[center][color=#40C4FF][h2]Belladonna[/h2][/color][/center]
[center][color=#40C4FF][b]Time:[/b][/color] [color=#CFD8DC] Late Afternoon
[color=#40C4FF][b]Location:[/b][/color] Roshmi Grand Ball
[color=#40C4FF][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@Tae] - Torvi, [@helo] - Bowyn [/color][/center]
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[img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/610964561553522698/610975307410964510/3388c70460524d0a49fb42fda3041dea_snow-divider-clipart-1-clip-art-vector-site-_709-132.png?width=400&height=44[/img][/center][color=silver]

Belle sighed as she stared at the paper in her hands. Balls included dancing, but she had been hoping to avoid it. She didn’t know who the Light Elf was on the balcony addressing them. Belle had listened to his words, though she couldn’t help but wonder who he was. Next, she had turned to see Terneus enter. She remained impassive, but noted the cut on his face. Belle could have guessed who had given him it, but wasn’t certain. She’d have to ask Kuroi and or Baraian later. Speaking of them, where were they?

Her attention turned to an elf handing them slips of paper with a number on it for their dance partner. She scowled and caused at him, which in turn caused the elf to scurry. She turned to Torvi and Bowyn, nodding at his offer. [color=#40C4FF]”Yes please, I'll take water. Thank you.”[/color] Then, she turned to Torvi and pointed to the back of the room. There were a variety of empty tables. One of the tables was occupied by two demihumans, but theirs was far enough away. Belle knew at some point, she would have to socialize to find allies and it made her groan. [color=#40C4FF]’Found one.”[/color] she gestured and began walking towards it. Her heels clicked quietly against the ground and she couldn’t help but feel a few stares. Most of these elves were taller than her, but perhaps she could lie and say she much younger and hadn't reached her growth spurt yet.

As she approached the table, she glanced over her shoulder upon hearing a stream of whispers. A fairy with pink hair entered wearing an elaborate dress. She stared at her and couldn’t help but stare.  Whoever this woman was she had gathered quite a bit of attention. She glanced at Torvi and shrugged. [color=#40C4FF]”Do you know who she is?”[/color] Belle whispered as she sat down at the table. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Rosemary and Elleta hovering nearby, which in turn caused Belle to scowl. [color=#A9DFBF][i]'I don’t need a fucking babysitter,'[/i][/color] Belle thought dryly and regretted not asking for mead. She wished she had her gun so she could shoot herself and get out of this ball. The opportunity to find allies was tempting though, which was the only silver lining of the evening. All the wealth had caused her stomach to churn. It reminded her of how she turned to thievery in her childhood to eat and join the gang (The Hunters) to survive. She scowled deeply. All the wealth in the world, yet undistributed. Avalia wasn't too different from Earth in that sense.

She sighed again and watched the dance and began wondering who the hell she’d dance with and how long it would take. She turned to Torvi. [color=#40C4FF]"I'm glad to have your company, by the way."[/color] She offered a rare smile and fell silent. Belle surveyed the dance floor, occasionally glancing at Terneus and then to Ilan and Regulus. She tapped her fingers on the table and remained outwardly collected and calm. Regulus was masked, so at least he wasn't’ entirely recognizable. There were all sorts of creatures here, so it made it easier to blend it. She swallowed hard. She needed to protect herself, but they had helped her. God, she hated this. It was much easier to feel numb than it was to care. The more you cared, the more you had to lose...

Belle rubbed her temples, then folded her hands. She was going to shut off her emotions for the rest of the evening and focus on her comrades. It would be easier if she could hide in the hoods with Bowyn and Torvi and forget the rebellion. But what would that make her? It would make her a coward and Gaia, the Hunters leader, hadn’t raised a coward. Calculating, selfish and ruthless; but definitely not a coward. So then why was she so afraid? Running away would only temporarily rid herself of the responsibility.. She yearned to tune out the aching throb in her chest and drown out her stress with mead. If she could only refill it herself, she wouldn’t need to get up and possibly socialize. Belle sighed quietly once more and awaited Torvi’s reply. [/color]