Geralt clapped his hands excitedly as Aurel and Ivory consented to his idea. Although he could think of several more fun and lucrative ways to spend his time, this was the best he was going to get right now. He had seen Lucien walk away with Illyana earlier, Geralt knew he would not get anywhere with Lucien today, at least until he was done working. For now, this was a great way of getting to know his fellow troupe members on a level he could work with more...fluidly.

He was about to speak when Cora and Akane returned to the table and asked to join them. He looked at both of them, his smile all charm, and said, [color=crimson]"Careful now, we might get distracted from the game with two beauties at the table..."[/color] he winked in Cora's direction and elicited another giggle. This was just too easy.

[color=crimson]"But, of course, you're welcome to join us!"[/color] He continued, [color=crimson]"The game is called, 'Old Maid',"[/color] his eyes lingered briefly on Ivory for a moment before he turned to the rest of the party, [color=crimson]"Ever played before?"[/color] This would certainly be a better way to train the player's facial expression than poker. Poker was about reading someone else, and it was so much about control that it could distract the player. This game was fun for fun's sake, and an easy way to learn to control your expressions so as not to give up the ghost.

Cora's hand shot up into the air, [color=00a99d]"I have! Ivory taught me to play."[/color] She said, smiling over at the Dhampir.

[color=crimson]"Ah!"[/color] Geralt answered, [color=crimson]"So I trust that means everyone else does as well?"[/color] he said, raising his eyebrows as he scanned the rest of the group.

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

Illyana was taken aback at Lucien's response. Though her expression was subtle, only her eyebrows furrowed in response, she had been expecting almost the opposite at her revelation of this facts. Not only was his lack of concern somewhat alarming, but the sigh that escaped him seemed to be bordering on annoyance. Had the magician already charmed Lucien this much, so as to dismiss these vital clues?

Although...Illyana couldn't deny that he was right. Taking into account the abilities of the other troupe members, and their origins, there was no denying that they're abilities could have been easily misconstrued. Even her abilities had not been looked on favorably until she had met Lucien and Aurel...and Faolan. It was not her intention so much to judge Geralt, but to figure out what he was so they could more easily predict his intentions. She supposed that wasn't coming across, either that or the less likely, Lucien didn't care.

[color=598527]"Oh..."[/color] she said, letting her eyes fall to the floor, [color=598527]"I understand."[/color] There was a pause before she added, [color=598527]"I'll just keep my eyes open, then."[/color] and turned toward the door. Of course this had a double-meaning. Perhaps reading Geralt was the only way to truly figure this out...no matter how badly Illyana wanted to avoid this, she had to expect that this was a possibility.