[Closed] War Table Op: Once More Into The Berg

[justice_is_blond]

WHO: Anders, Alan, Ciri, Inessa, Jamie, Prompto
WHAT: The Inquisition needs some information, so it sends in these clowns
WHEN: Right around now
WHERE: Location
NOTES: Warning: Bad recorder playing



It's not every day the First Warden has a birthday party. In fact, it only happens once a year, provided multiple First Wardens don't get offed. It's been known to happen.

But it isn't happening any time soon, likely, which means the big birthday party with a lot of invitees is the best place to crash to try to get some desperately needed information. And while there are certainly dignified ways to do it, by slipping in a few bards or some servants, dignity is low on the list for this infiltration.

Their mission, as they've chosen to accept it, is to gather information while pretending to be entertainers. Let's hope this doesn't self destruct in five, four, three, two...

Comments

[circleprodigy]

The evening isn't over and yet it already feels like the longest one she's ever experienced. Inessa, not at all comfortable either in her garb or as the center of attention, welcomes a break at earliest opportunity. Even Garahel the attention sponge is tiring and in need of refreshment, so she'll lead him away for some water and mabari crunches.

She'll glance back for Ciri, of course, better able to get through this in her company.

[ichaer]

Ciri is certainly living the role. She's charming, cheerful and engaging the audience. Even the audience, full of people she detests, seem taken with her act. It is tiring and she is happy for a chance to relax.

And so, with another brilliant smile, she leaves the company of a small group of nobles to hurry over to Inessa's side with a sigh. "If I smile anymore, I fear my face may be stuck like it."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa reaches over and gives Ciri's hand a gentle squeeze, as Garahel leans against her as well. "I don't know how you do it. I can barely manage this pretense, let alone for the length of time we must endure. And on top of that, we still need more information. Should we try and get a little closer to the First Warden?"

It will be difficult to be that close and not blast him, but their cause matters more. It has to.

[ichaer]

"Stealing sips of alcohol has helped," she says with a squeeze of her own hand in return. "Also that the crowd is so easily amused."

The mention of the First Warden causes her jaw to tighten but she ultimately nods, steeling herself and trying not to show her true feelings on her face. It would be hard to be so close and not dive in for the kill but she realizes how important this is.

"Let's go then."

[circleprodigy]

"They'll be even more easily amused once they're truly sauced. Getting there...." Inessa couldn't wait for the moment where they barely had to try anything to get a laugh, and could more easily focus on the information-gathering. But they could manage something now, while another act was taking their focus.

Garahel takes the lead, either clearing the way or getting attention from those who adored his own act. That allows them to slip by with little notice; there must be Fereldans in the audience. She perks up as the First Warden's voice carries, trying to get close enough so they can hear him clearly without being obvious. It's not easy, with the general din of the party.

[ichaer]

"Assuming half the room isn't already. The First Warden is a King now, I'm sure by the look of the Anderfels that he is happily throwing money around."

She thinks about that little Prince they saved from this hellish place all that time ago and her stomach turns, anger burning but she bottles it up to focus on the now. To help him, to help this country -- they had to get through this.

Following close behind, she smiles and does small feats of magic; producing flowers and other small items to get attention away from where they were going. It is notably hard not to recognize the First Warden's voice now... not after Weisshaupt.

[circleprodigy]

Inessa picks up on it easily as well, picking up on his idle conversation while observing the entertainment. One inane comment after another, not worth memorizing...and then someone mentions Warden dissenters to him. Trying not to perk up too much about that, she nods to Garahel to keep being an adorable distraction. They're nearly close enough to ignore the background noise and focus on the conversation itself.

[ichaer]

"It is a shame about them." A noble woman with a deep Vint accent begins. "The dissenters among your Wardens. It would have been better for them to burn up with your former fortress."

Ciri stiffens in the memories of that fire, the screaming and the sheer death that flooded her senses that night. Outside, she projects a happy image but inside she is screaming.

"Like plucking dead leaves from a plant," the First Warden begins. "They will all have their uses from both myself and, most importantly, our Lord Corypheus even in death."

Kill Bill siren

[circleprodigy]

Hearing this, Inessa's eyes harden a touch, taking care not to show other signs of displeasure and thus draw attention, but it's difficult. She darts a glance to Ciri, one that reminds both of them to keep calm...at least until their cover is blown or no longer needed. Though with the First Warden right there, saying such vile things...it's sorely tempting.

Garahel, catching up to them, gives each a gentle bump to snap them back to themselves. He doesn't want them picking a fight they can't win.