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

[wickedchase]

The compliment in response earns a wry grin. It's short and difficult for her, he's sure, but he appreciates it nonetheless. She's trying, and that's all he could ever ask. Despite their rocky start, he's come to truly appreciate her and the attempts she's been taking. It's not easy for many.

Gently, he guides her away to the floor, his pace patient.

"I am, as a matter of fact. I enjoy these gatherings. Though I've been to very few of them. Most places don't tend to invite elves." A devilish smile forms. "So I've taken to inviting myself to a few in the past."

Twisted Fate goes into position, one hand to her waist and the other holding her hand. "When you're ready, Nerva."

[keeperofmagi]

The mention about elves causes her to frown, the thought never having occurred to her. "No, I suppose they aren't," she murmurs quietly. "Neither are Templars, generally, or orphans, or the children of servants. But I have seen some, from outside. I would likely enjoy this one more if I wasn't so very aware that half these nobles are looking for ways to use us."

She lets him guide her into position and raises her gaze to meet his. The frown slipped away, her expression stoic but not solemn - as if she were waiting, comfortably, calmly, for a ship approaching the shore. Then, a heartbeat later, gaze still locked on his, she offered a smile - small, bemused, and fond.

"I'm sure we can find distraction for a moment. Lead on, Fate."

[wickedchase]

"You might care more for Ferelden affairs. They're generally more straight-forward, but far less elegant in my opinion. Still the servants, orphans, Templars, and elves looking from the outside, but at least Fereldens are relatively straight-forward with their intents."

This is becoming quite familiar as they slide into place. When was it that this became this way, he wonders? There was a time that she irritated him, and he to her with purpose to do so. Now, he finds himself quite fond of her. The times he can earn a smile feels rewarding.

Like now.

He smiles in return.

"Gladly."

The tango is something he's described before as a dance style that can express so much on the companionship of the dancers. It can be a competition with every step, every dip, and every spin.

And he knows he can rely on Nerva to follow his intent.

[keeperofmagi]

"I do prefer when people are more straightforward." It's a murmur, mostly to herself rather than to him. And it's a truth. The Game, and the people who played it, were frustrating and hard to follow. She admired the Game - admired those who played it well - but knew she could not. She liked to know where she stood. In everything.

And it made for a strange queasy feeling, as for the briefest moment - before the dance began - and he smiled at her, that she realised she really didn't know where she stood with Twisted Fate. She had known, before. Templar, Mage. Simple.

Now, as the music began, and she took her place - sliding up against him, an arm over his shoulder, hand pressing against the small of his back. It was quite a bit different, wearing this dress, rather than her usual clothing. It was far tighter against her skin, and it was far easier to tell exactly where he pressed up together.

She turned her head, her leg sliding down against his, fingers intertwining in his outstretched arm.