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

[bookish_lioness]

Hermione was partial to gingers, but she'd never shown any active interest in ginger women. That would have made sleeping in the same bed with Ginny all those times infinitely weird.

Hermione would also rather not have to be dressed up and paraded around like some sort of exhibit, but if Skyhold did host another soiree, she knew she'd have to show up. At least, she would if she were still under Adelaide's employ. "I'll do that, thank you. I don't think she and I have been formally introduced yet. I should probably change that eventually."

[serannas]

"She holds a great deal of influence, so it would be a good idea. Whether you agree with her ideals or not, she's a powerful person and a good ally to have." As someone who has lived outside a Circle and has heard the horror stories about them, she can't really agree with Vivienne's belief that they are needed. It sounds to her like Vivienne had an idyllic experience and assumes those who didn't were just isolated situations. Despite that, Vivienne is shrewd and knows how to get what she wants. She's someone to befriend or keep an eye on. Maybe both.

[bookish_lioness]

"I wouldn't know about her ideals, but so long as she isn't advocating for anything I find particularly abhorrent, I'd be glad to make her acquaintance." Granted, Hermione found all sorts of things particularly abhorrent, most of them being things that Vivienne held dear, but she could hardly know that right now.

"At any rate, I'm sure you'll get enough talk about influence and allies and all that sort of thing while you're here tonight, so I wouldn't want to keep you preoccupied, especially since I'm sure you could win all sorts of people over to the Inquisition's side."

[serannas]

"Oh, I'm not sure about that," she replied, canting her head to one side and trying not to look embarrassed at the compliment.

"Mostly I've been just trying to keep my head above water while showing these nobles that their rumors about elves are just that: rumors only. But you're right that I should get back to it. Maybe I can save someone from a boring conversation." Her eyes lifted to search the crowd a moment before they refocused on Hermione.

"I wish you a good evening."

[bookish_lioness]

"From what I'd heard of your earlier talk with that noble, you're doing an excellent job of that," Hermione replied with a small smile. "Good luck, and I hope you find some time to enjoy the rest of the evening for yourself."

With that, she gave Ellana a small smile and a slight wave before excusing herself, hoping that she wouldn't end up being one of those people that needed a rescue.