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

[el_tybs]

It always got interesting when someone started talking about 'humans' with him, as if he suddenly didn't fit in that category, or because they were emphasizing that he was part of that group.

"Well I'm human and I'm asking what you want." He raises his brows a bit at that, letting out a sigh as well. "And most of the guests here are asshats," he says, though makes sure it isn't said too loud. He doesn't like this crowd, but he didn't need to - just had to grin and bear it. "I only know how life is as being a mage, so I don't know exactly what you're going through - I'm human. I do know you don't have to listen to Madame de Fer if you don't want to."

A pause then another sigh. "You're only going to make a difference for yourself if you actually stand up to do it."

[kallian_endris]

"It's not that easy. And never will be. I suppose the only way to disappear again would be to run. And I can't go to an alienage. Any alienage. Looking for the Dalish is just as much a roll of the dice. If I start running, I'll never be allowed to stop. Ever. But survival is all I've ever done."

She pauses.
"What would you do?"

[el_tybs]

"What would I do?" He was expecting that question, but in all honesty at the moment it would be hard to answer. Glancing around them he motions for Kallian to follow him to a more secluded part of the room - this was not a discussion that was meant for a group.

"Perhaps you should explain to me why it isn't easy to say 'no' to her, and why you have to disappear, first. So I can better understand all this." What would he do? The answer is easy for him, but he's seeing it from his point of view.

[kallian_endris]

She follows him into the quiet alcove.
"I told you about my mother. The bard from Orlais. The mask I'm wearing... it used to be hers. It's all I have left of her. It represents a specific house in Orlais. They aren't here tonight, I don't think, but I don't doubt it's known to our guests. This is everything my mother wanted for me. She wanted me to follow in her footsteps and play the Game. This is the legacy I was born into, just in the wrong place. And Madame de Fer knows a bard's child is a precious Game piece. She won't let me go easily. She offered me a job working for her or for the du Poivrers." Kallian taps her mask. "I said I would think about it, but this is my placement test to see if I can handle a position like that. But... she doesn't know about my... other talents."

She fidgets.
"But... Madame is a loyalist. Supports the Circles and the Templar guard over us. Things I've spent much of my life trying to avoid. I heard so many horror stories. Being turned over to the Chantry or the Templars has always been a death sentence in my mind--or worse. Coming to Skyhold, there were a few nights where the only shelter I could find was in a chantry. And I was never so scared as I was during those nights. I might have rested easier sleeping in a gutter. They say the Chantry welcomes everyone, but I wasn't wanted there. Most people ignored me, which is fine, I'm used to being ignored. I try to be ignored and invisible for the most part. But the ones that saw me... They looked at me like I was vermin. I fled as fast as I could."

She sighs.
"In the cities, I'm a target. Small elf female? I might as well be carrying a sign inviting trouble, to be harassed, raped, beaten, killed. And that's before being known for my... talents. That just adds extra brightness to the sign, attracting Templars and Seekers and other Chantry people just doing their duty--one that would allow them to kill me on sight if they so chose. Being invisible, being nobody, that's what's kept me alive so far. But I can't go to an alienage. They'll believe I've been putting off adulthood for too long, and I'll be married to a stranger as soon as the elders pick a husband for me. And even by elf standards, I'm poor. I can't afford a good match. I'd be lucky just to get someone kind, let alone of sound body or anywhere near my age."

She gestures vaguely to the outside.
"And somewhere out there are the Dalish clans. Who generally don't want to be found by outsiders, because outsiders can rarely be trusted. That's one thing they have in common with us city elves. Some clans might be welcoming of fresh blood... others might turn me away just because I'm city-born, even if my father is Dalish. And my... gifts put me into an especially awkward position. They limit the number of... gifted people in a clan. If I find one with the quota, they'll turn me out to the wolves. And... I'm really not very good at wilderness survival..."

[el_tybs]

He should have probably found something to sit on before she had started, because now he feels a bit swept off his feet by the sheer amount that Kallian loads out on him. Sam had not been expecting an easy answer, but certainly nothing like that. The two of them could have long conversations, but she's never spoken at length like that before. Goes to show that there was a lot on her mind and for good reason.

After a time Sam eventually sighs, hand coming up to rub at the back of his neck, considering everything that was said. "Kallian, I know the world is a scary place, and for you it is especially so. I'm sorry that things are different then they should be. You just said everything you fear, everything you don't want to happen, and what others want of you. So with all that... do you want to follow in your mother's footsteps and become a pawn? For humans?"

He pauses, letting her consider that before continuing. "Madame de Fer might not let you go easily, but she also cannot force you if you truly do not want that. There are other things to consider doing out there. It'll be hard, but you have more options than you think. Korrin told me that her company is always looking for people with our... talents."

[kallian_endris]

"There aren't a lot of paths that somehow don't involve me becoming a pawn for humans. It's one of those things that elves excel at, like being skinny and pointy-eared and poor. At least working for nobles in Orlais, the living conditions are probably better. Decent food. Less overcrowding. Roofs that don't leak. Clothes that are better than rags."

Her lips thinned.
"I know of Korrin. She was part of the venture to Kirkwall. But we didn't talk. I don't know her or her company. And you just suggested I out myself to a stranger. Please forgive me if I decline."

[el_tybs]

"So you'd willingly become a pawn for a 'probably'?" He's already had Sina snap at him about how unfairly the elves were being treated by the Orlesians. Sure there would be some things that would be easier, but what kind of living was that? Especially if you really didn't want that?

"No, I did not. I just told you what someone told me. I'm telling you there are options. Ones that don't require you becoming a pawn for humans." He raises a brow. "And even if I was suggesting that you do, it would be your choice in letting it out, not being found out and exploited."

[kallian_endris]

"People are willing to do a lot of things just to ensure they manage to reach tomorrow, nevermind if it's a happy one. Survival is what counts, and when your biggest concerns are just 'not dying' and having basic needs met, things like happiness just... kind of fall by the wayside. And eventually fall off the list altogether and you forget about them."

She looks back over the party. At least there was a chance her life might be pretty if she took this route. That was better than most elves got.
"I... probably shouldn't stay back here too much longer. People will start wondering where I am."

[el_tybs]

That was that then. From the start it had been that mindset, and no matter what he said it would have been the same. He shakes his head a bit as he looks at his feet some, but he doesn't say a word to it. Survival. He understood what she meant, but for him, it wasn't just about him staying alive. Especially now that he was a full fledged spirit healer with Fortitude. It would not just be about him.

And that was a dismissal if ever he heard one. Sighing some he puts on a smile and gives a bow. "Well then, I suppose you should get back to them. You enjoy the rest of the party, Kallian."

[kallian_endris]

"I'm so sorry, Sam." Her voice is soft, but her eyes are an intense blue under her mask. "I know that wasn't the answer you wanted to hear. But until we remake the world, I have to live in the one I have, where there are no happy endings. Maybe tomorrow will be different."

She looks out on the glittering party and hesitates, for a moment caught between two worlds.
"But tonight is for them. For my mother. And Madame. I'm glad you liked the song. I hope the rest of your night is lovely, and... should you find you have a spare slot, there is always room on my dance card for you."

She takes a deep breath, and the crowd parts around her as she melts into the shimmering scene.