Geralt nearly cringed at Lucien's words, but managed to keep it at bay. Was an apology not enough for the Frenchman...? Of course it wouldn't be, he had to expect this, given the circumstances. He was prepared to keep the gate open a little longer, if he must...

He nodded in response to Lucien's explanation, looking down again at the glass in his hands and letting a thoughtful look settle on his features. He wanted Lucien to think that he was reflecting on his decision, really thinking back about what had happened, before he answered. In truth, he was not doing this as he had already done all of the reflection that he'd needed to, but he did want this to be as genuine as possible, so he had to play his part.

It was touching, in a way, that Lucien had dedicated his life to something that would help others in need. Others who were different, special, unique...others who were outcasts. It was what he expected of a man like that, and just another way that the Frenchman was similar to [i]her[/i]. [i]She[/i] would always try her hardest to help others, even if it hurt her in the process. It seemed that looks were not the extent of what they shared.

The dangers of leaving the gate open this long were beginning to become apparent to him, he had to make the rest of this quick.

[color=crimson]"Its admirable...no, more than that. There isn't really a word to describe what you're doing here...but I do admire it, and I envy you."[/color] He swirled the liquid a bit in the glass, now averting his eyes from Lucien, afraid of what he might see if he kept looking for too long. [color=crimson]"It really is no excuse at all, but I did it because I was...Hell, I was bored,"[/color] he shrugged, [color=crimson]"I had my own show for so long; different venues, different audiences. I had control over what I was doing, the type of performance I gave. When someone takes that freedom away from you, it can be...difficult to adjust. At the time, I just wanted a break from doing the same thing every night. I needed to remind myself that I was capable of more. I shouldn't have thought that, I shouldn't have done it, but I did and now...I'm just hoping that you can forgive me."[/color] He looked at Lucien then, his eyes almost misty in the cold light of the moon.

He laughed again, shaking his head as he extend his glass, [color=crimson]"Now, few things make me more uncomfortable than a heart-to-heart. Can we toast, to the future of Cirque D'étoiles. À votre famille."[/color] As Lucien rose his glass to accept the toast, Geralt pushed the two together and added, [color=crimson]"Sláinte."[/color] before downing the rest of his whiskey.