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

[wickedchase]

Almost immediately as the soiree begins, one will immediately identify Twisted Fate mingling, looking immensely comfortable. Any attention drawn to him, he drinks in immediately, his perpetual smirk impossible to not identify even with the mask on. Somehow, the new hat he wears is more decorative than usual, and his outfit suitably elaborate with all of its finest silks. The mask he wears is the one that Nerva had kindly made for him, covering half his face in fine silver and golden accents, leaves branching off in the edges.


A DANCE

But of course, what is a soiree without a fine dance to go with it? Undoubtedly if you ask, he will join you with ease.

Hopefully, you're ready to tango.

A PERFORMANCE

Twisted Fate time and again has described himself as an entertainer, and he seems to make no exception here. He's prepared something, as he always has.

A table with a coffin-like box, elegantly carved by careful hands, is propped up. The elf gives a little bow.

"Respectable nobles and my fellow agents of the Inquisition, I've been on many adventures across Thedas. In particular, I discovered this enchanted box, its origins a mystery. I have never found another artifact like this one, its properties a mystery -- though I have found ways to make it bend to my will. I wish to show you now."

Twisted Fate smiles sharply. "But I require a volunteer."


WILDCARD

But of course, should you wish to simply socialize with him, Fate is in your hands.

Wildcard!

[the_effect_she_has]

Don't think you're getting off easy, Fate, because Katniss at some point snags his arm and smiles at him brilliantly. She murmurs, because honestly the hearing of these people is as well as a rabbit.

"Oh, don't think you're going to get away with not helping me tonight, because I need all the help I can get. I am smiling my way through small talk but I think my eyes are starting to glaze over. I need some help steering these fish into the net."

[wickedchase]

The moment his arm is taken, Twisted Fate gazes down and offers a grin to Katniss. Gently, he pats her hand.

"I wouldn't even dream of abandoning you in your time of need, madame," the mage promises. "Which of the nobles were you focused on?"

[the_effect_she_has]

Katniss smirked back up at him, before her silver eyes slipped across the room. "There are a few. Ignore the twin sisters -- the younger one is here to touch Qunari and the other one is looking for trade opportunities so I'll find Lady Josephine and nudge her in that direction."

She slipped her gaze around, then tipped her nose up slightly. "Duke Pelletier. If we convince him it is for the love of Andraste and Cassandra Penterghast would smile at him, we could probably get a fortune. Baron Daladier, who is just looking for people to suck up to him for money. Bann Vardy - he's prickly but I think he's just thrown by the Orlesians.... and that big fat fish."

She narrowed her gaze on Comte Dacourt. "He's been touching anyone who comes about a foot away from him, but he's looking to throw away coin like it's on fire."

[wickedchase]

"Well, I can't promise that Madame Seeker would smile for many people, but perhaps she can be bargained with if she knows it was for people who need it. I might recommend you speak with her." Seeing as how he's certain that by now Cassandra is less than impressed with him. He'll have to work on that relationship at some point.

Twisted Fate smiles at her a little more warmly. "And fortunately for you, I am very good at petting egos, and I can deal with people who like to touch. I can invite it if need be. So, a few ideas: I can flatter Baron Daladier and gently bridge our way into a conversation that you can follow with your intentions, and I can cozy up with Comte Dacourt and you can speak with a respectable distance from him."

[the_effect_she_has]

"That I can do." She had wanted an excuse to open a dialogue with the Lady Seeker anyways, and this would be for a cause worthy of the Inquisition.

She sighed with relief, giving Fate's arm a warm squeeze, "Good because I am become excellent at smiling instead of punching, but petting egos that are already inflated is quite out of my wheelhouse." She pressed her lips together, "However, if that Comte gets inappropriate with you in a way that you don't like, Fate, we're leaving. No amount of money is worth my friends being mauled."

A Dance

[gatheringstorm]

Familiar, friendly faces are a true lifeline in this sea of Orlesian snobbery, and Korrin wastes no time in approaching Twisted Fate as soon as he's spotted. She flashes him a grin as she looks him over appreciatively. "I love the new hat, Fate. It suits you well. Think you can rescue me with a dance before yet another noble wants ask me about the great savage north?"

[wickedchase]

"I'm quite fond of it myself. I'm almost wary of wearing it during missions, though." He chuckles and offers his arm to her. "And your dress completely suits you, spitfire. I'm glad that the tailors came to their senses.

"Of course. Let's be sure that they remember that grace comes in all forms, hm? Be it a Dalish savage or the dreaded Qunari apostate." He knows, of course, that she is Vashoth -- but hell of an Orlesian noble would know that properly.

[gatheringstorm]

"Thank you, Fate. It took some convincing, but I wasn't about to lose that battle." Taking the offered arm, Korrin smiles warmly. Her mood is worlds away from that of a few days ago, but then she had promised to attend and behave herself long before things went sideways. Keeping her word is important to her, even for something clearly out of her comfort zone.

"Have they tried to touch your vallaslin yet? I had one noblewoman all eager to paw at my horns. Maybe that'll be funnier when she's even more tipsy."

[wickedchase]

"Oh, definitely. And the ears never stop being a fascination despite all of their servants. But at least I got a few of them to say please first." Fate chuckles stops in the middle of the floor to place his hand on her waist so they can dance.

"You seem in better spirits. I'm glad to see it."

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin nods as she pauses and sets situated so that they can begin, glad the current beat is something relatively simple. She'd rather not be the focus of any noble tittering, attempting one of their trendy and needlessly complicated dances. "Araceli's incredible dress helps with that, I admit. As does the presence of all these shadowy alcoves for use later."

She flashes a mischievous grin, wishing that Araceli didn't have to put her bard training to use so much tonight...but she'll be patient.

A Performance

[onlyhymns]

Cade does not volunteer. He does the opposite of volunteer, hiding as far in the back of the audience as he can manage, the knuckle of one finger nervously pressed to his mouth. Perhaps he's afraid Fate will do something violent or frightening; perhaps he's just curious, and always looks like this. Perhaps it's a bit of both.

[wickedchase]

Despite whatever volunteers are offered in the audience, Twisted Fate's eyes are always drawn to those most uncertain. It makes for a much more amusing performance. His gaze spots a familiar nervous face, and his smile grows somehow.

"Cade, how good it is to see you!" Fate greets, making sure that his voice is incredibly loud as he makes his speedy approach. "No need to be shy, we're all friends here."

[onlyhymns]

Cade is just watching innocently, and then he sees Twisted Fate smile. He glances around, looking for the victim, then hears his name. His heart drops into his stomach as he slowly turns his head to meet the elf's gaze, and gives a quick, terrified shake of his head. Anything but this. Maim him, actually chop him in half, but don't make him the center of a crowd's attention.

[wickedchase]

"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure you'll remain in one piece." Twisted Fate holds out his hand to Cade. "Come along, dear. We have a show to run."

[onlyhymns]

Locked in place by being put on the spot, Cade stares at Twisted Fate, then at his outstretched hand. As far as he's concerned, the way past the elf to the mystery box may as well be the path to a pillory, and bears the same purpose.
"No," he says uneasily, shaking his head and backing away, putting his hands up in front of him in a motion of surrender. He doesn't want a big deal made, he just also... doesn't want this.

Performance

[nofury]

Did the box have bees? Maria seemed to remember a time when people kept planting bees everywhere. Or maybe some magical trick, though she had enough lyrium in her system to deal with most. But whatever was in the box, there was some small chance she'd have a reasonable excuse to leave- possibly with a prisoner in tow. So Maria, dress and all stepped forward.

"Very well."

[wickedchase]

Not the volunteer he was expecting, but Twisted Fate graciously accepts, bowing his head slightly as he approaches Maria. His hand holds out to her, inviting her should it be desired.

"Madame, I am honored you would be part of this act," he says, sounding sincere. "Ladies and gentlemen, Maria is a brave soul to commit to the unknown here. I will bend the enchanted box to my will, and I will everything in my power to ensure she returns in one piece.

"Come with me, if you please."

[nofury]

She walks with him. Later, she may blame it on the wine rather than an excuse to leave this event despite her superior's will. But for now, she keeps a careful watch on his face rather than the box.

"Your 'power' had best be sufficient."

[wickedchase]

"Oh, don't be concerned. This is my true power," he says with a promise, the smile remaining sharp.

The elf opens the top half of the box. It's clear that if Maria lays down in it, her head will be showing out of it, but it otherwise looks fairly cozy, all things considered.

[nofury]

She gives the box a long look, then Fate. But still, this is vastly preferable to talking to the damn dignitaries all night. So it takes a moment of gathering her dress up so it will fit (and her frown at this is clear enough she's annoyed at this whole process).

Then in the box she goes. Ready to nullify any casting she finds too aggressive.

"Alright."

Wildcard

[keeperofmagi]

It's nearing the end of the evening when Nerva goes looking for Fate again - a few glasses of wine having taken of the edge of her glowers around the room, which was probably good. Because she has questions.

"Why have you been telling everyone I came with you?" She asked, incredibly bluntly, appearing as if from no where from behind him.

"I keep receiving compliments and congratulations for it, which is interesting, since I don't recall you ever asking me."

[wickedchase]

As Nerva approaches Twisted Fate, he's engaged in a conversation with a dwarf who looks less than sober.

"I swear if you ever make me wear those shoes again," the dwarf complains.

"Oh come now, Gragas. They really brought out your legs." Twisted Fate cracks a sharp smile. "Besides, it really did wonders for the trick, don't you think? In any case, until next time."

The elf provides the dwarf with a bag, presumably of sovereigns.

Then, there is Nerva. Gragas wisely takes his leave as Fate turns to face her.

"Well, it's sort of meant to be a joke, really. Teasing." He pauses, then says, "Harmlessly, of course. You came with Dorian, after all. I figured that was established."

[keeperofmagi]

She gave the dwarf a stern look, but otherwise ignored him. It was probably for the best that he decided to take his leave.

"A joke." She repeats the word flatly. "And it is funny to whom, exactly?" There's a little bit of a sour note to her voice. So he was mocking her. That... hurt more than she expected.

She had thought that coming with Dorian had been established, too.

[wickedchase]

"I thought it would be general amusement all around? The joke is that you and I did not come together." In part, he thinks that probably would have been impossible due to varying complications -- something Nerva has no approval for.

There's a pause and he notes the sourness in her voice. Well, despite the jest, she doesn't find it particularly amusing.

"It wasn't a joke at your expense. I thought it was generally amusing since we simply didn't." And wouldn't have, he assumes.