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

[pinprick]

"That is...extraordinarily good to hear, my lady." Really, after all the screaming and nonsense about this, it's good to hear a little perspective. Anders isn't the worst thing to happen to Thedas; the Blights are. The Blights have no friend or ally. The Blights destroy utterly and indiscriminately.

"May I ask your name?"

[lettersfromhome]

She doesn't doubt it's good to hear. The Wardens have been receiving no lack of hostility for their decision. She can't even say she doesn't blame those angered by the decision. Kirkwall was the source of a great deal of grief for a great many people. Her own feelings regarding Anders...

But this is hardly the time. It's enough that he feels at ease, and the corner of her lips tug upwards.

"Mia. Mia Rutherford."

[pinprick]

"A pleasure to meet you, my lady." He ducks his head. "Senior Warden Nathaniel Howe."

[lettersfromhome]

"I am no noble lady, lest you confuse me with one," she corrects after a moment, that smirk still poised on her lips as they sway to the music. "You might be permitted to simply call me 'Mia', if you like."

[pinprick]

"I would rather call you 'my lady.' Nobility has two meanings. I believe your sort ought to carry more respect than the other." A pause as the dance has them both turning in place once, then they come together again. "But if that offends you, Mia it will be."

[lettersfromhome]

"It does not offend. I simply thought it misplaced. But you may call on me as it pleases you," she replies, now looking quite amused. "No doubt it offends the actual nobility far more than it would me."