[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/PLyfcLV.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/b9KLVcc.gif[/img][/center]
[color=lightgray][color=ef82a5]Time:[/color] Evening
[color=ef82a5]Location:[/color] The Castle Ballroom
[color=ef82a5]Interactions:[/color] Farim [@Lava Alckon] Magnus [@Remram] Ariella [@Silverspring]
[color=ef82a5]Mention:[/color] Kazumin [@samreaper]
[color=ef82a5]Attire:[/color] [url=i.imgur.com/NbspWII.png]Dress[/url]
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[color=#EF82A5]"We do look pretty great together."[/color] Anastasia agreed with [color=#35A8F0]Magnus[/color], offering him a smile that was sweet, if not quite as bright as her usual ones. It lingered on her face with effort as though she were holding it there because she knew everyone expected her to.

She listened as [color=#35A8F0]Magnus[/color] spoke, her expression softening with admiration. Many people in, especially in this room were vain. Many people in this room wanted beauty, influence, advantage, or some glittering prize they could parade before the court. [color=#35A8F0]Magnus[/color], however, spoke as though he only wanted someone kind. Someone thoughtful. Someone who saw him as more than what he could offer.

Anastasia decided then that [color=#35A8F0]Magnus[/color] was a good person.

[color=#EF82A5]"I lucked out with this pretty face."[/color] Her tone turned playfully smug, and with that, she reached over to gently clamp [color=#D2691E]Farim[/color]’s face in one hand, squeezing his cheek with a brief and light giggle.

She withdrew her hand and looked back to [color=#35A8F0]Magnus[/color]. [color=#EF82A5]"I've definitely spoken with them all before, just not for long. [color=#7D7FDB]Marina[/color] and I used to play with dolls at parties when we were younger. She's a funny one."[/color]

[color=#D2691E]"I once had my own lofty expectations of romance. I was young, and found myself chasing any pleasure I could. But these types of chases do not soothe the soul, nor fill the heart. This took me a long time to learn. It took me longer still to even find someone who matched me in all the right ways. To see me for me, and not just the assets that I provide. A joyful beacon of light that shines through even the murkiest of waters. I realize I am putting her on a pedestal right now but frankly, she deserves it.”[/color] 

The corners of Anastasia’s eyes shone.

For a moment, she could not quite trust herself to speak. She only looked at [color=#D2691E]Farim[/color], holding his gaze. She had lost so much in one morning that the ground still seemed unsteady beneath her feet, like it could open up and swallow them all at any moment. It was truly as if everything near and dear could be taken without warning. Yet there he was, speaking of her so wonderfully... As though she were something worth holding onto.

She did not think she could bear to ever lose him.

It was shortly after this that the loud performance began.

[color=#D2691E]"This is certainly an interesting turn of events.”[/color] came Farim's whisper in her ear.

Anastasia’s gaze moved toward [color=#32CD32]Kazumin[/color], and despite herself, she clasped her hands together. Seeing him dance so freely, so wonderfully, brought a tender ache to her chest. He seemed to brighten the whole room with ease, making so many people smile, even her father, of all people, and that did not surprise her at all. She had known [color=#32CD32]Kazumin[/color] was pure sunshine from the moment she met him.

At the last ball, perhaps she would have darted straight toward [color=#32CD32]Kazumin[/color] and linked her arms with his, and joined the dance without a second thought. She could almost picture herself doing it, could almost hear her own laughter.

Tonight, though, she remained where she was.

There was something bittersweet about seeing Kazumin just being himself, about hearing her father erupt in joy as he had at the theater. Things were so different then. Events that were simply days ago felt as if they were really from a different lifetime.

[color=#6A5ACD]“Good evening, my apologies if I’m interrupting.”[/color]

The princess turned and found yet another familiar face: [color=#6A5ACD]Ariella Edwards[/color].

[color=#6A5ACD]“I wanted to stop by and say hello to [color=#D2691E]Farim[/color] and Anastasia, though I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the rest of you... My name is [color=#6A5ACD]Ariella[/color]. I hope you lovely gentlemen won’t mind if I steal my dear friend Anastasia for a few moments.”[/color]

Anastasia’s expression warmed at once. The sight of [color=#6A5ACD]Ariella[/color] tugged at a nostalgic feeling she desperately wanted to chase right now, even if it hurt. She reached for [color=#6A5ACD]Ariella[/color]’s hand fondly.

[color=#6A5ACD]“It’s been far too long since I’ve seen her, and I’d love the chance to catch up. If it's alright with her of course.”[/color]

[color=#D2691E]Farim[/color] spoke up, and Anastasia looked between them, grateful for his presence and grateful, too, for the offered escape.

[color=#EF82A5]"There is nothing I want more right now than to talk to my dear friend."[/color] she told [color=#6A5ACD]Ariella[/color].

Then she joined her, allowing her old friend to lead the way.[/color]