FreckersFrog

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Illyana and Aurel were in the bus with the pair as well, they usually all spent time together here when they weren't sleeping or working. Besides this, Illyana wanted to be close when it came to decisions about their next destination. She knew that she had little say as they did not have a direction at this point, but she wanted to be the first to hear about it when a decision was made.

She had hoped to follow her family directly West instead of heading South first, but Lucien and Faolan had explained that it was extremely unlikely that they would find her family on the road. It was better to seek help in pinpointing their actual final location and meeting with them there. The United States were a big place, and she had already seen more of it in these months than she had in her entire life. She knew they were right, and she had been distracted enough with reading, talking with Aurel, projects around the bus, learning to cook over an open flame with Faolan, learning knew memory games with Lucien and all of their other activities as well that she hadn't been constantly thinking about the end goal. It was nice, not to worry for once.

Right now, Illyana was reading a book about physical science as the two men were talking. She had already read the chapter that she was open to, but she was listening in on Faolan and Lucien's conversation while she did so.

Faolan's eyes widened a bit at the mention of Father Cyril and memories of all those years ago in New Orleans came rushing back to him. Wow, Lucien was right...he had changed since then, and for the better. But his eyes narrowed again when Lucien mentioned the voodoo quarter and their crackpot "psychics". He had warned Lucien, even back then, that most of them were fakes, and that the real ones were dangerous. Now more than ever, he did not want to seek what they needed there...

He glanced over at Illyana, reading silently, then looked back to Lucien and shrugged. Even he had to admit that it was their best bet.

"No, no, you're right." He admitted, though his voice took on that growling quality that meant he was frustrated. "And it would be nice to see Father Cyril again...." he sighed heavily, and with the hand closer to the steering wheel he reached out and gently brushed Lucien's knee with his fingertips. "But, if we do go there, we need to be extra careful, alright?" He looked the man in the eyes when he asked this. He wanted Lucien's promise that his curiosity would not get the better of him and that he would stay on track. They needed a psychic for one reason, to help Illyana, and nothing else.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Cora let herself be pushed from the tent by Akane, and gave one last long look at Illyana before they exited. The girl had her eyes fixed on the dirt beneath her shoes, distress clearly written across her face. The mermaid frowned, but said nothing. She hated to see someone that she cared about in this much pain, especially after everything that Illyana and Lucien had done for her. She hoped that they would figure everything out sooner rather than later, and that Geralt also got to stay. But something still bothered her about Illyana's reaction. Clearly, there were things about the trio of them, Aurel included, that the rest of the troupe members didn't know.

She turned to the night sky as they left the tent, marvel ling at it's beauty. Where she had come from was like a mirror to that, so much darkness with so many little stars to light the way. They were like stars, she and her companions, she just hoped that they were not drifting too far apart.

As they walked, Cora absently let her cheek slide to the side and felt it brush against Akane's hand. The Kistune must have seen the mermaid's face and been concerned, for she had placed her hand on Cora's shoulder. Cora looked down at it, then glanced up at Akane and smiled. The Kistune smiled back and was about to withdraw her hand, but Cora laid her cheek against it, comforted by the closeness between them. She hoped nothing this frightening would ever happen to drive them apart.

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Illyana felt the heat rising in her face as angry energy tore at the seams of her carefully constructed demeanor. Normally, she was very practiced at keeping herself distanced from emotions, as powerful ones had a tendency to overwhelm her, but now it seemed that she was unable to. Memories, and for once her own, were flashing through her head at light speed. She was lying in a bed, fast asleep with Lucien and Aurel. The three of them had been reading and drifted off when she was a girl. Then, she was riding on someone's shoulders. He was so tall that she thought she could touch the sky. She and Aurel were alone in their tiny room and she was telling him all sorts of things about different animals, cold and warm blooded. He was interested, and sometimes would sketch them from her descriptions. All four of them, their little "family" sitting in camp chairs under the stars, eating a meal that had been prepared for them over an open flame, saying nothing, but happy...content with what they had.

But she didn't feel that way now. She was not content, she was not happy. She had never gotten what she wanted from this relationship with Lucien, but for a long time it had been enough. Was she, was Aurel, no longer enough for him? She had already been unworthy of the love of her parents once, she could not let that happen again. And all for what, for some stranger who waltzed into their lives like he knew them? Like he owned them? No. If Lucien wanted him, he would have to choose.

"I know that you did what you think is right, Lucien, you always do. I'm not questioning you or your actions, but I don't trust that man." As she spoke, her voice started out in a low tone and she gently raised her eyes, and in them the torture she was feeling was sure to be clear. "Of course I would never react this way if Ivory or Cora or Akane did this...they're like...they're my friends. But Geralt is not. You talk about him like he's one of us, like he's earned the right to be here beside us, and he hasn't. There is something wrong here, Lucien. I don't know why you can't see it like I can." She was pleading with him now, moisture collecting in the corners of her eyes. "He's secretive, and mean-spirited, and sometimes openly hostile." She glanced back over her shoulder at Aurel when she said this, "He makes us uncomfortable to be around him and I know," she placed a hand on her chest, over her heart as she said this word, "there is something sinister behind his charm and his...the way he looks at you. He wants something from you, Lucien. I just wish I knew what it was..."

At this, her vision clarified slightly and she looked Lucien directly in the eye. "He's not the person...the man you want him to be, Lucien. He isn't....he's not who you're looking for."

Illyana knew that when these words left her mouth that she was crossing the line. She had never spoken to Lucien openly about this before, and she knew to avoid the subject because it would only hurt him. But she couldn't stop herself once she began. It needed to be said. There were some people that could never be replaced, and Faolan was one of them. Not for Lucien, and not for Aurel, and not for Illyana. For a long time, she knew Lucien would never try...but now, she wasn't so sure.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

"I will." Illyana said to Lucien, her "smile" remaining as she spoke. For the first time in her life, she did not feel alone, lost or confused. She felt safe and even...a little normal. It was strange to her, but a good feeling nonetheless.

At Aurel's words, she looked to him and nodded as well. "She will want to hear everything, Aurel. I know it." She and her twin had often played adventure games. Her sister was a princess trapped by a dragon, or a lost kitty-cat in a well, and it was always Illyana's job to find her. She remember starting off a little shaky, not used to being a commanding presence, but as the games went on she got more and more confident. Maybe that would happen now? She would have to remember that feeling, hold on to it, and she was sure she would find her sister.

"Alright." Faolan said from the driver's seat as he folded the map. "We better get a move on then. We'll start heading West, and every stop we make we'll do a scan to see if we can find someone to help." He looked to Lucien, then the kids, "Sound good?"

Illyana, filled with renewed hope, nodded enthusiastically at Faolan's question, as did the others. Lucien joined him in the passenger seat and Illyana caught a smile between them that was...strange. She had never seen two men look at each other that way, and in fact had never seen her parents look at each other like that. It was brief, but it made her uneasy for reasons she could not explain.

She drove this thought from her brain for now, she needed to focus. She turned around on the bench and got on her knees so she could look out the window. There would be a long journey ahead, but she knew that Isy would be on the other end of it.

------------------

And that was just what they did. For Lucien, Faolan, and Aurel, their lives returned to almost normal. For Illyana, however, it was a vast change. She had taken to sleeping in the back trailer with Aurel during their travels, especially when Faolan decided to drive through the night. The two were comfortable with each other and got along well, so it was a mutual decision. She was much smaller than Aurel, who was starting to grow lanky as he got older, so Faolan and Lucien built her a little pile of pillows and blankets on the opposite end of Aurel's "room". She liked it there and in fact, found it much easier to sleep than when she had lived at home.

They made frequent stops in towns, and stayed for days at a time when they needed work. Faolan had been working a lot more lately. Though Illyana did not eat much and required very little, her presence was a little extra strain on their finances, and Faolan was in the best shape to make more money. On the East coast, it was just a little easier to find handiwork than anything else. He would often be gone for 12 hours a day, and he didn't mind, but Illyana could tell that Lucien was growing worried about him and was trying top pick up slack. Sometimes, Faolan would be gone all day, and Lucien would be gone all night working. Illy and Aurel didn't mind, they could contend themselves with hanging out together, reading, doing art, or sometimes talking. Overall, it was a nice life, and soon Illyana's impatience about her sister faded. It was always in the back of her mind, but she knew that it would be a long time before she saw her again and that she just had to accept that. Lucien and Faolan were doing what they could, and she did not want to put extra pressure on them by asking too many questions.

The quartet headed South at first, staying along the coast, and then they started to head inland. Faolan and Lucien often discussed where they should head to next, and it just so happened that within several months, they were on track to stop in New Orleans.

At the mention of this, Faolan looked up from the map, eyebrows raised, "Really?" he asked Lucien. "Wow...I haven't thought about New Orleans in...years."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Illyana was slightly taken aback at the tone and directness of Lucien's response to her. Was there a hint of frustration in his tone? Lucien had always been someone who was open to criticism and suggestions for change. He was fair, and had always put the happiness and well-being of his performers before his own needs. Illy knew this, and yet...something about this situation was nagging at her.

She knew that Lucien would stop at nothing to defend the people in his care, especially Illyana and Aurel, who he had practically raised from childhood. She had seen him through disagreements, even small arguments, but never had she seen him react this way when it came to a performer or a Carnie. It was clear to her now that, whatever his true feelings for Geralt were, there were things between them that Illyana did not know, and that made her uncomfortable. If Geralt had been a person that she trusted, someone dependable like...well, someone she could count on no matter what, it would be different. She wanted Lucien to be happy almost above anything, as she had seen him in his darkest hours, but this...this was something else. If there was one thing she was certain of, it was that Geralt was dangerous. He could not be trusted as he was, and he was secretive, and there were dark reasons and intentions behind everything he did. Could Lucien not see this, or was he simply unwilling to admit it?

Akane's words fell on deaf ears as these thoughts rocketed through her brain. Normally, she would have dropped the subject and let it go, but this...she just could not do it. Geralt was not and would never be the person that she, Lucien, and even Aurel wanted him to be. No one could replace him, she wouldn't let them.

Cora was also shaken by Lucien's words. Though she, among almost the entire troupe, knew the least about him, she had never heard him take this tone with Illyana before, and never before had she seen Illyana react this way either. The girl stood with her eyes on the ground, biting the skin of her lip with such force that the mermaid could smell blood on the air. Her knuckles were white from gripping her arm, and her arm itself was beginning to redden from the pressure of her grip. Akane's words helped to ease Cora's mind, but she could tell that Illyana was still distressed.

"I think they do..." Cora spoke up, keeping her voice quiet and looking to Illyana. "Isn't that what we got? What Lucien gave us? It's only fair that Geralt gets the same."

Illyana's gaze flashed to the mermaid and her tone was hard when she spoke, "Geralt the Great got his second chance, remember? He had his time to make up for his mistakes, and he seems to have squandered it. He faces no consequences for his actions, not ever as far as I can tell. How is that fair?"

An eerie silence hung over all in the tent, including Illyana. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she could tell that her ire was rising, and unfortunately, mis-directed. She saw the look of shock and hurt that washed over the mermaid's face, Cora was not good at hiding her emotions. The clairvoyant immediately felt guilty for her outburst, and a red blush spread over her cheeks as her face relaxed and she looked at Cora now with pleading eyes.

"I'm sorry, Cora," she said, very quietly, then dropped her gaze once more. "That was out of line."

Cora, who had been instantly hurt by Illyana's words and whose pain was written clearly on her face, slowly began to relax as the girl apologized. The mermaid knew that she didn't mean to be harsh, she could tell by her expression that Illyana was sorry for what she had said just as soon as it had left her. The corners of her mouth turned up in a slight smile and she nodded, "It's okay," she said, and meant it. Though even the mermaid had some lingering doubts in her heart. She had never seen Illyana this way...was Geralt's presence that much of a strain on her? If so, should they re-think their assessment of him? She didn't want to hurt anyone, but Illyana was her friend...and seeing her like this hurt her heart. She wanted to do what was best for everyone, but it seemed that, in this case, there wasn't one thing that was best.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Illyana was relieved to hear Lucien was ready to go. She had wanted to come along, but Faolan had explained that seeing their little niece with strangers asking questions about her parents would only raise suspicion. It was better if Lucien went alone.

She took a spot next to Aurel so she could watch Lucien speak with this woman at the door. She was supposedly related to the lady, a redheaded woman of short stature who opened the door. Her brow furrowed a little bit as she searched the the resemblance, but by the time they entered the building she could only admit that their hair and size matched.

She glanced at Aurel when he made his comment and couldn't help but agree. She didn't know how Lucien did it, but she assumed it had to do with his aura. She had known for a while that even if regular people couldn't put their finger on it, couldn't see it or describe it, they could experience and aura if it was strong enough. It was the same reason that dogs reacted badly to her post man, his aura was dark but it was the opposite of Lucien's, like he was filled with malice and anger. The woman at the bakery down the street from her...old house...had an aura like Lucien's though. It wasn't as potent, but she radiated kindness and acceptance, and made the most fluffy muffins the girl had ever eaten. Illyana would miss her most of all...

While they waited, Faolan read maps and Aurel fell to sketching as was his past time, but Illyana was unable to sit still. Though the adults had acquired several books for her while they had gotten supplies, she was too wound up to read any of them. She simply paced through the bus, up and down the hall there with her hands clasped behind her, in front of her, toying with her hair and the hem of her dress.

Faolan knew that the girl was full of nervous energy, and while it was irritating to watch her pace while he was trying to concentrate, he kept this to himself. He knew that she was feeling excited and scared and uncertain, and if this was what helped her get through it, then so be it. It had been easy with Aurel, he was a quiet child and sat so still at times that one could forget he was there. The Irishman was quickly learning that this was not the case with Illyana. In an effort to make herself seem less conspicuous, she drew attention with her nervous energy.

Only moments passed before Lucien returned from the house with his news. Illyana nearly jumped from her skin when he opened the door, like a cat with its hackles raised, she turned to the man. He wasted no time in explaining, and Illyana felt herself deflate with every word. She had thought that if this person really was related to her parents that she might have more information...She had always known that her parents were secretive, but this was too careful. Either they truly did not wish to be found or they were afraid of something...she hoped she was wrong, but she knew she was right about one or the other possibility.

"West..." she said quietly, then sat on the bench once again, all of the energy gone from her tiny frame.

Faolan knew that this was bad news for Illyana, but he has expected as much. Every turn of this had been one for the worse, and he didn't expect it to stop here. Still, he smiled at Lucien, grateful that the man knew just the perfect way to look on the brightside.

"Have you ever been West, Illyana?" The Irishman asked, leaning over the driver's seat with a map in his lap.

The girl looked up at him with heavy eyes and shook her head. She had read books about animals that lived in the west, and had seen maps before, but had never been further west than Pennsylvania.

"It's beautiful there. I'm sure you'll love it, you and Isabella both." He smiled at her briefly, then went back to the map. Now that they had a direction, he had to start plotting a course.

Illyana's mood seemed to brighten again. Faolan's smile had a way of making her feel like everything was going to be alright. She looked back at Lucien and tried to smile as well, though she was sure it looked like a frown. "I'll find someone. I know I can," she said, her voice filled with renewed confidence. Isabella needed her, and she wasn't going to be defeated in her quest to find her twin. She had no other choice, they had to be together.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Illyana listened to Lucien with bated breath, but she knew what he was going to say before he opened his mouth. It was the look on his face, the relaxed nature of his shoulders, the glow of his aura. She had known him too long to dismiss these signs.

She barely heard it as he confirmed that Geralt would be staying among them, and dropped her eyes to the ground instead. She knew that Lucien would be expecting this from her, but she could not just let this go, not when she thought that they were so close to being rid of Geralt's dangerous influence. It seemed that he was able to sink his hooks in further to Lucien than she had feared. She had been too distracted by her own happiness close at hand, that she had lost sight of the safety of the others in her troupe, and for that she felt guilty. Maybe there was still time to convince Lucien that this was not the right call.

Cora was also relieved to hear this news. She knew that whatever had happened had caused a ripple of negativity to flow over their troupe, and she was happy to see this end. When Lucien had gathered them all to talk, she hadn't been expecting this announcement, and was the only one who looked around in surprise when Geralt was brought up. When Lucien voiced his opinion and decision, she looked over her shoulder and flashed a small smile to Akane who was standing behind her chair. She knew that her friend had also been worried about Geralt and the others and was glad that this stress was now over.

Illyana was glad to hear that she was not the only one with doubts, and even more so that it was Ivory who voiced them. The dhampir was known to be outspoken, which was what Illyana needed right now. She was shy by nature and just the thought of speaking to Lucien about something so serious made her stomach turn and her hands shake and sweat. But, she knew what she had to do.

When silence had fallen over them again, the "gypsy" raised her eyes to the Ringleader, hoping that she looked confident but knowing it was most likely a lost cause. Her voice was quiet but firm as she asked, "Was a reason given?" It was a simple question, but it meant a lot right now. If Geralt had given a reason that Lucien determined was and acceptable excuse for missing a show, that was one thing, but Illyana knew that the man was slippery and hated talking directly about himself. The odds were high that he did not give a reason at all and that Lucien had no idea why he had been absent and where he had been when he was scheduled to be performing. If this were the case, then how could he let the man stay? Would he extend the same courtesy to the rest of them? Lucien was fair, but it was clear to Illyana that his judgement was clouded. She would never say her true thoughts in front of everyone, but if she thought it necessary, she would have to take him aside and speak with him, no matter how hard it would be for her.

Cora's smile faded as she looked over at Illyana and saw the look of concentration on her face. She was biting her bottom lip and gripping her elbow so tight with her opposite hand that her skin was turning whiter than usual from the pressure. Something was clearly bothering her...but this was good news. Cora didn't understand, but rather than asked, she simply watched. She had a lot to learn about humans.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Geralt simply nodded in farewell to the Ringleader and watched him go. The door closing behind him plunged the man's trailer into the semi-darkness he preferred. He made his way to the bed, back to where he had been resting. He replaced the cloth over his eyes and laid back once more, willing the throbbing headache to leave him be. It wouldn't effect his performance, very little could do that...but it would be nice not to have to think about it for the next few hours.

Still, though he didn't sleep, a small smile formed at the corners of his lips as he held the image of Lucien's expression behind his eyelids. It was quite satisfying to see the hesitancy there. He supposed this was what he had to content himself with for the time being. All in all, it wasn't half bad.

---------------------------

That night, their performances went off without a hitch. Though Geralt's headache remained throughout the show, he didn't let it slow him or even give him pause for a half second. If anything, he was more enthusiastic, more entertaining, and more charming, and the audience responded in kind. At the end, someone even tossed a coin onto the stage. Geralt had no intention of accepting that gift, and flicked it back into the crowd. When it landed right in the open palm of the person who had thrown it, however, it caused an avalanche of coins to fly down from the stands after it. Geralt, who had expected something akin to this, practiced humility as carnies rushed to gather all the coins.

Leaving the stage, he gave Lucien a long look, a smile, and a half-bow as he headed for the exit, pointing to his temple. He needed more rest, and an after-show meeting with the rest of the troupe members did not appeal to his better nature at the moment.

Illyana, however, was looking forward to seeing Lucien after the show. Geralt's presence around camp was one thing, especially if he wasn't packing, but his performance at tonight's Big Top was something else. He had performed with extra gusto as if making up for a mistake, and this worried the young clairvoyant. She had been fully expecting Lucien to dismiss the man after the stunt he had pulled, but it seemed as though Cirque D'étoiles would not be rid of his presence just yet.

To stifle her fear, she wished to speak with the Ringleader and see what he had decided to do. If he hadn't yet, maybe she could undo what Geralt had just done and remind Lucien of the awful position he had put them all in, especially the circus' reputation. The look she saw the two men share before Geralt exited the tent did not fill her with the confidence that she needed. She hoped that this would be addressed in their after-show meeting, as all of the troupe members gathered around the stage. She stood there, hand clasped before her, biting her lip in anticipation of the man's decision.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Illyana's smile was genuine as she showed it to Lucien. He was right, she did need to make sure that her sister saw that she was in good hands while she was searching for her. That would make convincing her to come along that much easier. So, she nodded, making a mental agreement with herself that she would try her best to take care of herself until they were reunited. Although, at the mention of eating properly she did blush a little. She had never been a strong eater, so she knew why Lucien would mention it. It wasn't something her parents ever worried over, but her peers did often comment that she ate like a mouse or bird. She was small for her age, but maybe if she tried hard enough she could grow out of it.

"Seconded, on the eating especially." Faolan added in a joking tone. Afterwards, he turned the key and let the bus rumble to life. Once it had quieted, he lifted his foot from the break and pulled the vehicle back out onto the road. The sooner they were quit of this place, the better. Maybe some time on the open road would help the girl too, in the same way it helped him.

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After their errands, the quartet of misfits headed out onto the open road, searching for this Lorraine Murphy. They drove down into New Jersey before nightfall, but had to camp before moving on.

Some of the tension seemed to have fallen from Illyana's shoulders. After the conversation, or confession, she'd had with Lucien and Faolan, she felt as though she was a little more free. There was no more lie that she had to cling to, now that they knew the truth. It had been scary at first, opening up, but it was true what they said about airing your burdens. Though she was still focused on the task at hand, she no longer felt like a cloud of uncertainty and doubt was hanging over her heads. She trusted these men to help her to the best of their ability. She was happy they had found her, and she knew that Isy would like them too.

Faolan was glad to see this in the child. Though she wasn't exactly beaming, and hardly smiled anyway, he could tell that she was feeling a little better after she had let go of what was holding her back. It made him feel better to, thinking that he had and could continue to help her in some way. He shared some looks with Lucien as they ate their evening meal, making sure to remind Illyana to try her best to finish what was on her plate, and if not that, then at least half. He even caught Aurel eyeing her extra portions of meat, but distracted the young man with a hair ruffle when he wasn't looking.

The next morning, they all awakened early and got on the road once more, pointing toward Lorraine. They reached the address at just past noon, but Faolan insisted that they all eat a lunch before Lucien went to see this woman. Illyana could hardly take it, but she ate more than he had ever seen her do, and faster too. He supposed making her wait was the best way to ensure she would get a proper meal.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan, Aurel, and Illyana all waited on the bus while Lucien went into the bank branch to work his "magic". Faolan stayed up by the front of the bus, watching the entrance and keeping his nose and ears open for Lucien, but he sensed no danger here. As long as whoever he was talking to wasn't too interested in Lucien and what he was doing there, they would be fine. Faolan knew that the man was too smart to let anything show as a crack in their story, but it wasn't like the Irishman to relax before he was sure of their safety.

Illyana and Aurel got to eat some sandwiches while they waited, but the girl was silent. She was nervous, but excited. She had never felt this mix of emotions before quite so powerfully, so she was having some trouble processing them. She didn't know whether to be happy, scared, or miserable about her situation...she decided to just take everything as it came to her. For the time being, she was content with their plan, but the faster they got to her sister, the better for her. It had already been hard these last few weeks alone, the longer she was apart from her twin, the less whole she felt...

When Lucien returned, she nearly jumped up off of the bench to greet him. She took the paper from him and read it quickly. "Lorraine Murphy...?" she asked, looking up at Lucien. The name did sound slightly familiar, but if this person was a relative, why was her last name different? Illyana's parents almost never visited relatives, although they did send letters. Something was pulling at the back of Illyana's mind when she read the name, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Faolan was relieved to see Lucien return, and got up to see what he had gathered from the bank as well. He raised his eyebrows at the mention of the name. He knew that the girl had to have at least traces of Ireland in her blood, and this proved it. If this Murphy was a relation of hers, anyway.

"You don't recognize the name?" The Irishman asked, then held out a hand for the paper. Illyana shook her head and handed it over. Faolan read it, then grunted, "Well, the address is in New Jersey. That's not too far from here, we can be there within two days if I keep my foot down." He said, then approached the cabinets and withdrew a map book. He laid it out, flipped to the relevant page, and began tracing their course.

After a couple of minutes, he pointed out a spot on the map to Lucien. "Maybe even one day, but I'll need to get gas before, and we should probably stock up on some more supplies as well." They hadn't had a chance to go food shopping in some time, and their stores were running a bit low. Now that they had an extra mouth to feed, they would be going through their food a little quicker, even if the girl ate like a rabbit.

The Irishman caught a glimpse of the girl's dejected look and smiled at her, "Don't worry, we'll be quick. We know how to shop on a rush, don't we?" He looked to Lucien and Aurel at his question, hoping that they would further reassure Illyana of their seriousness in helping her.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Geralt watched the Ringleader's ever move, looking for signs that what he had said had sunken in fully. It appeared this tactic had worked, at least as far as he could tell. There was the slightest bit of hesitation in Lucien's voice as he responded to Geralt's veiled ultimatum. Though The Magician couldn't be sure exactly what this hesitation indicated, he knew that it was better than nothing at all.

Perhaps acknowledgement of their relationship was exactly what Lucien had needed to get some perspective on this situation. Either way, Geralt knew that something had to change now, for better or for worse, and that Lucien knew it too.

The Magician merely nodded to Lucien's last statement, the smile remaining while the man was still in his presence. "Ah, yes, I will be sure to apologize and thank them for their patronage. I'm sure they were none-to-pleased about wasting their time in my line last night. I am sorry that my errand cost you extra work. Let me know if there is anything I can do to...make up for it." He took on an apologetic expression to match his contrite tone. If he knew that Lucien responded to anything it was someone in pain, someone in need. If that was who he had to be to get the Nephilim's attention, then so be it.