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

[lifeofendurance]

"Why do we suffer them again?"

Aleron understands that some people choose to wage their brand of warfare under the guise of glittering social events. He even is given to understand that they are meant to be entertaining and pleasant. The last time in his life he truly felt that way was when he and his sisters snuck out of the night nursery to watch the dancers from the upstairs gallery and attempt to filch a bite of cake before being trundled back to bed by Nanny. He, naturally, took the blame for all his sisters being out of bed.

In brooding silence, he nurses the same single glass of wine he's had all evening. His stoicism breaks only for a long-suffering sigh. "How bad has it been for you?"

[tactical_alert]

If only he could be such a wallflower this time. "I am on the arm of Lady Thevenet this evening. Partly decoration, partly a statement. Don't get me wrong now, she is a woman of intellect and entertainment both, but her enjoyment of my company does not make me any less of a pawn in her own plans."

Still. He accepts that he must be a pawn in other peoples' games sometimes. Even his first mentor saw to that. Malcolm gives a shrug. "Otherwise I have been chatted up by a few nobles or relations to nobles about subjects that I do hope swing their approval our way. A good cause. But it is exhausting. I'd rather go a few rounds with an ogre."

[lifeofendurance]

"As would I."

Or even two ogres, if it would spare them the more difficult work of the evening. Despite being born to a place of privilege, Aleron doesn't consider himself a part of that world. Not anymore. He outgrew it at an early age and now considers it more a burden to be endured than anything else. Simply put, there are more important issues in the world than who wore what to which party. Or spinning pretty lies for intangible gains.

"Benuta is a woman of caliber, however." That indeed was the use of a very familiar, personal, nickname. Not even a title. Which is terribly unusual for Aleron. "I'm pleased she is with a respectable escort tonight and not on her own." Although in all fairness, he really cannot picture her being unable to acquire a date to a party. She's far too lovely and engaging.

[tactical_alert]

Now that interests Malcolm. Benevenuta knows many people, and perhaps it shouldn't surprise him to know that she's got multiple contacts and allies within the Seekers. (Of course he would not be special on that front. Nobody is special to her.) Even he doesn't use nicknames with her. He is, as always, overly polite with her.

"And pray tell, how is it that you've come to know the Lady so well? I wasn't aware that you'd met before."

[lifeofendurance]

Aleron rubs the back of his neck and glances away, blatant betrayal of a sudden sense of discomfort, though he won't lie or dissemble about the truth. It's just not in him to be anything but forthcoming. Except in his smothering of his feelings. Like now. Where he clears his throat and forces himself not to act the sheepish dolt.

"Our mothers attempted to marry us." And as one could easily gather, Aleron had no idea what the women were about until things had reached an awkward point of expectations being raised and his thinking he was merely being polite and accommodating. His eyes do fall to his hand where he's still wearing his wedding band. "I ended their notion to that end. Benuta deserves far more than I can offer her. We are still friends, nothing more."

Which means he'll box the ears of anyone who hurts her, but otherwise, he's got no claim on her affections which is how he'd prefer it.

[tactical_alert]

Malcolm blinks, the surprise rocking him back physically. "Oh."

He supposes that's always a possibility when one becomes friends with the likes of Benevenuta. Or anyone with a name of note and of money and of influence. Still, an attempt at an arranged marriage! Not something Malcolm would spread around, of course, especially since it came to nothing. He's just glad he isn't likely to get any letters from his family suggesting the same thing.

It isn't that he disagrees, necessarily, with the notion of what Benuta deserves, but there's also the extremely important matter of everyone around her being a chess piece. But Aleron must already know her methods and manners, knowing her so well. "It seems as though she's beginning to gain a monopoly on Seekers. As always, a smart move on her part."