[ Planning for the affair seems easier, in hindsight, to actually attending the soiree. Duke Gaspard has taken it upon himself to invite them, either to cheat Celene out of the chance or because he needs the protection and backing the Inquisition offers. In either case, they make their way into the ballroom and to their respective posts upon being announced to the room, and Neria has to do her best to keep still. She wants to be moving around, investigating, asking questions...but she has acquiesced to the Inquisitor's request that she take a position to help keep eyes out for the usurper in their midst.
The nobility that approach her seem torn between fascination and fear, all questioning whether she is a ghost or if select rumors have some merit (that the Breach brought her back from the grave, that the Herald might be dabbling in blood magic) that she spends the better part of an hour denying every which way.
Interest in her, at least, seems to wax and wane then; there are still individuals interested in speaking to her (and making foolish passes, of course), but the majority of people more interested in gathering dirt on the Inquisitor or making Neria out to be some kind of monster seem to pass on to pester the other advisors and the Inquisitor's companions. It's then that she is better able to scan the room for their potential target, anyone suspicious--
And her eyes land on Cullen in the corner, practically surrounded by various people. She can't help but smile; he's as uncomfortable as a mage in a Templar mess hall, fidgeting under the scrutinizing gaze of so many people.
Carefully, she slips away from her post just to go lend him a hand. ]
Commander.
[ Her voice alone is enough to get a few heads to turn. She doesn't smile, regarding the scene as if she would judge recruits. ]
Commander, the Inquisitor requests your presence in the foyer.
no subject
The nobility that approach her seem torn between fascination and fear, all questioning whether she is a ghost or if select rumors have some merit (that the Breach brought her back from the grave, that the Herald might be dabbling in blood magic) that she spends the better part of an hour denying every which way.
Interest in her, at least, seems to wax and wane then; there are still individuals interested in speaking to her (and making foolish passes, of course), but the majority of people more interested in gathering dirt on the Inquisitor or making Neria out to be some kind of monster seem to pass on to pester the other advisors and the Inquisitor's companions. It's then that she is better able to scan the room for their potential target, anyone suspicious--
And her eyes land on Cullen in the corner, practically surrounded by various people. She can't help but smile; he's as uncomfortable as a mage in a Templar mess hall, fidgeting under the scrutinizing gaze of so many people.
Carefully, she slips away from her post just to go lend him a hand. ]
Commander.
[ Her voice alone is enough to get a few heads to turn. She doesn't smile, regarding the scene as if she would judge recruits. ]
Commander, the Inquisitor requests your presence in the foyer.