Marceline sat on the edge of her desk in her office, a folder of papers held by the spine in one hand, and her polished silverite mask hanging limply from the other. The dossier she was currently reading contained reports on all of the noble houses that they were targeting in order to march on the Templars holed up in Therinfal Redoubt. The names that the dossier held were those of Orlais' most influential houses-- Marceline did not intend to give the Lord Seeker the chance to turn them away without causing a major incident. They had already gained the committments of some of the nobility already, but the others required a little more convincing. Favors would needed to be traded, information would have to swap hands, and promises would have to be made, but Lady Marceline did not forsee any complications.
With a flick of the wrist and a twist of the thumb, Marceline moved on to the next page. Not all of the nobility were that difficult, and for that, Lady Marceline was thankful. Some understood the importance of the work that the Inquisition did. Before, they could only offer their vocal support, as it would be foolish to support an unknown entity that had very little to offer but the bare minimum of a plan. Marceline understood, and accepted it then, but now that the Inquisition had demonstrated its ability to stand on its own two feet, that vocal support soon became some more physical.
It had been a great deal off of Marceline's mind now that she had something to work with. Discussions and opportunities were beginning to open themselves up to the Inquisition. Apparently, now that that weight was gone, she'd seemed to relax somewhat, as Larissa herself mentioned it. Marceline glanced upward to the door for a moment before returning to the file in her hand. She'd sent the woman out moments ago in order to fetch Estella. She intended to follow through with the desire to inquire of her experience with nobility, and to prepare her for the negotiations that were to come.
She had faith in the girl, Estella had instilled it in her when she handled herself first with the Marquis DuRellion in Val Royeaux and Cassius in Redcliffe. Still, she did not desire to throw the poor girl at them without at first preparing her. If at all, she'd like to make it as easy on her as possible, though with the label of Herald of Andraste stuck next to her name, things could only go so easily.
Apparently, Larissa had little difficulty locating her, because she returned not more than ten minutes later, Estella in tow. From the way she was dressed, in durable but plain clothes, her hair pulled well away from her face and evidence of recent activity in the flyaways that stood away from her scalp, sheād recently been engaged in some kind of strenuous physical activity, and her breathing was still slightly elevated. Given the time of day, it was likely that sheād been receiving instruction from Rilien.
She made some effort to straighten herself up as she entered, though, smoothing her hair back with her hands as well as she could and pulling her maroon tunic down to tug out the wrinkles and set it straight of any dishevelment. There were a few spots of blood on it, actually, though they were hard to see against the color, and the empty glass vial in one hand still had a few drops of pearlescent red potion at the bottom of it.
āGood afternoon, Lady Marceline,ā she said in her usual subdued tone of voice, coming to stand a few feet back from the desk, folding her hands behind her back and standing with her feet shoulder-width apart. She didnāt look to have made any conscious decision to do so; perhaps it was simply an ingrained reflex at this point to stand at attention when in an office of this kind. āLarissa said you had something you wanted to ask me about?ā
"Discuss is perhaps the better term," Marceline said with a smile. "If you would like a drink, please help yourself. There is water in the pitcher," she said, indicating with her mask to the small table that held a bottle of wine, the pitcher, and a number of glasses. Meanwhile, Larissa weaved in behind Estella and went around Marceline's desk, taking a seat in her emtpy chair. With a ruffle of paper, she produced a length of parchment and prepared an inkwell and quill. It seemed almost wasteful the amount of paper they went through.
Estella took the opportunity offered, tucking the bottle away in some pocket or another before heading over to the side table and pouring herself a glass of water. She downed half of one before refilling it the rest of the way and returning to her spot, standing in a slightly more relaxed fashion now. āThank you,ā she murmured, half-smiling. āI think Rilien sometimes forgets that not all of us are capable of his level of endurance and focus.ā The words, while they could have been interpreted as a criticism, were delivered with an unmistakable affection, and a faint hint of amusement.
āWhat shall we be discussing, Lady Marceline?ā
Marceline gave one last glance to the dossier in her hand before she closed it and placed it down. She then crossed her arms and studied the woman in front of her for a moment before she tilted her head to the side inquisitively. "From what I understand, the Avenarius family name holds some reknown in the Imperium," Marceline began. "Though I do not know if you have been privy to court politics of your homeland," she continued. It was possible, of course, that Marceline could have found the answer on her own by inquiring a few of her contacts in the Imperium, but it felt more of a matter that should be discussed personally, and not behind her back.
"Regardless," Marceline added, "I do understand that you have accompanied both the Crown Prince and Ser Rilien to court on occasion, though you were perhaps not the focal point..." With that, Marceline studied the woman again as she tapped her silverite mask against her arm. She was quite for a moment after, leaving space for Larissa to speak up from her position behind Marceline's desk. "What milady is attempting to figure is your knowledge and experience on dealing with nobility and general negotiation. That is why she called you here today."
Marceline nodded her agreement and passed an appreciative look toward Larissa, who responded with a kind smile. "We are to meet with nobility outside Therinfal Redoubt, where we will then attempt to negotiate with the High Seeker and the templars. Negotiations that will no doubt feature the Herald of Andraste heavily. I simply wish to understand your experience in such matters and prepare you accordingly."
Estella took in a deep, audible breath, and from the way she flinched, just slightly, she wasnāt especially keen on talking about this. Nevertheless, she nodded slightly. āRight, wellā¦ as to the matter of House Avenarius, there are two things youāll want to know. Firstly, theyāre noble, but theyāre Laetan, which isnāt quite the same as being Altus. Itās a bit likeā¦ being a Baron, or a Bann, and one with a small holding at that, or if youāre really lucky, a Comtesse.ā She inclined her head, apparently well-aware of Marcelineās own title.
āThe second thing isā¦ I might not actually be licensed to use the name. Itās veryā¦ complicated.ā She grimaced, looking reluctant to speak any further.
The news caused Marceline to tlt her head to the side somewhat and a frown to grace the even line of her lips. "Complicated? How so? If you would be so kind as to explain," she asked.
Estella shifted her weight, taking most of it on her left foot, turning up the right one and drawing a line with the toe of her boot on the rug. She didnāt seem precisely aware that she was doing it. āWhen Cyrus and I were born, our mother died. We, ahā¦ weāre bastard children, you seeāand so there was no saying who our father was. My grandfather took itā¦ badly, and gave us to the Chantry. Cyrus was adopted back several years later, but I never officially was.ā She pursed her lips together, her brows furrowing.
āMy brotherās head of the house now, and of course he acknowledges me as family, but because of the timing, Iām pretty sure no official paperwork to re-adopt me was ever approved. Thatās, well, thatās the basic problem, anyway. I use the name, but Iām not sure itās legally mine.ā It was clear that what bothered her about this wasnāt the technicality of the issue, but she left the details of the rest untouched.
āNeedless to say, none of my diplomatic experienceālittle as it isācame from that.ā
Marceline nodded and mentally filed the information away for a later date. "I doubt that you will be required to use the name in any official capacity, fortunately. Your title as Herald is what is important, and what these nobles will rally around," for better or for worse. She did not envy the girl for having the title thrust upon her. She glanced behind her and met Larissa's eyes for a moment, before both wordlessly nodded. "Now, your experiences with the Crown Prince and Ser Rilien," she began, "I do not need a transcript of each step you took with them. Only your thoughts on the matters of court, and please. Be frank." She finished with a comforting smile.
"Oh, Lady Estella? You can take a seat if you wish. This is by no means an official review," Larissa said as Marceline nodded along. "We just simply wish to make the process as painless as possible for you."
Estella sighed, altogether too deeply for the subject matter. āFrankly? My experiences at court were challenging, and difficult, and made me wish Iād never have to go back.ā She contemplated a chair for a moment, but in the end, she elected to remain standing. āThatās the predominant impression, anyway. There were parts of it I didnāt mind, people I met that I liked.ā She smiled slightly. āThe Antivan Ambassador, Lady Costanza, and her husband Sabino were extremely kind. I worked a bodyguard job for them, once. That was probably the most direct interaction I had with court functions proper. Most of the matters I attended to with Commander Lucien were just business things: meeting clients and discussing terms, delivering reports, the occasional social function with people he considers friends.ā
She appeared to consider something, then tilted her head to the side. āAh, Lady Marcelineā¦ these nobles, the ones accompanying us to Therinfal. Do you know exactly who they will be, yet?ā
"A few, yes. We are in the process of convincing the others, and with the aid of the previously mentioned few, they should come to support us as well, but I will not tire you with those details," Marceline said with a smile. No doubt she did not wish to hear the intiricies of the game they played. "But yes, you are already familiar with one of the houses in question," Marceline said, with a coy smile as she brought her silverite mask to her eyes. The purple flake on the feathers worked into the metal sparkled in the candlelight. "I intend to represent house LĆ©cuyer as well as the Inquisition's ambassador."
"Otherwise," Marceline said, allowed the mask to fall away from her face. "I have also been in contact with Lord Esmeral Abernache. While perhaps a bit long winded, and I would not sign my name to anything that he offers, I believe him to be a man with his heart in the correct place."
"He is also very reliable when it comes to gossip," Larissa noted behind them.
"Mhm," Marceline agreed and continued, "It is he who is aiding us in collecting the support of the other nobility. He will probably wish to speak to you, but I would not worry. He is on our side."
Estellaās posture seemed to ease, though why that was would have been difficult to pinpoint. She smiled when Marcy lifted her mask. āIāll do the best I can,ā she promised, taking a deep swallow from the glass of water in her hand. āI usually know enough not to say anything outright insulting at any rate, and I do have at least a little familiarity with how nobility works. But if thereās anything else specific about any of our supporters I should know, Iād be glad for the help.ā
Marceline smiled and nodded before it slipped away into a frown. It was not the nobility that she was concerned with. The nobles would be with them under a single purpose, and she did not see any trouble that would come from them. No, it was not the nobility Marceline was worried about, "The Lord Seeker however, is another matter entirely," she said with a sigh. "I admit, I do not know much of the man himself. You have seen him yourself, in Val Royeaux... I would prepare myself accordingly. Perhaps speak to Ser Leonhardt for advice on the matter."
The young woman nodded thoughtfully. āIāll do that. I have to say, Iām very glad youāll both be there.ā Her expression was rueful, and she downed the rest of her water, keeping hold of the empty glass. āThank you, though, for the warning. Iām sure youāve got a lot to do, so I wonāt linger too much. Milady,ā she inclined herself slightly at the waist, an informal bow, then straightened, dipping her head to Marcelineās assistant as well. āLarissa.ā Estella moved her eyes back to Marceline, clearly awaiting permission to depart.
With that, Marceline pushed herself of the edge of her desk, and Larissa too stood from her chair. "Lady Herald," she said, giving her the permission to take her leave. As the door shut behind her, Marceline turned to face Larissa. "She is correct, there is still much we must do."
Larissa simply smiled and took the seat behind the desk once more, her hand moving toward the quill that rested in an inkwell. "Then perhaps we should begin, yes?" Marceline only smiled in response.
With a flick of the wrist and a twist of the thumb, Marceline moved on to the next page. Not all of the nobility were that difficult, and for that, Lady Marceline was thankful. Some understood the importance of the work that the Inquisition did. Before, they could only offer their vocal support, as it would be foolish to support an unknown entity that had very little to offer but the bare minimum of a plan. Marceline understood, and accepted it then, but now that the Inquisition had demonstrated its ability to stand on its own two feet, that vocal support soon became some more physical.
It had been a great deal off of Marceline's mind now that she had something to work with. Discussions and opportunities were beginning to open themselves up to the Inquisition. Apparently, now that that weight was gone, she'd seemed to relax somewhat, as Larissa herself mentioned it. Marceline glanced upward to the door for a moment before returning to the file in her hand. She'd sent the woman out moments ago in order to fetch Estella. She intended to follow through with the desire to inquire of her experience with nobility, and to prepare her for the negotiations that were to come.
She had faith in the girl, Estella had instilled it in her when she handled herself first with the Marquis DuRellion in Val Royeaux and Cassius in Redcliffe. Still, she did not desire to throw the poor girl at them without at first preparing her. If at all, she'd like to make it as easy on her as possible, though with the label of Herald of Andraste stuck next to her name, things could only go so easily.
Apparently, Larissa had little difficulty locating her, because she returned not more than ten minutes later, Estella in tow. From the way she was dressed, in durable but plain clothes, her hair pulled well away from her face and evidence of recent activity in the flyaways that stood away from her scalp, sheād recently been engaged in some kind of strenuous physical activity, and her breathing was still slightly elevated. Given the time of day, it was likely that sheād been receiving instruction from Rilien.
She made some effort to straighten herself up as she entered, though, smoothing her hair back with her hands as well as she could and pulling her maroon tunic down to tug out the wrinkles and set it straight of any dishevelment. There were a few spots of blood on it, actually, though they were hard to see against the color, and the empty glass vial in one hand still had a few drops of pearlescent red potion at the bottom of it.
āGood afternoon, Lady Marceline,ā she said in her usual subdued tone of voice, coming to stand a few feet back from the desk, folding her hands behind her back and standing with her feet shoulder-width apart. She didnāt look to have made any conscious decision to do so; perhaps it was simply an ingrained reflex at this point to stand at attention when in an office of this kind. āLarissa said you had something you wanted to ask me about?ā
"Discuss is perhaps the better term," Marceline said with a smile. "If you would like a drink, please help yourself. There is water in the pitcher," she said, indicating with her mask to the small table that held a bottle of wine, the pitcher, and a number of glasses. Meanwhile, Larissa weaved in behind Estella and went around Marceline's desk, taking a seat in her emtpy chair. With a ruffle of paper, she produced a length of parchment and prepared an inkwell and quill. It seemed almost wasteful the amount of paper they went through.
Estella took the opportunity offered, tucking the bottle away in some pocket or another before heading over to the side table and pouring herself a glass of water. She downed half of one before refilling it the rest of the way and returning to her spot, standing in a slightly more relaxed fashion now. āThank you,ā she murmured, half-smiling. āI think Rilien sometimes forgets that not all of us are capable of his level of endurance and focus.ā The words, while they could have been interpreted as a criticism, were delivered with an unmistakable affection, and a faint hint of amusement.
āWhat shall we be discussing, Lady Marceline?ā
Marceline gave one last glance to the dossier in her hand before she closed it and placed it down. She then crossed her arms and studied the woman in front of her for a moment before she tilted her head to the side inquisitively. "From what I understand, the Avenarius family name holds some reknown in the Imperium," Marceline began. "Though I do not know if you have been privy to court politics of your homeland," she continued. It was possible, of course, that Marceline could have found the answer on her own by inquiring a few of her contacts in the Imperium, but it felt more of a matter that should be discussed personally, and not behind her back.
"Regardless," Marceline added, "I do understand that you have accompanied both the Crown Prince and Ser Rilien to court on occasion, though you were perhaps not the focal point..." With that, Marceline studied the woman again as she tapped her silverite mask against her arm. She was quite for a moment after, leaving space for Larissa to speak up from her position behind Marceline's desk. "What milady is attempting to figure is your knowledge and experience on dealing with nobility and general negotiation. That is why she called you here today."
Marceline nodded her agreement and passed an appreciative look toward Larissa, who responded with a kind smile. "We are to meet with nobility outside Therinfal Redoubt, where we will then attempt to negotiate with the High Seeker and the templars. Negotiations that will no doubt feature the Herald of Andraste heavily. I simply wish to understand your experience in such matters and prepare you accordingly."
Estella took in a deep, audible breath, and from the way she flinched, just slightly, she wasnāt especially keen on talking about this. Nevertheless, she nodded slightly. āRight, wellā¦ as to the matter of House Avenarius, there are two things youāll want to know. Firstly, theyāre noble, but theyāre Laetan, which isnāt quite the same as being Altus. Itās a bit likeā¦ being a Baron, or a Bann, and one with a small holding at that, or if youāre really lucky, a Comtesse.ā She inclined her head, apparently well-aware of Marcelineās own title.
āThe second thing isā¦ I might not actually be licensed to use the name. Itās veryā¦ complicated.ā She grimaced, looking reluctant to speak any further.
The news caused Marceline to tlt her head to the side somewhat and a frown to grace the even line of her lips. "Complicated? How so? If you would be so kind as to explain," she asked.
Estella shifted her weight, taking most of it on her left foot, turning up the right one and drawing a line with the toe of her boot on the rug. She didnāt seem precisely aware that she was doing it. āWhen Cyrus and I were born, our mother died. We, ahā¦ weāre bastard children, you seeāand so there was no saying who our father was. My grandfather took itā¦ badly, and gave us to the Chantry. Cyrus was adopted back several years later, but I never officially was.ā She pursed her lips together, her brows furrowing.
āMy brotherās head of the house now, and of course he acknowledges me as family, but because of the timing, Iām pretty sure no official paperwork to re-adopt me was ever approved. Thatās, well, thatās the basic problem, anyway. I use the name, but Iām not sure itās legally mine.ā It was clear that what bothered her about this wasnāt the technicality of the issue, but she left the details of the rest untouched.
āNeedless to say, none of my diplomatic experienceālittle as it isācame from that.ā
Marceline nodded and mentally filed the information away for a later date. "I doubt that you will be required to use the name in any official capacity, fortunately. Your title as Herald is what is important, and what these nobles will rally around," for better or for worse. She did not envy the girl for having the title thrust upon her. She glanced behind her and met Larissa's eyes for a moment, before both wordlessly nodded. "Now, your experiences with the Crown Prince and Ser Rilien," she began, "I do not need a transcript of each step you took with them. Only your thoughts on the matters of court, and please. Be frank." She finished with a comforting smile.
"Oh, Lady Estella? You can take a seat if you wish. This is by no means an official review," Larissa said as Marceline nodded along. "We just simply wish to make the process as painless as possible for you."
Estella sighed, altogether too deeply for the subject matter. āFrankly? My experiences at court were challenging, and difficult, and made me wish Iād never have to go back.ā She contemplated a chair for a moment, but in the end, she elected to remain standing. āThatās the predominant impression, anyway. There were parts of it I didnāt mind, people I met that I liked.ā She smiled slightly. āThe Antivan Ambassador, Lady Costanza, and her husband Sabino were extremely kind. I worked a bodyguard job for them, once. That was probably the most direct interaction I had with court functions proper. Most of the matters I attended to with Commander Lucien were just business things: meeting clients and discussing terms, delivering reports, the occasional social function with people he considers friends.ā
She appeared to consider something, then tilted her head to the side. āAh, Lady Marcelineā¦ these nobles, the ones accompanying us to Therinfal. Do you know exactly who they will be, yet?ā
"A few, yes. We are in the process of convincing the others, and with the aid of the previously mentioned few, they should come to support us as well, but I will not tire you with those details," Marceline said with a smile. No doubt she did not wish to hear the intiricies of the game they played. "But yes, you are already familiar with one of the houses in question," Marceline said, with a coy smile as she brought her silverite mask to her eyes. The purple flake on the feathers worked into the metal sparkled in the candlelight. "I intend to represent house LĆ©cuyer as well as the Inquisition's ambassador."
"Otherwise," Marceline said, allowed the mask to fall away from her face. "I have also been in contact with Lord Esmeral Abernache. While perhaps a bit long winded, and I would not sign my name to anything that he offers, I believe him to be a man with his heart in the correct place."
"He is also very reliable when it comes to gossip," Larissa noted behind them.
"Mhm," Marceline agreed and continued, "It is he who is aiding us in collecting the support of the other nobility. He will probably wish to speak to you, but I would not worry. He is on our side."
Estellaās posture seemed to ease, though why that was would have been difficult to pinpoint. She smiled when Marcy lifted her mask. āIāll do the best I can,ā she promised, taking a deep swallow from the glass of water in her hand. āI usually know enough not to say anything outright insulting at any rate, and I do have at least a little familiarity with how nobility works. But if thereās anything else specific about any of our supporters I should know, Iād be glad for the help.ā
Marceline smiled and nodded before it slipped away into a frown. It was not the nobility that she was concerned with. The nobles would be with them under a single purpose, and she did not see any trouble that would come from them. No, it was not the nobility Marceline was worried about, "The Lord Seeker however, is another matter entirely," she said with a sigh. "I admit, I do not know much of the man himself. You have seen him yourself, in Val Royeaux... I would prepare myself accordingly. Perhaps speak to Ser Leonhardt for advice on the matter."
The young woman nodded thoughtfully. āIāll do that. I have to say, Iām very glad youāll both be there.ā Her expression was rueful, and she downed the rest of her water, keeping hold of the empty glass. āThank you, though, for the warning. Iām sure youāve got a lot to do, so I wonāt linger too much. Milady,ā she inclined herself slightly at the waist, an informal bow, then straightened, dipping her head to Marcelineās assistant as well. āLarissa.ā Estella moved her eyes back to Marceline, clearly awaiting permission to depart.
With that, Marceline pushed herself of the edge of her desk, and Larissa too stood from her chair. "Lady Herald," she said, giving her the permission to take her leave. As the door shut behind her, Marceline turned to face Larissa. "She is correct, there is still much we must do."
Larissa simply smiled and took the seat behind the desk once more, her hand moving toward the quill that rested in an inkwell. "Then perhaps we should begin, yes?" Marceline only smiled in response.