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Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien was quiet as Faolan finally began to explain. It.. wasn't the story he had been expecting but.. now everything made sense. Hearing it.. was difficult, he couldn't imagine what it was like.. to go through that. His golden eyes glanced over the bite mark, he had noticed it before, back when they had first met too, but had never asked about it.. and now he knew where it had come from. Tears had filled his eyes, but he tried to restrain them from spilling over, the sadness he felt from hearing his story was nothing compared to how much pain Faolan had gone through.

He noticed him trying to clean the stains from his hands. For a moment he was quiet, processing, but he reached into his own bag and pulled out his canteen of water, and set it down next to Faolan for him to use if he wanted. He really wanted to hug the man, but he didn't feel like that was something he would want.

"I'm so sorry Faolan.. I'm sorry that you had to go through that.. that this happened to you.." He said quietly. "I can't imagine what it must have been like to go through something like that alone.. What happened.. it wasn't your fault.. that beast.. you said it yourself.. it wasn't you.." Now he understood why Faolan had gotten so angry. He had been afraid that something like that might have happened again. This made him feel guilty for not having listened to him, because he hadn't wanted Faolan to feel like that again.. to fear hurting someone again.

"I understand now.. I truly am sorry that I made you feel this way.. but.. I'm glad that you told me the truth. I always knew.. that there was something you were keeping from me I just.. didn't want to pry to deeply, but things don't have to change.. " No one deserved to be forced to live a life of such isolation. He wanted to make sure that Faolan understood that learning this had not changed the way he saw him.

"You've.. always been a man of few words.. but in the year we've been travelling together.. I've seen how kind you really are.. You go so far to make sure you don't bring harm to anyone else.. and I'm sorry that my recklessness put those efforts in jeopardy. I assure you, it will never happen again. You are my dearest friend, Faolan, please let help you in any way I can.. whether it's keeping track of the full moon or something else.. we can make this work."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien took note of the man's disappointment, but he didn't made a comment on it. Clearly, he had wanted to stay much longer, but he felt like their time together had come to an end for the night. At the man's chuckle, he couldn't help but take note that it was.. different than the short ones the magician had let out before. Perhaps this one was more genuine? He was glad his joke had not gone unappreciated. He made a mental note of this for the future, the man's laugh was not unpleasant.

"I'm sure they aren't, I just assumed from what I've seen so far." He said a little amusingly, eyes watching the man's motions as he made the glasses disappear, despite the fact he should come to expect such things, he couldn't help but be both curious, and impressed.

"Well, you know where to find me if you ever need anything." He said. It would be rude to deny him at least that. He wasn't the only person here who stopped by and paid him visits either, so it wouldn't be that odd. He walked Geralt to the door, stopping by it as the man stepped out. At his final comment, he couldn't help but let out a laugh. The man certainly had a good sense of humor, and he couldn't deny he was pleasant to have conversations with, when he wasn't trying to pry, at least. That made him understand how silver-tongued the man really was, because despite the fact he knew there wasn't something quite right about him, it was easy to speak with him. He'd have to be careful, but not so careful that it would be too obvious that he was being guarded with him. If Geralt thought he was no longer being wary of him.. then perhaps it would also be his chance to get some answers. For that, he would have to wait and see.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien tried not to flinch as Faolan screamed at him, determined to stand his ground this time. He didn't want Faolan to think that he was afraid of him, that would not help his argument in wanting him to stay. As he spoke, he could see the anger and strength leave him, and as he fell to his knees, Lucien lowered himself to the ground, and went down to his level. From his words.. he could tell that there was more, that there was a deeper meaning to his worry. He at least knew that his greatest concern lied in hurting him, and he was determined to not let that happen again, but he didn't feel like Faolan would just accept his words.

For a moment, Lucien reached out to hold Faolan's hand, but he stopped halfway, and pulled it back, feeling that it would be best to not touch him right now.

"I know.. Faolan.. I knew that it wasn't you.. from the moment I looked into its eyes.." He said quietly, an attempt to reassure him. "I'm sorry that I wasn't careful enough, I swear it won't happen again, but please.. talk to me. I'll keep your secret, I swear it, just.. please help me understand you.. You don't have to deal with this alone."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien was glad that Geralt hadn't taken offense. Honestly he had planned to bring this up later but.. he figured he would just get it out of the way now, he didn't want to risk putting anyone in any uncomfortable situations, especially Cora, knowing what the mermaid had gone through prior to being in the Circus. He would never allow any harm to come to any of his performers, and if saying goodbye to their new recruit achieved that purpose, he would do it, no matter their financial circumstance.

"It's quite alright, I figured it was best to.. put that out there now." He said, quirking a brow at his following words.

"I appreciate your understanding, Geralt." He said, honestly unsure of how much the magician really meant. Either way he'd be keeping an eye on him. The fact that Akane and Cora were extremely close worked to his advantage. While he worried Akane could be naive, she did have good instincts. She wouldn't let any harm come to Cora if she could help it, it was just the type of person she was. If Geralt didn't watch his step, it was possible she could catch on, and that helped put Lucien's mind a little at ease. Lucien had finished his wine a little after Geralt had, and he took this as a good opportunity to end their conversation.

"Well, I'm glad we had the opportunity to talk. I don't mean to kick you out, of course, but it is getting late, and I assume you have some unpacking to do? Unless you can just.. magically unpack all your things." He twirled a finger as he spoke, joking a little toward the end as he rose to his feet.

"Regardless, I do have to wake up early tomorrow, so I hope you can forgive my rudeness."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien couldn't deny he was startled when Faolan began to yell at him. He was more than just angry, he was furious, and that made it hard to form words to counter with. This was the first time he had ever seen Faolan like this.. and honestly in this moment he found this more frightening than the beast from last night. He didn't like it, he didn't want Faolan to be angry with him like this. He wasn't given too much time to try to formulate words to counter his argument, he didn't know how. Even he was confused as to how Faolan had wounded him. It couldn't be that he'd be his weakness, that was too coincidental and didn't make sense.. but he didn't want to think about that right now, as Faolan grabbed his bag with intentions to go. This immediately alarmed him. It hurt to hear him say such a thing. To think that one night could change the trajectory of their journey just like that. He didn't want it to just end like this. He didn't want to say goodbye to his dearest friend. He spread his wings, and flew to catch up to him. Despite the soreness that plagued him, it was still better than limping to catch up with him.

"Wait!" He shouted. "Please don't leave! I-I'm sorry okay? I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you! But what did you expect me to do? I didn't know what was happening, I was confused! Now that I know.. things will be different! You don't have to go!"

Faolan stopped at his words, glancing over his shoulder. "You don't understand."

Lucien didn't let Faolan's response deter him, he flew over the man, and stopped in front of him, a small attempt to block his path. "Then please help me understand! I know that it's the curse of Lycanthrophy, I won't be that reckless again! It'll be okay!" He sounded desperate. He didn't want Faolan to go. He didn't want the man to have to deal with this on his own, after seeing the agony it put him through, having to live with this secret, he understood it, having had a secret of his own, but if there was more to it, he would never be able to understand if he didn't explain.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien didn't think he'd hear Geralt admit to such a thing, but he was at least glad to know he was willing to cooperate when it came to this. He was sure there were some.. that wouldn't think twice before snapping at him if he stepped out of line, like Ivory, but there were others.. that would not, and that was actually something the ringleader wanted to preemptively bring up to him.

"You're too kind." His compliment made him chuckle as he tried not to make it obvious that he didn't want to completely answer his question.

"No, the little girl is Illyana." He responded, taking another sip of wine. Considering how perceptive Geralt was, the moment he took note of Illyana dyeing her hair brown, he'd probably link her to being the girl in the picture.

"As for the man, that's a story for another time." He honestly didn't want to give him too much detail in regards to that, because he knew it would only lead to more questions. He was sure this would make him more curious, but he didn't really want to get into it right now. He had already told the man quite a bit, and while Lucien didn't have anything to hide, his personal relationships wasn't something he was so willing to share.

"Ah.. In regards to your previous comment about making people.. uncomfortable.. I feel this is important for me to address. Cora... she's.. not completely accustomed to interacting with people. She has been through a lot, and I'm afraid that sometimes she might not realize that certain things should be making her uncomfortable. I hope this does not make you think I believe you have bad intentions, I don't mean to offend you in any way, I simply ask that you respect her personal space." His tone was not aggressive, but there was a sternness to it. This was his way of warning Geralt that he shouldn't get any ideas. Cora was intelligent, but was sometimes easy to flatter and warm up to people who were kind to her. Geralt was definitely the type to flatter, and he knew that Cora was already at least a little fond of him, but still he couldn't help but worry.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien heard Faolan shift, causing him to shoot him a quick glance before he returned his gaze onto the ground. He grimaced as he spoke. By then he had partially dressed himself, so he looked back at him. His back was turned to him, that was his first clue that Faolan was upset with him. He always looked at him in the eye when he spoke to him.

"I'm sorry.." He said, but despite that, he didn't regret following him. "I couldn't just.. leave, I didn't know what was happening to you and you were in so much pain. I couldn't just leave you alone." As he spoke, he finally rose to his feet again, but didn't put his complete weight on his left leg.

"Nothing happened, Faolan. I'm sorry that I didn't listen, but I was careful. I was just worried about you." He attempted to defend his decision to stay. To him they were perfectly valid reasons to do so. Once he stayed out of reach, and he couldn't smell him, the beast had completely ignored him. The injury he sustained was healed. It was annoying, but regardless it was healed, and he knew the pain would eventually fade. He just couldn't have imagined himself leaving Faolan completely alone in this situation.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien held up his glass, and took a drink in turn, letting out a small pleased sigh. The ringleader was truly satisfied to be able to enjoy a glass of wine again. Geralt's question tore his gaze away from his glass and to the board he had been looking at. Of course he would ask, but honestly he was unsure of how much to tell him. He didn't want him to get the wrong idea about Aurel, perhaps warning him would be a good thing, as he would be more aware of what made the man uncomfortable.

"I am not an easy man to offend, I understood the reasoning behind it, so no need to apologize." He said, hesitating for a moment. He couldn't really deny he had known him a long time when there was clearly evidence in front of him that said otherwise. He supposed there wasn't really a need to deny it either. "You aren't wrong.. Aurel's experience with people in the past... has not been the best, and that's lead him to be shy around strangers. He holds nothing against you personally, it might just take him a while to warm up to you."

"Yes, we have." He decided not to give anymore information than that, at the risk that it could lead to Geralt prying more deeply.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

The silence that loomed over them was a little nerve wracking, but Lucien didn't break it, deciding to simply wait until Faolan decided to speak. When he finally did, he maintained his eyes on the ground as he responded.

"I.. followed you from the air.. I didn't really know what else to do, so I just... kept a reasonable distance.." He muttered. Maybe he should have stayed and waited like he always did but.. he couldn't just leave Faolan on his own after seeing what had happened to him. He didn't regret his decision to follow him, if anything it made it so the man didn't have to return for him. Considering how exhausted he seemed, wasn't it better this way? Despite that, he didn't feel Faolan would see it that way.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Lucien flinched at Faolan's response, and made no attempt to near him, taking a seat back on the ground. He didn't want to anger him further by doing anything that might upset him. Clearly this whole transformation took a lot out of him, and it seemed he was still trying to recover from it.

"I brought all your things.." He muttered, referring to his duffel bag off to the side of where he sat. Honestly he was glad he had, they were way too far from where he had first transformed, and going back for it would have taken a long time. Seeing how long it usually took Faolan to return from his errands.. he supposed doing that also added to his return time. Lucien maintained his gaze on the ground, trying not to let his eyes wander. He didn't know what to say, so he simply stayed quiet and allowed Faolan his time to regain himself.