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[sub]Interacting with: [@Achronum][/sub][/center]
The few beats of stillness after the vampire's barrage were eerily calm for Aaron. He was acutely aware of the coolness of the cobblestones under his knee, the shifted weight of the sword on his hip, how the envelope in his jacket was folding as he knelt. He still felt the weight of the vampire's eyes on him, but he remained firm. 

Of course, that isn't to say that it wasn't a huge relief when the command to stand finally came. Aaron gratefully rose once he could see that Varis had done so, taking note of the final appraising look he was given before his charge turned heel and started away. Aaron followed without hesitation, falling mercifully back into his comfort zone. Kneeling had been a challenge, but following he could do. 

He took the opportunity, with Varis' back turned, to run his hand over the hilt and handle of his sword, still a little shaken from the Count's comment, before folding his hands behind his back once more, fiddling with his ring as he did so. He took note of the speed at which the vampire walked, and how he hardly had to pause to weave through the crowd; on the contrary, really. The crowd seemed to open up for him, and it was blissfully easy to travel in his wake. Aaron felt more comfortable with each step, the anxiety of his earlier display fading as he spent more and more time on his feet.

He listened intently as Varis rattled off his expectations (all of which seemed perfectly reasonable) and asked his questions, waiting until the Count had finished his line of inquiry before answering.  

[color=CBBA2E]"I do have a phone, yes."[/color] Aaron replied, [color=CBBA2E]"As for my education, I am pleased to say it has been quite thorough. I've received all of the academic education expected of me from the finest teachers. I've learned extensive court and service etiquette and also received comprehensive training in the areas of magic and swordsmanship from the finest instructors the Noilas have to offer. As of now, I am a capable swordsman and am gaining understanding and rudimentary control of my affinity."[/color] As he rattled off his accomplishments, Aaron felt more and more like himself again. He wasn't bragging, but he spoke with the well-practiced confidence of a person who had been taught to be humble but wasn't willing to sell himself short. Graciousness was paramount, but it was rude to preach one's shortcomings. 

[color=CBBA2E]"As for the noble families,"[/color] he continued, [color=CBBA2E]"Formally, I learned as much as anyone else, albeit in much closer detail than most. Informally, I know that your esteemed house is growing substantially in wealth, gaining ground on the Astorios every day; I know your Lady has expressed her distaste for the recent proposal to amend Mage breeding rights, and that your family had a recent court victory when they were granted an amendment to mortal taxation; speaking of which, it would seem that more than one family has House Eve in their pocket - rumour has it they're fit to collapse any day, and no wonder, what with their continued struggle to determine a line of succession."[/color] Aaron tried hard to stunt the grin threatening on his lips, and he walked taller with every step; living in the ruling family's midst had its perks, and noble gossip was certainly one of them. [color=CBBA2E]"Shall I go on?"[/color]