(Open) Between the velvet lies

[Alain the Carnedge]

Alain wordlessly took his seat and begun eating when the food was laid out, listening to the conversation but not contributing. The little show had gave him something to think about; was it wise to sell the information gained about this group after the monster hunt? Information about four primes and a demon was likely to sell high, especially to a faction that were enemies of those gathered here. Taking his mask off and tossing it over his shoulder onto a nearby table, he began to examine his "partners". Confident that his eyes were obscured under his hood, it seemed a danger check was in order.

The egotistical vampire, Dio, was apparently looking for glory in the name of the undead, insisting that they were oppressed by tyrants. Though, as someone who'd met and killed vampires on his way into the Moors, Alain didn't buy it for a second. But, he not only didn't have proof that Dio was lying, but the vampire appeared to radiate an aura of power, as if time itself dared not touch him. Which, as someone well-versed in the magic arts, Alain assumed that meant Dio used time magic, or some other kind of spatial manipulation. But, a theory is a theory, and evidence still needed to be gathered first as wild guesses have little value to others. Information broker, not theory broker.

Kuzan was unremarkable at first glance, as was Aang, but they both seemed to have access to their own abilities. Aang had just mentioned he had control over all the elements (then immediately stating that he didn't know how to "bend" anything but air, getting Alain to give the kid a quick glare out of annoyance), and Kuzan didn't appear to be carrying any weapons on him yet volunteered anyway, indicating that he had some fighting prowess. Somehow seemed unlikely that the tall man'd punch the monster to death. And finally, Homura. Looked fairly unexceptional like the other two...or she would, if there weren't giant black wings coming out of her shoulderblades. It was a wonder that nobody at the table appeared to notice this, really. Other than that, she had the same timeless aura that Dio did.

After his analysis, selling the info didn't seem like that bad of an idea. What could four people do? But he knew that the hunters would, eventually, have a conflict of interest, which was the time he had to pick sides. This would be the where he decides his allies and enemies. If it came to that, he could sell the info of whatever side he betrayed. Not like it'd matter at that point-they'd hate him anyway so there's nothing to lose, and he'd gain a few friends in the process. It was a win either way.

He was so lost in thought, he didn't notice that Aang had left the table until he came out of his "thinking trance". Quickly standing up in hopes that he didn't arouse suspicion from staring into the air for a minute or two, his voice sounded nothing short of incredibly bored. "Well then, I guess I'll take my leave for now. Also, apologies for my ah...entrance. Thought it'd be a good test of your poker faces, but that was met with disapproval. Later!"

Turning around to walk away, he then remembered that he'd forgotten something. Turning back, he shrugged to nobody in particular before addressing the hunter's table again. "Oh, and by the way..." A small, weak flame lit in his gloved left hand, the small amount of light given from the fire just enough to illuminate his face and the arrogant grin that had spread across it. "We do, in fact, have someone who can control flames..." Darkness spread through the flame from his glove, turning it pitch-black, though it didn't appear to grow stronger. "...And dark as it is, it'll still work." He crushed the flame in his hand, extinguishing it instantly and without a sound.

He did a mocking salute before actually strolling away this time, waving over his shoulder. "The magic doesn't decide the person, by the way. I'm a mercenary and information broker, nothing more. And with that over and done with, I guess I'll see you later." He walked off whistling, calmly shoving his way through the crowd that was gathered around the entrance and into the open field. He was actually glad to get away from that unfortunate scene. But regardless, Alain leaned on the wall and opened his dataverse device to browse the hours away instead of sleeping. Being late is never good, especially not when there's a special guest coming to town.