fightingale: (pic#9946836)
lelιana ( adorable нereтιc ) dragon age. ([personal profile] fightingale) wrote in [community profile] faderift2016-03-22 09:26 pm

she took me back and stitched me up

WHO: Sister Nightingale, Scout Harding & Knight Captain Hill; possible appearances from Araceli, Lara, Hermione, Beleth, Kitty & Clarke?
WHAT: After following different sets of clues, a few intrepid detectives present the information to the Nightingale.
WHEN: After the soiree; backdated soorrryyyy
WHERE: a chamber off leliana's private quarters that i just made up and that totally exists ahem
NOTES:
Feel free to set up individual starters and I'll hop in. The post itself is a generic starter for Leliana, but I want to keep this flexible as possible for everyone and not pile too much on folks, so feel free to get in touch with me ooc if you'd like to figure out something specific or handwave :]b



There are very few places to pursue a Spymaster when she is not in her Rookery. For those willing to seek her out even in the hours after the soiree, and perhaps even a little earlier if it were possible for her to escape any earlier without undermining the very purpose of the party, Leliana can be found in a chamber that precedes her own private quarters. It is sparsely decorated. There is only a table, a few chairs, and depending when someone arrives they may find her Lead Scout and the Knight Captain present, as well. On the table sits a deck of cards, and a few glasses - water only, of course. Sharp minds over blurred wits.

Leliana has shed the beautiful dress that made up her apparel for the evening, and is back in the uniform of the Nightingale, cowled and covered, and she waits. The nature of the arrival will tell her something, as well, and one of her agents stands outside the closed door, waiting to address those who would approach and enter.

foxsays: (Hold me amongst all your cards)

assuming she hasn't seen maria, if that's not the case let me know and i'll edit

[personal profile] foxsays 2016-03-22 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
The party isn't quite over but Araceli has no illusions about the rest of her night (or rather, her morning) as soon as it's done; Korrin will want to steal her away at last, and Araceli would quite like to breathe a little more comfortably. Thieves learn to be discreet, a guard like her learns too and Leliana is aware of that at least, if not the exact specifics of what her life at home entails.

Perhaps after tonight she will. The agent calls her in and from beneath her skirts she gathers something up, setting the bundle down and unwrapping it because this? This is familiar. Or as familiar as she's likely to get so she'll take it.

The knife is set down, still bloodied, still with something on the blade that isn't blood but isn't something she knows either. In Thedas making guesses aren't as safe or as easy as home so she'd moved it and stashed it until she'd found herself a true chance. Causing a scene and running out in the middle of a ball? She's not an amateur though she does blink tiredly when she takes her seat, forcing herself not to slouch so she can actually still breathe.

"Nightingale," she greets, voice a little hoarse because nobles want to talk to the girl with the glowing hand, "there is a matter to bring to your attention." Not that she's sure if she's meant to go first or not, after all, their meetings have been so few she could count them on one hand comfortably. The spymaster is a busy woman, it's easier to leave a note for her instead.
foxsays: (Even in my darkest times)

[personal profile] foxsays 2016-03-27 02:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"Maria left the ball in a flurry and I did not spy her returning to it - she was there to represent the Chantry, since she's a Templar and I know that there was a splitting of the Templars from the Chantry, not to mention whatever is going on within Skyhold." She clears her throat carefully, making sure she presents this as she would a report to Leandra. "I waited until I could leave without drawing attention to find her quarters in a state; it had been turned over and clearly they didn't care for being discovered or their discovery wouldn't matter because they would be gone. The candles were still wet to the touch, and pages from various books had been burned."

She leaves her personal thoughts alone for the moment, better to get through the with telling and then hash out the details, surely. Leliana will have questions if this is anything like giving a guard report. "There was no blood there though and it didn't look like there had been any sort of scuffle, the angles were wrong. A mess but a precise sort of mess.

"When I returned to the ball there were servants gossiping, as servants do, but they weren't from Skyhold, they'd come with the guests." Which guests she couldn't be sure, not when it was her first time dealing with Orlesian nobility in the flesh, as well, trying to place how they were all connected to one another and the agendas. Still, she knows many of Skyhold's servants, particularly any involved in working in or around the kitchens. "That was when I became more concerned - their talk was of Templar abuses in Skyhold, and in Emprise du Lion." There's a short pause; it isn't a secret that Araceli went to Emprise du Lion where she helped to free captives from cages, and it's a sight that's stuck with her even now, the kind of cruelty and horror she finds it difficult to speak of. She gives herself a shake so she can continue. "I was going to go back to the room armed with that to see if I had overlooked something but I saw a scrap of torn fabric that I believe matches Maria's gown. A low branch was broken, and that is where I found this knife."

She gestures to it carefully, avoiding whatever still discolours the blade in places because while she doesn't know what it is, some can be absorbed through the skin into the body, or some can cause burns and blisters. Thedas has magic, there's every possibility that a poison could be altered by them too. It doesn't hurt to be cautious here.

"I don't know what that is on the blade, poison was never a tool that I used or something very common to my country. The symbol however, that I recognise. Kirkwall's heraldry. It could mean several things however: that it was made in Kirkwall or made to look as if it has come from Kirkwall, which would mean that the wielder comes from Kirkwall too or again, wishes to give the appearance. I know that the Chantry in Kirkwall was destroyed and from all that I have heard, that was the spark that lit the flames spreading across Thedas for the Mage-Templar war. Maria was the target, because she is a Templar, because she was here to represent the Chantry to the nobility gathered tonight. The blade is a message; either for the mages and what they have stood for, or against the Templars in Kirkwall, I have heard awful things about them. Since she is gone, then they have taken her to make a statement - the mages are not gone, or that the Templars will face some form of justice."

At last she's done, the beginnings of a headache spreading out from her forehead, her voice almost gone entirely even with something soothing to drink, heart hammering. Where is Maria, she wonders, but there wasn't a chance to do anything then because a scene being caused at such a party could jeopardise so much, and with a rifter imprisoned, it would reflect so poorly if another caused a stir.
nofury: (pic#6522462)

[personal profile] nofury 2016-04-04 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Orlesian codenames. Praise to the Maker her father was not there to hear it. It brings a small, wry smile to Maria's face as she enters the room and moves to stand at Leleiana's right hand. There will be no apologies from her, either. Skills must be tested, and tests which gave results were never a waste of effort or time.

"Even better news, we were all able to leave the party."
foxsays: (Tonight we're the sea)

[personal profile] foxsays 2016-04-12 03:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Would that the corset allow it, she might relax when she sees Maria but her small tired smile and the raising of her glass will have to be enough, though she does set the glass down long enough to reach behind and deftly give herself a little slack, something to allow the tightness to ease somewhat. To let herself breathe comfortably at the very least. The nickname she parses much more slowly, Orlesian clumsier in her mouth now after a night of balancing it, but eagle she thinks, yes, that sounds about right.

"So at least some of that was not a ruse then?" She asks only because it's polite, and because there's something that they're both in on that she was not as she takes a sip, rubbing her throat carefully. "I am out of practice," she says, an apology to Leliana but it's been a good six months without real duties beyond the ones she's made for herself, a small glance sent Maria's way because she doesn't know just how much the other woman is in on, a secret Araceli has kept so very carefully close to her skin as her tattoos, more easily hidden unless someone goes looking for it.

She's given very little reason to do so. She knows how to play games, and often her confusion has been very genuine, or close enough.

But the point still stands: she's out of practice and that needs to change. If that means cutting herself off from the work she's been doing to gather information to help fellow rifters then so be it, and so she sits up a little straighter, nodding as she settles herself and takes another sip of wine. Her head will ache in the morning. Most of her will ache in the morning but let it serve as a lesson, let it remind her of what the past year was so she doesn't slide back, so she doesn't slip into the skin of someone else.

Were this less serious she would joke that Korrin is likely more relieved to be done with it than Araceli who has learned to thrive on such things, but perhaps later when she knows her teacher or Maria better she can joke, and she takes another drink, setting her hands on her lap to hear how she's done. She's able to keep things straight in her head after being clubbed in a tavern brawl, a little party and strong wine shouldn't muddle her memory too badly.
foxsays: (Default)

[personal profile] foxsays 2016-04-17 03:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think it would be best for all parties involved if I rescue Councillor Ataash before her patience with Lady Odette runs out entirely, I'm sure you would both agree, especially given this test." It's teasing, or it sounds as teasing as she can manage. With them she doesn't bother to hide the strain in her voice; tonight simply served as another reminder that the Mage-Templar tensions can so easily return, that any small incident could serve to reignite them, that perhaps the key instigator hid within the walls of Skyhold for so many months as if he were another seeking refuge with one hand and offering aid with the other.

First she would gain a measure of him herself, after seeing Korrin's rage.

"Poisoners come from other lands, to get hold of them in our country? The cost is extortionate, and though many creatures of the sea can kill you with one brush of their barbs, we don't use them." Her voice is soft, not from the strain of speaking over others and entertaining, reverent instead; the sea is her blood, but even the Dalish have named figures rather than primal forces to love and to cherish, and she's so very far from home. "If I need to know them or use them, I can, we aren't prohibited in making use of them if we can get hold of them but again, it is cost and as you know, I was not born to a life of extravagance."

And her queen has a gentle hand, she would prefer not to have lives taken to reach her goals, she would prefer imprisonment in the hopes that minds can even be changed unless they truly prove too dangerous, unless it is an honest fight.

A laugh escapes, not even a laugh, a soft huff that would turn into a cough if she didn't know how to control herself. "You remind me so much of someone so very dear to me, she tested me without me ever knowing." There was blood on my hands that day, she thinks, I am glad that tonight it never came to that, though the Nightingale is not Leandra. They are both steel but Leandra can wield her softness so well to all the world and show her face, can wear her many gowns and masks, her guards all so close to her; Araceli knows how warm the skin is behind her ear and that it always smells of the sea, that she will always be allowed to lead her away from her work when the candles burn low and hollow out her cheeks. Perhaps there will be time to speak properly to her teacher of Leandra in more than just a note at some point later but she's so busy she never wishes to take up more of her time for anything outside of lessons.

Looking to Maria, it startles her once again to remember just how long she's been in Thedas, how long it's been since they shared a tent in the Fallow Mire when they passed a flask between them. "Forgive me, Knight-Captain. I had no idea of your station when we first met. If you have need of me, it's best to leave a message or shout up, I'll come down if you ask." By now it's not a secret that Cassandra's soldiers physically dragged her down off the wall when she managed to evade them the first time, and though she doubts it'll be repeated, with those Leliana trusts, she's willing to make distinctions clear.
nofury: (pic#6522462)

[personal profile] nofury 2016-04-19 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Maria gives a wry smile before sipping her wine. It had been a good number of months, the duties of the Inquisition, the Order, and the Left Hand calling more attention than staying social- never a strong suit of hers to begin with. But for now she's content to watch the interaction, more making mental notes as Leliana speaks than offering to agree with or challenge her.

[[ooc: go nuts and just assume Maria is observing unless directly addressed!]]
arlathvhen: (20)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2016-03-29 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
Beleth arrived to the soiree alone, and she left the same way. She doesn't go to one of the places she's known to stay, however. Instead, she heads for Leliana straightaway, still dressed in her finery. She arrives in the room, and quickly bobs her head to Leliana, putting a fist to her chest, then straightens, pressing her lips into a thin line, putting the words in her head together, before she dares to speak them.

She may have nothing. She may be wasting the spymaster's time. What does she have? A journal and shards of...something. And some suspicious men. But--If it's not worrisome, it's at least information Leliana might be able to use. It might be helpful in the Game. Beleth will just have to pray.

"Sister Nightingale," She greets, putting her hands behind her back, trying to look professional and smooth, like the coolest spy ever. Yeah. She has a pretty dress and everything. She's super cool. She has this. "I have information which I believe that you will find valuable...hopefully. I think."'

Close.
arlathvhen: (34)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2016-04-06 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Beleth takes the seat hurriedly, nodding. Okay, she can do this. She's given scout reports plenty of times. She takes a breath, then...hikes up her skirt, enough to reveal a leather strap just above her knee. It has a dagger, and pouch hanging off of it, and it is this pouch that Beleth concerns herself with, untying it, and putting her skirts back into place. She takes the pouch, and carefully empties the contents--the shards of glass and bone, as well as the handbook she pickpocketed. And she had thought that she would never use those lessons on it.

"There were three men, all with an odd bracelet, like a snake. They were speaking in the gardens, and one seemed to be scolding the others. He mentioned getting word to someone--At first, I just thought that it wasn't anything too serious. Something with the Game. But, um. I..." She paused for a moment, and decides to leave out the pickpocketing. "...noticed that he left this behind." She opens the handbook, flipping through it. "I don't know the cipher, but I figured that I'd bring it to you anyway, since you'd be able to figure it out. Maybe just idle gossip, maybe some information the Inquisition could use. Then I saw this--" And she spun the handobok around to show Leliana the 'For restored glory!' inscription. "That's, um. Well. It sounds an awful lot like what the Venatori say, doesn't it? All that rubbish about the glory of Tevinter."

She makes a face, but then turns her attention to the shards. "This might just be a coincidence, but it was nearby. It just looks like glass and stuff at first glance, but, ah. As I'm sure you can tell...this is bone, and this is crystal. It reminds me of those creepy skulls on sticks, but, ah. I'm pretty sure none of them were carrying any in their back pockets. Have we been keeping them somewhere in Skyhold? Because if we have, maybe we have thieves. Either way--" She turned back to Leliana, folding her hands in her lap.

"It's worrying. I know there's a Venatori in the dungeons, maybe we can get him to look at the cipher? I'm sure he can be convinced to help us." Through bribing him with better conditions, or threatening him with worse. Beleth will leave that up to Leliana. "Either way--I thought that you could make use of it. Um. If not, I'm sure I can find the man and return his book to him, if you want..."
arlathvhen: (20)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2016-04-11 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
Beleth first takes in the praise, straightening up and smiling, eyes ducking down. Excellent work. She did excellent work, it wasn't stupid or useless.

Then Leliana continues, and Beleth is glad that her eyes are trained down, so she can hide the look of surprise that flits across her face. This had been an assessment to decide if she was trustworthy...? Her knee-jerk reaction was a feeling of betrayal, that Leliana had not trusted her, and had deceived her. Her fingers dig into the soft silk of her dress, as she takes a few breaths.

But then she stops and thinks about it. And wonders if it's more worrying that she's more concerned with Leliana not trusting her than she is the risk of a Venatori force infiltrating Skyhold.

But Leliana continues, and apologizes, and tells her that she did well. And she smiles at that. It's enoughto make her start thinking from Leliana's perspective--Not from the perspective of a friend, not from the perspective of a teacher, but as a spymaster. As a bard. And viewing it like that, she thinks she begins to understand. And she slowly nods.

"Thank you, Sister Nightingale. I'm glad that I met your expectations. And that Skyhold isn't under threat. I understand the need for, ah. Dramatics. If it were a real situation that had arose, it would have been similarly dramatic."
arlathvhen: (06)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2016-04-12 06:54 am (UTC)(link)
Beleth continues to look quite appreciative every time Leliana gives her praise--She's easy to please, all in all. Positive words and attention mean a great deal to her, and she would go to further depths than scooping bits of debris off the ground and picking a man's pocket to get it. Leliana isn't quite on the level of aiming to please that Zevran is yet, but she's not too far off.

When Leliana asks her to assess herself, Beleth blinks, but nods slowly. Was this another test? Was she supposed to tell Leliana that she did perfectly? Or tell her all the ways that she falls short, so Leliana knows that Beleth is aware of it? She's silent as she thinks, staring at her hands clasped on her lap.

There's one glaring area that she has problems in, but if Leliana learned about it, she could take her out of the field entirely. But if she didn't tell Leliana and it got found out later--? No. She could take care of it herself.

"I think--While working, my biggest flaw was lack of knowledge. I don't much about Tevinter--there isn't much to read about it in the Skyhold library, besides how they're all heretics. So...If that notebook hadn't had that Venatori thing in there, I would've never have even guessed that they could be from Tevinter. I think that's true in general, though. I've been trying to learn more about the world outside of my clan, but...there's a lot." Is her answer, sitting straight in the chair. "I don't know how much that'll effect me on the field, but I feel like it would have made things a little easier tonight--If I knew more about...our enemies in particular, but also...The world."
arlathvhen: (03)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2016-04-15 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
"The Dalish share knowledge through their storytellers," Beleth murmurs, focusing on the hands laid in her lap. "People think that such a knowledge must be warped, since it has been told through so many mouths. But we take pride in making sure to tell the tales exactly how we were told. Every ten years, when we meet with the other clans, we compare our knowledge. We make sure nothing has diverged." Her eyes flick up to Leliana, scanning her face to see her judgement. "But I understand the benefits of writing down what you know. It stands to reason, as long as the book is written by a person, that the book will be through the slant of that person."

And Leliana's suggestion, Beleth nods. "I think I would like that. Knowing more history won't just be good for missions. If I want to be better at speaking to people outside the Dalish, having a firmer base of shared knowledge would help endear me to them, if I'm trying to get on their good side. Which reminds me--" She presses her lips together, hesitating. "--I didn't need it on this mission, but I know that another thing I have trouble with. Ah. Flirting." It's hard to even say, and her lips thin into a thin line. "I know it's necessary, sometimes. I can be friendly. I can be cute, adorable, I can make people like me and want to protect me, think that I am harmless. But getting beyond friendly? It's something I struggle with, unless people like someone awkwardly faffing about like an idiot."

She pauses, and glances at Leliana. She's trying to be as professional about this as possible, but it's odd to talk about it with someone like her. "I hope it's not. Weird. And please don't suggest Isabela helping. She's..." What is the word that could possibly describe Isabela. "...Intense."
arlathvhen: (44)

[personal profile] arlathvhen 2016-04-24 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Beleth visibly relaxed when Leliana assured her that both flirting and Isabela wouldn't be involved in any training. Or at least seduction. She knew, from what Zevran's told her, that flirting is not always the same as seduction--But if she doesn't have to follow it up, it'll...probably be easier.

"I don't see myself moving past that." Beleth replied quietly, tugging a piece of her hair. "I don't--Usually. Do things like that." She doesn't expand on if she means seducing people for ulterior motives, or the act all together. She doesn't really want to. The entire conversation was awkward enough as it was, and Beleth is trying really hard not to ruin her dress by trying to fidget all the pretty embroidery off of it. "And...Isabela makes me feel uncomfortable. She doesn't respect boundaries." She twisted her lips together, hands clutching into the silk of the dress.

"But thank you. I don't--I'm not good at it. I don't want to risk a mission because I failed at flirting with someone, or something like that..." She twisted her hands on her lap, eyes flicking back up to Leliana. "Is, um. Is there anything that you want me to work on? That you've seen that I should practice with?"
Edited (wrong icon ) 2016-04-24 22:52 (UTC)