[center] [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5582552][img]https://i.ibb.co/nr7J8Ly/Anton-Agravaine-2-Token.png[/img][/url][/center] [color=gray][h3]Odonfield, The Smiling Monkey, Two Days Ago[/h3][/color] [@Estylwen] [hr] Anton eyed Ryllae as she paused to pick up the butterfly on her cheek and inspect it. She then raised her hand. Anton heard heavy armoured footsteps and turned slightly in its direction. He hadn't recalled there being such a distinctive knight, though he and Sylrael had been in the tavern a while. The dark knight approached, taking position beside Ryllae before giving a solemn bow. [quote=Ryllae][b]”This is Gervese, my partner. The only other member of the Order of the Looking Glass. He doesn't speak much. Prefers dealing with issues using his sword and his magic.”[/b][/quote] [color=0072bc]'I see. Well met then, Sir Gervese.'[/color] Ryllae gestured again, and with one small bow Gervese left their company to take place next to the tavern's entrance. When Anton asked his second question, he saw the way the butterflies quivered mid-flight before taking perch all over the living doll. Ryllae, with her knowing smile, looked almost painterly as she regarded at Anton. The noise in the tavern died down just slightly, highlighting the next words she spoke. [quote=Ryllae][b]”Why, your goal to topple the Wizard Queen, of course.”[/b][/quote] The cigar was held on stand-by above the ash tray, wisps of smoke from paper and plant curling up into the air. Anton was almost still, for unlike the doll he still needed to breathe. But his lips were pressed together in neither frown nor smile as his unblinking eyes stared into the doll's own. Years of watching his father play the great game of politics in the Cour Royale had rubbed off on Anton. [color=0072bc]'Admittedly not the kind of allies I expected,'[/color] Anton said after the pause, offering a slight smile, [color=0072bc]'though perhaps it does credit to Evelyn's true power: making enemies of many different people.'[/color] The fiddler drew the last note on the song, and took a bow as the audience cheered and tossed coins onto the stage. As the noise died down, Anton took a long drag of the cigar and tipped the ashes as he exhaled. [color=0072bc]'I accept your terms, Miss Evoek,'[/color] Anton said summarily, [color=0072bc]'I suppose now I should tell my Braves we have time to kill. Unless you and your partner have another suggestion, perhaps?'[/color]