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

[madame_de_fer]

"The Duke Hugues Pelletier," Vivienne repeats as though the name alone should explain everything. Though, perhaps not. "He's only just come into his inheritance. Such a darling boy. So earnest and sincere in his devotions. And he's quite enamored with you, from all accounts."

She takes a dainty sip of her own wine, then suggests with a smile, "Shall I arrange an introduction?"

[stabsbooks]

Cassandra blanches. Enamored?

Morrigan had spoken of marriages, suggested that Vivienne might attempt to arrange one on Cassandra's behalf. Cassandra had not wanted to believe her, but it seems that she had been right all along.

"A darling boy." Her voice is flat with disbelief. She shakes her head firmly. "Enchanter. You cannot - you cannot be serious."

[madame_de_fer]

"Whyever wouldn't I be serious?" Even with the mask, Vivienne feigns an astonished look of complete innocence. "He is quite the catch in Orlais and you are a lovely woman yourself. I've known marriages of greater age disparity that were far less amicable at their inception."

And let's be honest, marriage is so very seldom about affection, or age, and more about inheritances and alliances. Very practical. For those reasons alone, it's not so impossible. Cassandra is still Nevarran royalty, and therefore a social equal to the young duke. Very young duke. But then the young ones make up with their inexperience with their enthusiasm.

"My dear, you've turned terribly pale. Are you ill? Perhaps I should ask Duke Hugues to join us in case you turn faint."

[stabsbooks]

"No!"

Her response is too quick, and too loud, and she cuts herself off immediately, giving Vivienne a panicked, pleading look.

"Vivienne, do not be ridiculous. I have no wish to catch anyone. I do not - I would not - "

If she ever does marry - and that is looking less and less likely every year - it will be for love. She had not resisted all of her uncle's attempts to find suitors for her when she had been a young woman only for Vivienne to attempt the same thing now. Cassandra shakes her head forbiddingly, giving the Enchanter the most severe look she can muster.

"I am not interested. Do not offer again."