Michael
The Succubus clapped lightly at her posing, as if she really was a model showing off some outfit or another. It wasn't malicious or sarcastic, just him having a little bit of fun, which the evening's lighthearted atmosphere seemed to call for. Frankly, Grey was enjoying it quite a bit, and was hoping that things wouldn't start getting too serious suddenly, which tended to happen occasionally.

"Clearly I did," Grey mused with a smile. "Your company has proven itself to be quite lovely. A true bright spot in an otherwise so dark evening, I most definitely made the right decision with approaching you." Man, how he wished he still had a drink. Not because he was thirsty or anything, more to give him something to do with his hands. Sure, he could ask one of the workers for another glass, but he wasn't particularly feeling like involving another person in the conversation right now. Oh well.

A soft hum as he pondered what she said for a moment. Right, that kingdom was a place where Tieflings and Succubi were allowed to live freely, unlike most places. "Perhaps it's not as dark and depressing as the stories may make one think." Somewhere where he wouldn't have to cloak himself in illusions to get the adoration he needed, eh? Now that sounded far from bad. "I personally never understood why people dislike those species so." He shrugged somewhat, looking like he was dismissing the topic. "Say, why did you leave that place, if I may ask?"
_ _

He let out another chuckle, leaning forward and resting his chin on his hand, elbow on the table. "Indeed, it's not healthy to always be swooning, but can you blame them?" Clearly, Grey knew just how attractive he was, and he was far from the most modest person out there. "But I won't force you to always be swooning. The required amount is two hours a day at least." He let out a short laugh to show that he was joking. There was no fan club - none that he was aware of, at least - and certainly not one that had such a ridiculous requirement.
Cecil
Clearly, Vierna found no malice with the light clapping in reply to those poses, understanding well of the playful and harmless nature of their meet. The Drow clearly had no pressing matters to force her attention, no distractions now that the map was neatly folded away. It seemed to do her some good, a drink at hand and good company meant alot for one who valued escapism from her own subtle family issues. Attention kept as the Bard remarked on the Drow's good company, she could do little at first but smile and show her amusement. Soon, words nonetheless came in reply before taking a keen sip of her almost empty glass. A shameless chuckle was clear.

"Oh no.. The Dark Elf is your brightest spot this evening? Must have been a real bad day, tst." Vierna teased casually, working with that play of words yet not in a manner where she dug for some depressing moment in the day. "For a supposed land of Thieves, I've been quite lucky to meet more friendlier company. Or.. Maybe it's like a nickname? Rarely ever picked ourselves." Vierna added. Clearly, she was quite an observant one with her constant callbacks. 

In regards to the talk of Lazaroth, Vierna seemed to playfully shrug at the mention of her homeland not being as bad as muttered, the remark of the species seeming to get her attention quite clear as she spoke up quicker than usual. - "Right..? They're harmless, when you're not prodding spears at them in fear of their supposed true nature. Ugh. I knew alot of Tieflings back home. Considered them more friendlier than most the company of Drow Nobles." Almost unintentionally she let slip perhaps her Noble leanings, even if not already evident by her more intelligent and affluent look. That quiet ponder would then return to focus on the Bard again, clearly intending to remark on him as she chuckled. "Of all people that should be worried about them, it should be you.. Oh, the places you can visit in Lazaroth. True entertainers, those ones. Real competition."

The truth hung so close to the Drow in that moment, simply unintentionally, yet she could never pass that cliff edge while distracted on the Bard's later remark. A clear question, one that definitely sparked a pause in thought from the Noblewoman. Perhaps a touchy subject? Vierna wouldn't make that clear regardless, as she commented simply and almost rehearsed. 

"I've.. Been there so long. My whole life I've practically been forced to remain in Lazaroth. Whether it was arranged meets or other things.. I guess, my family isn't the biggest fan of the rest of Lucidien.." Vierna seemed to add with a scoff at the end, clearly not one to support such an ideal. Truly, for a Drow she was a far more open individual that valued the exploration of other worlds. That, of course, bearing the ignorance of the horrors that she may find lurking. 

Quickly though, the topic of the fanclub would distract that more serious matter. A smile would return from her previous scoff as she leaned in amusement to the Bard's remark. Her legs subtly crossed from under the table, smirking along as she did. There would be a mock look of interest, a quiet pondering as she spoke in a more serious, noble tone that was clearly put on as a joke. 

"I'll.. See if I can put that in my.. Oh so busy schedule, heh." The Drow tried to keep her composure, before a shameless smirk returned.
Michael
The Elven man shifted his position somewhat, uncrossing his legs only to cross them again in the opposite direction. He didn't want to sit still too long, after all, lest his his legs might start to cramp. Usually, around this hour, he would find it difficult to maintain the illusions, but luckily he did just do his whole performance, so he had plenty of energy left from the adoration his fans had given him - and even now, he could still sense some of them adoring him, albeit to a lesser extent than when the show was going on.

"All things considered, the day wasn't all that bad," Grey replied, thinking back on the events of earlier that day. "A bit boring, certainly, but much better than I expected of it. Although this heat has certainly taken its toll on me, I must admit." At least the evening was somewhat cooler, making it much more bearable to simply exist. Sure, the air in the tavern could be a little fresher, although with how much time Grey had spent in places such as these, they hardly noticed.

"Even if it wasn't picked by the city, I can confirm it's an accurate one in this case. At least, in my experience. The last time I was here, I got robbed blind when I was sleeping in another inn." While it was true that all of her things had been stolen, the location was a complete lie. In reality, Grey had been wandering outside during broad daylight when it happened. It wasn't even necessary to lie about that, and frankly, she wasn't quite sure why she did it. Lying was something that came as naturally as breathing to her, and perhaps that was simply all there was to it.
_ _

He watched her closely as she went into her little rant about the mistreatment of the Succubi and Tieflings, arching an eyebrow up with some amount of curiosity. It was a rare opinion for people to have, yet not one Grey disliked hearing. Being a Succubus (or Incubus, whatever one preferred to call them) themself, they were always happy to hear people say nice things about their species, a rare treat indeed. Despite that, she didn't comment on the matter any further, not finding the risk to be worth it.

"You're a noble, then?" He questioned, not sounding particularly surprised by the fact. "My, it seems there's a lot more to you than I thought, darling." From her next words, it seemed that she was actually in a situation not too dissimilar from theirs, running away from a restrictive and oppressive family life to go live in freedom instead - although with her fancy appearance, she looked a lot less detached from that life than Grey did.

Grey couldn't help it, he laughed when Vierna mentioned that he should be worried about the other entertainers. "I assure you, darling, they're no threat to me." His voice had once more dipped down to that low purr, a sound that caused goosebumps in many of the people he talked to. "You have no idea what sort of things I can do." Did his golden eyes just glow for a second? It was hard to see if it actually happened or just an odd reflection from one of the tavern's lights. There was definitely something sinister about his smile, though, shifting into an almost hungry one.

Luckily, there was the more lighthearted comment about his fanclub to cheer up the conversation somewhat. "Why, what sort of things could one such as yourself be busy with?" He questioned, his smile returning back to its relaxed state. "Business relations with the nobles here, perhaps?" He hoped that wasn't it, because there was nothing more boring than business.
Cecil
While the more swooning crowd around naturally offered much energy for the hidden Succubi, there seemed to be a tinge from the Drow herself. Of course, she couldn't help it. Unknown to her that her very company sustained the Bard, the Noble simply enjoyed the company and casual playfulness. It was something refreshing, familiar to her days hanging around friends less affluent than the Noble circles. 

Vierna listened well to the remarks of his day, a notable amusement as he mentioned of the Blazing hot weather that troubled her travels, too. She was very well prepared to begin ranting on the climate, yet felt herself interrupted by the movement of the conversation. The Drow showed some surprise by his tale of robbery, a faint hand moving to her mouth instinctively before replying. Her concern seemed clear.

"While you were sleeping..? Gods." Perhaps unintentionally, it would worry her. A brave face would be kept however, Vierna always seeming to have the look of one with clear confidence despite her own inexperience. Driven, she was. 

The Bard sussing her out as a Noble caused a mock pout from her, a look of genuine surprise then clear realisation of how she presented herself. It would seem she'd quiet down just in that moment, a brief glance leaving the Bard's gaze to look upon the idle table between them. Then, a faint smile as she returned her stares. 

"I'm not the best at hiding it, am I? Then again, I'm not sure if my goal is to hide it. I mean, it's not like I'm trying to run away. It's like.. A protest, you know? I don't know.." The Drow seemed puzzled at the thought, one who seemed to believe in driving some change from some supposed ill her family had done yet didn't seem to want to rebel fully. Perhaps she valued her wealth, her status, or perhaps she was too scared of what she would be without it. 

The serious tones seemed quick to change as the Bard humoured her remark of competition, thankfully a keen distraction from Family talk. >

Grey's tone seemed especially daring, that familiar low purr causing a flutter of intrigue from the Drow Noble. She tried best to hide that interest, yet the Succubi would have felt his energy renew more and more from the curious Elf. "Oh..?" Lost in his eyes again, the faint glow seemed visible for but a moment. He was good at getting in her head, and for every moment that she struggled to find composure would she miss the subtle details of magic and illusion that bound his hidden form. 

But of course, like most of the interaction, Grey would distract and move the topic along for another thing to focus on. The glow seemed a distant thought as she struggled to collect her senses while in reply. 

"I... Well, seeing the sights. Browsing the shops? Why would I waste time on some Nobles? I'm a traveller here. I'd rather waste time on curious Bards." Her wit regained for that final remark.
Michael
The energy they received from the Drow woman was unsurprising, but pleasant nonetheless. It wasn't a whole lot - really, a casual conversation like this rarely gave them a usable amount, yet it helped keep them interested, more interested than someone that didn't care for them, perhaps even someone that found them off-putting - a rare kind of person, but they existed. Those kinds of people, however, Grey rarely spent more than a few minutes conversing with.

"I'm just saying, it's called the Thieves' Capital for a reason. Not all nicknames are illogical." Grey waved a hand dismissively, clearly not too bothered by the event. "Keep your belongings close, is my advice. And don't trust anyone. Not even the most charming of bards." She gave a wink, then a short laugh. "I jest, this tavern is one of the few safe places in this country." They nodded at one of the tavern's guards, who'd been watching over the establishment for most of the evening, together with a few others. "Those make sure that it's safe here for regular people such as me and yourself." Another wink, Grey was clearly joking. Neither of them fit that definition of regular people at all.

Looking back to her, Grey couldn't help but smirk somewhat at her mock pouting. She seemed surprised that they'd noticed... Was she really that oblivious? It was tempting to poke fun at her somewhat, yet they refrained, not sure if she would get mad at them for it. Nobles could be weirdly sensitive sometimes, and Grey didn't particularly want to end what had been a pleasant conversation that way.
_ _

"I understand," Grey replied, voice a little softer, a little more gentle. He probably understood better than most people in this tavern. "It's difficult to let go, isn't it?" He traced a finger over the rim of his glass, around and around in circles, making the glass make a soft humming sound. "I suppose you're used to a certain lifestyle, and to just give that up... It's not easy." His gaze was lowered, focused on the table between them, and now Grey was the one lost in thought for a few moments - although her next comment made them perk up again.

His smile returned, devilish and charming, the white of his teeth a stark contrast against the dark brown of his skin. "You have no idea what sorts of performances I can give, darling," He told her with a low chuckle. "But I didn't want to use up all of my tricks on the first day I got here. That would be an awful waste, would it not?" It was always entertaining to watch people struggle to keep their composure around him, be they the highest noble or the lowest commoner. Grey would never get tired of that.

Luckily for her sake, she did seem to regain her wit a little there at the very end. "Am I only curious?" He questioned, lifting an eyebrow. "My, you wound me, darling." Her reason for being here wasn't nearly as interesting as he'd hoped, but oh well. He wasn't about to discard her just because of that.
Cecil
The Drow Noble watched the Bard's explanation keenly, smirking along as he acted a pseudo tour guide for Vierna. It seemed sweet, something she clearly appreciated as she played along and offered a smile to the guard if he were attentive enough. 

"Okay, okay. I get it, now. Don't get robbed like the Bard. Understood." Winking back casually, laughter seemed evident as she probed a careful hand on her practically emptied drink. Perhaps the alcohol did have some effect on her afterall, though only partially.

She would make no reply to the calm and careful words regarding her Nobility, simply a nod offered as she was kept to ponder. Clearly, she found some trust in the Hidden Incubi. Truthfully, there was some doubt whether she'd be any different after discovering his true nature. Perhaps an accusation or two for deceiving her, but nonetheless. 

The Drow definitely enjoyed the playful tunes the most, the casual nature of it only encouraging the Noble to partake herself. A chuckle would leave her at the daring words of performance, a playful mockery followed by a lean. Her hands carefully rested against her chin, helping to support her while she kept her stares on him.

"I don't doubt it. Still, a shame I might not get to witness it. Seems you have all these 'regular people' to shower you with coin, regardless." Perhaps there was some dissapointment in her tone, or more a prod to see if she could get more from this mysteriously charming bard. 

"Heh, shush. I could make you a list if it pleases me." A final cheeky remark for the Bard to hear. A hand casually flicked at a stray strand of her hair, those silvery white locks currently loose and long. Practically to the length of her back.
Michael
"Exactly. Just take whatever I did, and do the exact opposite. It's great life advice in general, to be honest." He chuckled softly, to show that he was joking - although it wasn't entirely a joke, to be frank. Her life had been one of many disasters, and it was not terrible advice to just not do whatever Grey did.

So Vierna didn't want to talk about her nobility anymore, then? That was a shame, Grey was kind of interested in it. Oh well, he'd learned to drop a topic when the other seemed uncomfortable with discussing it, and he didn't want to ruin the mood. There were plenty of topics he didn't wish to discuss either, and he would hate it if someone pressured him into it. Plus, he could understand it somewhat, having formerly been a noble himself. He'd hinted at that fact somewhat, but perhaps she hadn't noticed, or didn't care. Oh well.

The Succubus hummed softly, fingers drumming on the table for a moment as she thought that over. "Perhaps tomorrow, I'll have a more exciting performance. Or, with enough coin, you could always ask for a private show. What do you like? Music? Dance? Theatre? Or something else entirely? I'm certain I can live up to your expectations." If there was one thing Grey had in abundance, it was confidence, which was visible in every movement, every word, everything they did and said. To be fair, they were incredibly good at it, so some amount of confidence was allowed, wasn't it? Although this amount tended to be a bit much for certain people.

"Nothing but nice things, I hope?" He watched her as she flicked her hair, the silver an odd contrast with her dark skin. It looked nice, though, and Grey felt some temptation to mimic some aspects of what she looked like - although not now, not here. They would keep her appearance in mind for the future, though, she was very pretty.
Cecil
After a soft chuckle as the Bard followed her joke along with his own clever wit, the Drow mused quietly as the discussion of her Nobility melted away. It didn't seem too touchy of a subject, perhaps more the harsh ranting that may occur if she got too deep into her own issues with her Family. Bottled up in a way, Vierna allowed the discussion to lessen and lessen to the more fun topics of conversation. Perhaps losing the subtle hint of Grey's own former Nobility too by the clever gaze of the Incubus, she truly wasn't at her best. Still, she clearly had a story to tell if one delved ever deeper into the mind of this social creature. 

Soon, those pale blue eyes hovered down to the light tap of the Bard's fingers. An ear of hers twitched ever so casually, intently listening to every rhythm and mannerism that showed as the Bard offered his services. It did intrigue her, no clever wit could stop that. A light finger trailed up to tap at her own lip, clearly considering what she'd say. It did seem quite forward, but that was expected from a Bard selling his services. 

The confidence of Grey was telling, truly carving the story of an expert. Vierna, when she's not bombarded by the charm of an Incubi/Succubi, particularly held to that standard too. Though, she wasn't truly the expert on these matters unlike the Bard here.

"You've... Spoken a big game, Grey. Talking of your performances I couldn't even process. Maybe I'd like to see that, perhaps." At first it was clear she was considering her words, but seemed to find some rhythm. That light domineering tone from the smaller woman seemed playful, challenging perhaps. Grey did indeed talk of these performances far greater than she could imagine. If he intended to propose some way of a private show, she wouldn't waste the opportunity. Or perhaps, it was an easy way to fetch into her gold purse. "..I'd hope you'd not be so cruel with your pricing. Afterall, a regular woman like I that you supposedly love the company of deserves some way of a.. Reduction, hm?"

A charm of her own, it seemed, as she remarked ever so cheekily with a clear smirk. Clearly her interest in more entertainment was plain enough, but it seemed like Grey's company alone was satisfying enough. There was something familiar about the mannerisms and relaxing nature of the Man that bewildered her. It did feel similar to a tale or two back in Lazaroth, but she couldn't quite pin it together at the moment. For now, he was little more than a charming, handsome Bard that caught the ire of the Noble. 

"Heh, you'd hope." Finally in answer to the question at the end.