Sonja has no idea that she’s at the Winter Palace—it’s better that she does not know about Dirth Elgara. Perhaps the old man has told her, but she has her doubts. The old man, with his network of spies, knows how to keep a secret. Someone tells her through hushed words: the Empress of Gehennam requests your presence. This is a command. Amarantha knows without asking. During her time as a slave Amarantha met people of power, people of privilege, and time and time again their requests are always commands hidden with honeyed words.
From what Amarantha learns of Gehennam high society, this Empress may have words that are not so honeyed. Regardless, Amarantha slips away from the Magisters, her own mask hiding her elvehn ears so she can blend in even further. For all they know she is a human noble, attending because she cares about Orlais’ so called high society.
But the Empress commands Dirth Elgara’s presence. Either someone tipped her off or the Empress is simply privy to those that seek to end the reigns of Magisters. Either way, Amarantha is curious...but cautious. When she is allowed entrance into the private room. Her training as a slave sets her up for success—even with the mask on, she does not make eye contact. Her bow is immediate, graceful yet sincere. Dirth Elgara does not speak & will not speak. Not until the Empress allows her to; not until she is spoken to. These are all old habits, ingrained—no, they were whipped into her back—a very long time ago.
The mask is a bird, massive wings covering her face, and gold is gilded to create the pattern of the sun on the wings. This is a new mask—for Dirth Elgara to attend in secret, for Dirth Elgara to not be so blatant, but it seems this Empress already knows of this mask. It will have to be remade. Yet she does not say this. She, after all, knows better. Does not rise from her bow until spoken to. Is always perfect in her courtesies, for her courtesies are what keep her from death time and time again.
