faderift | OPEN: this will be a better year

OPEN: this will be a better year

WHO: Everyone
WHAT: First Day
WHEN: Wintermarch 1 (forward-dated)
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: Scouts from both the Western Approach and Emprise du Lion are welcome (but not required) to have returned to Skyhold in time for this event.

There have been better First Day feasts, and less crowded ones, and cheerier ones. It isn't a good year for many to look back on, and this one isn't starting any better. Reports from both Eastern and Western Orlais are grim. Many in the Inquisition can't afford to take more than a few hours away from their work, if that.

But for those who can, the ambassador does her best. At lunchtime some tables, hot food, and finery are reserved for visiting nobility and wealthy pilgrims--cause for grumbling in some quarters, perhaps, but they're the people filling the Inquisition's coffers, and allowances must be made--but there's plenty of stew, bread, and ale for everyone, even with the soldiers and refugees who stay outside the fortress invited inside for the holiday. The recently repaired garden and its carefully tended plants aren't off limits, but anyone noisy and holding a drink will be stopped at the door; the battlements, with their potential for deadly falls, are blocked by Inquisition guards. But the courtyards brim with people, most of them happy despite the possibility that the world might end before another First Day arrives.

If the courtyards are too full of tipsy visitors for comfort, there's also the valley beyond the fortress, expansive, barren, and covered in snow. By the river the soldiers help the refugees make a bonfire larger than would ever be allowed inside Skyhold's walls, and some lend their shields to use as sleds down the embankments. A group of scouts start the most intense game of hide and seek Thedas has ever seen, with snowballs to the face for whoever is found first. In the camp, a refugee girl with her hand wrapped in a green scarf chases other children around the tents, shouting raaar, I'm from the rifts!

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Korrin's acceptance earns a broad, warm smile in return.

"Now, I'm not one to claim to be an expert, but I have a favorite." Twisted Fate leads her out, then takes her hand.

"How familiar are you with Antivan dances, spitfire?"

Korrin makes a so-so gesture. "Somewhat? I've watched them performed in the past, though whether or not I can do them justice remains to be seen. I'll follow along, though, just take the lead and tell me what I need to know so that I'm not stepping on your toes."

"Then I'll be happy to show you how it's done. With the height difference, it'll be all the more interesting."

Gently, he squeezes her hand before he places his other to her waist so that they're pressed close.

"Now, then. Ready to follow my lead?"

"Enjoying the view?" What, she had to say it. Twisted Fate's line of sight is exactly where her ample chest is located, after all.

But alright, she'll behave enough to dance. Korrin stops smirking and nods. "Don't worry, I'll manage not to trample any feet. I'm a quick learner when need be."

The elf chuckles. "Would you hold it against me if I said yes?" Might as well be truthful; he is rather fond of her.

"That, I don't doubt. You've probably had much to adapt to in your travels. Now, then. Step with me, and I'll let you know when I'll turn."

That question just gets a chuckle out of Korrin, who doesn't mind that bit of truthfulness at all. After a moment to establish the beat, Korrin signals that she's ready. "After you, my dashing tutor."

"If you wish, madame."

Usually, with this sort of dance, Twisted Fate could be more dashing, dipping and twirling his partner. It's a fair bit more difficult with someone as tall as Korrin, but he doesn't regret it; instead, he turns, guiding her to turn out before they're switching direction, keeping the pace slow as he presses against her again.

If it helps, Korrin seems used to having partners shorter than her and compensates accordingly, making certain not to outpace him as she also does when they walk. "So will you do me the favor of catching me up on what I've missed? I know it's been a busy month."

She's a fast learner from what he can tell -- not that he expected any different. Korrin might be stubborn, but she's far from stupid and is a clever one. It's part of what endears her to him.

"I'll do my best, of course. What do you want to know, spitfire? The Abomination, the reactions thereafter? Something else?"

"The reactions to start with, unless you were directly involved in what happened before." Korrin already knows what took place, more or less, she doesn't need him to rehash second-hand information. "Did anyone give you crap about it? Or the other mages?"

Gently, his arm tightens around her back, indicating an intention to carefully dip her, which he knows he can really only do with her cooperation.

"Anger, confusion, fear; newcomers were concerned about the possibilities of abominations here. Then of course there was the paranoid town hall meeting, everyone having something to say, even talks of required templar company and required Harrowings. We don't really have a good reputation right now."

Fate snorts faintly. "Honestly, I feel like the Inquisition is too divided. I don't know what its longevity is going to look like at this rate."

That intention to dip catches her by surprise, as she wasn't going to request that of him. It's rare when she does, unless it's a partner of greater or equal size. But as long as he's sure, she'll give it a go, careful not to send them both tumbling.

The news is expected, though not encouraging, and Korrin sighs. "You have a point; what peace we have is very fragile. And if they try to enforce Templars or Harrowings on us, it will evaporate. I'm not dealing with that shit." Her lips are set in a thin line, determined to let every Templar in Skyhold know that if she must.

Then her expression grows remorseful. "This isn't a fitting topic for a celebration, is it? Sorry. I won't be the one to bring the mood down. We get moments like these too seldom."

With her cooperation, the dip is a success, even if it's not as graceful or smooth as he usually does, but he thinks they do well with the size difference. Korrin is guided back up and Fate continues to lead her into their dance.

"Any removal of freedom, and I assure you many of us would leave. I came here to ensure my own freedom, not to be confined."

The apology earns a wry smile. "It's fine. You asked, and I had no problem answering. But if you want to speak of something more pleasant, we can talk about ways of celebrating, perhaps. I can think of a few methods."

Straightening back up after the dip, Korrin grins at him. Not many dance partners of a different race have attempted that with her, and it's a pleasant surprise that he did. Graceful or not, it's the trying that counts.

"I came here for the same reason, and you know I'll be as loud as I must to remind the Council of people like us. But yes, you're completely welcome to distract with a subject change. If there's any actual good news to share, I'll take that too." Please let there be some counter to the world falling apart from all ends, however small. And the curve of her lips suggests she's completely aware as to what ways of celebrating he would have in mind.

"Oh, I would be surprised if you remained silent on any matter, and I like that about you." Some would call her headstrong, and they wouldn't be incorrect, but it's a part of her that endears to him. "Good news-- let me see. Well, you're back in Skyhold, but you already very aware of that."

Fate chuckles to himself. "And we're all alive. Corypheus doesn't seem as if he's making any moves just yet as of late. I guess you could say no news is good news, hm? I tend to take that to heart in most cases."

He considers, and says, "What sort of plans do you have for the new year, spitfire?"

"Aside from head back to Emprise du Lion as soon as possible? I'm going to track down Vivienne and see if we can stop butting heads long enough for her to teach me how to use a spirit blade. If I'm going to be on the Council, I ought to learn more specialized paths and just blasting with lightning doesn't count."

Her smile speaks of a wary optimism, suspecting she'll at least get Vivienne's attention with that. Whether or not they can work together long-term is another issue altogether, though. Still, Korrin's at least willing to rein in that temper enough to try.

"Treat her like royalty, and Vivienne will eat out of your hand, spitfire." He cracks a smile as he turns them mid-dance. "Though I don't know how you'll feel acting that way. You're a more honest person than I am. Still, I think you're wise to look outside your skills and expand them."

He wonders about that. There are few things are interest him, but perhaps Morrigan might be willing to share her knowledge with him.

Just a thought.

Korrin sighs, unable to argue with that but not looking especially eager at the prospect. At least the dance is a good counterpoint, giving her something pleasant to focus on. "I'm not especially skilled at ass-kissing, even when I'm willing to pull it off. One more reason to hate the Game. But I suppose I can at least manage to treat her more civilly and put a least on that temper...outside of Council meetings."

Inside, she makes no promises. Debates just get too heated for that, and they're nearly always on opposing sides.

That earns a laugh and he gently squeezes her hand. "Think of it as lying," he offers, grinning. "There's nothing that will take away from your pride as who you are. Gaining power is important, and rubbing elbows with some people will help. Not your style, but keep it in mind."

Fate smiles a little more fondly. "Or you could do it your way. The way we approach things are different, but I respect you for holding your values."

That last comment is met with a warm smile, as Korrin turns with him in time to the music. "Thanks for that. I know I'm stubborn; sometimes that works out well, sometimes it really doesn't. I'll tread carefully, at least. This is something I want to see through, as much for showing them that an apostate can do it as for my own benefit."

"I'm certain that you will. Take hold of what you want, and don't let it go, Korrin."

The dance comes to an end; he gives a bit of a dramatic bow, as he does, but not before he presses his lips to the back of her hand.

"It was a pleasure to have this dance, spitfire."

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OPEN: this will be a better year

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