking his hand, but his mouth shuts when the man suddenly leans in towards him.]

Wh-

[Sam had not expected something like that to be asked, so surprised that he can only blink as he processes it. At the mention of his undress he does look down at himself then back up with a raised brow.]

Ah- [His eyes catch the crown on Iskandar's head, it oddly seems to click. Maybe? As the Fool he was going around asking for kisses?]

No, I'm not very opposed to a kiss.

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ Kirk took that as his cue to lean up and away from Sam, turning back to the game to take up his drink and take a sip. The introductions seemed to be going well, for the moment, and he didn't want to get in the way. And, truthfully, he wanted to see what Sam and Iskandar kissing looked like. What? He could enjoy watching as well as participating, and the two of them enjoying each other was rather key to any hopes of a particular fantasy coming to life tonight.

He moved in behind Sam again all the same, brushing his fingers along his neck, circling his thumb against the pressure point at the base. ]</sub>

[conqueredhearts]

[While he is going around asking for kisses, he actually is here to do a little more than that this time. So one strong arm wraps around him to pull him close as his other hand cups his face. There's a moment where he looks down at that handsome face, admiring the way that flush looks on him before he closes the distance.

The kiss is warm and it lingers. He doesn't bother with having this be a quick peck or anything like that. He instead kisses with a firmness that shows off the passion that is just a part of his very nature.

When he is done, he still holds him in case those lungs are lacking in air. Or if he's weak in the knees. Either are possible at this point and he doesn't want him to stumble or fall over. Really it's only polite to make sure that his partner is steady after delivering a bit of affection like that.]

My thanks. We will have to do this more often.

[el_tybs]

[Sam makes the tiniest of noises when he feels fingers against the back of his neck, the hairs there standing on end as a shiver runs along his spine. He is all too familiar to that particular touch, a flare of arousal going through him and making his face just a bit more red. As pleasing as it is though, the mage is surprised and turns his head slightly to peer at Kirk; it is unusual for the man to make an affectionate display right in front of someone else.

It's enough of a distraction that Sam doesn't see what's coming, surprised once again when a large, firm arm wraps around him and a hand directing his attention back to Iskandar. The closeness and position only has the mage flushing more, gasping lightly, which is the last noise he makes before he is kissed.

The kiss isn't like what he is expecting, not at all a peck on the cheek or even on the lips. The suddenness and heat behind it is enough to have Sam gripping onto whatever is available, which in this case is the front of Iskandar's shirt, as if it will ground him. When it is done Sam finds himself panting lightly, and rather speechless.]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ Alexander was something of an exception in that regard. He couldn't say precisely why, but he felt the other would understand, more so than anyone else here other than Samouel himself. It was silly, considering he had just met the man not that long ago, but he felt this instantaneous kinship with him.

His pupils dilate slightly, watching Iskandar kiss Sam like that, the way it left Sam a touch breathless and flushed. He moved back in behind Sam, brushing his fingers across his shoulders and down his arms. His smile was rather proud, looking between Sam and Iskander. ]</sub>

I was rather hoping we could do a lot more of it tonight - if Sam was willing.

_{[ That last part was important, and put there for Sam. No pressure, Samouel, and he would understand if he declined. ]}

[conqueredhearts]

Oh was that what this was about?

[He laughs but shows no sign of minding. Instead, he turns his gaze to Sam so he can lock eyes with him. Those red ones of his are warm like the rest of him. Like the sun happens to be what is embracing Sam in that moment rather than just a man. Really Iskandar could be like a force of nature when he isn't paying attention to things.]

Let it be known that if you are not willing then we shall just partake in other enjoyments. I will not push matters with you.

[And then he grins.]

But I will confess I am very interested in Jim's idea.

[el_tybs]

[It is a little bit of a sensory overload with Kirk returning to touching him like that, and Iskandar still holding him as he was, staring at him very intently. Enough so that Sam having a difficult time finding words and just remains silent for a short time, gathering his thoughts and wits.

'Jim's idea'. He's fully aware of why Kirk had suddenly brought over Iskandar for introductions now. It certainly was an impression. What was probably the most important part was that even though there was some expectation, there was no pressure.

There's a long moment as Sam considers everything, mostly that Kirk has introduced him to a lot of things and liking them.]

I'll need to collect my clothes.

[So that is a 'yes' and he assumes James has this all figured out.]

Valley, of course

[gatheringstorm]

Thoroughly enjoying herself -how can she not?- Korrin raises her own cup at Sam with a grin when she spots him while observing the games. After a long bout of making people wince with her arm-wrestling skills, she's taking a break from that. But it doesn't mean she won't cheer her friends on, of course.

"Go, Sam! Give 'em hell!"

[el_tybs]

He hears his name, but he's a bit occupied with trying to get his opponent into a head lock to see who is actually yelling it. A familiar voice he gets at least. It takes a good couple minutes before his match is over, with him pinning the other man to the ground - Kirk would probably be proud that he had used one of his moves to knock him down.

As soon as he's done there's a mug being handed to him, which he laughs at before making his way out of the ring for the next match. At that point he spots Korrin, smiling widely and making his way to her.

"Wow, Korrin," he says stopping about an arms length back to give her a once over. "You look amazing."

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin flashes a grin, clapping him on the arm once he's had a chance to look her over. "Thanks. Well, it is Satinalia, isn't it? If there's a night to go all-out, this is it. And that was nicely done, Sam. You certainly know how to put on a good show."

She wiggles her fingers in her free hand. "I'll poke you about some arm-wrestling, but mind if I get in a break first? I had a long bout of it just before, with people who somehow thought a mage wouldn't be able to take them." And yet, certain mages are proving them wrong. It's a good night.

[el_tybs]

Araceli was more then likely eating up the outfit - Korrin was eye catching before but something about being adorned with golden chains and finery just added to it. At the mention of his recent match Sam gives a laugh. "Well I have been practicing, seemed like a good time to show off."

At the mention of taking a break he motions towards a table and chairs not too far off. "Hm, I hear you on that. I'm sure that is why half the men who challenged had on mind. 'Ah, look at the fancy robes, an easy target.'" They weren't saying that now though.

[gatheringstorm]

At that gesture, Korrin readily follows him to the table, eager to prop her feet up on an empty chair. Plenty of people are dancing or wrestling or otherwise on their feet, so she won't feel guilty about claiming it in that way. "If you'd told me about what you were doing beforehand, I'd have placed a bet or two. Share the good fortune, right? Of course, it'd come right back to you since anything I spend tonight is basically one round after another."

[el_tybs]

"Well I couldn't quite find you, which seems crazy considering that you stand out quite a bit." It hadn't occurred to him to do bets while he was doing the games either. They seemed like fun, and perhaps he wanted to prove a point to some people who couldn't keep their mouths closed.

"Are you saying you would try and get me drunk, Korrin?" So far he hasn't been drunk. Except for that time when Korrin let him try that Qunari brew... but honestly that was more like just knocking him right out.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin responds with a mischievous grin. "Do you have an issue with that plan, Sam? I swear there's no qunari hooch involved tonight, just stuff with actual taste to it and a chance to mellow out without faceplanting. Because if you manage to do that, I can't guarantee your dignity will survive."

Mostly because she'd have to princess-carry him away, not that she'd let anyone draw dicks on his face. Probably.

[el_tybs]

"Considering some idiot is going to get themselves hurt and will probably need a healer, I've been trying not to get to that point." A pause. "And you grinning like that doesn't fill me with much confidence that I wouldn't find myself someplace I wouldn't normally be."

Even if Korrin didn't do anything, he wouldn't be sure that someone like Yngvi wouldn't take advantage of the situation.

[gatheringstorm]

"Ah, true enough. But you're not the only healer, and you deserve to let your hair down sometime, so to speak. When you decide that, I'd guard you just as you would me. And in a pinch, I know a little healing trick thanks to Knight-Enchanter stuff." Granted, it's usually a last-ditch emergency ability, but Korrin would still do her part.

[el_tybs]

"True, but I'm sure everyone is 'letting their hair down'." He wasn't the only one that needed a break, and he was good with setting aside a day for such activities when it was less busy. "Besides, I wouldn't take you away from Araceli. You two need some downtown together as well."

Brow raised, Sam clears his throat. "Tell me about this Knight Enchanter trick you're talking of."

[gatheringstorm]

"Oh, we will. Don't you worry about that." Korrin flashes a mischievous grin, then focuses to answer his question. "It's a thing Vivienne taught me, where we call upon spirits to restore us and our allies in a fight. It'll completely heal even people who are knocked out, and a glyph provides ongoing healing for a while. But it's not something we can do all the time, and it has even more of a cooldown than typical spells."

[el_tybs]

Sam stares and blinks a few times at that. "That's like you're... spirit healers with swords." There is a pause as Sam considers his words before rolling his eyes a bit. That wasn't too far from what he was actually. "I didn't realize Knight Enchanters worked that closely with spirits, besides needing one for the blade."