Cora agreed wholeheartedly with Lucien about the song. It was ready, so practicing more would just take up time. Besides, Cora liked to hear things when they were new to her. She feared that the more the practiced, the less feeling she may be able to put into the song.

[color=crimson]"I agree,"[/color] Geralt said for her, [color=crimson]"It's perfect."[/color] He had decided not to clap this time, but his expression showed his admiration, he was sure of that. He stood, and his eyes moved to the siren. She met his gaze, and he held it for a moment. He could see the way she looked at him, he knew he had done his work with her, and rather more quickly than he had intended. He flashed a smile, and was about to speak, when Lucien spoke first.

He moved his gaze to the true object of his desires and raised his eyebrows, [color=crimson]"Oh, of course! I would be glad to see if you have anything to add or change before tonight."[/color] He knew this would not be the case, the transition was perfect, but Lucien maintaining the illusion of power was important to their future...endeavors together. [color=crimson]"Just as soon as my...partner gets here, I'm all ready to go,"[/color] he said this with a wide smile, standing with his fingertips pressed together. He wasn't sure how long they'd have to wait for Ivory to get here, but as long as he was on time, that's all that mattered to him.

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Illyana's mouth twisted a little at Ivory's comment. She knew this, Lucien and Faolan had always been very adamant that she finish her meals to the point where she was too stuffed to walk. It seemed that in the latter's absence, Lucien had redoubled his efforts to ensure that she ate by enlisting the help of the others. This denial of her food was not an act of defiance by any means, she had just never been a big eater. She had always been a small child, her sister had been taller and broader than her, though still slender. Her mother had always told her that her sister had absorbed all of the physical prowess in the womb, while she had been left with the mental. She was not wrong, but there was a lot more to her twin than her mother ever knew.

[color=598527]"It's a good thing he went to practice early, I suppose,"[/color] was all Illyana said in response, though her tone was slightly playful. If Faolan had been here, he would have simply shoved her plate back toward her, or place his finger on the edge of the dish to stop her from moving it in the first place. If he were here, she would have no choice but to oblige him.

Aurel's arrival saved her a bit from scrutiny, especially if it was cold. He had never been a big eater, and his metabolism slowed much more when it was chilly out. She doubted he would be able to eat any more than her. At least she was not alone in this.

She greeted her serpentine companion with a smile, [color=598527]"Tonight will be cold too, make sure you remember to turn the heater on tonight for them...and you."[/color] she said, wrapping her shawl a little more tightly around her shoulders.