Upon her return, though, Parker held a special item in the pocket of her coat. During her explorations she had come upon the Royal vaults. "Come upon" simply meaning that she had taken the time to break in. While she claimed it was for the importance of the investigation, I knew my own Warden did similar actions. He simply considered them as appropriate payment. Which I still deem to be fair.
But in her pocket rested an elven amulet, unique, but certainly nothing a royal of Orlais would dare to wear in the public eye. Parker had a sneaking suspicion as to why it had been tucked away as she strutted through the Grand Ballroom, ignoring the Empress's ladies-in-waiting. The Empress turned, guards immediately tensing at Parker's sudden approach onto the far balcony. But all she had to do was hold the necklace up, to expose it in the moonlight and the Empress raised her hand to call off her dogs, gesturing to the small table and chairs by the edge.
"You continue to surprise me, Inquisitor," she commented as Parker settled into the seat, resting the necklace on the center of the table.
"Predictability can get you killed; on the battlefield or in court." Celene gave a small and understanding chuckle as she gingerly reached out. Her fingers brushed the edge of the amulet, made out of Sylvanwood, and hard to find by anyone that is not an elf. "Why did I find this?"
"First," the Empress stated, returning her hands politely into her lap, "I must insist on your discretion with this information. I will answer, but only if you answer my questions in turn." Parker hesitated, looking at the amulet and then back at the Empress. I always appreciated the way women battled. It was quiet, fought only with carefully placed words rather than fists and swords. But it was also a battle few knew how to combat. Fortunately for Parker, she was just as agile on this battlefield as others.
"Answer my question first," she agreed as Celene gave a small smile before turning her attention to the amulet. A sigh passed through her lips, small but laced with enough regret to fill a room.
"Sentimentality, I suppose. The mark of a different time…a very different time." Again she paused, seeming to remember what the amulet involved. Parker knew of the affair between her and Briala and had come to her own conclusions that this once belonged to the Ambassador. She knew not of why they ended their relationship except that it possibly had to do with politics. And from the way that Celene practically caressed the object with her gaze made it clear it was not ended with light intentions. "I fear much of my knowledge of Fereldan nobles is on the surface. But I was not aware that the Trevelyan's had a daughter." There was a question in the statement, a request as to why Parker had claimed such a name at her arrival.
"I am the daughter of Lord Peter Trevelyan," she stated. "My relation to Meredith Trevelyan is non-existent and their son is only of partial blood." Celene settled back picking up on the words said between the breaths, an understanding smile appearing. "For a woman in constant danger, do you not worry about those closest to you?" Parker was attempting to ask about the assassination attempt without being so forward.
"Are you not in such dangers as well, Inquisitor? As you must, I look to those closest both for my protection and betrayal." Parker attempted to hide her annoyance; unable to gain any information she was not already aware of. Suddenly, their game was ended by an alerting cough from one of the Empress's ladies-in-waiting. Celene stood, glancing back at the amulet and then at Parker. "Do with it what you will, Inquisitor. Tis a memory I fear I cannot return to." Parker glanced at the necklace, carefully picking it up and cradling it in her palm. She could have easily tossed it from the balcony to be lost in the wilds forever. But instead she found the ambassador, handing it to Briala with a sympathetic smile as the elf pressed it gently to her chest.
"Herald, I had hoped to find you," the voice startled Parker from her train of thoughts, turning to find the Duchess by her side.
"Duchess, this gala will certainly be one for the coming generations," Parker complimented, gaining a smile and a respectful nod.
"I was hoping I might have the next dance with you, Inquisitor. I believe there are some matters we must discuss and the spies will not be able to hear us as we waltz." Parker nodded in agreement, following the Duchess onto the floor as the music began. It had been some time, but Parker still remembered the appropriate steps for the music, able to follow along and converse as well. The Duchess spoke of troubles in the palace, specifically directing the blame back at Gaspard. Again, Parker found herself hesitating to agree, but remained silent as the Duchess promised a meeting in the Royal Quarters. Apparently Gaspard's Head Captain would be waiting, ready to expose Gaspard as the traitor he was.
The dance ended, a round of applause aimed as Parker finished by dipping the Duchess and then spinning her back onto her feet. She then thanked the royal woman and retreated to her stunned advisors. "I did not know you were so proficient at dancing," Josephine admitted as Parker gave a small smirk and a shrug.
"No one ever asked. And Corypheus does not seem much like the dancing sort." Josephine gave a small chuckle before the group dove into their next plans. They were able to gain access to the Royal Quarters, allowing Parker to poke about. So far she had found evidence from both Gaspard and Briala aimed towards at least harming the political throne of Orlais. The Duchess, too, was quite suspicious and as Parker let herself into the Empress's room, she discovered they were all corrupt. Disgusting.
On Celene's bed rested a man, completely naked except for the helmet that signaled he was a chevalier. His wrists and ankles were bound to each bedpost as he struggled and strained to get free. It seemed that the Empress had tricked the man into revealing Gaspard's plan before stashing him away from the rest of the party. So she did know that Gaspard had been planning to attack, but that was with a grouping of chevaliers. One does not assassinate an Empress with a dozen armored men, tis impractical. And so Parker continued to explore, making her way through the renovating section and out one of the doors into a small courtyard.
COMMENT: Sorry, busy day yesterday, forgot to upload. No worries, I still have plenty written ahead of this. Should be able to keep a regular stream for a while if need be.