Illyana turned a slight smile toward Ivory at her comment, and then at Aurel when he echoed it, a little surprised at the invitation. Trying her best to hide the intrigue on her face, she nodded, [color=598527]"Oh, I usually prefer to read quietly to myself. But...thank you, I might stop by some time."[/color] She tried her best to be casual, but it could be hard for her. She grew up expected to be neither seen, nor heard by her parents and existed mostly as a ghost in her own home. Occasionally she forgot that others may enjoy her company. And Ivory was right, she was sure that if anyone could come up with a game that cold trump her abilities, it was the dhampir.

They set off together across the grounds, Ivory in her cloak and Aurel walking lightly beside them as usual. They were a motley crew, but somehow they had all made it work. In answer to her cohort's question, Illy looked over her shoulder, [color=598527]"I asked for it, actually. It has to do with our next stop. There's a crossroads ahead, and we've some decisions to make."[/color] She thought it wise to leave the part about their finances out of it until they were all together, no need to rattle anyone just yet.

----------------------------

Cora smiled brightly as they approached her friend. While everyone had intrigued her greatly upon their first meetings, it was Akane that she had been most interested in. She had never heard of small creatures with fur-covered bodies before, aside from humans, so her ears and tails had been of particular interest. Cora had never felt anything as soft in her life. Well, maybe aside from sea moss.

She also admired Akane's willingness to help outside with all of the packing up. She and Illy were always offering to do something for someone, Cora only wished she could offer the same. It really was just easier for everyone if she stayed out of the way.

[color=00746b]"A group meeting, we haven't had one of those in lots of moons!"[/color] She paused, [color=00746b]"Oops, I mean days."[/color] She chuckled as they started again toward the ringleader's trailer. [color=00746b]"It's good to see you too, Akane, how nice of you to be helping! I would have loved a visit, but coming outside for a little to see everyone is way better. Oh, did you hear, maybe I'll get a refill soon! Then it won't be so uncomfortable in there for everyone."[/color] Her smile widened as a rare cool breeze brushed her cheek.