The old woman who had greeted them had commented that traveling could make people tired, but Maddie was nowhere near tired. It was a good thing that the trip hadn’t been overwhelming, but she did remember weaving quite the tapestry of profanity when she almost missed the flight. That part was a bit terrifying, but the actual flight managed to calm her down and let her focus on the road ahead. The flight had been boring enough to let Maddie sort her jumbled thoughts. It was a good thing, if she hadn’t had that chance she might’ve gone completely bonkers during the limo ride to the mansion.

Her anxiety had melted away completely the second the doors to Chateau De Lalune gave way, revealing the splendor inside. It wasn’t that it was mind blowingly extravagant, but for Maddie it was picturesque, new, and untamed by her imagination. She eyed the paintings on the wall with a good deal of interest as they passed. She entertained the idea of staying behind to get a closer look at them, but thought better of it for once. It simply wouldn’t do to appear so easily distracted. Maddie would have to get a better look later, though her mind was already wandering, imagining the brushstrokes and what they said about the painter. She didn’t know anything really practical about paintings but loved to look at them and let them stir her thoughts. 

Maddie followed with the rest of the group into the dining room on the left and was greeted with a varied and delicious looking display of food. Just small stuff really; fruit, salad, coffee, that kind of thing. There was a handsome devil preparing some drinks, including wine which Maddie found herself eyeing more than the food. The only sustenance she wanted at this point was nicotine, but that would have to wait. In the meantime, wine sounded damn good, especially since it seemed to be the Lalunes’ thing. As she and the other guests started to settle into this new situation, Maddie made a beeline straight for the closest glass of white wine and claimed it a bit ungraciously. She sipped it carefully, not wanting to drink too much too fast, especially around new people.