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

[circleprodigy]

His reaction is met with a chuckle, though her gaze grows sympathetic. "It usually is, isn't it? Interracial bonding always has its considerations and pitfalls." That's something she's learning for herself; Inessa and Kain may be Wardens, but a former alienage elf and an Orlesian of noble blood have vastly different perspectives. It's always something to consider.

[judgemewhole]

He looks over at her, before his smile turns wry and he sighs. "Yes, that is something of it ... there's also ... past considerations. Mostly though ... I am very tired of putting myself out there, only to be burned."

His gaze falls on Beleth from across the room, "Yet every single time my mind tells me to let it go ... my heart fights back. Is it like that for you?"

[circleprodigy]

"It has been, yes." Inessa follows his gaze briefly, though her eyes soon meet his again. "I've been burned before, as well, and that among other things led me to push aside attachments for some time. You know how it was in the Circle...and while the Grey Wardens are less restrictive, it's still a difficult life. I'd pushed away any considerations of a real bond for so long that it took some time to admit that I could have more for myself, if I so chose."

She stares at her glass, thoughtful, certain that she's not the best person to give advice. Still, she did draw attention to this subject. "I suppose the question to ask is, can you drown out the voice that keeps asking 'what if' or is it loud enough to give in and learn the answer?"

[judgemewhole]

He nods his head solemnly - there are reasons why he and Inessa seem to click so well. He would absolutely consider her a friend, someone he knew he could trust with this ... particular secret. Not a dark one, oh no. One filled with light and fierce joy and absolute panic. To think a Templar and a Grey Warden mage would be such friends -- of course imagine their love lives. One corner of his mouth twisted. "It is ...it is a very frightening path, is it not? The one to happiness?"

He falls silent for a moment, before he asks her, "I think the real question is - do I want to drown it? Do you?"

[circleprodigy]

Inessa shakes her head, lips forming into a thin determined line. "...no. It's safer, to be sure. That path is absolutely frightening, whether you're risking it for the first time or the hundredth. But we give so much of ourselves, all the time, that I can't help but want to be a little selfish. Perhaps you do as well, and there's nothing wrong with that."

[judgemewhole]

Another slow, solemn nod of his head, before one corner of his mouth twists in wry appreciation. "You know, you would think that in a life like this? Where the entire world could be in the balance -- we would not have to worry about whether or not feeling this way was 'selfish'. I wonder if we ought not think - who knows what the future may hold? Take a chance while you have it."

[circleprodigy]

"Precisely. If the response isn't favorable, then at least you know, and can move on. If it is, then you have found some solace amidst the chaos and in time perhaps more. It's difficult to see where our futures will lead, but regardless, I'm partial the one which carries as few regrets as possible." There are enough already, Maker knows. Inessa isn't certain she could stand the weight of even more. "...though it is easier said than done, I'm well aware."

[judgemewhole]

"... You know, I rather like how you put that. The path with the fewest regrets." He looks over at her, a faint smile curving over his lips. He looked across the way to Beleth, and took another of sip of champagne.

"... and I have no idea how I would. You know. This isn't like ... a normal courtship. I am not entirely sure she what she wants. If she wants. I think sometimes." He sighed, "It is all guessing, unless one takes a step forward, is it not?"

[circleprodigy]

"Indeed, you can suspect but never be quite certain until that moment. I imagine she will have her hands full with tonight's diplomatic efforts, but Satinalia will not be so restrained. Perhaps those festivities will suit your aims better?" If he chooses to act, that is. Inessa isn't telling him he must, of course, only that an opportunity might exist.

[judgemewhole]

"I rather imagine you are right." He looked over at her, and then added ever so pointedly. "And considering everything - perhaps it is time that you also at least ... tried? Satinalia would be the perfect time to do so."

[circleprodigy]

To that, she chuckles and looks a little smug. "Actually, I have already done so. To give due credit, Kain did initiate...but it seemed a moment of impulse and so it took some time before I gathered enough courage to approach him about it. Perhaps I should give Garahel credit, too. You don't know the power of a guilt-tripping stare from a mabari until it happens."

[judgemewhole]

"Well that just seems like cheating, drawing me into this conversation when you have already gone ahead and trumped me." James mocked her wryly, before he snorted, "Perhaps that is what I should do. Take Interceptor with me to keep me honest."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa chuckles and shakes her head. "It was not my intent to make it a competition, I promise. I only meant to say that I quite understand what it is to be in that situation. It's terrifying to take that first step, always." Considering that idea, she nods thoughtfully. Why not? "I see no harm in it; the mabari will be support, and he will get some exercise and attention. There are worse ways to spend an evening."

[judgemewhole]

He nodded his head slowly at this, before he exhaled quietly. "Yes it is absolutely terrifying, and now, now more than ever I want to risk and yet take a step back. So ... Interceptor will keep me honest."

[circleprodigy]

"Would bravery be bolstered with a mask? It's Satinalia, after all, you might as well get into the spirit of things." Inessa makes a mental note to go looking around as well, for herself at least. Kain's already set with his assortment of dragon masks, so she knows not to bother with him.

[judgemewhole]

"I think not. It would just give more chance to hide behind something else besides ...everything else I have got to try not to hide behind." He knew he would be retreating where-ever he could.

[circleprodigy]

"Fair enough. I can see how that might be a detriment, in that case." Inessa wonders if she would have found her own courage more easily in a mask, but there's little point if mulling over that now. "Whatever comes, I commend your courage. Such steps aren't easy, but they may lead to something rewarding." The possibility is always there, and her small but sincere smile indicates that hope.

[judgemewhole]

He looks at her, before he dips his head in a quiet bow, "Thank you for your help - and your hope. I appreciate your advice and your friendship. It took courage to offer that advice in the first place."