It had been while since he had joined the mass of eager gamblers that had poured steadily into the Golden Goblin during the ever-darker hours of the evening, and yet the purse of Bel'on Eshedor remained rather light. It was not altogether out of place, of course: most of the games were rigged against the players from the start, and many of the players no doubt employed various means of cheating to nudge the odds to their favor, so the chances of someone actually winning a fortune legimately from here were slim to none... And not much better even if they'd be masterful gambler.

He himself barely had modest skills at gambling, so he'd just have to employ the skills he was more accomplished in and cheat like there was no tomorrow. Of course, if he wouldn't succeed in acquiring what he'd need, there was every possibility that there would indeed be no tomorrow for him. The idea made the tiefling snort as he mingled with gamblers and staff in the smoky, flashy casino: most of these people were likely here due to nothing more than greed. He himself required funds to shake his pursuers and lead a meaningful pursuit... The only one that mattered, really. No means were out of question when it came to that particular pursuit.

The fact that he liked money was only a minor factor, surely.

Having made his way to Ghoulette table and put four of his remaining gold pieces to the pot, the smoky-haired man gave Ioriel a sidelong glance as he continued to play a game that he was, by all appearances, about to lose...but still kept his cool perfectly well as he made several blindingly fast, nearly imperceptible movements to "improve" his luck somewhat. "Oh, I am not sure whenever to take that as a compliment or excellent jab at my personage, considering the clientele" he remarked dryly, turning his gaze fully at her when he was sure that there was nothing more to be done at the Ghoulette. "I do recall saying that it would be better for you if we never crossed paths in the first place, but I suppose I should have expected you to not listen. So yes, here I am."