<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/Y5s6p5S.png)</div><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Victory</span></strong>(http://link to the post with your character's sheet)<br/><strong>HP:</strong>21/21;<strong>AC</strong>15;<strong>Initiative:</strong>+2;<strong>Saves:</strong>Str +0, Dex +2, Con +1, Int +7, Wis +2, Cha +2;<strong>Resistances:</strong>Fire Damage;<br/><strong>Senses:</strong>Darkvision 120, Shadow Sense 60;<strong>Passive Perception</strong>10,<strong>Passive Insight</strong>10,<strong>Passive Investigation</strong>15<br/><strong>Notes:</strong>Find Familiar active - Celestial Owl Isabella is outside keeping watch; Mage Armor;<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Open<br/><strong>Mentioning:</strong>Nach, Baroness, Darc<br/><hr/><hr/><br/>That the Baroness was so visibly allowing her emotions to be read lowers Vic's estimation of her. Though it is just as easy that to offer such is part of the game, and he wonders at that as he watches her. She certainly has the experience to do so, if she wished. Or is she attempting to display alertness in an effort to dissuade Nach? Victor has no idea if the orc even notices her emotional state, projected or otherwise. He seems somewhat perceptive, but likely only for things he has an interest in.<br/><br/>The nervousness is... worrying. What can she be afraid of? Operating under the assumption the emotions are real, could she know Nach? The connection to the pin is an intriguing mystery. Considering that, he's not surprised when guards impede their way. He gives them a cool look, cloak of nobility wrapped around him. It is like sinking into a well worn tunic or favored cloak, the motions reflexive. Comforting. Though he has spent the last few years traveling, he is ever a product of his breeding. Time at Court has shaped who he is, and that is unavoidable.<br/><br/>The old quote comes to mind, as he stares down the guards.<em>'There is one sin; defeat. There is one grace; victory.'</em>Every conversation with a noble is a battle, a challenge to be overcome. Every word must be weighed, appearances must be considered. In this battle, he cannot decide which of them has made the first move. Isabella shunting him an image of Darc sneaking off to speak to the Elf has him slow blinking once as he bows; slightly deeper than one of his rank, perhaps, should--but only slightly. Enough to show respect but not diffidence; a polite initial gambit. "We thank you for your invitation to your illustrious halls, My Lady. Such a hallowed opportunity comes but once or twice in a man's lifetime; how could I do aught but give it due attention?"<br/><br/>Vic had not come to this party expecting to make a spectacle of himself, but he suspects Nach would not have waited until they could get the Baroness alone. So it is that he plays the game. Polite without differential, respectful without diffident. Words calculated and dismissed. The formalities are important, allowing the two of them to test each other and get an idea of the other's angle and viewpoint. "Allow me the pleasure of reintroducing one of my storied companions; Nach Dire Bane, known for his strength and guile in battle after single handedly killing a Dire Bear." He gestures, fluid, never quite glancing away from the Baroness. It is not for her, really, that he does so--it is for those that are listening. The 'title' will hopefully do what he intends, and is not without merit.<br/><br/>Thankfully being of a certain peerage means he has no need to mention his own name. Those of any concern know who he is, as much as he will look forward to future battles adding titles to it. But for now, the formalities must be observed. How she responds will give him an idea of where to take this; at his side he can almost<em>feel</em>Nach getting impatient. Thankfully, it is not unusual to offer a compliment to one's host. Jewelry or attire is acceptable--and with Darc being a jewelcrafter, it provides him the perfect opportunity. He waits for an end to the thanks and invitational flattering, finally offering. "My, that is an exquisite piece." He nods slightly to her broach. "One of my other companions is a jewelcrafter of some skill, but I am unsure even he could create something of such quality. May I inquire as to its creator? I have considered having something commissioned." He flatters, smiling politely.<br/><br/>He can only hope she doesn't see through to the importance of the question. Conversations with nobles tend to follow a pattern. Greetings and offered thanks, a compliment to house and personage, and then business. Using their reason for approaching as the second step of the pattern will hopefully gain them more information than it would otherwise. Better, approaching in public means it is not business of import.<br/><br/>Such are the battles of nobility. Though they can grow weary, they are respected--at least where Victory is from.