Wintersend Gifts

[madame_de_fer]

WHO: Vivienne and YOU
WHAT: Giving out Wintersend gifts
WHEN: Wintersend (backdated to Feb 1st)
WHERE: Skyhold
NOTES: If you have a shred of positive CR with Vivienne, or happen to be someone that would be considered a key political ally to have, gifts are forthcoming.

Shoot me a message and I'll set you up a subthread. Come get your goodies!

Comments

[liberalum]

Urthalis is celebrated a little differently in Tevinter, because most things are a little different in Tevinter. Any excuse to show off and draw blood and bet exorbitant amounts of gold and they'll take it, but this meeting with Vivienne will not be Dorian's surprise introduction to the gentler, southern festivities of Wintersend. He's prepared ahead of time, having sent quite a few things back to Skyhold from Nevarra before showing up himself.

So that is why it takes a few minutes longer than Vivienne might expect, but when Dorian does emerge, he is prepared. Under his arm are bolts of fabric, mostly obscured by being bundled together in linen -- not exactly artfully wrapped so much as having between set aside especially and protected from the elements. But, by chance, it still mimics the tradition.

"Vivienne," he greets, with his usual tonal flourish that one could try to separate between sarcasm and genuine warmth, but it might be a fruitless endeavour. "Fancy meeting you in any deliberate fashion on your part."

[madame_de_fer]

Ah Vivienne knows that tone and doesn't actually mind it. She often uses it herself... prettier though, obviously.

"We must keep things fresh and unusual this far from anywhere civilized, if we're not to perish of monotony." Granted, there's always plenty of work to be done, always more and more work, which is far from monotonous. But just squeezing in more of the same every day becomes its own boring drone. Even verbal sparring with Dorian is entertaining. It keeps the mind sharp, and the skills sharper.

A coy smile dances on Vivienne's lips, although it never quite reaches her eyes. Smiles seldom do. "I have a little something for you, my dear."

It's a gift in three parts. The first is a bottle of a fine Orlesian sparkling wine tied with a cheery ribbon. 8:72 Blessed. This is the first thing she offers to Dorian. There is also a box containing a gilded writing set, and then several bolts of velvet set aside for him. Skyhold is cold and staying fashionable and warm can be something of a feat.

[liberalum]

He'd suspected gift giving, despite that they aren't what could be described as friends, and hadn't even had to hold the messenger over the library railing by the ankles to find out. Hence, Dorian is prepared, and he moves lightly to set down his own tributes against something sturdy in order to best receive her gift.

It's exactly the sort of gift he would receive, and so, will proceed to be a little surprised by the rest; but while he holds the wine bottle, he happily turns it in his hands to read the label.

"I'll have to ensure I open this in company that'd appreciate it. That may just be myself, granted. Come, I have something for you," he adds, setting the bottle carefully aside, and loosening the bolts from their linens. The first is of a deep, richly blue silk, stiff and heavy in the way expensive silks can be, a little plain until it catches the light, and intricate threadwork gleams metallic patterns all through it. The other two are white fabrics, with one of a soft, sheer quality, and the other ivory.

Rather than hand them off, Dorian lays them across the arms of an unused armchair for her perusal. "We brought several bundles of fabric back with us from Nevarra, but I set these aside with yourself in mind -- in that I was afraid you might gut me if I didn't, but also, happy Wintersend."

[madame_de_fer]

Now now, Dorian, Vivienne could appreciate that particular vintage as well, though there are a few others present she knows could. And possibly could use the break from their daily workhorse load that they bear well into the wee hours of the morning. However, pointing that out would be beyond rude. A gift, once given, is the recipient's to do with as they see fit.

Vivienne's eyes light with delight as she inspects the fabric Dorian has brought. For once, she's quick to forget where he hails from and simply appreciates there's another soul in Skyhold who can appreciate fashion. "Darling, these are a delight!" She is enthusiastic and sincere. Although, he's not incorrect, she could have (and would have) done vicious things had she known he'd brought such marvelous fabrics back and then disposed of them elsewhere to someone far less likely to appreciate them as she does.

Already her mind is a whirl of lines and cuts, the latest of fashions and potential for pushing those into something new and unique. "Happy Wintersend, my dear. I assure you, you will be the first to see what I've done with these." Already she's lifting and layering, assessing the ivory against the blue.

[liberalum]

In same way that Vivienne might have mauled him for not providing her with some of his haul, Dorian suspects that Adelaide might wish ill upon him if he deprived her of this vintage. If it manages to survive them both, perhaps there'll be a glass or two shared on Vivienne's balcony.

Dorian's smile is a little crooked but certainly genuine, satisfied with himself and his choices as he watches Vivienne enthuse over the fabrics. Of the presents he'd brought back for those inner circle he doesn't know as well, he'd been most confident in knowing, at least, Madame de Fer's colours and textiles. "I wasn't quite so thoughtful as to the weather, admittedly," he says. "But we've an excess of lining fabrics that ought to do the trick. Or discreet use of mild fire incantations."

You know, one or the other. He has his ways.

[madame_de_fer]

Just as the perfect dress is coming together in Vivienne's mind (paired with the beautiful sapphire rose she's received from Martel), mention of discrete use of mild fire incantations grabs her attention. And it sets her thought spinning.

"Or Veilfire." Of course, the green flames would clash with the blue but it's such a cunning thought. Nor would they provide any additional warmth but... "Imagine an outfit in green and gold, lit with Veilfire. But do we know anyone who could pull it off? It would be unforgettable and should be reserved for a special occasion."