Vivienne;

"My dear Inquisitor Trevelyan,

We have not yet met, so allow me to introduce myself. I am First Enchanter Vivienne, Enchanter to the Imperial Court of Orlais, personal advisor to the Empress.

I trust you have received my invitation to the Ball I am holding three weeks hence in honourof our newfound friendship. As host of the party, I trust you will adhere to the standards set by Orlesian custom and tradition and only being those companions with you that would enjoy such festivities.

I know you are only too busy gallivanting across the countryside, closing rifts and killing demons, but I shall expect your help in a rather urgent matter whilst you attend the Ball. An assassination plot has been set into motion and your assistance will be much appreciated in resolving this matter before any blood is spilled. I, unfortunately, will be far too occupied with the nuances of the politics of good hosting and will thus be indisposed to deal with the matter.

I'm sure there is no need for me to remind you, Inquisitor, that the world has become a dangerous place. Conflicts rage across the continent, the heavens have torn open, and many say the end of the world is upon us. During such chaotic times, it behooves those of us in power to aid in the restoration of peace and the establishment of order. Lives have already been lost; should we not save those we can? In that spirit, I can only offer my services in return for your most gracious aid.

Most sincerely,

Madame de Fer

Madame de Fer,

Your invitation is most welcome, it can be so very arduous gallivanting across the countryside of both Ferelden and your dear Orlais, protecting innocents and closing tears in the Fade. You need not worry, I shall heed your thinly veiled criticisms and regulate the attending party to humans only. I do hope you will forgive me if I do not indulge in some of the more eccentric traditions of the Orlesian court. White powder will simply look ridiculous on my face considering the tone of my skin is not Orlesian in nature.

I trust my advisors and companions, as well as myself, can resolve your problem swiftly and neatly. If not, I shall pay for any damages, though I trust you are as flippant with material possessions as I find myself. In truth, it seems sentimentality and habit are liabilities for those of us who wish to describe what you so aptly label 'chaotic times'.

Your offer of support will be most welcome also; for I hear you and I share our opinion of the Circle and its benefits. I look forward to having the chance to judge the measure of Madame de Fer myself, away from the politics of playing the gracious host. But know this, Madame, if I should be dancing most merrily into a trap- my retribution will not be sympathetic, nor will it be mild.

Yours Sincerely,

Inquisitor Trevelyan.

The letter was not in the hand of the Scribe, and was stamped with the Inquisitor's personal seal, not that of her faction. Vivienne was mildly impressed. There had been rumours the Inquistor had been tip-toeing her way through the game, and had entered in discussions with the Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons, the Empress' cousin and greatest foe. Though Vivienne doubted the Inquisitor to wish to be involved in Orlesian politics, it did not seem this was a woman who played for personal gain, she merely played because she could, because she was evidently good at it, and Gaspard was in the market for a new wife. Either way, Trevelyan's candid approach to the great game did her credit, and the steel beneath the well-veiled threats was refreshing, so many nobles these days did not bother to learn the game, merely let others play it for them. Perhaps the mysterious Trevelyan bastard was not as simple as she had imagined.