A chance meeting [FOP]

Vincent looked out over the festivities. He had traveled here to the Xailan capitol as a noble representative of the council, but in truth he was here to protect the crown prince in waiting, whom had turned council head.
Vincent had lost track of him in the festivities and was looking for him, although he wondered what he would find. The party was lively, but the situation had him tense.
With a sigh, he took another sip from his wine cup. It had been some time since he was in Xaila last. He enjoyed the warmth and the cool breeze that blew during the nighttime. He could also feel his fire magic being significantly stronger than he was used to. When he focused he could feel the warmth of the source burn like a coal in his chest. He was a mage, first and foremost, and being closer to the source felt... Right.
The clattering of cups on the floor next to him, pulled him from his musings. A couple had accidentally bumped into a servant, making her drop a tray of drinks. Vincent looked down at the servant whom stooped low to pick up the cups. Vincent stepped away to avoid the wine spilling on his shoes, plus he had to find the prince. However, as he turned away he bumped into a man with a gaunt face and dark eyes.
“My apologies sir.” Vincent cordially added. He hoped he had not been as disruptive as the other couple. He also couldn't spend to much time talking, as he had to find the council head, so he really hoped he did not just bump into a noble.

Vincent nodded. “I am good sir, I am.” He said with a huff. “I am sorry sir, I hope that I did not spill your wine.” Vincent explained while looking over the man's shoulders. He was looking over the vast sea of faces and could not make out the visage of the crown prince. Where did that little bugger scurry off to? He could have sworn he only left him out of his sight for a couple of seconds.
Vincent then noticed the glass in the man's hand being extended towards him. Vincent smiled and politely declined: “I am looking for someone. I am afraid I have no time for a drink, but the night is young, perhaps I'll see you around the festivities.” After which he took a step passed the gaunt looking man. Something about the man was worrisome.
He looked at the crowd and the dancing, drinking and joyous people all around them. The crown prince was just gone. With a sigh he turned back to the man. “I don't think I'll be able to find him any time soon...” He said while looking the man up and down. He was gaunt and had a noble demeanor about him. Vincent couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong about him.

Vincent mulled the prospect over. If he took a walk with this noble sorcerer from the Rizal family, he might even run into the crown price. A fake smile crept on his lips and he politely answered: “I would be humbled to have a drink with you Mr. Rizal, please allow me.” Vincent gestured to a waiter to bring them some extra glasses with a bottle of fire wine.
A nervous servant brought them their drinks and poured the wine for them. Vincent raised his cup in salute to his newly acquired drinking companion. “To Xeion.” He said before taking a sip. He did not know this man, but it was an unwise policy to drink with a foreign noble without having tested the contents of the cups beforehand. However, even a connected family from Ravaryn would think twice about pulling a stunt like that during the festival.
“Are you here at the festival due to your wife or have the nobles of Ravaryn some vested interest in the political tides that are stirring in the desert sands?” Vincent asked bluntly, trying to gauge the man's reaction. Vincent was a poor diplomat, being a soldier by trade, but he was good at reading people.

Vincent listened to his company's explanation. He understood the difficulties of navigating the political ties on such events. Vincent registered the words spoken by the sorcerer and realized that he was playing a political game. How long had his shrewd opponent been fishing for information?
The blunt question of Mortem did put Vincent on the back-foot. Vincent's eyes narrowed as he took a sip, looking at the sorcerer over the edge of his glass. He put down the half empty wine glass and retorted with venomous grace: “I am afraid I am not at liberty to discuss the internal affairs of the council.” Vincent allowed a smile to creep on his lips and added: “However, I for one am very happy to be back in Al-Qahil. The warmer sands are a welcome change, don't you agree?”