<div class="floatright">(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvCmjwtqp1zLousJDFK_oKiGOThjWoDZLO5nB8YLOq6psywVxc5Q)</div><br/>With the sudden and unexpected detour to a public after-party, instead of a nice private night of getting staggeringly drunk on his home-brewed psychotropic rotgut, Henry had scrambled to assemble the appropriate counter-agent while also trying to find a suitable costume. Thankfully, he had no shortage of ingredients for the former, and his best tunic set would serve for the latter. It was no noble's costume - the dress of a prosperous and respected tradesman only - but Henry's instincts told him dressing above his social station so soon after his disastrous debut would be a poor idea. At least it was clean, free of stains or burn marks.<br/><br/>Even better, Jackal had promised to be on his best behavior during the party. Maybe he was feeling a bit guilty from ruining their performance, now that the moment had passed - but there would be no hijacking of Henry's vocal chords for unacceptably crude comments in the face of high-ranking nobility. He could feel his right eye twitching and moving beneath their concealing spectacles as Jackal drank in the surroundings visually, but his lesser half was blessedly silent. All the same, Henry was careful not to draw undue attention to himself; promises meant little if they were insulted or attacked and Jackal changed his mind about staying quiet.<br/><br/>Luciana's barb washed over him easily, earning only a slight curl of his lip in amusement. If all she believed was going on was his inabiity to remember a script, rather than half of him refusing to follow that script, it would be a practical blessing. Audiences and bystanders to his occasional spirited argument with Jackal had sometimes been far less understanding.A jealous, washed-up tart like the opera singer would be capable of significant damage with even a fractional grasp of his secret in hand.<br/><br/>The thought did distract him, though, and combined with the Calimshite woman approaching from his 'blind' side he gives a startled jump at her touch. The faint pulse of sardonic amusement indicates Jackal had seen and dismissed her as inconsequential. The coin he accepted bemusedly, along with the explanation of its significance. "I appreciate the honor, milady, dubious as it might be. At least I can be certain I know my mistake - I should perform something that appeals to everyone, not only myself. Henry Heid, at your service."