"I don't know about reliable," Erskine shot back, keeping his face deadpan despite the obviously teasing tone in his voice. "That might be stretching it a bit far." His straight face broke a moment later, something approaching a grin replacing it.

God, it felt good to be smiling with someone. To have a friend to smile with.

The suggestion of a masquerade actually floored him for a second or two. He'd thrown the small party in the Hotel a few months ago, sure, but he'd never quite imagined doing something for the Foreigners on a scale like that. And it would have to be big, oh yes. One didn't throw little masquerade parties.

"You know what? That... is a fantastic idea." Erskine smiled and tossed Rue's hat back on, leaving it cocked at just such an angle that most of his face was still visible for the moment. "Rue would love a masquerade."