[Closed] Drink With Me To Days Gone By

[madame_de_fer]

WHO: DAI advisors and companions, yes even Cole
WHAT: Drinking and remembering... party? Not a party.
WHEN: Mid Guardian, right after this. Well, once everyone's not freezing ass in the snow.
WHERE: Vivienne's Balcony
NOTES: Drinks. Feels. Varric and Cassandra, please keep to opposite ends of the balcony, if you please. (Tag around and in and whatever how you like.)



[After the heated emotional outbreak over the sending crystal, and the resultant reminder of the one they've lost, Vivienne quietly opens her balcony to those who knew the Herald best. Silent drinking is allowed, raging tempers are not. Sharing fond memories of the Herald welcomed and possibly even craved.]

Comments

[madame_de_fer]

Thank you, my dear.

[For the wine, and for the expression of gratitude. Vivienne looks Leliana over with an unmasked sense of concern. Something about Sister Nightingale feels as if she's on the brink of something quite dreadful. She's harder than the Iron Lady herself has ever known her.]

I'm so pleased you could find the time. I do so enjoy your company.

[Fact. They might not agree on a great many things, but she still respects and admires Leliana.]

[fightingale]

( There is nothing even close to a smile in her expression, but she does not, acknowledges the thanks and offers the best you're welcome that she can presently muster with a respectful nod. A sip of her own glass - the same Orlesian brandy that Varric was drinking, and very worth trying - and she lets the gentle burn roll down her throat, warming her chest and her gut. She feels so much in her head, of late, that the grounding effect of the brandy is almost pleasant. )

There was no way I would miss it. ( The Herald, her bravery and her efforts, her spirit - all should be honoured. ) Though I am afraid I am ill-suited to keeping company, of late.

( It is almost an apology, tempered by the severity that marks so much of her manner, in more recent days. It seems her promises of being more attentive might be broken, a poor gesture to a respected fellow player of the Game, and admired Inquisition member. )

[madame_de_fer]

[Hmm yes, Madame de Fer has noticed. Noticed and chosen not to poke at it. Leliana is a proven player of the Game and as such should not be goaded or moved against when there's no reason to do so. And so long as they both serve the Inquisition's best interests, moving against someone internally is uncalled for and foolish.

Every so often, the Iron Lady's mask slips into an expression of compassion. Mild enough to avoid offense while seemingly sincere.]

Is there anything I might do for you, darling? Even if it's to freeze the tower door shut so no one can bother you while you take your tea.

[fightingale]

( The offer gets a quiet breath of laughter, Leliana's lips quirking just barely. )

A fine training exercise for scouts bringing me urgent news, ( she starts, a note of humour sneaking into her tone - just barely, but still. ) You can freeze the door, and they must devise innovative ways to surpass the barrier.

( Saying that she does not take tea, that she must be reminded to eat and there are often nights she does not or barely sleep... well. It would be pathetic, at best. )

Knowledge and information are the most valuable things to me, at present, ( she admits, easily enough. ) Not so very different from the Game, in that respect, though the wardrobe is rather less thrilling. What of you? How do you endure?

[madame_de_fer]

I comfort myself regularly that we are doing the Maker's work here and that always supersedes the Game.

[Though, as they both know, the Maker is often touted as justification for moves in the Game. That and Vivienne's mere presence and support is a move all of its own. Obviously so, though no serious player would be so tacky as to point it out.]

I'll see that any information that comes my way is sent directly to you, though I wouldn't be surprised if it's old news for you, my dear.

[fightingale]

That it does.

( A nice thought, at least. Though not reassuring, all the time. Oh, she has full faith that what they do is the Maker's will, but what the Chantry believes and bleats and what truly aligns with the Maker's wishes does not always match up so well, so easily.

And even if Vivienne might be correct, there is no such thing as too much information (in this context, at least.) The sincere intention and execution of sharing information, that was the important thing, here. Secrets or withholding could jeopardise much. )

I appreciate it. You have contributed much to the Inquisition. I hope you know how much that is appreciated.

( It seems... important to say, tonight of all nights. )