[color=a06dd6][h2][center]Violet Saint-Valeri[/center][/h2][/color] [hr] No one held a better poker face than Violet. This game was over before it even begun; they never stood a chance but were eager to take advantage of any disability regardless. She patiently tapped a steady rhythm with long fingernails on an oak table stained with pungent ale, waiting for the man with deep wrinkles from concentration to make a move. Dim candle light cast an intense glow on the pile of coin in the center of the table and each participant sitting in a loose circle. This was the end game, down to Violet and 'Sweaty Palms'- or so she nicknamed him. The man in front of her had beads of sweat glistening along his brows. His beady eyes squinted at each card before he finally made up his mind. [b]“All in, love.”[/b] He said with a sniffle before taking a long swig of amber liquid. [i]Mistake[/i] [color=a06dd6]“All in.”[/color] She repeated coolly and waited one last time. After a moment of silence, large callous hands threw down an assortment of five cards with ancient symbols on them. His chest puffed out a little as his shoulders straightened. An overconfident smile crossed his chapped lips while the audience cheered, and his two comrades roughly padded him on the back. His greedy hands reached for the wealth pile but froze as he saw a sly grin illuminate Violet's once stoic features. [color=a06dd6]“Tsk, tsk. Patience.”[/color] Agile fingers placed five cards on the table, one at a time in a slow motion. As each square touched the tabletop the man's smile slowly drooped into a satisfying frown until the last card was revealed. Instead of applause from the crowd, a stillness took hold. Others gasped while some had their jaws open wide enough to house baby birds. Then, from the back of the shelter, bursts of laughter filled the spacious tent. People pointed toward the conquered soldiers direction with full bellied howling, and began to cheer in delight for the woman who bested one of their champion card players - on this side of the regime, at least. [b]“How'd you bloody well do that?”[/b] He murmured in defeat; his words near a whisper under the supportive yelps. [color=a06dd6]“Sir.”[/color] She flipped a coin in his direction, which he caught with a confused face. [color=a06dd6]“For letting a lady win, of course.”[/color] The rest of the shimmering pieces were placed within a satchel of hers, and tied to the side near her plum hued open front skirt. What a downright shame. She needed to stop these childish games and focus on wining honestly, if only once. As the group settled down and began another round of drinks, Violet could sense a stranger attempting to brush a hand against her wrist. She pulled her arm away just in time, and turned toward the masculine figure outlined in grey. [b]“Damn well cheated, didn't you? But how?”[/b] A curious voice asked. She did not think he meant any harm but she was not going to test that theory by staying. [color=a06dd6]“A lady would never.”[/color] She brought her mauve painted lips inches away from his ear. [color=a06dd6]“Regrettably, I am no lady.”[/color] With the last word spoken Violet's statuesque frame disappeared, leaving behind thin strips of purple and black swirling haze. Something caught his eye near the solider who had played against the mysterious woman, Violet. A figure resembling the exact same lady who left in fog, donning the same attire excluding the blindfold, stood unnoticed by anyone else. After lowering her hood, fingers leisurely waved before she exited through the tent's cover. He smirked, shaking his head before carrying on. His question somewhat answered. Though, she wouldn't be able to explain her ability to "see" - blind sight, she called it - to him if she tried. How it truly worked a mystery to herself even but shadow's played a part, dark and light energy and senses. A hand retrieved the blindfold tucked into a buckled thigh high boot. The material, placed partially over her forehead and bridge of her nose was tied behind her head, and underneath wavy russet tinted tresses. After loosing vision in her eyes long ago, the damn things still hurt to this day. Gingerly she smoothed any wrinkle out of the decorated cloth and sought out further entertainment. Although, she did not expect much given the situation. Most of the militia focused on training. White auras danced around the grounds thrusting swords either alone or among partners while magical energy flowed through the atmosphere. Violet sighed. A bit late to hone ones skills it seemed - not that she, or the majority needed practice but the display was alluring none-the-less. Feet wandered past mages, sword maidens, and a game of dice. Seeking favor of cubes proved far trickier than deploying a decoy to glance at cards. She wouldn't take a chance this night. With all this action around her, deciding where to loiter took a bit of time. She ended up settling a few paces away from the bonfires and the dueling area. While resting against a tree a woman passing with a basket of fruit handed an apple to Violet, who kindly received it. She obtained one of her daggers and began to slice the apple into small portions and observe potential allies.