Green Sun, Black Shadows (CG/Exalted)

[X] You approach someone:
-[X] To introduce you to Earl Arundell.

While being approached first would be ideal, being passive doesn't suit you. Earl Arundell is the one who organized this party, which means everyone is going to be focused on him to some degree or another. Your best bet to attract the necessary amount of attention is to speak with him. Even if you end up as just one of many guests paying lip service to the master of the house, you will be seen. And if your opponents are even remotely competent, Britannia would have already crushed them otherwise, you will be checked and classified to determine how you fit in their grand scheme of things.

The first step in manipulating your enemies is to make them reach the conclusion you want them to reach, entirely on their own accord.

"Have you decided on your next move?"

'Yes. Tell me Seyrun, what do you know of Britannia's noble etiquette?'

"Nothing." The Anuhle replies without hesitation. "Unless you're asking how to avoid the notice of those above me. Of that, I know plenty."

You internally chuckle. 'Maybe in another, more suitable occasion, but not today. You see, Britannian nobility is very formal and hierarchized. Even before Emperor Charles came into power a noble was expected to strive for greatness while guarding their already existing influence jealously. So strong was our desire to never suffer defeat ever again than we made our whole lives into a battlefield, all for the sake of separating the weak from the strong.'

"Like Malfeas then."

'Yes.' It is not a wrong philosophy per se, but like many other things it can be corrupted. And it was indeed corrupted, a festering and bloating obscenity that ruined your life just because it could. 'What I mean to say, is that even the wrong word at the wrong time can spell your doom. That's why noble etiquette in Britannia puts a lot of emphasis into hinting a certain meaning without outright saying it.'

Finishing your drink in one move, as if you just reached a decision, you gracefully stand up and, with deliberate slowness, you begin to make your way to the area of the hall where nobles of a rank below Earl gather together, easily recognized by minute but noticeable details. Such is the Britannian way, that the difference in status must be respected and strengthened as much as possible. Without sparing a single glance you place your empty glass on the tray held out by a waiting servant, the motion completely natural.

You briefly wonder if that was Imaginary.

The next part is more tricky. You slow down in your approach, gaze going from one noble to another in a manner that suggest a search for something, not a specific someone. You make sure to linger on the nobles that are alone, making eye contact for a brief moment before looking away as if nothing happened.

In a way this is already approaching someone on your own initiative. You are sending signals to show you're in need of help, but etiquette demands for said help to be freely offered: directly asking for it, after all, would be a sign of weakness.

It doesn't take long for someone to take the bait, a man with a well groomed beard and a sharp suit. From the latter and the military decorations you can tell he serves in the army, the austerity of a martial life married with the natural pomposity of Britannian nobility to produce someone who doesn't need to dress like a peacock to intimidate his peers. "A good evening to you, My Lady." He gives you a shallow but firm bow, a habit probably developed from the many times he had to say 'Sir! Yes Sir!' to a superior. Has he served under Cornelia? You must make sure to leave the details regarding the death of your family members vague. "I do not believe we have been introduced before, which is a terrible shame."

Gently grabbing the edges of your dress you slightly bend your knees, performing a perfect courtesy while giving him a shallow but smooth bow and a timid smile. "Baroness Valyria Dyeport, My Lord. You honor me with your words. I have just recently arrived here from Area 1, and the list of friendly faces is, at the moment, terribly short."

"That wouldn't do. That wouldn't do at all." He nods, as if truly outraged by your condition. "Allow me, Viscount David Frimout, to welcome you to Area Eleven. It's a backward colony that has yet to fully accept the benevolence of Holy Britannia even after a full decade, but there are many opportunities to be grasped for those who knows where to look." You hate him already. "If I may be so bold, I noticed you seem to be searching for...something?"

"You are correct Sir Frimout. I wish to express my earnest gratitude to Earl Arundell for the invitation to his party, but..." You trail off, letting him guess the unsaid.

"Of course, of course. Luck shines on you Dame Valyria: the Earl is a great friend of mine, and it would be my pleasure to introduce you to him." He steps slightly sideways, an invitation to join his side. Normally he would offer you to link arms, but since you two met only recently it is not appropriate yet.

As the two of you make your way through the ballroom you engage in idle chatter. "I have been stationed in the oriental Areas for many years now. Tell me Dame Valyria, what news hail from the Motherland?"

"The Middle East, Viscount." You reply gravely, as if the mere mention drags out sad memories. Combined with your dress, you're sure Frimout can connect the dots. "None doubt our great nation's future victory, yet the lives of many honorable sons of Britannia are lost even now. It is...heart-wrenching."

Not really: it's hilarious, and you hope the local Exalts paint the desert red with the blood of Britannia by the time the conflict ends. The less troops you have to face yourself, the better.

"It truly is." Surprisingly enough he is sincere, even if he likely spent the last years shooting at hapless and badly equipped dissidents. "But I have faith in the Knights of the Round and His Royal Highness the Prime Minister to bring a swift end to the conflict."

If Schneizel didn't accomplish anything at the start with diplomacy, you doubt he would add anything more than a token effort to the war. Despite being a peerless strategist your older brother prefers a non-violent approach over war, and he's even mostly fair in the treaties he offers.

That's what makes him so dangerous: he makes you want to join him.

Unlike Frimout Arundell is dressed in fancy blue clothes, sophisticated without being gaudy. With a tiny mustache and swept-back hair he fits right in between those who used to grovel at the Emperor's feet for favors. You wonder how many of them realized that they only succeeded into making Charles even more disgusted with them?

He is conversing with a few other nobles when his gaze falls on Frimout: the look in his eyes is less that of someone who see a friend and more of a schemer that acknowledges an accomplice, one that is, if not very trustworthy, then useful enough. Then he sees you, and his lips forms a smile that makes you very uncomfortable. Dismissing the other nobles with a curt gesture Arundell approaches Frimout with a grin. "David, you old rascal! I'm glad you could make it."

"Alas, the Second Princess is running all of us ragged. But I have always time for my friends, Edric." They shake hands, and you can tell Frimout shares the same opinion of Arundell as the Earl does of him. "May I introduce you to Dame Valyria, Baroness of Dyeport?"

You perform another courtesy, bowing even deeper as it's proper. "It is a great honor to speak with you, Earl Arundell. I'm very grateful to have been invited to such an exquisite party."

"Of course. How could I neglect to send an invitation to such an esteemed lineage?" What a liar. Not only because the Dyeport don't exist, but because no noble personally handle invitations: that's what a secretary is for. "I hope all is well with you and your family?"

For his credit Frimout looks at his 'friend' like he couldn't believe he could do something so stupid. You withdrawn into yourself, looking greatly stricken. "Sadly, my father and eldest brother have both fallen in the line of duty."

"I am terribly sorry to hear that." Arundell grimaces. "You have my condolences, it was a great loss."

Seriously, why did he think you wear all black? That it makes you look thinner?

"Your costume is black. All the Black Knights wear black."

'So?'

[] Let the two men keep asking questions. It may be dangerous, but it will allow you to understand their true motives and goals.
[] Start milking them for information. That's the true reason for all of this nonsense.
-[] Questions? (Write-in)
[] Maybe something different? (Write-in)

Personal Essence: 16/16
Peripheral Essence: 18/39
Committed: 21

Willpower: 10/10
Stunt Pool: 4/6

Equipment:
Mask of Zero
Silken Armor of Zero
Infernal Hearthstone Amulet (Wyld-Spreading Gem)
Infernal Hearthstone Amulet (Deceiver's Stone)
Weapon Ward - Machine Guns
Stormwand

Not-Passive Charms Active:
Loom Snarling Deception (with Eldritch Secrets Mastery). Identity: Valyria Dyeport, Area 1 Baroness, E3 Wood Aspect Dragonblooded.

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My new PC is beautiful. Didn't even know 4k resolution was a thing.