Illyana scooted a little closer to Akane as she began to eat, thankful for the warmth her friend was sharing with her. She took a couple of small bites, then twisted her mouth slightly at the Kitsune's remark. [color=598527]"He doesn't exactly strike me as the consistent type,"[/color] she said, then took another bite. As she swallowed, she added, [color=598527]"I'm sure he's around here somewhere."[/color] but she did not smile. In truth, she was glad for his absence and hoped he wouldn't be lingering every morning while he was with them.

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Cora's eyes widened along with her smile as she saw Geralt, and she eagerly made her way toward him and the piano. [color=00a99d]"Good morning, Geralt,"[/color] she said, glad to see he had stuck around this morning after all.

He smiled over at her, and approached, bowing slightly in greeting, [color=crimson]"Good morning to you, Cora. As usual, you are positively fetching."[/color]

Cora giggled sheepishly and nodded toward the piano, [color=00a99d]"That was a lovely song you were playing."[/color] She wanted to change the subject, a little embarrassed by all of the man's compliments, especially in front of Lucien.

The Magician tilted his head slightly, [color=crimson]"Why thank you, doll. Although, I must admit I am out of practice."[/color] He looked to Lucien, and his expression changed microscopically. Though it was still one of pleasure, this was an different variety. [color=crimson]"Oh, just a simplified version. My father absolutely loved Beethoven."[/color] He tapped his forehead and added, [color=crimson]"I suppose it got stuck up here."[/color]

There was a slight pause, and he stepped away from the instrument. [color=crimson]"I was hoping to hear the two of you practice this morning, if you don't mind an onlooker. I am but a student of music, it is always a treat to see professionals play."[/color] he said, glancing between them hopefully.

Cora looked to Lucien for guidance, a slight bit of pink rising in her pale cheeks. Although she had performed in front of many strangers, and her other troupe members, something about singing in front of Geralt was making her nervous. Perhaps because he knew things about music that she hadn't yet grasped. Although Lucien was also an expert in comparison to her, he had a calming presence about him that never seemed to rile her up. She likened it to the effect her singing had on walkers, but it just seemed to radiate from him. Having him around always made her feel more at ease...maybe she was just thinking too hard about it.