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[color=gray][h3]Odonfield, The Smiling Monkey, Two Days Ago[/h3][/color]
[@Estylwen]
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[b]”Odenfield's finest cigars? Please, don't let me intrude.”[/b] Anton nodded in gratitude, wearing a knowing smile to match Ryllae's hint of one. He then struck the match and held the flame below the cigar, casting a cursory glance around the tavern as Ryllae checked their surroundings. Anton waved the flame away as Ryllae turned back to him, a stare of magnitude meeting his eyes. 

[b]”The Glasic Fields are under attack. It is unsafe to travel to or near it. Rumours are that the rebellion is finally making its move. And, moreso a shred of incendiary gossip, but they say His Grace, Duke Rhinecliff, is involved… It means your plans with the Seeds may be futile.”[/b]

Anton inclined his head as he puffed, holding the smoking cigar over the ash tray. [color=0072bc]'I see,'[/color] he replied, [color=0072bc]'I would not like to be the schoolmate who always copied my homework. But I sense there's an "unless" coming.'[/color]

[b]”Unless someone just so happened to steal from the Fields before this… unfortunate incident.”[/b] Anton exhaled the Odonfield smoke in a surprised sigh, raising one of his eyebrows at the suggestion as Ryllae dared to even grin. [b]”You can still attend your meeting with the representative of His Grace, but do it with my Seeds. I don't ask for anything in return, except for you to allow me and my partner to accompany you in your goal.”[/b]

Anton watched her sit back, the grey butterflies flitting about Ryllae and one taking perch upon her face. Her eyes were unblinking, and had an air of certainty to them. He wasn't sure what he was more fascinated by: the sheer confidence of a flawless lady, or the butterflies that more and more resembled Greymont Monarchs. 

[b]”What do you say, my Lord?”[/b]

Anton took a brief drag on the cigar before tipping the ashes in the tray. He mulled Ryllae's proposal over, a few questions forming in his mind as he exhaled another plume of Odonfield smoke. Of the comforts of home, cigars were not among them. But Anton enjoyed the way they eased his troubles. In a way, Anton's newest vice had him becoming part of Arrowfell. 

[color=0072bc]'And here I thought I'd be looking over my shoulder every few minutes in this land,'[/color] Anton replied nonchalantly, stirring memories of the Cour Royale of Ravenfell. He held the cigar upright above the tray for a moment as he rested his chin on his fist and thumb. 

[color=0072bc]'Let's say I do entertain your magnanimous proposal. I have two questions.'[/color] The fiddler on stage continued to play, stringing between highs and lows. 

[color=0072bc]'First, tell me about this partner of yours. Who is it that accompanies you?'[/color] As he asked his first question, Anton looked around Ryllae, but kept his eyes on her as he took another drag. He gave her the time and space she needed to reply, nodding before asking his second and more important question. 

[color=0072bc]'And secondly, you say that you and your partner will accompany me "in my goal".'[/color] Anton leaned forward, ever-so-slightly, as faint thoughts of Lamont and Evelyn flashed in his mind. [color=0072bc]'Since you've already displayed such powers of clairvoyance, pray tell what goal of mine is it you wish to help me see through?'[/color]