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

[ombranera]

"It is more elaborate than most of what is done in Antiva- and less fun for it. Not enough wine or bare skin."

Speaking of touching, his hand slides out to tug one of Taas' hands close so he might press a kiss to the skin of his wrist, casual, idle affection. "Mmhmm. Many admirers now that they know yes, I am that Zevran. So many questions about the blight."

[quietblade]

"Mm, I have to agree that there could be more wine and less restrictive clothing," Taas says softly, taking a glass from a passing servant.

The touch to his hand makes him look at the blonde elf, lips gentle in their kiss to his wrist. It's sweet, the casual affection, and Taas features soften a bit when he smiles and weaves his fingers with Zevran's for a brief moment, returning the gesture with a squeeze.

"Ah, yes. I'm sure they're basking in your light, drawn by stories or just appreciation for your handsome face." There's a little wink at those words, and another of affectionate smile. "has there been any trouble?"

[ombranera]

"Mmm? Nothing worth mentioning." The usual, then. He is an elf in a room of Orlesian nobles. No matter his achievements they see the ears first and the man second. It is what it is.

To sooth himself as much as Taas he drops another idle kiss to his palm before shrugging. "Aside from some stern glares from Chevalier for my choice of escort? Nothing remarkable. I do think they mean to corner me later, though. Oh what a surprise it shall be when they think me easy prey."

[quietblade]

He fully understands that. Ears, horns... if the dwarves didn't have the lyrium, they'd be judged for their height just as loudly as any other non-human. Elves didn't even have the bulk of qunari to frighten people enough to hold their tongue.

Taas can't help the fond smile as another kiss is placed against his calloused palm, but it curves into a more amused smirk when Zevran mentions the possible cornering later. "Poor bastards," he agrees with a voice clearly telling they deserved what came to them. This gorgeous, beautiful elf was not to be underestimated.

Which just added to how much Taas enjoyed Zevran's company.