Cora turned to Akane as she spoke and smiled brightly at her friend's words. She didn't care particularly that Akane agreed with her, but was happy that her friend was looking at the situation from different angles as well. She especially liked her mention of Lucien and his purpose for putting their troupe together. She knew that Akane was right and that they had to trust Lucien. Even though Illyana felt that Geralt was dangerous, she knew that the Ringleader would never let any harm come to them. He always said that it was his job to keep them safe, and up until now he had done it well. He and Illyana could have easily left her where they found her to dry up in the sun, and they didn't...they took her in and protected her. It would be wrong to deny that protection to someone else before they had any facts.

Illyana found herself completely stumped by Akane's words, and was even a little disappointed that Ivory had not spoken up before the Kitsune. But, again she couldn't help but agree with their statements. The two of them were wise on their own, but together they were a powerhouse. Illyana couldn't help but remember the day that Lucien, Aurel, and Faolan had found her. She was all alone in the world, lost and confused, looking for a love that she was afraid she would never find again...although she still feared this, she knew that Lucien had given her the opportunity and the power to find what she so craved. Without him, she may even be dead by now.

But what Akane had revealed about the feeling Geralt's touch had given her did strike her as concerning. She wondered if it had been anything like what she had experienced upon touching the card that Geralt had left with Lucien. Though she knew that her and Akane's abilities differed greatly, there was something to be said for the girl's instincts. They were strong, maybe there was something to them like there had been with Aurel's snakes. She made a note to speak with Akane about this later.

After Ivory spoke, Illyana nodded somberly, her eyes far away. [color=598527]"You two are right,"[/color] she began but quickly nodded to Ivory, [color=598527]"but so is Ivory. Lucien founded this place to give us second chances, that's true, but he wouldn't want them squandered either. All we're saying is that you should be careful, trust your instincts. He's still a stranger, and there's a lot we don't know."[/color]

Cora looked between Illyana and Ivory and nodded enthusiastically, [color=00a99d]"We know, we'll be careful! You all need someone to look out for you, too."[/color] she said, then looked to the Kitsune, [color=00a99d]"Right Akane?"[/color] She knew she would have to vigilant from here on out, and recognized that she had initially let her guard down around Geralt. She decided to try to remain nuetral until the man gave her a reason not to be. Well, she would try her best anyway.

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

Geralt made his way inside, a little disappointed that the Ringleader had not been caught in the middle of anything. He'd like to see Lucien...off balance for once, and maybe soon on his back.

Of course, he did not show this in his expression at all, and stood with a smile until the Frenchman offered him a seat. He took it, crossing one leg over the other and tilted his head as he listened to Lucien's shpeal. Of course it was about performances...Geralt had almost hoped that he was in trouble already just so he could see Lucien with ruffled feathers, but this firm and decisive version of him was also acceptable. There was nothing that Geralt could imagine Lucien doing that wasn't a turn on...

He raised an eyebrow as the Ringleader finished speaking, and left a healthy silence between them. Now he saw why Lucien had called Ivory and him in separately. It was likely that Lucien had made sure the girl would be okay with this arrangement before he asked Geralt. There were very few reasons for the Magician to be upset about this, given how attractive and mysterious their little knife thrower was, he wouldn't let her sour attitude ruin his admiration of her...assets. Geralt's only question now was how Lucien got her to agree to this.

Geralt finally spread his hands and fingers wide and shook his head as he answered, [color=crimson]"Well, I can't say I'm not just a little shocked by this particular turn of events, but there won't be any complaints from me. I'll be happy to work anywhere you'd like me,"[/color] he said with a sly smile. After another short pause, her furrowed his eyebrows a bit and added, [color=crimson]"Although, I can't say the same for Miss Ivory. It's clear that she doesn't necessarily enjoy my presence. While I don't plan on starting anything, I hope you don't expect that I won't defend myself if she becomes...difficult."[/color] Although Geralt aimed to please the Frenchman with every action, he would not prostrate himself. He was to proud for that. If there was a show-stopping argument with Ivory over their placements, he could promise that he would not start it, but he would also not let the girl trample him in public. He had his dignity, and even the promise of a night alone with Lucien wouldn't be enough to cast that aside.