Truth or Dare: The Imperial Court

[madame_de_fer]

WHO: Select Orlesian and Fereldan Nobility and the Inquisition
WHAT: Josephine and Vivienne have orchestrated a good-will soiree in response to this dastardly rumor.
WHEN: Drakonis 15, Evening
WHERE: Skyhold Great Hall
NOTES:
- A list of nobles in attendance can be found here. The list was provided by the mods but there will be no npc support for them. Play away.
- A secondary outside party is being held in the valley in the tent town for anyone who couldn't/wouldn't attend and/or behave in the fancy pansty party.
- The goal of the evening is to clear up a spurious rumor about Cassandra and Leliana, with secondary goals of establishing the Inquisition as a respectable presence in Thedas (and fish for more money). Any major disruptions that would Game Over the court approval should probably be brought to the advisors and/or mods.



To say that Josphine has far outdone herself with this little soiree would be the understatement of the year. The Lady Ambassador has pulled out all the stops in providing a festive and yet elegant stage for this political intervention. Because sometimes gossip can be more deadly than a sword.

The Great Hall of Skyhold has been converted into a grand receiving hall, glittering with hundreds of lights around the room, in addition to the repairs accomplished to the original chandeliers. Of course, there has been artful placement arranged so there are a few shadowy corners for rendezvous of the more suggestive nature. Just in case. The majority of the floor has been cleared for dancing, and a fine troupe of musicians have been installed for the bulk of the evening's entertainments. Some members of the Inquisition have plans to entice attendees with their own artistic performances in addition to the group of mages performing illusory tricks to oohs and aahs.

For those who feel their energy flagging, there are chairs set against the walls, with a few tables interspersed between. Servers hired for the evening circulate the crowds with wine, fine Orlesian and Nevarran reds as well as crisp whites from Antiva. Refreshments are set out on buffet tables, tasteful and extravagant nibbles, including imported cheeses, spicy saucisson, dried fruits and nuts, and the highly sought after deep mushroom and anise petits fours that are all the rage in Orlais.

Comments

[lettersfromhome]

"Perhaps I could introduce you to a few. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to teach you."

Stepping closer, she nods at those assembled. "Dorian's a wonderful dancer. He's a bit tart of tongue, but he doesn't mean anything about it. He's actually delightful company when he's keeping his ego in check," she continues, nodding towards the dark-haired mage. "Zevran's also a good partner, and quite charming. Lays it on a bit thick, but he's a dear, truly. If you really want to cause a stir, you might ask the Iron Bull. Bit hard to miss him, really."

[bookish_lioness]

Hermione has no qualms with dancing at a party. It's being set up to dance with unfamiliar people that makes her a little uncomfortable, especially when they're described as being "tart of tongue" or charming to the point of laying it on "a bit thick". She's about to politely refuse Mia's offer altogether, but her last suggestion draws a slightly surprised laugh out of her.

"Oh! I've met him! Unless there's more than one Iron Bull hereabouts. I think I'd need a stepping stool to properly dance with him, though, and then it wouldn't really be very good dancing at all." She's about to ask if it's the disparity in their appearances that would cause a stir, but then she remembers what Korrin had told her about the way most nobles feel about Qunari. It makes her frown a little, and she actually scans the hall, as though looking for the Iron Bull specifically. "It might be worth it, to cause such a stir."

[lettersfromhome]

"Not to mention being literally swept off your feet."

She chuckles, looking pleased with the prospect. She's still so young, this clever witch. She ought to be enjoying some measure of that youth and freedom while she's able to, even mired as she is in this world and its problems.

"Go on, then. See if you can find him. Have a dance for me."

[bookish_lioness]

The fact that the Iron Bull really would have to literally sweep her off her feet makes Hermione chuckle a bit, though that could just as well be the thought of him dancing in general. He hadn't exactly seemed like the sort of person who dressed nicely and asked for a woman's hand on the dance floor, so it sounds like the sort of thing she'd really need to see for herself.

She's about to say so and excuse herself, but she glances back at Mia uncertainly. "You say that as though you're not going to dance. You should try and enjoy yourself too; perhaps find this Dorian or - who was the other one? Zevran? - for a dance."