Scene #3666: Heart of Fire

Owner	Pose
Julius Belmont	The vampires of most worlds are relatively self-sufficient. That makes them a resilient enemy, for those among them that are wicked, which of course is an uncountable number. Yet, as the multiverse often does, the infinite permutations on the norm produce exceptions by the score, and the summons to any Elites with an ear to hear them come from such a place. A strange land, no doubt, nestled in an isolated valley. The populace seems to have voluntarily decided, long ago, that the long-lived vampires offer something that no mortal can - political stability. That large, gothic mansion further up on the hillside? That's less a vampire castle than the local equivalent of the White House. For their part, the resident vampires took their duty as protectors of their people's well-being quite seriously. With the evening setting in, candle light in the windows of the populace, and sparse gas lamps flanking the cobble-paved streets, are the only things breaking up the pitch darkness. The perfect time for a meeting with a vampire. Any responding Elites would find the vampires accommodating, if visibly on edge. They are directed to an office in the hind section, lit by a warm fireplace which displaces both the dark and chill from the air, and illuminates an aged -- even by vampire standards -- matriarch, her golden eyes nonetheless sharp. She seems to be waiting for everyone that will come to become settled, though several comfortable, plush seats await for those that have had particularly long journeys. She stands up from behind her wooden desk, and gazes out her window, as a distant thunderstorm roils. An omen, perhaps, and a reflection of the tension in the air. The distress call had only indicated that they are under imminent attack. More details forthcoming.
Eryl Fairfax	Eryl is not the type to judge you for what you are. Even if he had met one million evil vampires, he would always give the million-and-first the time of day and let their actions speak for them. It is for that reason that he was only all-too-happy to answer this distress call. If they are leaders supported by the masses, he'll support them too. Not to say that he entirely agrees with this arrangement. No new leaders means no fresh ideas. Political stagnation. 'But,' he thinks to himself as he strides through the village, polite nods towards anyone still out on the street. 'I suppose these people might not have much care for that.' Which he can understand. Stability is a valuable resource, after all. Upon reaching the castle, he double-checks how presentable he is. Cloak fastened with medal, clothes clean, shoes slightly dusty (he wipes at the soles with a handkerchief), hair neat. With everything in order, he pounds on the doors, fists echoing through the place far more than flesh and blood should. Upon being let in, he engages in old-fashioned greetings. Deep, sweeping bows, verbose compliments of the castle and its owners and the like. They're clearly on edge, so he takes extra care that none of these seem threatening. He sits in the matriarch's office, offering her a pleasant smile as he waits for others to arrive.
Fujiwara no Mokou	Maybe it's because she's from Gensokyo, and probably all too familiar with worlds where monsters can be both benevolent and surprising. Or maybe it's because she had spare time in her eternal schedule of 'do nothing, live forever, be very bored' which after a while gets unbearably soul-crushing. But either way, Mokou had come, the request finding its way to her pockets. To her detriment, her presence is a beacon of life. Any undead, vampires included, would know this girl is the Fountain of Youth of life-drinkers. Whether that upsets her hosts, makes them even more on-edge, tempts them, or doesn't do anything at all, who knows? The girl with the absurdly long white hair, red pants and white shirt finds her way to the manor, and seats where she's told, musing that if the Scarlet sisters were half as welcoming as this she might spend more time at their mansion. It's not that her forest isn't comforting in its own way, but there's something about comfortable seats every once in a while and the warmth of a fire you AREN'T worried is going to go out of control for the tenth time. I mean zero times. That never happened. Shut up.
Ainsley	Ainsley had responded to the summons. She actually knew about similar settlements during her brief interest in vampires and their culture, and so she was quick to arrive. When she did, she arrived by unassisted flight, landing before their gothic mansion with a soft 'paff' of her bare feet against any pavement they may have for the regal structure's entrance. Her unflappable demeanor shows when she's led through the mansion and shows none of the alarm or uncertainty that others invited to a vampire-run area would have. She doesn't sit. Seeing as she is only five feet tall and very soft and unthreatening by nature, this would not make her stand out any more than her feathers would. That said, she stands relatively near Eryl and a little behind him so that it's clear that she's with him, and she does her own curtsey toward the matriarch, introducing herself as "Ainsley, the Wizard," and simply leaving it at that. Her soft smile paints a contrast to the tension in the room. Her sharply blue eyes stay attentively locked on the matriarch. She's not worried, but she IS serious.
Julius Belmont	Come now. Just because they're vampires, doesn't mean they are truly eternal! Accidents still happen, after all, and while they may be less prone to conflicts of interest more common to human rulers, they still have politics of their own sort. Just don't ask about the process of coming into office, it's a real pain in the neck. (Though, in itself, is something of a hard check on just how serious one's political ambition is.) Regardless, all three new arrivals are regarded with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety. Both the villagers and vampires are unused to requiring outside help, since their humble village doesn't really have much in the way of natural resources to covet. It is also not that they hadn't seen Elites before, as a few had accompanied traders that had braved the mountain chill, at times. It's just they're always so...different. They're civilized enough to not lick their fangs at Mokou, in particular, at least not where she can see it. Despite the tense atmosphere, everyone remains polite, especially to Eryl...such a gentleman! Ainsley is likely the more visually interesting among them, hopefully she won't mind a few extra cat-slitted glances, kept modestly brief. The leader's office, though! It's a comfortable place, if a seat of power. Once everyone has become settled, or otherwise comfortably standing like a servant, she turns away from the window and once again faces the trio, and returns Ainsley's smile with one of her own. Supernaturally sharp fangs, despite her obvious ancient nature, reveal themselves for that brief moment. "Thank you all for responding," she begins, her voice steady, despite the grave situation. "I did not want to disclose the complete details in my summons." "We have a good thing, here," she continues, her eyes pivoting away toward several photographic plates of community events. Many of them are festivals, where the vampires and the populace are interacting in a positive way. A few feasts as well, and not even of the blood-drinking kind. "This has been our way for hundreds of years. Yet, as you might expect, several of our neighbors are not comfortable with our...political system." Her voice darkens in tone, as she places both of her hands upon her desk, her claw-like nails lightly raking its surface; it's to better make her point, "Make no mistake, however. Their only interest is in the power vacuum that would come from our removal. They never want to do the dirty work themselves, either. It's usually some adventurer they convince. It's a regretable fact of life for us, that not all of them can be chased away." There is a pause, where an obvious 'but' is about to fall into the attendees' laps. "We've always been able to defend our safety, and sovereignity, despite that. Until now. This latest one they've convinced...they're good: Several of our outlying guard stations have been wiped out already. We've had to stretch our resources, but it won't last." She pauses for questions, at this point. It's probable that there are many. Yet, there is also an urgency, that she's not likely to field anything deeply philosophical here. This is a matter of survival for her people, humans among them.
Ainsley	Ainsley's smile brightens a bit when it's reciprocated, showing she appreciates the friendliness, even if she's weirdly comfortable in such an alien environment. Getting weird glances has always been a normal thing since she showed up in the Multiverse, though, so that didn't even get the smallest response from her. She knows she looks weird. Her smile fades, and she starts to adjust her gloves, the first sign of unease in her since she arrived, when she hears about their neighbors being so rude to this unique and positive place. She looks aside at the calendar and then back to the Matriarch, and even starts to frown at the underhanded tactics these places tend to use. And then the reptile woman knits her brow in concern when it comes out that this is a very skilled hunter... "Then you want this adventurer, this hunter, stopped. Preferably peacefully, going by the nature of your lands, so that he may spread the word that this place is an exception to the typical vampire perception," she surmises. "Right?" Smile~
Eryl Fairfax	Eryl looks to his compatriots. Mokou he has yet to meet, so he offers a smile and introduces himself in the usual way. "Eryl Fairfax, diplomat for the ReGenesis Corporation. A pleasure to meet you." Ainsley, he almost mistakes as another stranger, but Original Face manages to piece it all together (making Eryl wince some). Her calmness is also throwing those heuristics off. Not a single errant twitch to pick up on. He briefly wonders if this is how other people feel around him. But, now that they're all assembled, he patiently listens to the matriarch, recording everything, taking clear shots of the pictures upon the wall. It does seem to be a fine thing... ah, there it is. Base greed concealed under a veneer of goodwill and concern. Not even able to muster the courage to deal with it themselves, relying on the misplaced altruism of travellers and stereotypes about vampires. "So, you'll have a warrior of some skill kicking down your doors soon, I understand. I'll do anything I can to steer him away, but I must ask for your co-operation. From your description, they sound mislead, not malicious. So I would prefer convincing them to stand down, and that may involve offering proof of your benevolence. Would you object to me allowing them a full, guarded tour of the castle, so as to prove that you do not behave like most think you do?" Of course, Eryl wants to be on that tour. He's well-aware that he might be getting played here, so setting up such a thing would allow him to make sure of their intentions himself.
Fujiwara no Mokou	Mokou wouldn't judge if they licked their fangs. Again, she is from Gensokyo. Nothing gets resolved without a fight there, and there's no hard feelings about it. Everyone probably wants someone else beaten up! Few exceptions. It kind of changes your perspective on life and makes you expect a rough time wherever you go. To Eryl she even gaves a wave, and presumably introduces herself to both him and the vampire(s) while at it, to save time. "Fujiwara no Mokou. Just Mokou is fine. I wander, I guess?" Not much of a title, but she's heard worse. Then they get the briefing done. Good vampires, evil adventurers, something about politics in there. So just beat sense into the hero? That won't really help long-term though will it? "Wouldn't it be more efficient to eliminate the people hiring them in the first place? They'll just hire a new adventurer after this one, won't they? Don't you have their names or identities at all?"
Ainsley	"This adventurer will not enjoy learning that the mission was all a manipulation to slay comparitively benign individuals, if the trend of lying to adventurers is to be believed," Ainsley points out, "So if they are as skilled as indicated, the problem of repeat offenses may sort itself out." She shrugs after that.
Julius Belmont	The educated guess from Ainsley is the correct one, the matriarch giving an approving, and agreeable, sound from inside her throat. Eryl also hits on that point, though she will get to his concerns in a moment. "Those are the basics of it, Lady Ainsley. We are vampires, and that in itself holds power," she freely and openly admits. "But, we are no warriors. Avoiding unnecessary, if you'll excuse, bloodshed benefits our people, as well as ourselves." Her arms cross reaffirmingly over her chest, "If you can convince them to simply stop their aggressions, that would be ideal. The times we have had to come to blows with well-meaning adventurers, well...it's perfect propaganda for our enemies, isn't it?" She seems to sense Eryl's unease, despite his outer composure, probably comes with being close to one thousand years old. Given the situation and what she's asking them to do, it's also natural to guess some misgivings. "My child -- Lord Eryl," the former she says in a friendly, not condescending, manner, "If it would do any good, I would even welcome them to use our guest chambers. We have nothing to hide here." An exception is noted, with the dry laugh of an old grandmother, "Unless you're looking for a vampire's 'political' secrets. Then you're in the right place." Mokou's question is sort of a follow-up on her response to Ainsley, though it receives a briefly thoughtful look, before she gives a shake of her head. "The situation is far more delicate than that. They are those entrenched in the leadership roles of those societies. Even if we did want to set out to war, which we don't, it would not take long for it to capture the attention of even greater powers. Then we would have to worry about much worse than adventurers." Sounds kind of annoying...just keep going until noone is left to oppose you! Ahem, Ainsley's other guess is also given consideration, before she reveals: "They seldom do. We do our best to open a dialogue, but it is not always productive." Any further discussion is brought to an unexpected, but perhaps not surprising, end, as the village's alarm bell can be heard ringing. "...looks like we are out of time, here. Good luck." As a last thought, she offers, "Do not be alarmed by the appearance of the town guard. Service is entirely voluntary." Back outside, the streets have already emptied of those few that had been moving to and from their homes and the scattered points of interest around the scenic village. The reason for the vampire elder's call to caution reveals itself, as skeleton swordsmen and archers are now out in force, as well as dogs that appear to have at least a bit of devilish nature in them. They are all advancing toward a point in the East. It's easy to guess that this isn't the usual response to an adventurer showing up on their doorstep. And the sounds of distant bone rattling and pained howls likely explains why.
Eryl Fairfax	He blinks in mild surprise as the matriarch reads him so well. 'She is probably older than me, and you don't last long in politics without being able to read people,' he reminds himself, before offering a sheepish smile. "Very good. Should it come to that, I will extend the offer." Eryl looks to Mokou and shakes his head. "To simply come down on them in violence would lend credence to the vampire stereotype. No, it is as Miss Ainsley says. The best thing to do is to convince the adventurer and let them go, so as to spread the truth. And perhaps, at a later date, have the current enemy leaders ousted." He turns towards the sound of bells chiming, hands curling into fists. "Very well then. Let us give this adventurer a warm welcome. Not a euphemism," he clarifies, bowing his head to their host once more before striding from the castle. The town guard... well, he's not surprised, but the sight of skeletons moving without any connective tissue does make his head ache and his breath slip from his nose in pained bursts. Upon arrival at the eastern gate, he looks to the assembled supernatural guard and speaks. "If you please! When I raise my hand, lower your weapons. We wish to bargain for peace with this interloper, and having everyone bristling for his blood would be counterproductive." He's unsure if they'll listen, but it's worth a shot!
Fujiwara no Mokou	What Mokou gets out of this is 'politics'. She knows very little about that. It's been too long since she dealt with any form of government, and Gensokyo's really not a governed area. Unless you count Reimu's iron-fisted grip. Which you could! She's kind of a dictator like that. She sighs and nods to Eryl, getting up on cue. "Talk it is. Actually warm welcome stays the backup though, just in case," she says, perhaps lightly threatening that if she's getting shot at she's not going to stand there and take it. TOO much. Thus she arrives with Eryl at the guards' position, hands in her pockets and waiting. She's curious what this adventurer packs and looks like, to be a threat to a whole village of armed people and undead like this, but she's sure she won't have to wait long to find out.
Ainsley	Ainsley takes in everything that the Matriarch presents to her. She is exceptionally good at reading people these days, and the affable and professional nature of the vampire in front of her doesn't seem even slightly false. In fact, the longer this goes on, the more the reptile woman seems confident. The replies she received, the way the ancient matriarch displays emotion, all of it indicates a certain sanity here. Stability. The little details, too, show that: The way the room is decorated, the vocabulary used, the emphasis on the more beneficial nature of the vampire leadership when explained. She even smiles knowingly when she sees the Matriarch read Eryl. She approves of that skill. It deserves respect or admiration. Then things go south. She turns to follow everyone else, and once they encounter all the supernatural militia assembling, she takes note of their appearances. She scans over the group with a glance, watching for how attentive they are when spoken to. It's harder to read skeletons, but those that still have emotive cues would be like an open book. It's her own way of confirming how willing they are. After that, though, she flies up without a sound to float over to the battle itself, where soldiers are already being struck down. "Please, cease!" she would plead, her voice booming over the battle, directed to both the adventurer and the soldiers, "These people only want a peaceful existence! This is all a misunderstanding!" She just wants to minimize the damage done to local forces as quickly as possible. Eryl can take care of diplomacy, if she can catch the adventurer's attention and stop the battle itself.
Julius Belmont	Politics, yes. An unfortunately complicated matter, when all your rivals have to do is point out your unashamedly inhuman nature. Regardless, as the party arrives at the east gate, the scene is utter chaos, again easily expected. Backing up the skeletal soldiers and hellish hounds, there are a few robed humans and vampires alike. They are not raising arms, themselves, seemingly hoping that whatever is thrashing through their ranks will eventually become dissuaded, or bored, and just leave. "Oh, thank goodness, they travellers are here," calls one young male magus, drawing back his hood, before having to duck under a flying femur, flung from further down the street. "We'll clear the way...uhm, thanks!" Complicating the matters of divining the identity of the invader, there is a large, non-comedical dust cloud that has been kicked up in the wake of the intrusion. Actually, some of that is likely bone dust, as well. The street lamps here have been purposefully and strategically broken, casting the already dust-shrouded street in even deeper darkness, and further enhancing the confusion. With the magicians' instruction, though, and the request from Eryl and plead from Ainsley, the undead guardians of the village hesitate, and then begin to retreat. Except a few stragglers caught in the maelstrom. A sound cracks through the air, much closer and distinct from the low rumbles of thunder from behind the mountains: The lash of a whip, causing a few more of those animated skeletons to decohere, and fall into piles of bones. From the cloud, a dark shape emerges, somehow unhurriedly and systematic. A reasonably tall and masculine figure, he briefly appears to be raising his hand armed with the whip again, when he hesitates, and appears to be taking all three of them in, as the magicians have all but taken up positions behind them. "You three," comes a middle-aged voice. "You're not from here, are you? Do you intend to defend these abominations and their masters?" Seems his mind is made up, at first glance, yet that he's not immediately charging in might be construed as vaguely encouraging to discourse. Enough light filters in now to reveal determined, blue eyes staring them down.
Eryl Fairfax	The violent scene forces Eryl to cover his mouth with his sleeve to keep the bone dust from his lungs. Was this all by a single adventurer? That's... impressive. To the assembled... well, not skeletons-and-dogs, he gives a nod. "Pull back, and be safe. We shall handle this." Though he is yet unable to perceive the attacker, he strains his ears. The sharp snapping that culls those too slow to retreat draws his attention. "That's a small sonic boom. I believe our guest is packing a whip," he explains to Ainsley and Mokou. As the figure emerges from the clouds, Eryl greets him with a low, formal bow. "Greetings sir. My name is Eryl Fairfax, diplomat for the ReGenesis Corporation and ally of the Union. But today, I serve as the mediator for this village and its leaders." He stands again, still smiling but wary. Now that he has officially introduced himself as an ally of the vampires, this fellow may be less forthcoming. "I am here to tell you that the tales you have heard are not entirely truthful. Yes, this village is run by vampires. Vampires supported by the humans who live here, vampires who have the best interests of every citizen at heart. Here, mortal and undead live in harmony. Whatever tales of cruelty and malice you have heard do not reflect reality. They only reflect the greed of the storyteller and their desire to add this place to their small part of the world. They knew that vampires are seen as evil creatures, and that a man of good heart such as you would want to help them. They are using you sir" His words filled with honesty and passion, he gestures at the magicians, at the castle on the hill. "Should you find my words doubtful, I have been given authority to lead you on a tour of this place. Search wherever you like for evidence of evil, for you will find none."
Fujiwara no Mokou	Mokou's eyes cannot pierce the dust cloud. Surely nothing could survive that much dust, anyway. The damage on your lungs! It would be too much. Oh, she's wrong. There's the-- adventurer, she guesses? Tall, well-built, armed, and hesitating to strike human opponents. Well... human... She glances at Eryl. Then at Ainsley. Alright, she's the only full human of the three, if she remembers occasionally hearing Eryl right. And Ainsley's more obvious. She's impressed, though, that he could tell it was a whip just from the sonic boom. Unless he meant the sound, which is pretty distinctive. After Eryl finishes his speech, she chimes in: "That's what we've been told, anyway. If you can prove to us we're the ones being deceived, I guess it'd only be fair if we turned around to help you? To be honest, a lot of it sounded like politics and went over my head anyway." She's honest, can't fault that.
Ainsley	Ainsley comes in for a landing after the battle starts to calm down, though stops short by a couple feet in case she needs to take off or recoil away from an attack. She stares into the dust, the aftermath of quite the chaos, and she tries to discern the shape of the man they are speaking to. The sound of a whip is something that touches on some familiarity to her, having heard of other hunters, very famous ones, using a similar weapon. It's a very notable motif compared to the blade and board that many adventurers prefer. "Yes. I am here to help prevent a misunderstanding," she replies, firmly and confidently. Then she looks aside to Eryl, deferring to his diplomatic abilities and even stepping back so that he can take the reins here. She keeps an eye on the hunter. Her stare is fearless and unblinking. Reading him the whole time Eryl is speaking.
Julius Belmont	It is Ainsley, as the more immediately, visually distinct of the three responders, that gets perhaps the longest glance. It isn't one of outward malice or prejudice, though. That she is able to actually converse in a meaningful and constructive way, and isn't immediately trying to run him down with a spear or lance, at least tips him off that she isn't like most lizard folk the adventurer is 'familiar' with. Eryl is obviously the face of the group -- well dressed, well groomed, well spoken, almost hauntingly so. Of them, Mokou seems at a quick gauge the kind he is more likely to be found in the company of. None of these first impressions are vocalized, however, as the man steps into the light from the shadows. He is not nearly as immaculately presented as Eryl, though not scruffy. A man of advanced years, 40s or 50s, but in remarkably good physical condition. His coiled length of braided whip, that Eryl had correctly guessed even before visual evidence of it was available, remains held firmly in his strong grip, as he faces them down. The local magicians can only look on uneasily, and even the remaining skeletons seem to be doing the same, with their empty sockets. "A misunderstanding, you call it," comes an open wondering to Ainsley? He glances toward the obvious monstrosities, pointedly. Yet, combined with Eryl's words, and Mokou's backing him up, he further seems to hesitate and consider. There is no doubt in his own mind he could finish what he began, at any time, should it come to it. He is already in the belly of the beast, after all. "They would allow me into their very home," he openly wonders, sounding a mixture of apprehensive and impressed? With Mokou's offer of actually helping if they turn out to be wrong, though, that essentially wraps it up. With a grimace of a man that feels he may regret the decision, all the same, he gives a slight nod of his head, "Very well. You will excuse me for being skeptical of this, but I will give them a chance." He has been helped in the past by a vampire he even calls a friend, after all. If he was misinformed, then he will be holding the ones that sent him on this errand of theirs accountable. By way of introduction, he announces, "I am Julius Belmont. I will let you lead the way, for the time being." The vampire and human magicians can be heard whispering among themselves, "That name sounds vaguely familiar, doesn't it?" "I can't believe they actually got him to stop!" "Maybe the Union would accept us..."
Ainsley	When Julius directs a long and confused look to her, Ainsley looks back and slowly begins to draw back her stony leer, relaxing as she notices that he's starting to notice the oddity of all of this. Being forced into strange situations makes people think, and so the reptile wizard lands and lets herself relax back into her zen demeanor, confident this will not devolve into violence. His approach solidifies her confidence that this will all be okay. There's only a nod in reply to his wondering from her, but a warm smile as well. She's letting Eryl take the majority of the talking here. And then Julius accepts the offer, and provides the introduction. The name drop creates an immediately impressed look on her face. She's heard the name 'Belmont' before... and it makes her smile wider, for whatever reason. "I am glad you are open to reason, Mister Belmont," she notes, "It is a relief that this can be resolved peacefully." She glances over her shoulder at the magicians and vampires behind them, referencing more that it is a relief for /them/ more than for her. She was never worried this whole time. "Thank you," she adds, giving a nice curtsey to Julius to show her gratitude properly. She has pants and not a skirt so it's mostly mimed.
Eryl Fairfax	Eryl is also reading the man before them, but certainly not to the same level as Ainsley. He can only look for twitches, eye movements, of which there are few on a man as composed as this. His advanced age does come as a bit of a surprise, but with age comes experience. Something Eryl knows all-too-well. When Mokou offers to aid him should anything untoward come to light, the corners of Eryl's mouth twitch downward for a moment. Yes, if that was the case, he certainly would aid the man before him. But with some residents currently listening, well... either way, the die has been cast, so he nods along with the immortal woman. And thankfully, the man acquiesces with their request. "Thank you Mister Belmont," the diplomat says with another bow and pleasant smile. All the while, he listens to the murmuring behind him A familiar name? How interesting...
Fujiwara no Mokou	That worked itself out! A lack of needing to set things on fire isn't necessarily a bad thing once in a while. Sure, it's the easier way, the one she grew up with and everyone around her follows, but sometimes keeping your hands in your pockets and trucking on is a nice change of pace. Mokou hasn't heard of a Belmont before, though, so she'll be over there relatively oblivious to implications. And besides, it's not like she cared if people knew they'd get punished for lying to her. She's not a fan of being used, call it a chip on her shoulder. Or of liars. That one's a cracker, not a chip. "I'm Mokou, nice to meet you Julius. So, tour? Where do you want to start? Shopping, enter random houses and talk to residents, maybe meet the vampire overlords? I guess they're the ones you'd want to hear the truth out of in the end, huh?" Ah, maybe she should let Eryl handle this. She glances at him, as if using that it's his decision to make as to where to take Julius first.
Julius Belmont	Really, the more he hears from Eryl, Ainsley and Mokou, and seeing that relief on the local magicians' faces, he is beginning to get that strong impression. He isn't completely convinced, just yet, but he doesn't like where this is trending. "This is not entirely the fault of those that sent me," he openly acknowledges. "I allowed myself to be blinded, if this proves to be the truth." He will make amends, in time, but for now, it is indeed time to see what this is about, for himself, and reach his own conclusion. Mokou's question gives him another moment of pause, before glancing toward her, and the tense atmosphere him seems to relax by some minor fraction. "I didn't expect to be openly touring the estate," comes his response, perhaps in jest, though his tone remains as serious as before. "I was never intending to attack the people of the village. This should be between me and the leaders." That they are vampires still rubs him the wrong way, of course, and it will require a lot of self-restraint. He just has to keep those few good examples of cooperation in mind. The skeletal guards remain animated, for now, but seem to be filing back toward the graveyard. Handy to have that double as both a burial ground and barracks, isn't it? The hellhounds also remain on standby, but are relaxed. Among this de-escalated situation, Julius finally places his whip at his side, tugging and resecuring his gloves, and begins to head towards the obvious mansion lording over the town. "Then, let us get to the bottom of this." Time for an evening of the most weird and unexpected tourism.