Brian
**Melkaire Amarth
Local Tavern in Hexrakes, Ibethiel**

Beheld in silence and observation, a subtle arch of his left eyebrow expressed the mental note he was making at the fact that Belladonna seemed surprised that the candles responded to her power. His expression soon shifted back to a more neutral state but a moment after. With reaching hand, he took hold of the handle of the stein, taking another drink from it's contents. A soft chortle resonated from him while the stein withdrew from his lips, bemusement forming across his rugged visage. 

"...And I *Could* Be a witch hunter." He winked. "I mean, how many men do you know that would react so calmly to such an admittance?" A wry smile formed at his lips, indulging with another sip of mead. "I am not, though, so you do not need to fret over it." Melkaire started to chuckle, settling back into his seat. The question went remained unanswered. Likely the woman had her reasons— or simply it just wasn't any of his business. Either way, Melkaire didn't find it prudent to press the matter further. 

Another surveying gaze moved over the sight of the Sorceress. The allure of her beauty aside, he couldn't help but feel that there was an air of confidence about her, in spite of such dangerous circumstances. It gave him the impression that the woman was courageous- something he could admire. 

"I suppose it matters little. We are what we do. Actions define us."
Corey
Belladonna of Taemar
Local tavern in Hexrakes, Ibethiel

Even though her gaze was fixed on the busy crowd, she again felt his eyes examining her closely. Not like the men she often lured, but more like a calculating observant. She was sure nothing scaped him easily.

"Oh, a witch hunter?" She proceeded to laugh as she shook her head no "Oh dear no, no" She did a dismissive gesture with her hand and looked at him "Listen, I can spot them *Bastards* Anywhere, any time, in any situation possible. When something wants to turn you into prey, you hunt them before they can catch you"

She stayed silent for a bit, listening to him as she finished her wine.

"*We are what we do*..." A hint of nostalgia weighed in her voice as the ghost of a sad smile got drawn on her lips "Funny, that's what mom said. Didn't work for her though" She said the last part as she sighed.
Brian
**Melkaire Amarth
Local Tavern in Hexrakes, Ibethiel**

"I should hope so." Melkaire returned with a soft chortle. Taking another drink of his mead, he lifted his empty hand, offering a wave of dismissal. "In either case, I am not among them. If magic exists, then it is meant to do so. Who am I to challenge the order of things?" The warrior shrugged and took yet another drink. "Still, a wise approach. Least you have no need to fear them, not while I am here." He offered. Damned if he was going to let someone disrupt good company.

"Your mother sounded wise." He observed as hands clasped together and sat at the edge of the table. There was an air of melancholy about her that hadn't gone unnoticed, however subtle, however brief. The heavy sigh said it all, she didnt need to elaborate on it anymore. An expression of sympathy bore to his grizzled face, offering a slight frown. 

"Sometimes... People do not want to see the truth. They want to see their own truth."