faderift | Truth or Dare: The Imperial Court

Truth or Dare: The Imperial Court

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.

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Sipping on her wine, Korrin nods and darts her a sympathetic look. "It's difficult, needing to be patient and behave ourselves in the face of all this nonsense. But the end result ought to be worth it. Besides, there's no reason we can't do our part here, then slip away for the party not filled with Orlesian snobbery."

If there's any energy left over, that is. Korrin's not entirely sure, but she'd had to miss a more informal shindig.

"Honestly if we make it out of this party alive to get to the one outside? I think the most I am going to manage is a drink and a dance. If I can get him outside after this, that is." She shoots a fond look towards Cullen, who is still managing to hide along the wall.

"I really don't know how he's managed to stay hidden that long. I would have thought the Baroness would have at least tried by now. Maybe she can't find him. The only thing subtle about the Orlesians seems to be their words."

Following Katniss' gaze to Cullen, Korrin smirks. "For an ex-Templar, he's unusually stealthy. I can't blame him, though, that woman's appetite is...something else. At this rate, you might not need to nudge him. I bet he'd be all too happy to flee that."

"Well, if she attempts to take a bite out of him, I have the distinct feeling I might take a bite out of her." A rueful smile passed her lips, "So I have to resist the urge womanfully. Else I get the baleful look."

She looked thoughtful, "I'll make the offer. Honestly it's the least I can do for the poor man,"

"Tonight asks so much of us, doesn't it? I hate being on my best behavior when others clearly aren't held to the same standard." But they need that Orlesian wealth, there's no denying that. It's enough to make Korrin wish for a hunting trip, free from politics.

"Good, you both deserve it. If I'm able, I'll join you there."

"Well, I don't know what the higher moral ground is for letting people grope at us with words and hands, but if their money can help just one poor person? We both know it's worth it." She nodded at her friend, before she grinned.

"Don't forget to grab your lady. Leave no man behind."

Korrin grins back. "But of course. After hours of ass-kissing, she's going to need a break more than anyone. I'm just biding my time until a dashing rescue can be performed. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll get as many scandalized gasps on my way out as I had going in."

Katniss's eyes flashed, before she said calmly with a little sparkle in her eyes. "Are you going to sweep her off her feet, and take her away from all these vultures in true Varric style?

She considers that for a moment before her smirk returns. "...you know, I really should. I can't help it; that surprise dress of hers has me all a-flutter. Between that and dancing, I can't ask for a better night if this is the payoff for putting up with the nobles."

"I think you should do it. But then again ... " Katniss twirled in her gown, and the green illusionary flames fluttered up around her. "I like to take more chances than most."

Backing up to get a better view, Korrin admires the effect. "I can see that. You'll have everyone talking about you for that dress, Katniss. If that doesn't keep your cause in their minds, I don't know what will."

Katniss did a little mock bow, before she smirked over at Korrin, "That's the point. Make them remember me, then remember their purses when they talk to Josephine."

"It'll definitely work. It has to, no doubt." Korrin tilts her head, not usually one to discuss fashion but this is different. "How'd you get to work? An enchantment?"

"It is. Vivienne put it together for me, along with help from someone named Dorian?" Katniss sighed, looking down at the fabric. "I'm not one for gowns -- but a girl on fire? I could stand the notoriety for this alone."

"Ah, Dorian. He always does have exceedingly good taste in just about everything." She smiles, now seeing the Tevinter mage's influence. In a place where magic is celebrated, it makes sense that they would have cosmetic enchantments for clothing. "Not to steal that particular idea, but I might have to see what he'd do for me, sometime. If it's possible with lightning, I might die happy."

"I don't know him personally -- but I have to admit he knows how to make a statement." She affirmed, before she looked back down at her gown once more. "All right, I would pay a lot of money to see that with lightening."

"If nothing else, it might be just the thing needed to distract nobles from the usual stupid questions. They can give me all new ones, for variety's sake." And then Korrin will heckle over them afterward, because otherwise what's the point?

"Oh, anything to pull people away from stupid questions. Especially when they are stupid questions about elves." Katniss muttered, as she stuffed another eclair piece into her mouth.

Korrin sighs in sympathy, able to see how elves get it just as bad if not worse. Most nobles are usually too intimidated by qunari physique to avoid the truly offensive questions, but elves have no such defense. "I think those are doomed to always exist, since there are no shortage of insensitive idiots out there. But if anyone crosses a line tonight, let me know. I won't cause a scene, but I can get the message across without one."

"Good, because what I really want is someone to say something so I have an excuse to kick their arse in this dress -- and that is the last thing I can and should do." She sighed softly, tilting her head to the side. "I can just imagine it now - kicking someone down the front steps. I'd get blood on the gown but it would be so worth it ..."

Her lips twitch briefly at the image provided, and she nods reluctantly at the notion that it should probably not come to pass. A pity. "It would be an image no one would soon forget, but probably not one that will get you the funds you need. Unless I'm truly that far off in my assessment of Orlesian politics."

"You never know. Some of them might like it." She made another face that she quickly hid, "And with that in mind, I am not going to be speaking of that again, any time soon. Ugh."

"Yeah, understandable. So, might I have a dance or are they all saved for Cullen this evening?" Korrin raises an eyebrow, curious. She wouldn't miss the opportunity to dance with a woman in a veilfire dress, after all.

Katniss took a moment to put down her plate, before she curtsied deeply, "I would be honored to take the floor with you, Madame Korrin. Shall we take our first round about the floor?"

Bowing, because she does not want to attempt a curtsy in front of watching nobles, Korrin then offers her hand with a smile. "Indeed. Let's give those nobles something to talk about even as we ignore them entirely for a time."

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the_effect_she_has - 2016-03-23 23:38 (UTC) - Expand

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