Illyana had felt a weight lift from her shoulders. It wasn't relief, just that she felt like a hurtle had been jumped. She couldn't help but smile lightly at Lucien's flourish and Akane's comment. They really were something, this troupe. They were almost a family...almost. 

[color=598527]"Let's not forget that Lucien's formalities help pay the bills, just as much as the rest of us."[/color] She smiled over the group, crossing her arms across her chest and then letting her eyes drop in modesty.

Cora smiled as well; walkers were silly, especially these ones. The mention of her refill brightened her eyes and widened her smile immediately. She was about to respond, leaning forward in her chair, when she hesitated and looked back at Illy. Her smile faded and eyebrows raised in an expression of concern at her friend's body language and she reached out to lay a cool hand on Illy's elbow. [color=00746b]"Are you sure you're okay with this, Illyana? I trust you, if you don't like it, maybe it's not such a good idea."[/color]

Illyana nearly started at the contact from Cora, not out of fear, but out of surprise. She looked down at the beautiful woman, her face wrought with worry, and sighed quietly. [color=598527]"Oh Cora," [/color]she said, laying a hand on top of her friend's, [color=598527]"It's okay. I trust you all too, this is the right decision. And..."[/color] she glanced up around the room one more, [color=598527]"We'll protect each other, just like always."[/color] It was a strange and rare sight to see Illyana so optimistic, especially after nearly the entire troupe had openly disagreed with her recommendation, but she truly felt better about it now that they had all spoken. Or, that's what she told herself, though that gnawing feeling remained in the back of her skull.

Cora smiled and squeezed Illy's elbow before turning her gaze to the rest of the room as well, [color=00746b]"Of course we'll protect each other. And after we get fresh water, we can all have a celebration about all the money we'll get!"[/color] She beamed across the small room at her companions.