~*~
Lord Antonius Vincenzo Pavus Cordially Invites
Magister Tiberius Umbra, his betrothed Lyric Nicollier, and their Honored House Guest
to an Elegant Dinner Party
on the Evening of Saturday, the Thirtieth of Ferventis
at Seven O'Clock
to be held at the Pavus Estates,
Minrathous.
An evening of fine dining and delightful conversation awaits your esteemed presence.
Yours most sincerely,
Lord Pavus
~*~
It did all feel a bit foolish, if he stopped to think about it. His parents had left only just that morning, off to spend a month at the family's estate in Ventus. They'd barely disappeared down the road and Enzo was ordering staff around, preparing for a party. It was like he was a teenager all over again. Though, there were some very important differences. Firstly, this was a DINNER party. It was exactly the sort of thing a respectable Lord of his station aught to do for a good friend about to be wed. Secondly, it was not some secret excuse to get drunk and (try) to get lucky. No, his parents didn't know about it ahead of time... but that was just a technicality. His father would have approved of Enzo's efforts to maintain his friendship with Tiberius. Hadrian had never exactly looked down on Tiberius, but he'd never really encouraged Enzo's friendship with the heir to the Umbra household. But now, with Tiberius an official Magister and his house on the rise? Hadrian could hardly protest.
All the same, Enzo found himself full of that old, but not forgotten, giddy energy that highlighted the revelries of his youth. The anxiety of uncertain outcomes was there too. This would be the first time Enzo would officially meet Lyric and he couldn't quite understand why he was so nervous to impress her. She was, essentially, his rival for Tiberius' affection. He knew no other way to describe it. But that was unfair to the lady, and to himself as well. Enzo did not know the whole story, but he knew enough to understand that the entire marriage arrangement between Lyric and Tiberius had not been the intention of either one of them.
Of their... guest, Enzo knew even less. But his presence in Tevinter -in Tiberius' own home- provided Enzo with a sense of... hope? That word seemed too pure for how Enzo felt. Whatever it was, he could not deny that Envy stained the emotion. Indeed, Enzo feared that his demon had somehow managed to influence him, convince him that this dinner party was a good idea. Was it a way to clear the air for all four of them, or just an elaborate charade he'd managed to trick himself into? Was it a feast for Envy more than anyone else?
It hardly mattered now. The clock in his dressing room rang the half hour. Enzo's valet helped him into his jacket and stepped back to allow him to evaluate himself in the mirror. He'd chosen a simple suit in black, but the high military style collar favored his jaw line. The stylized enameled pins of the flame dahlias on the collar shone all the more brilliant, gold and red, against the black. He'd shaved before dressing and tamed his curly black hair.
Dismissing his valet, Enzo made his way down to the dining room. Servants moved quickly, but smoothly throughout the place, arranging the final touches. More dahlias -though real- were arranged in a centerpiece on the table. each place setting gleamed gold on the white tablecloth. As he surveyed, the scene, his butler approached, begging his master for final approval on the finer points of the menu.
Lyric adjusted her gown one last time, the deep emerald silk cascading elegantly around her. She glanced at her reflection in the tall mirror, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves. Tonight was not just any dinner; it was an opportunity to step further into Tiberius's world and to meet Enzo, a figure who seemed to hold significant sway in her fiancé's life.
She took a deep breath, reminding herself of the poise and grace expected of her. After all, this dinner was not only a social engagement but also a test of alliances and affections. Things were complicated, she was determined to see things through with Tiberius. It was true she felt safer from her parents being far away from Orlais, but the House of Repose were like dogs with bones, and if her family decided to make good on their threat against Akibrus and Aria, then Tevinter would be the only place that they were safe.
With one last glance in the mirror, Lyric turned and made her way to the carriage outside with the others and made their way to Enzo’s. Once there she followed Tiberius’s lead, her eyes darting around, wanting to see and experience everything. She never imagined she’d be engaged to a Vint, but since it had happened, she was slowly getting a whole new perspective on them, in stark contrast to the stories she’d heard in the south.
As they approached the Pavus Estates, Lyric's curiosity grew with every step. The grandeur of the estate was evident, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and apprehension. She knew this evening would be pivotal, not just for her relationship with Tiberius, but for the delicate balance of power and friendship that surrounded them.
How long have you been friends with Lord Pavus? She asked Tiberius as the servants were leading them to the dining room.
Walking up the steps to the Pavus estates with Lyric by his side was quite the novel experience. Hopefully one he’d get to experience often – though he immediately regretted the thought. Hadrien and Catrin were far from the worst that Tevene high society had to offer.
And Enzo would mourn them more than he longer for a title. Or so Tiberius would have said six years ago. So many things were different now. House Pavus had taken a fall, but for once in his life, Enzo stood to inherit.
“Oh, thirty years or thereabouts.” He smiled indulgently at Lyric – and shot a quick over the shoulder glance at their honored house guest. Tiberius was dressed in a slim fitting chocolate brown suit with an olive neckcloth, a little toned down compared to his usual presentation. To better let Lyric’s gown shine. That was, more or less, his agenda for the night. Gather all these people in one spot and watch what they did. “He’s very dear to me. Perhaps as Aki is to you?”
She seemed impressed by the decor – rousing a flash of that old inadequacy, swiftly quashed. Tiberius had been measuring himself against House Pavus his entire life. With so much experience, he had a grip on it now. The live flowers were a nice touch, though. He led Lyric over to Enzo, still fussing with a servant with a tray of drinks. The butler hovered nearby, his polite expression slightly fixed by some underlying stress.
“Are we early? I could down a few of these in the parlor if that would put your man at rest.” Tiberius gestured at the glasses and plucked one from the tray.
“Lord Pavus, may I present my fiancée? Lyric Oatshield.” She preferred that self-assigned surname over Nicollier, he had learned. Knowing now what he did of Emeric and Mariette, Tiberius quite agreed with the disassociation. “And this is Akibrus Blaine. First Enchanter of Starkhaven, now self-styled tutor or gardener or something.”
Akibrus trailed after the engaged couple, dressed to match Lyric — which possibly meant he was matching Tiberius as well (awkward, the possibilities are endlessly amusing). Browns and toned greens, a suit of slightly lesser quality than the Tevene man walking alongside Lyric, not necessarily mismatched in colors but certainly similar enough that the trio didn't look horrible walking in together. His hair was not as coiffed as it could be, but he'd never had an interest in neat hair. Appearances mattered very little; it was what people did that mattered more.
And he was quiet, watching, listening. He caught the glance in his direction, and allowed his lips to curve into a slight smile as he caught the other man's words. He leaned to whisper in Lyric's ear, That means play nice, sweetling. He wasn't in any position to judge Tiberius for having someone he held dear.
He fell back a step or two, as he trailed them on their way to Enzo, fussing over a tray of drinks. And dipped his head, in greetings, ...or somethin'. He agreed, I'm honored to have been invited. Your home is... quite lovely, Tevene architecture is much different than the Marches. He'd traveled through the Anderfels; traveled through Nevarra; even seen Ferelden and Antiva. But Tevinter architecture still left him a bit awestruck. Perhaps it was simply because he'd never been in Tevinter before and it would fade with time...
Enzo turned to the servant, brow furrowed slightly. But a look toward the clock affirmed that it was, indeed, seven. As if to emphasize the point, it chimed. Very well then. Enzo waved his hand to indicate that the guests should be brought in and straightened his jacket. Beside him, the butler handed a tray of crystal glasses to another servant and moved to his position at the wall. Enzo took one in hand just as the party turned into the dining room.
For once, someone else's presence managed to pull Enzo's attention from Tiberius without much difficulty. Two people, in fact. Enzo's smile was bemused, at first, then gave way to genuine amusement. The lady and the gentleman were so very opposite in height, it was almost comical. The man had to be taller than even Mal. And Lyric... Enzo had spotted her at a distance at the Archon's ball, but he could see now that she was beautiful. Envy tried its damnedest to needle him about it again, but Enzo mentally pushed the demon aside as he stepped forward. Tiberius' words did finally draw Enzo's eye to his friend, and his smile again shifted. This time to something softer, familiar.
"Not at all." he said, dismissing the question of their timing and turning his eyes back to Lyric as Tiberius introduced her. Enzo, reaching out his free hand if she wished to take it, was mid bow when he noted the surname. "My Lady, I apologize for the error in my invitation. I would never intentionally offend such a stunning creature as yourself."
Rising from the bow, Enzo gestured the servant forward with his tray of drinks. "Please, some refreshment for the Lady." He then turned to Akibrus as he was also introduced. First Enchanter, tutor, gardener, partner. He had to crane his neck slightly to look up at the man as he spoke. "You are most welcome, Ser. Thank you." he waved again for a drink to be brought to Akibrus. "And much older. I'd say we've had ample time to perfect it."
Enzo took the last drink from the tray, handing it to Tiberius himself as the servant scuttled away. He took a moment to pat Tiberius' arm, squeezing it ever so slightly before releasing him and turning to the three as a whole. "I am honored to welcome you all to my home. For the first or hundredth time." Enzo's smile widened as he lifted his glass to them. "And should fate allow, far from the last."
As he drank, a servant stepped through a side door, connecting eyes with the butler. The Butler then stepped forward and announced that their dinner was ready to be served. Enzo gestured to the table where four places on the far end had been set, leaving more than half of the table free for decorations of flowers and candelabras.
"You will forgive me, Tiberius, but I've seated myself beside your fiancee. I'm too eager to get to know her, should the Lady agree." Enzo gestured the two men toward the other side of the table, then turned to Lyric, dipping his head slightly with the unspoken question. Should she protest, he would relent, of course.
Lyric smiled as Tibs explained how long he had been friends with Enzo, and what the nature of that friendship was. She couldn’t help but let her mind wander, as she imagined Enzo and Tibs together like she and Aki. In all the ways it answered her question, it also brought more to mind, that for now she allowed to drift to the back of her mind.
She wasn’t nearly as nervous at this party as she had been the ball, a more intimate setting helped her feel a bit more at ease. Though as she laid eyes on Enzo, she couldn’t help but wonder what he thought of her, truly. Was she a rival to Tibs’s affections, or did he simply see her as a potential friend or ally. She didn’t much like the idea of being a rival, but then that perhaps was party why her heart had always sought out other likeminded polyamorous sorts. Those seeking to multiply the love, and not compete for it. As Enzo spoke, she smiled and bowed her head slightly, the error in name was trivial, especially since she would soon be an Umbra, a name she didn’t feel she minded embracing.
Please, it’s not like you could have known. It probably seems a bit strange to have two names, it seems as hard as I tried to shake the Nicollier name, it caught up to me. She looked to Tibs and then to Aki, things seemed to be going just fine despite all that. Though I’m no longer sure if that was such a terrible thing. She thanked Enzo for the refreshments and took a glass as it was offered, taking a sip as Aki and Enzo spoke. As Enzo’s butler announced that dinner was ready and then Enzo explained where she was seated, she again smiled warmly. She wanted to make a good impression on Enzo, since it was clear Enzo was very important to Tibs.
I’d be honoured, but only if you promise me at least one embarrassing childhood story of you and Tiberius, and I promise to reciprocate of course. She had plenty, though she also had a lot of not so cheery childhood stories, but she wanted to keep the evening light.
“Mm, well. It’s pointy, it’s dark, and there are dragons everywhere. But I did miss it while I was stranded in Orlais.” Val Royeaux was a near opposite of Minrathous, thematically speaking. All whitewashed lattices and bright colors, gilded lions infesting the public spaces.
Tiberius had little to add to Enzo’s toast, only a slightly crooked smile. Enzo wasn’t quite the lord of his House yet – but he wouldn’t spoil his friend’s fun. Still, you could probably host a perfectly respectable dinner party for four at Pavus’ rented suite of rooms. Three had done so plenty of times. Perhaps some other night.
“Oh, must I?” It would almost be more remarkable if Enzo did not flirt shamelessly with Lyric. Tiberius wasn’t entirely sure what that would indicate. Mutual respect – or something deeply wrong? In either case, he’d had a lot of practice managing and putting away his possessive feelings. No one appreciated that sort of behavior, sulking and snarling like a poorly trained dog. Least of all Tiberius. It had led to more than one ‘embarrassing teenage story,’ at the least.
“As you like. That leaves me with our ‘honored house guest.’” He cut a glance at Akibrus and took the seat across from Enzo, unbuttoning his jacket as he sat down. It was hard to tell if he was getting along with the First Enchanter, exactly. They’d worked some minor magic together, warding various parts of House Umbra to keep Aria from wandering into danger. That had to count for something … ?
Akibrus settled next to Tiberius, raising an eyebrow as Tibs referred to him as their 'honored house guest'. Mmm, I suppose it does. He flashed the other man a grin, and let his gaze wander across the other side of the table; taking in Lyric and Enzo.
Unbothered, easy-going. Though he wasn't sure how he felt about Tiberius; the man was doing enough in his eyes to keep Aria and Lyric safe. So the history between Pavus and Umbra... is intertwined? Is it much the same for the other Houses? He'd never bothered learning about Tevinter; so closed off as the country was. He'd never expected to be here.
"The only challenge there would be in the choosing." Enzo said with a chuckle as he pulled the chair out for Lyric and then pushed it in slightly as she sat. He flashed Tiberius a smile as he took his own seat, mirroring Tiberius in the unbuttoning of his own jacket. "But if you're keen to make your groom-to-be blush, then that is a difficult challenge. You see, Tiberius has always been the wiser, sensible one. I'm afraid all the best stories paint me the fool." Enzo's smile skewed sideways as a brow and shoulder both lifted with the confession as if to say alas.
The butler opened the side door, admitting four servants who each carried trays with gleaming gold cloches. "Lucky for you," Enzo said as the servants each moved into place behind their four chairs, "I am not so vain as to deny you a good story at my own expense." The servants, removing the cloches to reveal the first dish, each placed a bowl of white soup in front of the four, then stepped back and exited the room the way they'd come in.
Enzo gestured toward the bowls, welcoming his guests to begin, then lifted his own spoon. "Historically, our houses have not been close." he said, shifting to answer Akibrus. "But Tiberius and I became dear friends while in our service together. That does tend to be the way of it. Strong bonds are inevitably forged on the battlefield." Enzo stirred his soup, turning his eyes back to Lyric. "Your betrothed saved my life on a number of occasions, you know. The first time, he pulled me from a bog that had nearly swallowed me to my neck. Second day of training, was it?" Enzo turned his eyes to Tiberius with the question as he lifted a spoonful of the soup to his lips.
Lyric’s face brightened at the mention of Tiberius wading through a bog to rescue Enzo. She laughed, the sound soft and musical, looking from Enzo to Tiberius with a sparkle in her eye.
Oh, a bog rescue? Tiberius! I thought you were too dignified to slog through the mud! she teased, raising her glass to him with a cheeky grin. But of course, I shouldn't be surprised. He’s always had a flair for the dramatic entrance.
Turning to Enzo, she leaned forward, eyes wide with curiosity.
She cast a quick, affectionate glance at Akibrus. I’ll confess, I’m usually the one in need of a rescue myself, though I suppose it’s part of my charm. I’m afraid my embarrassing story is how Aki and I came to meet, I was a homeless damsel in distress, he came to my aid and I just sort of moved in. Gosh that sounds a bit creepy now that I say it out loud, I swear it wasn’t.
