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

[theproperglove]

Even though Josephine is certain that he is just flattering her, she feels herself grow slightly flustered at the compliment nonetheless. Doing her best to disguise it with an easy smile, she answers, "You are too kind to me, Zevran." She cants her head before adding, "Acknowledgements of my efforts, however, are always appreciated. In addition to achieving our goals here tonight, I simply hope that everybody is able to enjoy themselves. Otherwise it would be a true waste, no?"

Casting her gaze around the room to follow Zevran's line of sight, she continues. "Such thoughts are extended to yourself, naturally. Are you having an enjoyable evening?"

[ombranera]

"I speak the truth. None can quite compare to the loveliness of an Antivan Rose, blossoming in her element." Most anyone else- actually, everyone else that he might tip that line to would receive a leer, a smirk, something lewd and salacious. But for Josephine? A noble lady, a diplomat, well connected in Orlais and Antiva? To Zevran she is to be untouched, unspoiled, and thus his appreciation is of a gentler sort.

If only to spare himself more of Leliana's ire. "I am having a marvelous time, as are a great many of the nobles."

[theproperglove]

Perhaps Josephine might've been offended if she had known that Zevran were imagining her to some sort of delicate flower. Is she not Antivan too? But ignorance is bliss, so instead she merely smiles. "I am glad to hear it. If you had to choose one or two of the visiting nobles that you would say are having the best time, who you would choose?"

Does she want to gossip?

Probably.

[ombranera]

"Baroness Comeaux and Comte Daucourt- though the second will have less to smile about when I am through with him. The former has found several promising prospects for the evening and will likely bed the taller of the two- she has a thing for height much in the same way Lady Odette has a thing for Qunari horns." A beat, he smiles. "I do promise nothing of what might be done for Comte Daucourt can be held against the Inquisition."

[theproperglove]

"Oh? And what might be done to the Comte Daucourt?" Her eyes flicker around the room again, watching Lady Odette who certainly does have her eyes on a nearby Qunari. "I would not begrudge anyone their particular preferences."

[ombranera]

"A lesson in the proper treatment of elves and how to be more discerning in those with whom he chooses to pass the time." All innocence, is Zevran. "Pointed words, but not quite pointed."