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

[liberalum]

"Some of them would very much like us to."

It doesn't escape Dorian that he was very much a part of what he supposes Vivienne would constitute as riff-raff, but enough dead demons, war criminals, and rams with enough verbal sparring in between perhaps has ingratiated himself ever so. He is immune to inflammatory language as to the elves -- he has no true issue with them, they're sort of a charming novelty to a man who had previously never spoken to an elf who wasn't enslaved by the Imperium before, but his humour runs just as caustic as Vivienne's.

Dorian shifts to sit properly, but still lounging, kicking one knee over the other. "They present their own unique opportunities, however. Uncharted academic territory. In theory, anyway. I find myself more preoccupied explaining to them the local geography."

[madame_de_fer]

Oh Dorian absolutely is included in her consideration of riff-raff, but so are the other Tevinters who have decided to enlist in the Inquisition. It is suspect front to back and she quite wonders if Leliana and Josephine have given adequate consideration that they've quite likely admitted a passel of spies into their midst.

However, Dorian at least has the decency not to inflict garish fashion on her eyes and remains bathed, which gives him several points to her tolerance of him over others. It is not lost on Vivienne that the man's been deep in every book available in Skyhold and possibly has a better grasp on information to be found in them than anyone else. And she is not above hosting him in her space if it can be turned to her benefit, or that of Thedas as a whole.

"I do hope in your explanations you inform them why coming out of the Fade is a terrible idea." Nevermind that the Herald had done so herself, but Vivienne is quite convinced if the woman wasn't truly send by Andraste, it was important for Thedas to hold to that faith anyway. Darkspawn magisters spewing destruction were hardly to be taken at face value after all. "I'll admit to a certain curiosity regarding their magical theory and practices but I'm not certain I would trust them beyond ensuring they are incapable of being possessed."

Just because they're falling out of the Fade like the other demons infesting Thedas doesn't mean they're not bringing some along with them and making friends en route.