[NYE Party] happy new year and lots of fun

[nascensibility]

Who: EVERYONE, but especially you!
Where: Wonderland Ballroom
When: New Year's Eve
Rating: PG - PG13 (will change if applicable)
Summary: New Year's Eve Party
The Story:

[ Previously in the month all residents received an invitation to a formal event: a black tie affair to ring in the New Year. The ballroom and adjacent areas are decked out for the party starting at eight o'clock sharp, meticulously planned and executed, glittering décor to match the no doubt glittering attire as music pours into the halls from the dance floor.

Bars flank each side, service for all manner of alcohol unless a minor requests something, and the primary setting stage features an enormous clock for the countdown. ]




[ Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight? ]

Comments

[mandrakes]

[The flush is easily spotted, and Regis laughs.]

Relax, I don't think anyone else is watching you too closely. [And if Regis were not so finely attuned to the minutia of facial expressions he might not have noticed it, either, but he is fond of Cullen in his way and for him, the man might well have been shouting it across the room.]

You haven't attended many formal functions? I'm somewhat surprised.

[morework]

Not of this nature, no. Some feasts and ceremonies were held in the Circle, but they had little to do with this. There would have been more opportunities during my time in the Inquisition, but I only attended those when it was absolutely necessary.

[ Josephine and Leliana, as well as the agents they chose, could do so more efficiently, leave a more favourable impression, and do it with more enjoyment at that. Cullen gives Regis a curious look, wondering what part of him suggests otherwise. ]

[mandrakes]

[That curious look is met, and responded to with a small, amused smile. Regis does not elaborate further on that particular comment. Not yet at least.]

The Circle?

[Cullen doesn't often speak of his home and Regis doesn't press it, but here, with the information offered, he decides to gently quest for more.]

[morework]

I never mentioned, did I? [ Hard to believe, when he thinks about it. All the more credit to his time spent with Regis, that they had other ways to pass the time. Time for that to end, perhaps. Cullen pauses, to find the right place to begin. ]

The Circles were places for mages of our world to be brought to, for instructions and training. They were kept under close watch and guard. As a templar I was responsible for that.

[mandrakes]

Interesting. [Coming from a place where a sorceress is far more likely to be found at the side of a king than under guard - at least, until recently - it's an intriguing idea to Regis.]

And... you have certain talents of your own, as well.

[Don't think he's forgotten that time you hit him with a magic spell, Cullen. His skin still tingles when he thinks about it.]

No doubt to facilitate that role?

[morework]

[ An awkward glance at- anywhere that is not Regis. He did not forget the unwitting demonstration he gave. However-- ]

Had, more likely. They depend on constant practice- among other things. I've not used them in years, whether I could still-- [ He often wonders how much is left, these days. He does better without the thought on his mind. ] But, ah, you're right about their purpose. Templars are trained to combat magic. Their skills allow them to resist its effects, and to dispel them.

[mandrakes]

We have certain magics of that nature where I came from... though few who specialise in them. That may change, with recent events, though magic is still magic... [He gives a small shrug. Even magic used to combat magic remains magic, and he does not doubt it will be given the same level of mistrust. More to the point, he doesn't intend to steer the conversation to himself, when he's so curious about Cullen for the moment.]

I assume that... 'Templars' do not consider their skills to be in the same realm as those they are trained against.

[morework]

No, of course not! Mages are born, their magic cannot be taught to those who do not possess it. Templar abilities are... different.

[ Cullen shifts. He cannot help but want to say more on the matter. Only what, he doesn't know. ]

[mandrakes]

[The vampire's curiosity is genuine. He loosely folds his arms, curling sharp-nailed fingers around his elbows, lightly tapping them once.]

How are they different?

[It would be so easy to thread an accusation into that question, but it remains free of it.]

[morework]

[ Cullen sighs. As if parties weren't bad enough without this line of conversation. ]

Mages draw on innate abilities. Templars-- Training does its part, but to use skills such as the one you saw they are required to ingest a substance called lyrium.

[mandrakes]

[Regis takes no responsibility for having brought this up. This is all you, Commander.]

I'm not familiar with the word. ... 'Lyrium', did you say?

[The vampire will always jump at the chance to learn something new, and with the number of different worlds pulled together in this place those opportunities present themselves far more readily.]

[morework]

Lyrium, [ Cullen repeats quietly. He swallows dry. Every once in a while he still feels the thirst. But that is-- for another day. Another time. Lyrium has more stories than his own, after all. He stops himself from swallowing another time. ]

Legend says that the world was created from its waters, but in truth-- It is a mineral. It needs to be mined and processed with care. I'd prefer not to hand out samples, but if you would care to know more...?

[ Research exists. Some of it dry documentations. Others... pains and fates he knows only too well. ]

[mandrakes]

[He looks at Cullen, then, a quick up-down flick of his eyes and something unspoken giving him pause before he presses on with his curiosity. His lips press together, his immediate desire to ask more questions and learn more about this new topic carefully tempered.]

I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable by asking.

[Regis is interested, certainly, but not at the expense of his friend's peace of mind.]

We can continue this another time, if you'd prefer.