<blockquote><div><cite>Kestrel wrote:</cite>"A game, you say?" <br/><br/>The boy couldn't help but grin. Old-fashioned as cards were, their charm was irresistible. A golden promise on their lips, but lady fortune's kiss played two ways. His paper magic even extended a grasp on the beasts. Truth to be told, however, Nickel was afraid. He could not easily see what this one was supposed to be, but out of tall, dark and handsome, this man clearly lacked the third element. And what was wrong with his ears? The man's voice had been friendly, but that didn't distract from the rest of his features. Those eyes looked no less vicious, for one. The boy wondered if it was possible for the soldier to actually look friendly.<br/><br/>"We play other time." The boy answered. "No time now." And that seemed to fit the soldier just fine; seconds later he was gone. Nickel was not sure whether to be relieved or not. The perfume of his lady fortune was ever so enchanting, but to risk conflict with beasts... He was not sure. After all, Nickel didn't know if he could bring himself to stare straight into the man's eyes that long. It could be that he had just dodged a bullet.<br/><br/>At this time however, everything was clear and simple. His mention of no time had cleared that up. Someone always listened, Nickel had figured. It was time to get out of the bay. And not just get out, but go to his room and <span style="font-style: italic">not</span> run into Veronica on the way.</div></blockquote>