One day before the damned ball and Josephine informs her she must learn to dance. To dance! Like a human noble. Lavellan was not quite thrilled at this... but didn't really have a choice.

So she decided to make the advisors suffer with her.

"Commander?"

The blonde looked over at Lavellan. "Yes?"

"Be my partner?"

His face turned red and eyes averted from hers. He laughed nervously. "W-well, I, particularly, uh.. dislike dancing."

"I don't even know how to dance. Come on. Teach the savage." She said sweetly, her grin wicked. Cullen heaved a sigh.

"Alright, Inquisitor."

She's pretty sure that's where it started.

It's not like she was overly fond of humans- but this one was... quite nice. He was soft and warm as they danced, and he literally swept her off her feet. Plus, so pretty. The scar on his lip was interesting, and she studied it for a moment, feet stumbling.

"Inquisitor!" Josie snapped. Her patience was running thin. Lavellan felt her face heat up, mumbling an apology. She got back into step and Cullen swept her along. He smelled like wind and metal polish, and his stubble was newly shaved yet not smooth. She fell into step easily as he lead.

Then he dipped her, unexpectedly. She squeaked, automatically grasping him by his armor desperately in an attempt not to fall.

Which happened to make her fall.

On her ass.

In front of everyone in the room.

Playing off the embarrassment, Lavellan scrambled to her feet and took a dramatic bow. "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the Herald of Andraste!" She announced with a flourish.

Cullen nearly fell over from laughing so hard and so unexpectedly, and Leliana giggled behind her hand. Lavellan wondered if Josie was going to explode, but instead, she was doubled over in laughter. Or... maybe crying. Lavellan wasn't too sure, really. It could go either way.

After everyone gathered themselves, she and the shemlen went through the routine twice more, Lavellan quickly catching how to properly dance and twirl and how to accept a dip as well. Her feet were light on the ground, albeit clumsier in fancy shoes. By the end, Lavellan was grinning ear to ear.

"Thank you, Inquisitor." Josephine said, her voice relieved.

"You are most welcome, Lady Montilyet." Lavellan responded with a bow. But her eyes glinted with mischief.

Josie shook her head.

"The ball is tomorrow. For Maker's sake, be prepared. Who are you bringing with you?"

"I figured Solas, Cole and Sera."

Josephine blanched. "Inquisitor... wouldn't it be more befitting to, er, bring those more versed in The Game? Vivienne and Cassandra, for instance? I know Cassandra detests it, but she is well aware of the ins and outs."

Lavellan shook her head. "Cole can make people forget. Sera is a Red Jenny. I just want to see Solas uncomfortable." She said, grin spreading again.

"Oh, Maker... this will be fun." Cullen chuckled. "Don't let her drink too much."

"I can drink there?" Lavellan's excitement was obvious. "Oh Mythal, yesss!"

Josephine glared at Cullen.

This would be quite the adventure.