[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/190120/b458a81531631a6916fa9413063c5f80.png[/img][/center][right][sub]Tiptoeing around [@Hero], [@Achronum] and making small talk with [@Scribe of Thoth][/sub][/right]
Aaron nearly smirked at Max’s answer. Prior engagement? The man had probably just been yanked away from everything he ever knew and thrown into an unfamiliar world, it wasn’t as if he was meeting with a business partner or something. Had he just skipped? Seemed unenthusiastic enough for it to be a possibility. Aaron briefly wondered if there were consequences for doing so, beyond getting raked across the coals by his vampire, assuming he cared. In any case, even Aaron knew that dodging subjects was pretty much Mage 101. Rough edges aside, Max might fit into his new life better than Aaron expected. 

Making a mental note to explore that later, Aaron would oblige, following Max’s lead. [color=f0d705]“Not so much important as… eventful,”[/color] he replied airily, though he did sneak a glance toward Varis’ room. He had no idea what Varis’ opinion of that Astorio Count was — beyond apparent indifference and his disapproval of violence, anyway — so he wouldn’t risk the harsh language he was tempted to use for the Count’s treatment of Lilie, nor the satisfied tone he felt bubbling up at the mental image of the vampire getting buried. 

[color=f0d705]“Apparently the Arena Master doesn’t take kindly to rule breakers. I think the one who got on his bad side tonight is still underground.”[/color] He kept his tone decidedly neutral, but offered a grin. [color=f0d705]“I can tell you more later if you want. Otherwise it was pretty standard, mostly a skill evaluation. Do you have any combat experience?”[/color]