Anara stood there overlooking the courtyard of Halamshiral. Watching as Orlesians chattered away at the events of tonight. Empress Celene was saved by the Inquisition, Gaspard was exiled from Orlais, and his sister Florianne was captured from her plot to assassinate the empress. She could hear their excited words amongst themselves.
Suddenly getting more and more attention from the Orlesians due to circumstance. She had received a few invitations to other soirees, family parties and was even met with inquiries on her family's standing in the Free Marches. It seemed a few noticeable families would make an inquiry on her eligibility to marriage.
Anara groaned internally as she thought of the idea. Staying in the Free Marches was an ordeal of an idea already, but being stuck in Orlais for the rest of her foreseeable future. No thank you.
She heard the chatter continue as she heard music play in the background. Her mind wandering as she recalled the events of the night. First arriving at Halamshiral, or the winter palace beside Gaspard.
Vivienne's face seemed to turn as she looked over the dress Anara wore.
"My dear, we've bought so many wonderful Orlesian dresses. Why on earth you would wear something so….Drab as this Free Marcher garb. It simply has no taste."
Anara's hands pulling down over the dress. Something she hadn't worn in so long, perhaps since she was a child.
" The Orlesian court needs to be reminded of where I come from Vivienne. I am from Ostwick, The Free Marches. Remember?"
Vivienne rolled her eyes, pulling the Orlesian mask over her face, "Of course dear, be sure to wear your mask though, although in that outfit everyone will know who you are regardless."
Anara forced a smile to her face cursing Vivienne deep in her mind.
She watched as Vivienne walked forward, a white dress with sky blue in the boning of that ridiculous bodice.
Cassandra had a permanent scowl on her face as she walked forward, people prodding the Pentaghast.
Varric his himself as much as possible as he looked around, expecting the merchants guild to be here.
Leliana stood there regally, the same outfit as the other advisors, looking militaristic but still formal.
Her eyes looked over to Solas who stood there in the same outfit as the others, perhaps trying to blend in. Or stand out in hopes of not being confused for a palace elf. She looked at the pointed hat atop his head, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion as she looked at him. Her body slowly approaching.
" Solas, why in Thedas are you wearing that hat?" Solas looked up, almost surprised by the hat's presence.
"To be honest, I didn't think about it. Josephine made some suggestions for the winter palace on my behest. "
Anara laughed, " Josephine suggested you wear the hat?"
Solas cocked an eyebrow looking back up, "Suggest, yes.."
She smiled tenderly as she shook her head looking at Josephine who stood there, her hand waving Anara in. Anara nodded as she walked forward, standing next to their ambassador.
" You're not wearing an Orlesian dress." Josephine chimed, her Antivan accent thick in this moment.
" No Josephine. I am not."
"But they are so ni-"
" I know!" Anara snapped too quickly as she stopped herself from ruining face right off the bat. " But you know the Orlesians, they live for drama. I'm providing that."
She heard a slight tsk from Josephine until she spoke, " You're right. Orlesians love to talk, and you'll become it. We must move quickly, Gaspard is waiting for us and everyone else is making their way inside."
Anara nodded as she walked through the palace gates, staring up at the golden spires that rose from domes. At the glass that shone all colors of light. At the marble walls, the polished floors, and the manicured garden. She walked inside to see the sea of masks turn to her, their eyes judging and assessing her. Her hands immediately grabbed for her mask, wanting to hide from the inevitable questions regarding style and taste.
She was here for Celine, and they would protect her at all costs.
She looked across the courtyard to see Gaspard standing there, his arms crossed behind his back. She looked to find any familiar faces but that was lacking at the moment as she was walking alone. She watched as he began to approach, easily finding her on her attire.
" Inquisitor Trevelyan! It is an honor to meet you at last. Bringing the rebel mages into the ranks was a brilliant move."
Anara was glad that she wore a mask at the moment as her eyebrow cocked in speculation at Gaspards fawning. " Imagine what the inquisition could accomplish with the full support of the rightful Emperor of Orlais."
" And which one is the rightful one? I keep getting them confused." Anara played herself up as she shrugged her shoulders, her hand fanning herself.
" The, handsome, charming one of course my lady." She curtly bowed at her as he spoke, obviously talking about himself….Orlesians…" I am not a man who forgets his friends Inquisitor. you help me. I'll help you."
He began to step away, expecting her to follow in toe. She had to reassure herself as she began to step behind him. They were there on his behest, through his invitation and as his guests. She HAD to make the act and move forward. And she HAD to play the game to remain within view of Celine.
" My lady, are you prepared to shock the court by walking into the grand ballroom with a hateful usurper? They will be telling stories of this, until the next age."
Anara stood beside him, her eyes looking up the grand steps ahead of herself. She was glad in this moment that Vivienne didn't see her shoes. She had forgone the traditional ballroom footwear for something more...practical.
She looked back at Gaspard, pulling herself together, " I can't imagine that crowd has seen anything better than us in their entire lives." That's right, get arrogant. Orlesians love arrogance..
" You're a woman after my own heart my lady." His hand held out to her's, expecting it to meet with his, "We're keeping the court waiting Inquisitor. Shall we?"
He cocked his head towards the steps as Anara looked up, her hand hooking around his placing her hand on top. So the dance began. Like a waltz this is how the game was played, move and countermove. They began their ascent as her free hand pulled up the side of her dress as she stepped. The last thing she needed was the slip on her own dress. Especially not here in Orlais, it'd be the talk of Val Royeaux, and she'd never hear the end of it whenever she had to shop there.
The doors opened to them as she stepped forward with Gaspard, his arm slowly pulling away from her's separating himself from her as he bowed gently, moving away.
She was motioned by another man, moving her towards her advisors who stood down the stairs. Their bodies staring off somewhere else.
" And now presenting, Grand Duke Gaspard De Chalons, and accompanying him…." Anara began her descent down the stairs. her hands crossed over each other neatly, presenting herself in the most noble fashion.
Cullen stared down at the gloves on his hands, how uncomfortable he felt. he could hear the leather squeak when he moved his fingers. Something he knew would drive him mad throughout the night. He looked towards Cassandra whose eyes seemed to be mentally judging everyone in the room.
" Lady Inquisitor, Anara Trevelyan, Enchanter to the Ostwick Circle of Magi." Cullen turned to expect her to wear their same formal attire but was flabbergasted by what he saw.
Anara stepped slowly down the steps, her dress of Free Marcher fashion, in dark hues of blue and grey samite. Her sleeves were long, covering the scars on her arms from the eyes of others. Her collar was lined with rabbits fur, the soft hairs tickling her neck. The skirt wasn't as full as Vivienne's, nor as any Orlesian dress. But he assumed that Free Marchers dressed as much for practicality as Ferelden's did. Her hair was braided to the side, still elegant, but conventional in case of an emergency. Cullen could feel his heart stop for the briefest moment, as she walked by, stepping out onto the marble floor besides Gaspard giving a curtsy to Empress Celene as the herald began to read off titles to the court.
" Vanquisher of the rebel mages of Ferelden. Crusher of the vile Apostate mage underground. Champion of the blessed Andraste herself."
Gaspard chuckled beside her, " Did you see their faces? Priceless."
Anara couldn't understand what he was meaning, they were wearing masks, all of them. Including her, how could she see their faces she could honestly barely see what was in front of her. Gaspard grasped her hand again, pulling her closer as they began to walk down the ballroom towards Celine.
" Accompanying the Inquisitor. Seeker, Cassandra Allegra Portia Calogera Filomena.."
" Get on with it." Cassandra shouted as she moved forward, not waiting for him to finish.
"Pentaghast. " The man spoke, almost irritated with her antics at this point. " 14th cousin to the king of Nevarra. Nine times removed, Hero of Orlais, Right hand of the divine."
" The lady Inquisitors elven servant…" She felt her jaw lock up as her hand got tighter around Gaspards, the duke looked at her.
" Quite a grip you have my lady.."
"Solas." She heard the herald say as she stood there besides Gaspard, ignoring his words as he assumed she was showing her intentions towards him.
" My lady this is not the time for such, forcefulness." Gaspard spun them around, their eyes to the rest of the group as the names were called.
" Ser Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath." She watched as Cullen began to step forward, his eyes on Anara as he stepped onto the floor. Almost as if he eyes were inviting her to dance. " Command of the forces of the Inquisition. Former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall. "
Cullen walked closer his eyes never leaving Anara as he moved closer, he watched slowly as her free hand pulled the mask gently from her face, eliciting whispers and small gasps from the court.
" Such spark my lady, you will have the court in an uproar tomorrow." Gaspard noted as his hand raised her's up to the court.
" Lady Leliana, Nightingale of the Imperial court. Veteran of the fifth blight. Seneschal of the Inquisition and left hand of the divine." The murmurs that filled the court began to grow louder as the group was named, Leliana taking her place on the ballroom floor as the Herald sounded for the last in the group.
" And Lady Josephine Cherette Montilyet of Antiva city. Ambassador of the Inquisition. " Anara watched as they walked up to them, keeping their distance from Anara and Gaspard. Cullen's eyes still stuck on Anara as she stood here, a gentle smile on her face as she looked across the group, to see Solas standing there in the back on the steps. He knew his place wasn't on the ballroom floor with the nobles. He was an Elf, and elves were not welcome as equals to them.
Gaspard spun her around once again, all their eyes upon Empress Celine as she stood there, braced against the marble looking over the court and her new guests.
Gaspard cut into the pleasantries, wishing only to jump into business. Celine remained tactful against his motives and assured him that business will be handled. He lowered Anara's hand, allowing them both to bow deeply to the Empress as Gaspard kissed her hand gently, "Inquisitor." He spoke under breath as he walked away, finally leaving Anara alone.
"Lady Inquisitor, we welcome you to the Winter Palace. Allow us to present our cousin. Without whom this gathering never have been possible."
" I was not aware the Inquisition would be part of our festivities. We will certainly speak later Inquisitor."
If only Anara had known at that moment the intentions behind those words that Florianne spoke in that moment. It seemed obvious now that she was standing here, the Empress saved from her own Cousin. But the night was so long, far too long. Filled with awkward chases through the gardens in her dress. Trying not to stain the dress, not trying to raise suspicion. Listening to rumors fly, hear about Brialla and her agents. It was all too much. But the silence that she felt now was great. She could finally be left in peace. No longer being asked about marriage, or family ties to nobility.
Her mind continued to sift through the night as she felt the cold air against her legs, realizing the error in her ways when she decided to chase of Florianne.
Anara looked over Solas as she stood there, leaning against a gilded marble statue. She slowly approached him, her arms crossed over as she looked at him, his mind seeming to take in everything around them, " I do adore the heady blend of power, intrigue, danger, and sex that permeates these events."
She smiles, letting out a small laugh as she looked at him again, " You seem more comfortable with the Grand Orlesian Ball than I'd have expected."
He seemed to shrug, looking her over, "But you Vhenan. You are playing well into this heady blend."
She groaned, " Don't remind me. I'm just glad I'm not wearing what Vivienne wanted me to wear."
"It seems you enjoy tormenting that woman's position. She is important in these parts." Solas cocked an eyebrow at her.
" I have titles too, didn't you hear that mouthful the herald said about me. I'm just as important, and as I remember, important people can wear whatever they want."
Solas nodded, " Of course, important people can."
Anara smiled to herself as her eyes looked back over the courtyard, looking at the minstrel singing in the garden. Her mind focusing on the music.
" Well, well. What have we here.."
Anara turned to looked up at a woman walking towards her, " The leader of the new Inquisition. Fabled Herald of the faith. Delivered from the grasp of the fade by the hand of blessed Andraste herself. " Anara could sense a tone of sarcasm in her voice as she spoke, trying to decide if this woman was cynical.
She was a wonder of black, purple, lace and feathers. The boning in her bodice looking deeply uncomfortable in her mind. She wondered how she could breath, let alone speak such long sentences.
" What brings such an exalted creature here to the Imperial court I wonder."
She was pale with black hair that hung into her eyes like a veil in which she judged the world from. Her eyes were hauntingly yellow, something Anara hadn't seen before beyond any tales.
" I am Morrigan. Some call me advisor to Empress Celene on matters of the Arcane. You have been busy this evening. Hunting in every dark corner of the palace."
That was no lie, climbing swarms of ivy, tip toeing over blood, looking over dusty tomes and opening doors. She was busy, busy trying to find the assassins, while negotiating between a drunken Gaspard, a secretive, unknown Brialla, and a nonchalant Celene. The busy night was exhausting. But hopefully worth it in the long run.
She listened to the Baroque music play as she heard Varric try to get away from the Empress's handmaidens. Reminding her of his opinion of them, creepy how they finish each other's sentences. Yes….Creepy indeed.
Archers surrounded them as she looked at the fade rift that broke through. A man cursing in the distance, tied to a post as he fought against the binds.
" Inquisitor, what a pleasure. I wasn't certain you'd attend." Anara looked up onto the balcony to see Florianne walking across it.
" You're such a challenge to read. I had no idea if you'd have taken my bait."
" I fear I'm abit busy if you are looking for a dance partner." Anara clenched her hand feeling the mark within it shake against her magic.
"Such a pity that you didn't save one final dance for me." Anara looked up at her now more than ever determined to show this woman wrong. She'll have one more dance.
" Corypheus insisted that the Empress die tonight. And I would hate to disappoint him."
Anara gritted her teeth, her body ready for battle, to hell with Orlesian expectations, " At this point I'd think dissapointment was an old friend."
" All I need is to keep you out of the ballroom long enough to strike. A pity you'll miss the rest of the ball inquisitor. They'll be talking of it for years. Kill her, and bring me her marked hand."
Anara gritted her teeth as she moved past the arrows, her hands ripping the dress of her skirt, a long tear down the leg making it easier for her to move. Her hand pulled up, opening the rift as Cassandra ran into the fray. Varric closely behind with his Biance. Solas nodded to Anara as they fought the Venatori, closing the rift behind them.
Anara looked down at her dress, it was so nice, handmade just for her in Val Royeaux. Even though they detested Free Marcher fashion, you ask around enough and someone will make it. She kicked a leg out of the dress, the cold touching her leg as she braced herself against the marble.
It was the winter palace, and the air reminded her of that. Not as cold as Ostwick winters, nor as much snow as the Vimmark mountains. But it was nice to feel a gentle winter instead of the harsh climes of Skyhold, reminding them that they were on the cusp of Orlais and Ferelden.
She slipped her leg back remembering the gasps that such a simple alteration caused upon her entrance back into the court.
Anara walked through the door, nobles gasping as she walked her leg free from confines and cloth. She could sense their obvious distaste of her continued rebellion towards their expectations and habits.
She looked across the ballroom at Florianne standing besides Gaspard, a nod between them to her as she stood there.
Cullen ran towards her, excited to see her there finally breaking himself away from Orlesians touching his personal parts and invading her space, He looked her up and down, noticing the large tear in her dress, " Are you alright?" He asked as Anara turned her eyes from Florianne quickly to Cullen.
"Yes Commander I am alright."
He gave relieved sigh as he looked at her, " Thank the maker you're back. The Empress will begin her speech. What should we do?"
Anara's eyes continued to follow Florianne closely as she began to walk with Gaspard, " Wait here Cullen, I'm going to have a word with the grand duchess." Cullen looked confused as Anara began to move slowly.
"What? There's no time. The Empress will begin her speech any moment!"
Anara held up her hand, silently asking him to trust her. Cullen nodded as he looked to the entrance.
She walked across the floor towards the parties, people gasping as she continued to break tradition. Anara remembered when Florianne invited her to dance the first time. This time, the dance would be on her terms.
" We owe the court one more show your grace." Anara looked as Florianne turned around.
"Inquisitor.." She spoke, annoyance starting to come through in her voice.
" The eyes of every noble in the entire empire is upon us your grace. Remember to smile, this is your party." She began to step up, getting closer to Florianne, " Wouldn't want them to think you've lost control."
" Who would not be delighted to speak with you Inquisitor." She began to step backwards, like a recoiling hand too close to fire.
" I recall you telling me I have to keep you out of the ballroom long enough to strike." She began to pace around Florianne, her words causing the court into an uproar.
" When your archers failed to kill me in the garden. I feared you wouldn't save me this last dance."
She began to pace like a snake ready to strike, " So easy to lose your good graces. You even framed your own brother for the death of a Council Emissary."
Gaspard shook his head as he looked at Florianne, disappointment under the mask.
" It was an ambitious plan, Celene, Gaspard, the entire council of Heralds. All your enemies under one roof. "
Florianne began to back away, saving face all while spiraling out of control. Celene saw her for what she truly was, as did Gaspard. All of them turning their back on her as the royal guard began to move in.
"Gaspard?" She questioned, her only blood ally turned away from her as she backed away, her hands up defensively as she was being cornered.
"You've lost this fight ages ago your were just the last to find out." Florianne sobbed uncontrollably
Solas began to walk, wishing to break away finally from the groups of Orlesians, and the servants who kept his glass full. He looked outside the door to see Anara standing there alone, watching as the mysterious woman walked past him. she shuffled in her dress, obviously an Orlesian custom that one would have to get used to.
Solas walked towards her, being seen as more of a comforting friend then a lover. He braced himself against the marble, leaning over as he looked at her, " I'm not surprised to find you out here. Thoughts?"
Anara's hands braced up against her face as she rubbed the skin on her temple, " It's been a very long day…"
Solas nodded, turning back to her, " For everyone, I'd imagine. It's nearly over now. Cullen's giving the men their marching orders as we speak..."
His hand rested against her back as they hear jovial laughter from within, Solas looked at Anara, "Come. Before the band stops playing, dance with me."
Anara felt a smile pull at her lips as she looked at Solas, he bowed gently to her his arm extended. Her only dance so far has been with an assassin plotting against Empress Celene. All the others were formidable extensions of marriage proposals.
She smiled brightly as her hand went into his, "I'd love to."
His hand pulled her in as his free hand rested against the small of her back. She had remembered the simplest waltz when she was younger. Preparing herself for court, and the possibility of marrying into other noble families. She grabbed her skirt in her free hand as Solas lead the waltz, feeling the temperance in the air finally give light to better moods.
She could feel a laugh upon her lips as they moved, a private moment, a tender moment finally within the confines of this castle. Solas pressed his lips against her cheek, whispering into her ear, " Empress Celene has invited the Inquisition to at least stay the night here. As a token of her appreciation it was the least she could do."
Anara looked around before she spoke, hoping not to fuel gossip, " What are you suggesting Solas? You disguise yourself as a servant to find you way into my chambers?"
Solas pulled away, their walz suddenly stopping as his hand reached out, tilting her chin up to him, " I am merely suggesting something that we've already agreed to back in Haven."
Cullen began his ascent up the stairs as he looked out towards the balcony wishing to ask Anara for a dance. Something he was hoping for the moment he saw her with Gaspard.
" We're in Orlais Solas." Anara chided at him as he smiled slyly.
"Indeed we are, Orlais wouldn't curl it's nose at this meeting." He kissed her cheek once again as he pulled away slowly, his eyes looking into hers as he cocked an eyebrow. The corner of his mouth curled up into a sinister smile.
" I will see you later tonight Vhenan." Solas began to pull away, pulling the hat from his head. It seemed that he was residing to the idea of blending in with the servants if for now.
Cullen rounded the stairs, watching as Solas walked away from the balcony, the spiked cap in his hands as he set in on a table, nodding at the Commander as he walked away. His hands behind his back as he took in the winter palace in all it's form.
Cullen walked outside feeling the cold upon his face as he looked at Anara standing there, her mind somewhere else. Cullen rested his hand upon her shoulder. She turned silently looking at Cullen, a smile spreading upon her lips, " Commander. What a sight for sore eyes. I heard about the kindness that Empress Celene extended to us."
Cullen nodded, uncertain of what she expected him to say, " Yes, Empress Celene extended that invitation. I was assuming you would wish to leave the winter palace as soon as possible."
She gave a sigh, " I would love to be away from Orlais and the….Personal attention people seem to be giving me. But it has been a long day Commander."
" Of course Inquisitor. I will ask her servants to expect us." Cullen gave a small smile as she closed her eyes gently.
" Thank you Commander.." She sighed again as he nodded.
" Anything Anara.." Cullen looked at her, his hand gently grasping her's. " Can I...Can I have this final dance?"
Anara smiled as she gave a curtsy " Yes Commander, you may." She rested herself against the Commander as they both moved slowly to the tune within their own mind. The music and merriment dying down. Finally the night coming to it's close as nobles began to take their leave. Anara closed her eyes taking in the feel of Cullen's hand upon her back, pulling her closely in as they moved.
Cullen looked down feeling Anara's free hand rest against the back of his shoulder, her face turned into his chest. Cullen knew to take this moment for what it was worth, the intimacy that he felt there. He continued to wonder if this is what being lovers was like. If these small affections meant it, and made it grow like a garden.
Anara pulled her face up from Cullen, looking into his eyes as she spoke, " Come swing by tonight Commander, catch up, have some drinks. Tonight has been busy. I wonder what terrible things the Orlesians have planned for you." She smiled as she pulled away, nodding gently to the Commander as she walked back inside.
She turned her attention to Solas on the other side of the the ballroom. His eyes looking up from the ballroom floor to her, gently nodding in her direction. "The seed has been placed. Do you think he'll show?"
"He'd be a fool not to. " Solas made his way around to the other side of the ballroom. His eyes flickering back to Anara standing there, a sense of smugness spreading across his face.
"Tonight.."