Green Flame Rising (Exalted vs Dresden Files)

13th of November 2006 A.D.

Essence at 15/15
Willpower at 9/9

The night suits Chateaux Raith, as shadows wrap around pale poplar trees and in the distance owls hoot, a warning to all small scurrying things of the night so too the light that spells in garish hues from its many windows casts sharp shadows of gargoyles and grotesqueries turning mere imitation into something altogether more menacing. Or perhaps it is none of these, instead the sight of the people spilling out into the garden, far more than the sixty Thomas had anticipated even here, all beautiful of countenance and bright of eye and draped in moonlight dreadful fair. As Lydia puts it if Lord Byron isn't haunting the White Court it is not for lack of trying.

But of course it isn't just long dead romantics who find the white court fascinating. Living men and woman by he score walk among the tense immortals already in various states of lucidity for which one can blame more than just the amphoras of wine set here and there in artful chaos, a table and some cups set next to each one of them, fit to offer their own libations to Jupiter. It is Bacchus who holds the most sway here and now and in the shadows Eris lurks.

For the first time in... well ever Black Rider does not stand out at all among the collection of Mercedes, Rolls Royce even Lamborghinis, although someone had painted the one closest to you a garish gold and silver that makes it look less like a car and more like a jewellery box on wheels. Honestly what is that even trying to say? 'I'm a random encounter, here's my treasure'?

Even though she does not quite get the context Lydia giggles when you share that one.

As the door slides open and you step out the cold November air gains no new bite to it, the shadows do not move from their appointed places, but one after another you meet the eyes of vampires making their own way to the house, pretending to be prey even as their hind brain, their demon screams at them that you are something more dangerous by far

Thus laughing and smiling eyes seemingly only on Lydia you pretend not to notice the predators all around you suddenly stepping back knowing not why. The pair of you are about twenty yards from the front door, you can see Lara inside greeting new arrivals when a tall man in a grey suit and black shirt crosses your path with wilful daring... a little too wilful to pretend he is not affected by your presence. He stops as though of observe more closely the small white flowers peeking from among the greenery at the side of the path, leaving you the choice of stopping to speak with him, actually changing course for the fist time since you stepped out of the car or bowling him over. Entertaining as the latter alternative might be it would rather ruin attempts at subtlety. Instead you stop, smile and greet the man, drawing him from his distraction.

"Vittorio Malvora, pleased to meet you," he says with a smile easy as it is oily. Malvora, fear eaters, also posers according to Isabela since their founding myth has the sound of medieval puffery, but skilled and patient politicians according to Thomas. They had taken on much of the culture of House Raith without losing an iota of loyalty to their house elders and they are liable to play the long game. Also... this is probably the heir of the House. "I have heard a great deal about you."

He's fishing for information, not really a dazzling discovery on its own, the question if if you should take the chance to cast your own line and read him in return or keep up the act you have been using so far and drift away with weightless pleasantries.

What do you do?

[] Move on
-[] To Lara, it is clear she wants to talk to you, perhaps only to be seen to do so, perhaps to share the fruits of her own investigation
-[] Much to your surprise you can see Leinth near one of the outdoor shrines, he actually seems to be giving a libation
-[] See if someone less rude is minded to approach him

[] Engage with Vittorio, try to get a feel for him
-[] Write in stunts and charms (Optional)

[] Write in

OOC: While Leinth did not bring Isabela to this thing he knows enough from her to be quite sure it will be... interesting to someone such as himself.