Hannibal regarded the Magistrate as coldly as he had Ciara, but if the dark elf noticed it, he didn't show any response other than cold indifference.  The bastard was a haughty weakling, the assassin thought, someone accustomed to the meager power afforded one with ready access to coin and secrets.  Secrets were an assassin's stock and trade, a useful tool in executing a target and collecting the profit and esteem that accompanied the task set forth.  Perhaps he should show the diminutive little merchant where his true skills lied?<br/><br/>Just as he thought on that particularly rash course of action, Yuri spoke, using the drow tongue.  Hannibal turned, his eyes studying her own.  She was blunt and to the point, as subtle as the sword strapped to her thigh.  Ciara made a quick recovery, however, drawing the Magistrate's bemused stare in her direction.  Hannibal let his gaze linger on the muscular woman next to him for a moment longer, a slight smirk forming on his face, before turning his attention back to the mage and the dark elf that seemed so enthralled with her offer.<br/><br/>It was with some hardship that the assassin was able to swallow his pride and nod to the Magistrate's question.  He spoke, his gaze rising to meet Ciara's own, and as he spoke, it was with difficulty that he admitted he was merely a bodyguard for the young, would-be merchant.  The words were like bile spilling from his throat, and they tasted the same, bitter and foul, as they spilled from his lips.  He had to remind himself that their mission depended on team work, and though he was more of a lone wolf, his talents alone would not ensure his survival in a place such as this.  No, it was best, at least for the moment, to do what was needed, not only to survive, but to achieve their shared goal.<br/><br/>He fell silent once more, hands falling to rest on his sword belt, his eyes turning back to the Magistrate.