OPEN

[madame_de_fer]

WHO: Vivienne and YOU
WHAT: Madame de Fer is returned to the Inquisition and open to deliver opinions. About everything.
WHEN: End of Firstfall through the beginning of Haring. about a week
WHERE: Around Skyhold
NOTES: Vivienne is her own warning.

It's been a few weeks since Vivienne was last present with the main body of the Inquisition. There had been a matter of great importance to attend to in Val Royeaux. Alas, much as she'd quite prefer to stay by Bastien's side, especially now, she knows far too well that this is the place she needs to be. The Inquisition has the potential to shake Thedas to its very foundations and she is determined to be present when that dust settles. The loss of the Herald is a grave blow to the fledgling organization, but that merely spurs her on all the more determined to see this through to the bitter end. There will be time enough later for personal grief.

It doesn't take her long at all to lay claim to the balcony overlooking the main hall of the fortress. In short order, she's got herself a quaint sitting room set up with the best views available. There's quite a pile of books she's brought with her as well. Anyone who's curious or just observant will notice that when she's by herself, she seems quite engrossed in some manner of research, reading intently or taking notes. Those with the knowledge or true skills of perception will note that the books seem an esoteric collection of magical theory and alchemical discourses. Even while busy with this pet project of hers, she remains poised like a queen seated in state to permit a miniature court to be held with herself presiding. Naturally.

She does have other business to attend to. The leadership of the Inquisition must be made to see the importance of how the group presents itself. Certainly the quartermaster is doing his best to see everyone outfitted, but there's still new recruits who are little better than scruffy ragamuffins milling about. There is a need for funds to keep everyone fed and armed, and for that they must at least look like a respectable group, not like a gang of alienage starvlings looking for a handout. Yes, if one espies the Iron Lady marching across the fortress with a determined glint in her eye, it's to seek out those who matter and are in a position to correct this terrible atrocity of poor style.

Not everything is all lazy reading and fashion organization. Despite choosing fine silks with gems as her attire (finished off with creative hats) at all times, Vivienne doesn't neglect the very necessary attention needed to practice her Knight-Enchanter skills. There's no mistaking her for a mage, as she lobs ice at her chosen training dummy out in the courtyard. The surprising behavior is her sudden calling up a sword out of thin air, taking a melee-range method of attack mingled in with the magic. And yet somehow, despite this very real exertion, Vivienne somehow manages not to break a sweat. Maybe that's the chill of being high in the mountains, however.

Comments

[motherfucking_ghost]

"I mean, uhhh..." Yeah, it's sure having an effect on someone. It's partly the surprise, because, wow, talk about a difference between her and...the rest of this Inquisition. And party wow. "I uh. I can see how going into battle in something like that might protect you. You're gonna razzle dazzle 'em to death."

He's starting to get the idea that his Orlais Orlesian place is basically France. Old timey France. "That tough to impress a crowd, huh? I get the feeling you don't have it so tough here. I'd ask if it's got any protection other than surprise, but I guess if someone hesitates half a second, that's all the time you need. What with the..." Gesture. To her. At the air. "Pulling shit out of the air trick."

[madame_de_fer]

Vivienne's not the least bit modest about her abilities and it doesn't serve her to pretend to be so. Instead, she casts a barrier around herself. "I find magic can serve just as well as plate in the right sort of application." If only it were so easy to protect against players of the Game.

There's more of a smile. She's pleased with the attention, and the opportunity to establish herself as impressive to a non-native. "I'm afraid we haven't been introduced. I'm Vivienne, Enchanter to the Imperial Court of Orlais and First Enchanter of the Circle of Magi in Montsimmard. And who might you be, my dear?"

[motherfucking_ghost]

Damn these French people and their hoity toity fancy schmancy politeness and political posturing. It's so effective. "Church. No fancy titles except for Private." And even that's kind of one big fucking joke on him. "I can't pretend to know where Orlais is or what a Circle of Magi is except for, like, a group of your magical people, but I'm going to do us both a favor and acknowledge that your titles are impressive."

[madame_de_fer]

"What a delight to make your acquaintance, Private." If he has a title, she'll use it because it's the polite and respectful thing to do unless invited elsewise. "If ever you'd like to know more about the Circles or Orlais, I am happy to provide. But come, why don't you tell me about where you're from. I find the notion of other places entirely fascinating."

In all seriousness, it seems to her that practically none of these rifters are from the same place at all. It could perhaps just be a matter of geography, but the base sketch of understanding she's gleaned from them seems to be proving otherwise.

[motherfucking_ghost]

It's not the most prestigious rank, but it kind of feels...nice that it's acknowledged from someone who Looks Important. And, sure, her titles are fancy, so. Probably very important. The more people ask about where he's from, though, the more he's not sure where to start.

"Welllll, I don't know that you could say I'm from anywhere," because, like the rest of his life, it's complicated, "but one of the postings I started thinking of as home was this valley on another planet. Rocky, grassy, kind of dry. Sun didn't go down. Something about having a geosynchronous lock with the sun, I guess? And the next base I got sent to was...about as non-descript. It definitely didn't look alien, though. Very Earth-like. Or uh. Here-like? Normal for humans-like."