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Boy oh boy, Eris couldn't believe he missed the previous bickering. But eh, Count Benson was doing okay at answering Varis' line of questions. At least he wasn't [i]completely[/i] hopeless, but there wasn't anything he could properly attack without drawing ire from someone whose opinion actually mattered. At least the blood was alright--pleasant enough that one wouldn't retch, but not so impressive that anyone would think to ask him for more. 

Blood aside, he didn't know what was worse, Benji over there giving him no wiggle room or the silent duo just watching. He had almost forgotten all about the Astorio--if it wasn't for Sunny coming in to exchange the glasses, he wouldn't have even thought to look that way.--and it looked like the countess put herself in a time out corner for bickering with Bentley. That or she was trying to look 'intelligent' as those bookish usually called themselves when they would only observe. The problem with just watching was that they'd go nowhere whenever they finally decided to [i]do[/i] something.

Eris honestly should have known it would fall to him to salvage the conversation--what would Varis do without him aside from whine at him well into the morning? The blonde straightened up a touch before leaning backwards in his seat, looking over at Benard. [color=ccff99]"It looks like the count has made an impression on the room,"[/color] He commented airily. It wasn't [i]entirely [/i]an insult per se, but at least it would get the ball rolling and smush that ego a little. [color=ccff99]"I think you've shocked these two into silence. But since no one else is piping up, there is something I'm curious about."[/color]

Smile lessened, eyes sharpened, and just a hint of concern: the perfect cocktail for an expression that made it seem like Eris might care about the response he was going to get. [color=ccff99]"Your comment on archery was curious--you don't really seem like the type for violence,"[/color] He admitted that much first, letting it sink in before continuing with, [color=ccff99]"Not to suck the drink out of an empty cup, but with a little mouse as your mage while you're here, do you find it necessary to find other means to defend yourself?"[/color]

He wasn't going to let that linger for too long--he didn't want an answer to [i]that[/i], he was going in for his own strike. [color=ccff99]"It's a weird question, I know, but I think your little mouse might've gotten that impression, too,"[/color] There was almost a sparkle in his eye as he spoke. [color=ccff99]"There's been talk of some sort of underground fighting arena of some sort, and who would be at the helm but the very obvious Astorio mage and his apparent partner-in-crime: one Eve mage."[/color]

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