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

[onlyhymns]

It takes Cade a moment to comprehend what Norrington is actually saying, and though he calms slightly, he looks no happier. He's silent and pensive for a short time, mulling over the Knight-Commander's words, testing them to see how they fit.
Despite Norrington's good intentions, even having the subject brought up kindly sets his nerves on edge, and he glances around to make sure no one's listening.
"It's not your fault, ser," he finally concludes, his voice low, "n...none of it is." He stalls on the word, aghast at the mere thought that anyone could blame themselves for him. "It is I who must do better. I'll..." The mere thought of working harder than he already is seems to exhaust him, but at the same time, he's determined. "I won't disappoint you again, ser."

[judgemewhole]

Well honestly, if Cade had taken it well, Norrington would have thought he was possessed by a demon. He had no idea if Cade could ever get to some semblance of 'sane', but considering what they were all doing here? It seemed unlikely.

He looked at Cade for a long moment, before he shook his head, "Don't worry about disappointing me, Cade. Just ... you are a Templar, and a brother. We've lost too many brothers already, so please just take care of yourself. Try, if you can, to find some peace of mind."

[onlyhymns]

Cade listens, and then he nods, albeit looking no less defeated. Peace of mind? Is that even possible?
"Yes, ser," he says again, unsure of how else to proceed. With Nerva or her agents hovering over him at all hours, it's impossible not to take care of himself, at least in the physical sense. Mentally, he wouldn't even know where to begin. "I will try."

[judgemewhole]

He knew this wouldn't be easy for Cade, so he didn't drop empty platitudes on his head. They wouldn't help, and might even compound the problem. "Thank you for trying, Ser Cade."

Trying might caused another fight and he wasn't interested in that right now.

[onlyhymns]

Cade gives a silent nod, then looks down again. In a small way, he hopes Norrington is finished, since he can feel eyes on them, and is all too aware this conversation is taking place in a large public space full of people. Not the ideal setting for any conversation, as far as he's concerned.

[judgemewhole]

Norrington nodded himself, before he cleared his throat. "Have a good evening, Ser Cade."

He went to leave, folding his hands behind him, being careful not to look behind him. He truly did not want to see the bruised look on the other man's face.