A Very Official Party

[arlathvhen]

WHO: Division leaders and everyone who signed up
WHAT: The leaders + the viscount are throwing a very fancy party to introduce Inquisition people to Hightown nobles and prove that they aren't demons
WHEN: 29th of Harvestmere (day before Satinalia)
WHERE: Some mansion in hightown
NOTES: OOC post!

The mansion of the hightown noble tasked with hosting the party is tastefully decorated for the event.
There's a few references to the approaching Satinalia here and there, but it is clearly not a costume
party, and none of the nobles are wearing masks. Tomorrow they may done their costumes, but for now,
it's important for the Inquisition for faces to be be seen.

There's plenty of food to be had, either on a table off to a side, or via one of the servants carrying
around trays, filled will little snacks and glasses of wine. Inquisition guests will be forewarned
that while they are not prohibited from drinking--It would, after all, look super sketchy if the
entire Inquisition abstained from drinks--they are under no circumstances to become intoxicated.

The other guests are the nobles, who look like an indecisive mixture of excited, gleeful, and
terrified. There's an air about them as they chatter amongst themselves that they are currently
engaged in something quite thrilling, if dangerous. Talking to the rifters! Possible demons, right
before their eyes! They clump into their own groups for the most part, but as the party starts in
earnest, braver souls will begin to peel off from the others to go inspect the guests and speak to
them. As the party winds on, the groups will slowly begin to disperse and mix with the Inquisition
freely.

Inquisition guests are, naturally, encouraged to approach these groups or individuals directly.

Closer to the end of the night, the division leaders will break off from the rest of the party, and
along with the Viscount, make their way off to a private room to converse on how the affair has gone.

Try to behave while they're gone (and in general) or you might find yourself facing a list of the
worst jobs Petra could concoct the next morning.

Comments

James Norrington | Open

[judgemewhole]

Yes, no worries, Kirkwall nobility, you are not here alone with the rifter-demons and the blood-thirsty elves. James is the personal arm-candy of Division Leader Beleth Ashara tonight, and he is wearing the formal uniform that Vivienne had him have made, in the Inquisition green and gold, with the official marking of his rank hanging off of the gold sash, as well as his sword, which held the cross-hilt of a Templar of the Faith.

He took a single glass of wine, and while Beleth made nice, stood his ground against a parade of nobles who noted the Templar uniform, or had heard of his reputation as 'Short Drop Sudden Stop' Norrington. A Blood mage hunter was quite popular, in a place like Kirkwall.

Still, he does manage to slip away more than once to hide out on a balcony, just to get some fresh air, or behind the curtains by the food table, so he can ruddy well get something to eat without having to worry about speaking with his mouth full.

Either way, he is here to be firm -- but congenial.

[arlathvhen]

Beleth isn't too surprised that she hasn't had much opportunity to speak to her personal arm-candy since the start of the party. This is work, and both of them are busy doing their jobs. Still, when she notices that he's stepped out, right as she's finished up with a noble, she decides to take advantage of the mutual break.

And quite frankly, she could use some air, as well.

"I daresay that you've managed to be more popular than I am, tonight." Her tone is gentle and teasing, as she steps onto the balcony, leaning against the railing. "Hasn't anyone told you that all eyes are supposed to be on the woman? The only eyes I had on me were of jealous ladies." The factual nature of that statement is made all the more suspect by her mischievous smile, though she's aware that it's not entirely untrue. Even among Inquisition agents. But...that'd be rude to point out.

[judgemewhole]

He glances behind him, and a faint but completely warm and sincere smile touches his lips and stays there when he sees it is Beleth who comes to his side. A flush touches his ears at her comments, before he drawls softly, "Are you so very certain those ladies are not jealous of me being with you? After all, you are the beautiful, mysterious one ... who hasn't murdered them on sight."

He half turns towards her, "Besides, it is a well-played card. Templars always make the nobility feel more at ease in the Free Marches, especially ones who were never posted in Kirkwall. Popularity might just be well-disguised relief."

[arlathvhen]

"Not yet, at least," She muses dryly, shooting a quick glance over her shoulder, back at the party. "But somehow, I find it more plausible that they were jealous that the savage knife ear got the charming, respectable knight-captain to go to the party with her. They're probably smart enough to not accuse me of using blood magic on you, at least." At least, not anywhere where the savage knife ear could hear and retaliate.

"Still, part of the purpose of this undertaking is to ease their fears, so you're doing spectacularly. I should drag you to more of these, if I may be so cruel." Her smile is soft and teasing--will there even be more of these? Maybe Hightown parties in general, assuming she could somehow secure invitations.

[judgemewhole]

"Knight-Commander..." He drawled, giving her a mischievous look, "I am a respectable and charming Knight Commander. And they clearly have no real idea of who you are if they assume you are savage. From what I know of nobility ... you have more grace in your little finger than they have in their entire bodies."

He tipped his head towards her, his expression brightening a little. "Oh, go ahead and be cruel. I think I can stomach it as long as you escort me."

[arlathvhen]

"Knight-Commander." She echoes with a wry look on her face. "Forgive me." Like it really matters at this point--though it clearly matters to him, so she decides against mentioning that particular opinion. "But no, they have no idea who I am. Hopefully, this party will change that, to a degree." At least, prove to them that she can put on a pretty dress and act like a civilized person.

At his words about grace, she ducks her head, smile far more warm. "I suspect, Ser Norrington, that you're flattering me. It won't save you from having to take me to any more of these. I couldn't think of a finer escort."

[judgemewhole]

"Thank you." He states with mock-primness, azA&6 smirk curving around the edge of his lips. He might just be taking the piss with you, Beleth. "Well, from what I have seen, you're doing just that. In a few more degrees than you might believe."

He folds his hands together, his own look softening as he murmurs. "Oh no, whatever shall I do? Next thing I know, you'll be having me dance as well."

[arlathvhen]

The warm smile turns into a grin at that, and Beleth has to duck her head bashfully for a moment. She's well aware that she's blushing, but she's not sure she particularly minds. "Well, I certainly wouldn't force you to, but if you wouldn't mind..." She knows that this is work, and she shouldn't spend too much getting chummy with other members of the Inquisition, but--surely a dance couldn't hurt.

Is this flirting? Are they flirting? Maybe they're just being friendly. Really friendly. Why is it so hard to tell? Ughhh.

[judgemewhole]

This time, it's him who feels the flush to his ears, and he straightens slightly. Then he bows, from the waist, with as much elegance as he can muster even though he feels as stiff as a board with nervousness.

"I would be delighted, and wouldn't mind a bit."

[arlathvhen]

Beleth isn't sure if she should be pleased, or a mess of nerves. Maybe both. Definitely both. It's okay, she's the Scoutmaster, a bard, and very respectable, she can do this without making an idiot out of herself. So she holds her hand out, and bobs her head, a small smile on her face. Just ignore how many other people are in the room.

"You honor me, Ser Norrington. Shall we?"

[judgemewhole]

She looked up at him, and offered her hand, and he felt that spark in his stomach. That one that reaches in and grabs him by the chest. He bows slightly, and wraps his fingers around hers.

"I believe we shall, Madame Beleth."

And he starts them towards them to where the band was playing.