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

[slipshot]

He's not avoiding Zevran. Not exactly. But where on a normal day, upon seeing the elf, he would grin and head over immediately, today he sends only a half-hearted smile and a small wave before turning back to the table he's standing in front of, wondering if he has the stomach to eat. (He doesn't.)

He picks up some kind of little cake, anyway, peering at it with a curiosity he really didn't feel.

[ombranera]

That? That will not do. Zevran sets his now empty glass of wine aside and slinks around to the tables, settling at Gavin's elbow for a long moment to contemplate that tiny cake. "...Raspberry. That is the filling, in case you were wondering."

[slipshot]

Gavin stares at the cake for a half second longer before turning his head to glance up somewhat ruefully at Zevran, as if he'd been caught stealing it. "Oh. Yes, I suppose that makes sense. I-- Are you hungry?"

He holds it out, an offering. A bribe, not even attempting to be concealed.

[ombranera]

"Gavin." He murmurs, not unkindly- and yes he does take the cake, passing it off without looking to Vita who slips past with a dip of her head. "Something troubles you."

It is not a question, it is a statement. "We can find somewhere quiet and speak of this thing that droops your ears so. Or we can dance and forget about such things for the span of a song."

[slipshot]

"I have no intention of ruining your party, Zevran," Gavin replied, and then smiled hollowly.

"But I would love to see you dance - I'm sure you could put all these Orlesian nobles to shame."

[ombranera]

"Pick someone for me to dance with, if not yourself, and I shall do so. Anyone in the room." Zevran tugged Gavin against him with a casual arm around his waist, eyes soft, worried- but he would not press. "Later, perhaps, we might speak? Not of this but of some other concerns I have."

[slipshot]

"Of course, I can drop by later, once this has all calmed down." He actually sounded grateful - the idea of talking, of thinking of someone else's concerns that weren't his own - that was a relief in itself.

He looked out over the dance hall.

"Have you danced with Alistair, yet? Or are Beleth and Pel biting anyone who gets close? Apparently Beleth has declared him her true love, for the evening."

[ombranera]

"You heard the song? It was quite amusing- but no, we have not yet danced. Perhaps I should wait for something particularly seductive before asking him, see what comes of that." Zevran rests his cheek against Gavin's shoulder, eyes soft as he looks across the dance floor.

"He does not know what to do with me half the time. Perhaps I should not tease him so much- or upset him. He was displeased when I arrived with Michel."

[slipshot]

"Michel?" He turns his head, curious. Had Zevran mentioned him before? He couldn't remember. They'd spoken about Alistair, sure, so...

"It's not that surprising Alistair would be upset," He murmured, frowning. "Though he came with someone else, also, so I doubt he has much ground to stand on."

What were you doing, Alistair?

[ombranera]

"He wished to do Pel a favor- I cannot begrudge him that. They make for a fine couple for the evening." They truly did. Copper and silver, blue and green. He was content for them but-

That it was not surprising, that had Zevran quirking a brow. "Alistair knows Michel means nothing. He should not upset himself so over the matter. Where he and I stand? That is certain."