Illyana chuckled quietly, covering her mouth to hide her smile before replacing it against the side of her cup. She was glad that Aurel had jumped on the bandwagon to help her distract Ivory, even if it was obvious what she was trying to do. Even as a child, Illyana had never been good at subtlety. 

[color=598527]"Oh..."[/color] she said in response to Ivory's comment, [color=598527]"I'm not sure if that's a good idea. I doubt I could keep up with someone of your talent. I prefer to watch anyway."[/color] She smiled again as she finished speaking, trying out all of the excuses that she could for the time being. Maybe one of them would stick?

She nodded to Aurel as he made his way off, knowing he could take care of himself as long as he had his snakes with him. Even though she felt that protective urge to go along, she knew that he would be fine. He was trained well.

Geralt watched Lucien's face as he sipped his own drink, glad to see that this one was being received with the same enthusiasm as the last. He bit his lip at the mention of the sweetness and felt his fist clench slightly as a wave of disappointment in himself passed over him. Lucien was far too polite to tell him when he didn't like something, he reasoned that this was as close as he would get to it. He felt his smile twitch as he struggled to maintain it. Geralt would be the first to admit that he was prideful, but he was also say that there were reasons for it. Unfortunately, it was harder for him to take criticism like this, especially from the object of his particular brand of affection.

[color=crimson]"I am full of regret this evening, Lucien, I was all out of Cointreau. Hopefully the next drink I make you will be a testament to my skill and will not leave you wanting."[/color] He watched the Frenchman's hands as he made his own drink this time, taking note of how much whiskey he used. The Magician would not make the same mistake again.

Cora nodded to Akane as the two of them took their places at the table, herself at the end and Akane across from Illyana. She smiled at everyone in greeting, remembering her manners, then looked back over at Geralt and Lucien and called out to them in a clear voice, [color=00a99d]"Yoohoo!"[/color] she said, catching both of their attention by waving her hands, [color=00a99d]"Can I get another drink over here?"[/color] she smiled, but after a beat her cheeks redened once more and she added, [color=00a99d]"Please!?"[/color] rather forcefully, embarrassed that she had forgotten this pleasantry, especially when speaking toward Lucien. After another moment, she glanced around the table and said, [color=00a99d]"Oh, I'm sorry...would you all like anything?"[/color]

Illyana smiled sagely over at Cora, tilting her head slightly in amusement as she listened to the whole exchange. She shook her head at the question, [color=598527]"No, thank you. I'm just fine with water and juice."[/color] She took a sip of the juice she still grasped in her hands, studying Cora's body language to determine whether she should step in or not. It appeared the mermaid was fine, Geralt must have stayed his hand a little with her first drink. That, or she had a natural resistance to its effects. For now, it should be fine.

Geralt heard Cora's call clearly and knew exactly what she wanted before she finished asking. He flashed her a smile, then nodded and held up a finger to indicate that he had heard her. He then turned back to Lucien and grabbed a bottle of gin and a glass. [color=crimson]"She is just a delight...where did you find such a unique and delicate creature?"[/color] he glanced at Lucien out of the corner of his eye as he began mixing the Bee's Knees for the girl.