[b][i]William Ascot[/i][/b]

Vernon's intervention literally cooled down Ascot, and Galbrek's influence over the young man ended. Instinctively averting his eyes away from the other young man, Ascot spoke to the Half-Demon, his voice even more steely, "Actually, I have a counter-offer; I and Andras can eat first, then we can ressurect Vittorio's parents and friends. After that, we can use your knowledge of Vit's whereabouts to finally secure the tearful reunion. Why am I proposing another deal? Well, it's because Vernon, my boyfriend, is wary about you and I trust him. Plus, the fact is that he also knows Vittiorio, isn't that right, Vernon?"

At the same time, Andras would reject Galbrek's offer even as the latter turned to offer it to her, and Ascot would run towards his friend as he sensed distress in her voice. Of course, Galbrek's minions might be able to make a grab for him before he did that, but Vernon's stunt with the ice would clear enough space around them to give the boy an opening to go up to Andras. Somehow, Ascot felt that this was the right thing to do.

Looking at Vernon instead of Galbrek, Ascot would say, "Thanks, Vernon. Thanks for everything." 

Then he would turn back to Galbrek, refusing to gaze into the man's eyes - he had figured out from Andras' unintentional use of Erayo that Galbrek's ability was eye-based. He would then say, "Now, now, [i]we're all friends here[/i]; no need to hurl mind-affecting magics on one another."

And in a show of hypocrisy, he used Narrative Role of Familiarity, activating a field the size of a University's Lecture Hall around him. But this field was not aimed at Galbrek; the young man had plenty of evidence that William Ascot was not a friend of his'. Rather, the field was aimed at the crowd, the security guards, Masami, and if he was within reach, Aegus Reister. The memories of the crowd, guard, Masami, and Aegus (assuming that he didn't have a protective ability) would begin warping to see William Ascot as a familiar person - no, a [i]friend[/i] that they must defend against any hostility.

It was Galbrek's move now, by the way.

[@RoflsMazoy][@Dezuel][@Bartimaeus][@Crowvette][@CavnderOHeart]