[DROP] No time like the present

Two things happened, but not necessarily in the right order. First (or rather, most importantly), the weird cloaked thing addressed his lady and drew Ronin's attention like a predator to prey. He pulled Vanya a touch closer, his eyes never leaving the creature, and there were a lot of things rattling in the back of his throat that were tempted to come tearing out. He didn't care if the thing was complimenting her or threatening her - as far as he was concerned it had no business being anywhere near her until it made its intentions absolutely clear. Second, gullible. It was the voice, rather than the word, that drew his attention around. Blue eyes blazed with cold fire at the sight of the Bloodfiend in their midst, and Vanya would all but feel his fingers twitch against her side. "Captain Cobb," he greeted Archebold with all the warmth of a glacier. "I wasn't aware you had fallen into this desolate place with the rest of us." But the creature had asked a question and so, despite his very obvious distaste, Ronin forced himself to address it. "Yes, I would," he said sweetly, lying through his teeth. RONIN Darkness is a funny thing. It creeps up on you.