Cora's eyes danced along with her friend as she watched her move to the center of the area and begin her dance. She slowly ate another sandwich as she watched, gripping the drink in her free hand as she did, completely mesmerized. She was so beautiful, so talented, like a living flame. Fire had been one of the things that had fascinated Cora most when coming above water. She'd seen it early on in her...residency on land, but had not come to understand anything about it until she had come to live with Lucien and the others. They taught her about how it gave off heat, cooked food, shed light, and could even hurt or destroy. She was always careful not to get too close, but when she watched Akane dance, she always felt herself pulled in by some strange magnetism. Lucien had lit a candle for her once, and she had mistakenly touched it, burning the tip of her finger. She had felt pain before, but a different sort, not the same raw feeling that touching the flame had produced. Now, as that memory touched her mind, she thought that she would gladly endure that again if she could be close to Akane.

Geralt watched as well, though his body still remained turned toward Lucien. He wanted the man to know that he was still on his mind, even if the Kitsune was dancing. It was entertaining, and he was glad to have supplied the music if it produced this result. Watching the troupe perform was something he could endure for a time without getting bored. Hopefully the girls would help to liven things up a bit. He eyed Cora for a moment as she watched, slowly bringing the dregs of a sandwich to her lips over and over as if she were one of his hypnotized audience-members. He couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, noting the way she looked at Akane. Whether she knew it or not, whether with the dance or the dancer, the girl was head over heels. He sincerely hoped that it was the girl, that could make for some interesting...propositions.

Illyana's thoughts had also been pierced by the sound of Cora's energetic call to arms for Akane. Seeing that the Kitsune had taken up her offer, the would-be mystic turned her chair a little so she could see better as Akane danced. Illy found that Akane's performances had the same mesmerizing power of Cora's singing, but without the mind-numbing effects. It was pleasurable to watch, and a good distraction as well.

At Ivory's comment, Illy turned her attention to the dhampir. A small smile touched her face as she listened, seeing that Ivory herself was also caught up in watching Akane's dance. It was true what she said, and very mature for her to admit her respect. Illyana was reminded of one of the many reasons she admired the white-haired maiden, she wasn't afraid to speak her mind, to say how she felt. Given her upbringing, Illyana was glad that she felt powerful and comfortable enough to let this part of her personality shine. It was something that Illyana herself had not yet been able to master. 

[color=598527]"I agree,"[/color] Illyana chimed in, smiling to both of them, [color=598527]"There's no need to compare any of your dances to each other. Their difference is what makes them yours, what makes them...beautiful."[/color] She glanced around again, looking to the enraptured mermaid, the energetic fire-dancer, their charismatic and unerringly kind leader, to their reserved but observant snake charmer, and back to their powerfully honest, always herself knife-thrower. After a moment, her eyes then fell to Geralt, who smiled as he watched the spectacle as well. He was different too, and that was what scared her. She was reminded in this moment that everyone had a past...maybe his deserved some consideration as well.