It's so hard to hide her wince. It's even harder not to glance around the room to catch all the eyes on her just now. But she mustn't. She must not. Oh Cellie, do you have any idea how much your big sister loves you?

"Am I... busy?" Étoile repeats with an exaggerated tilt of her head. She puts her hand on her hip, ignoring the offered drink for a moment. Her eyes smile vapidly, and she breaks into a loud, rolling fit of giggles, "You're so sweet to ask! Ah, I wish I were still a bright eyed student at the Academy so I would have time to properly enjoy wonderful party!"

Her eyes sparkle daintily as she trills with delight, so much that she almost stumbles out of line in her absurd sandals. Her silly pants swirl and tantalize with the motion; even at her ditziest, Her Ladyship has made her an object of desire. Étoile recovers with the smooth grace and humor of a slave that doesn't expect to hold her dignity for more than a moment at a time. 

"But you know what would be even sadder than missing this grandeur? Failing to attend to my Lady! She has so very many tasks for me tonight, I shall hardly have time to give my report and scamper back home! Oh, but there is dusting, which is my favorite! Swish swish, be clean! Her Ladyship says I have magical powers! Where my feathers dance, the mantle sparkles! And after that I must draw the water for her evening bath and attend to her every need with respectful worship. That is [i]also[/i] my favorite duty! And of course before bed I must rest my head in her lap to comfort her from all the hurts and weary turns of her busy day, prepare her evening honeyed milk, and sing her song that she may sleep soundly while I take my leave to prepare her meals for the next day! And then! Heeeee! I get to do it all over again! Is that not simply wonderful, [i]fillette?[/i] You have so much to look forward to when you finally earn your collar!"

She reaches out and pats Cellie on the head, and her spell is sealed. It is easier by far to sell a performance like this when you take the time to smile under your veil. Not many people understand the way the empty turning of your lips can make your voice melt into such a useless, vapid wave of silly words. But it is essential. Celestine's safety tonight is counting on the acting skills of a Ravenelle daughter, and goodness knows 'Are you... busy tonight?' was not going to clear the bar. 

She would apologize later, when there was time. But at least there would be a Cellie to apologize [i]to.[/i]

[Mild Mannered: [b]8[/b]]