Calmly, we all arrive. I notice Fen's turquoise eyes darting around frantically, uneasiness and wariness evident in her stiff posture and glare sent back from the gawking eyes, amazed stares and scared eyes sent her way, specifically her markings.
"You okay?" I ask concerned as I notice Fen releases a shaky breathes.
"I'm fine," she huffs, trying to remain stable as I sent a worried look to Varric and Solas.
"I'm going to go check on Seeker, don't want her exploding again and breaking another table after all, Varric chuckles sending Fen a worried look then leaving with a shaking Cassandra.
"Lady Trevelyan of Ostwick, representing the inquisition," the male announces as I feel a nostalgic sense of fear as I recall mothers words, lessons taught as I feel my body stiffen, posture straight, chin up high and eyes unflinching. Just like back then...
Nervous, I bite my lip, my eyes scanning the room, finding no one I recognise thankfully. Anxiously, my eyes stay glued to the floor but quickly return as mothers words shout at me in my head to look up, I try desperately to ignore the gazes sent my way, I guess I know how Fen feels know, it's like I'm not even human, just a portrait like the portraits others would show at her gala's back then…
"What a pleasure to meet you my lady, seeing the same faces at the same events becomes so tedious," the male in fancy clothing greets me as I politely bow.
"So you must be a guest of De Fer are you here for the inquisition?" The male enquires.
"Are you here on business, I have heard the most curious tales of you. I cannot imagine all of them are true," the woman besides the male questions curious.
"You know of me?" I enquire curious on the tales spread about me around Val Royeaux.
"Some say when the veil opened Andraste herself delivered you through the fade," she tells me making me sigh at the idea, honestly the idea of me being Andraste's herald is stressful and I mean, I an apostate why would she or the maker send me to help?
"Tell me of this duke?" I enquire, curious to see if I can recall this duke from mother's tutors of the political world back then.
"He hasn't been seen much at court lately," the woman tells me making me raise a brow. He hasn't, perhaps he is ill or is planning something, perhaps business or something. His business with the consult of the herald often busies his schedule it can't be good for a man of his years," the male reasons as I nod my head in understanding, recalling mother telling me of him being in his later years. "And of course with the civil war Bastion likely wishes to distance himself from his one-time son in law. Tearing up the Dales in a foolish fit for power, it will end in disgrace for Gaspard and everyone knows it," the male states the fact as I nod my head. Mother always said to be speak of fact than gossip unless it's against a foe or enemy wishing to destroy or poison you.
"I assure you, it's mostly exaggerated I am as human as the next person," I assure them.
"I suppose as human as a mage could get," the male grumbles making me wince slightly from the words but I quickly recover. I knew this would happen, it was expected. Taking a shaky breathe, I nod going along with the male then bow politely to the girl who bows her head back, pleasantries are essential at any gathering of nobles…
"The inquisition what a load of pig shit," my ears perk up at the sound of descending footsteps and turn to a male with an even goofier hat, reminds me of a chef's hat but even more robust look, more puffy, fancy looking.
"Washed up sisters and craved seekers. No one can take them seriously. Everyone knows it's an excuse for a bunch of outcasts to grab power," the male says loudly trying to cause a spectacle making my eyes narrow at the old trick. Mother and I saw a few of these attempts back at her galas where many would try to bash at the Trevelyan name, whether out of jealousy or need of power, mother would always silence them with her sharp silver tongue, she is known for…
Frowning, my eyes narrow at the marqui, only to widen at the familiar scar crossed over a black beauty spot by his lip.
"Rueben?" I enquire making the male step back.
"It is Alfonce," he corrects me making me raise a brow at the use of the middle name, he now goes by.
"You know each other?" The male enquires.
"Why yes, he was a suitor my mother arranged until I rejected him for his dirty tactics. He challenged his own brother to a duel for me only then to poison his brother, making him unable to leave the room without vomiting. I see you haven't changed much Rueben, always challenging your superiors in the rudest remarks, all because of a simple rejection," I scoff.
"At least I am no abomination," he spits out like poison. "Are you sure about that? Your petty childish fit says otherwise," she smiles as the male growls at the sudden wave of giggling erupting, making him seethe in rage.
"The inquisition wishes to restore peace, not that you would know considering your wish to start a feud in the party of Vivienne, who so kindly invited you for a peaceful party, not conflict which you are doing, quite childish, even pathetic for someone of your ranking no?" I smirk confidently as the male scowls, a nervous teardrop cascades down his face.
"Here comes the outsider, the mage restoring peace with an army," Reuben scoffs.
"And are you not? I heard of your father kicking you out for failing to find a bride and now helping a civil war of anger for your brother, taking the bride you were originally planned before me," I remark making him scowl and glare daggers at me, but I remain unfazed, never show weakness in the game.
"We know what your inquisition really is. If you were a woman of honour you would step outside and answer for your charges," Reuben draws his blade, making a spark of fear hit me at the thought however as he draws his dagger, a sudden sound of ice interrupts as Reuben is frozen, his whole body covered in a light blue light, resembling ice.
"My dear Marqui how unkind of you to use such language in my house, after I so kindly invited you as my guest kind-heartily explained. To be rude to my guests, you know such rudeness is intolerable," Confidently the woman strides forward, her heels clicking against the marble staircase as she descends down and on to the scene, wearing a fancy white dress and horn hat, wearing your typical slick silver mask. Smirking, she approaches cheekily caressing the frozen male's face, teasingly.
"M-madam Vivienne, forgive me I humbly beg your pardon," the male stiffly begs, frozen.
"You should. Whatever I am supposed to do with you, my dear? My lady you were the victim in this unfortunate affair. What would you have me do with this foolish, foolish man?" Vivienne turns to smile coolly at me.
Reuben is still a childhood friend whether he will admit to being close to a mage I do not know but at least I know one thing. Killing him will solve nothing only spread horrid rumours about us. Besides if I speak of peace then wish to kill him, I would be a hypocrite.
"Let him go, he hasn't caused any harm really, I only wish for peace not further bloodshed," I explain in a levelled manner, noting the impressed and relieved expressions from the other guests…
"By the grace of Andraste you have your life my dear," Vivienne clicks her fingers, releasing the male from his cold binds. Coughing, Reuben gives me one last disgusted glare and strides off as I shrug off the pitiful glare sent my way; people like him… even now haven't changed.
"I am delighted you attended this gathering. I have so wanted to meet you," Vivienne smiles and leads me away from the bustling sounds of the party and into a more quiet and secluded place, near an open window, the moons beams peer out from the night sky and into the window, lighting up Vivienne's white attire and silver mask.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Vivienne first enchanter of Montsimmard and enchantress to the imperial court," Vivienne introduces herself.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, my teacher, enchanter Lydia spoke of you often. I am honoured you invited me to your party, it's rather lovely," I bow my head respectfully.
"Lydia? She was your teacher; you were for the Ostriwick circle I presume?" Vivienne enquires and I nod my head. "Yes, Lydia was my teacher, a great person," I fall silent at the thought of her loss as I notice Vivienne share the same silence, mourning her lost friend as well as a great teacher to me.
"Ah but I didn't invite you to the chateau for pleasantries. With divine Justinia dead. The chantry is in shambles only the inquisition can restore sanity and order to our frightened people. As the leader of the last loyal mages I feel it only right for me to lend my assistance to your cause," Vivienne smiles as I feel a couple of pointless questions enter my mind. I know the answers to most of these considering my roots.
She is a noble, meaning if we have her she will have powerful connections and our influence will grow however it could bring enemies, then again she may be able to help us with the mages…
"Who do the mages serve?" I ask way of any rebellion spies in our cause.
"The people of Thedas of course, Magic exists to serve man. We need the chantry to return in order to bring back the institutions in which help keep mages under control," Vivienne exclaims making me raise a brow.
"So you support the chantry?" I ask surprised knowing most mages don't support the chantry then again, she's an enchanter, a important figure thanks to the circle.
"If you mean the circle darling then yes, where else can mages learn to master their talents. We need a institution to nurture and protect magic. Maker knows magic will be found neither on its own, you of all know that," Vivienne exclaims making me frown at her words, the tower does work for some but not everyone. Frowning, I wince recalling the mournful tears of those new to the tower, crying, weeping, sobbing, desperate to return home to their loved ones but those tears fell to deaf ears… some broke, some endured and some…some just gave up. Wincing, I look away at the horrid days…
"Very well, Vivienne it would be an honour to have you join," I smile grateful for the aid, shaking away the desperation thoughts in my head.
"Great things are beginning my dear I can promise you that," Vivienne smiles happy as we both descend down the staircase and return to the party to leave with a new ally in the inquisition…
Fen pov:
Anxious, my eyes dart around the room buzzing with gossip, chatter and talking's of a variety of topics but a few topics emerge more often than most.
"Why are their elves here?"
"Where are their masters?"
"What is with the elf with those markings?"
"Are you alright?" I frown at Solas' voice and turn to him; he's leaning against the wall by my side.
"If you mean am I okay with these people in puffy ridiculous clothing talking loudly about us than sure, just smashing," I reply sarcastically. Unconsciously, the sharp silver tips of my gauntlets circle my markings, rubbing them, almost wishing to wash them away.
"Do you want to go outside?" Solas glances at my arm making me frown and see the faint thin lines of ruby red and a single droplet weep down.
"Hm? No. if I do then they win. Either way even if I do leave the humans won't shut up they gossip even more and exaggerate just like everything," I mutter not seeing the small smirk on Solas features.
"So tell me, how did you get those markings?" Solas enquires bluntly making me frown and look away from his question.
"How did you become such a nosey person?" I retort.
"Nosy I like to think of myself as knowledgeable and curious," Solas returns making me raise a brow at the elf. He seems like the type who likes questions; I get this game trying to get to know more about these marks…
"Were you born with these markings?" Solas questions curious however I notice a flicker of knowledge hidden away, as though toying with me.
"Were you born in the fade?" I retort.
"My, my the famous Fennic interested in me, I am honoured," Solas smirks.
"It's the only way to keep your mouth shut sweetie," I smirk at his small smirk and brief red heat rushing up to his usual pale as snow cheekbones. Quickly, he coughs composing himself while I merely smirk in victory of my win.
"Why the sudden interest?" He enquires.
"Bored, besides you speak of the fade often. I am curious what you see in the fade," I confess intrigued.
"I never pictured you as the magic type with your, I hate mages view," Solas frowns.
"That was before, this is now. So tell me how did you see parties in the fade, were they different to now?" I enquire curious.
Subtly, Solas smiles.
"Indeed, although this is small from what I've seen, the parties they had were spectacular, glorious, loud, the aromas of bitter wine, sweet scent of perfume and the smell of sex in the air. I have journeyed and seen any parties of the same, each with their own unique twist to it," Solas smiles.
"What about the elves before us?" I enquire seeing Solas frown, almost complicating it.
"You seem to hold distaste for the elves, why?" I question trying to change topic due to the heavy silence.
"They hold distaste for me. From my journeys in the fade I had learn a great deal of the elves before and traded to teach that to passing clans however they would run me out of their clans, cursing me," Solas explains making me frown at his words.
"Did they even give you time to justify this or did you just proclaim the truth?" I enquire making him raise a brow.
"What do you mean?" Solas frowns.
"Did you give reasoning? Solas if you just said I don't know. You're face tattoos are a lie and that's it. Then yeah they would be pissed, you'd have to give evidence or reasoning to back up your claim," I explain calmly. "Yes, try giving your reasoning when they chase you act with their bows set on you," Solas remarks sharply.
"Hm, I can see what you mean though, the Dalish and I haven't gotten along well in the past," I explain.
"Really? I thought they'd welcome you with those markings," Solas exclaims.
"Oh they do, more times than I like. But that's what I hate, they presume, they think I chose these markings, they believe I choose the marks to represent some guy, they decide that I do. That's what pissed me off. They presume and I hate people who do that. Honestly, I had this elven girl in our group back at Kirkwall, she wouldn't stop badgering on about the Dalish, it got irritating after a while," I grumble.
"I… apologise," Solas sighs making me raise a brow at the guy.
"What for?" I frown.
"I presumed you were from a clan but after your words. I can understand your dislike of the Dalish. I must ask what your view on the Dalish gods is," Solas raises a brow as I groan.
"Stupid," I reply making Solas raise a brow intrigued.
"Stupid?" He repeats.
"I, urgh I just mean surely there's more than just some gods. I mean they talk about how the so called gods so all this but where's the proof? Stories passed along time, tales change, are altered, are torn apart and turned into lies," I reason quieting Solas.
"…"
"Solas?"
"…"
"Solas?"
Frowning, I turn to the male only to see his shocked expression, making me raise a brow at the male in utter surprise, never have I seen his expression of his usual calm and composed guy, who is usually in control to be so…lost, so torn, so shocked.
"Solas are you okay?" Frowning, I call out to the guy until he shakes his head, snapping out of his daze.
"I- I apologise," Solas looks away as I notice his discomfort body language which he quickly changes to his more natural one as I sigh.
"Say let's talk about soothing else, how about these stupid dresses right? I bet in the fade you saw some funky looking dresses," I change topic seeing him relax more, good no more stiff board hobo.
"I will admit I have seen gorgeous gowns, the silk used as soft as clouds but I have seen quite a few…unusual dresses," Solas smirks.
"They can't be as gothic as Tevinter," I reason in a low voice, sipping the rich drink of alcohol given to us by the servants.
"Tevinter? You've been to their balls?" Solas raises a brow as I feel my blood run cold and my body turn frigid. Stupid mouth! Urgh, must be the alcohol.
"Huh? Oh look Evelyn looks like she's done talking to Vivienne and from her confidence I'm guessing it went well, come on lets go back," I reason quickly and go on ahead, feeling Solas' piercing lingering gaze on my back as we all head to the spare rooms, provided by Vivienne and then go to sleep…
*What did you think of that chapter? Of Fennic's words? Wonder how Solas feels about them?*