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

[tactical_alert]

He was used to Templars reacting poorly to the presence of a Seeker unless they were all on the same job. Sometimes it was a source of...disgruntlement in his life, and sometimes he pettily enjoyed it. "I understand the feeling, truly." In this case, he sought to put the unease behind them.

"I merely wanted to meet. A tale has been going around about the manner by which you've pledged yourself to the Inquisition fully, and I wish that more would take your example to heart." He offered his hand. Formal greetings. "Malcolm Reed. It is Ser--Lecuyer, yes?"

[keeperofmagi]

She glanced at his hand and then took it - giving a firmer shake than the dress would imply, though she was carefully with the sharp nailed rings.

"Nerva, please. And thank you, Seeker. It was... a difficult decision, at first, but has proven to be the right one. I am sure others will see as I do." It felt completely right, for him to call her by her given name, and for her to call him Seeker. That was simply how things were.

[tactical_alert]

To be fair, he's less used to people calling him by his given name unless they're someone he's worked with. He hasn't discouraged it, but he isn't going to quibble on the point here. "I have to ask, if you'll allow me--what is it that made you decide?"

[keeperofmagi]

Her brows furrowed at the question, and she turned her eyes to look out over the party as she considered it, far more deeply than one might usually, with a stranger, but it was an important question and his title was enough to ensure she gave a full and thoughtful answer to it.

"I do not like to work by half measures, Seeker, and I am no politician. The Templars... The Order is little more than words, here, and even the words themselves are often no longer ones I can rally behind. I came here to help defeat Corypheus, and found my attention torn, and my loyalties questioned. I am the only one of my circle here, and the Templars to whom I originally answered now are likely under the direct will and control of Corypheus himself. It didn't seem right, to keep the title."

[tactical_alert]

That she's perfectly honest with him, a stranger, even if a Seeker, seems a good sign. He isn't here to abuse his position, as in the end he is just another soldier in the Inquisition, but that she respects his position pleases him. "I understand." She needs something firm to stand for, solid ground under her feet.

"I hope the Lady Seeker welcomed you with open arms." He considers the subtle hilarity of the image and amends, "As open as she is able to, granted. Though those in the Order are our allies, I still fear that titles and prejudices divide us still when we are all meant to unite under a common goal and banner. I hope your decision has not made other Templars treat you unkindly."

[keeperofmagi]

"I am not accustomed to kindness," Nerva said, in a flat tone, as if correcting him. "For the most part, I am treated no differently, but we have far less contact with each other than before. I have my duties, and they have theirs."

"Seeker Pentaghast, however, has proven herself above all others. And I am happy and proud to serve her."

[tactical_alert]

That certainly sounded familiar. But it was their lot in life. They chose their paths, and the ones that they walked had the potential to be lonely. That they followed the Maker's Light should be enough.

Sometimes, he found, it was not.

"I am certain that this pleases Commander Cullen as well. I find it interesting that you specifically went to the Seeker instead of him. Was it simply a matter of timing?"