Quote:
Originally Posted by
thekraken 
After debating several times over, Althea had decided that taking a night off studying would do her some good. Possibly. Not entirely sure if she wanted to even stay the whole time, she figured that she might as well make a good entrance and then leave, dramatically, like a phantom in the night. Thankfully, her parents had elected to sending a little bit extra money her way so that she could purchase a dress of her choose; and even though her father had reminded her to keep herself moderately covered up, she chose to disregard that gentle warning - she refused to give up on a chance to be dramatically glam just because her father didn't approve of her dress.
In a terribly cliché sort of move, the fifth year found herself wandering into the ballroom. It was ornately decorated and Althea could appreciate all the attention to detail; it had a very ostentatious 20th-century-romantic-night-on-the-water sort of vibe. She noticed a few familiar faces - was mildly surprised that Etta could manage to walk in her shoes - and she wondered if she should go and socialize or just hang off to the side by herself. Not too far away, the Hufflepuff spotted Aslan. The older girl was an even bigger enigma than Derf, and Althea found herself drawn to her. She decided that being around Aslan was much more interesting than being alone.
It didn't take her long, but she managed to walk - without tripping or doing anything remotely embarrassing - over to the Gryffindor, but not before catching sight of Bentley and Chloe. Without realizing it, her eyes had narrowed, and she turned her face - no need to get upset, she could talk to him calmly later, maybe - and smiled at Aslan. "I love your dress," she said, trying not to gush - because she did, the dress was beautiful - "did you come alone, too?"
Aslan was itching, her mouth craving a taste she knew she couldn't have right then and there. Leaning against the wall still, she wondered just how long it would be until she gave in and stepped out or if she would at all- perhaps someone or something would come along and distract her just enough to keep the Gryffindor in the here and now. She didn't want to disappear, not really but it was easier and smoother than going through a night alone in a pair of heels she should have charmed.
The last time she'd come to a place like this she'd been just as bored and just as eager to leave but she'd had company then and whether she had admitted it then or not, Bastien Toussaint had done everything just right to keep her mind and soul perfectly engaged. Something she doubted she would find in current company, not that her fellows were uninteresting, some certainly were- but from what she had observed this was a night not of quiet reflection or casual chat, but of pink tufted romance and dramatic entrances.
Speaking of, Althea Kenning was speaking to her. Aslan blinked quickly, surprised by the younger girl's presence. She hadn't been paying attention. Not even a little. Aslan blinked again, focusing on the tall brunette before her with the same impassive fascination in which she held all humanity.
"Hullo. I didn't see you there." Obviously, of course, but the words felt as if they had needed to be said. Althea was... Interesting, her colors were soft, warm and shifting. She seemed.... Sadder and smarter than others gave her credit and perhaps that's what had drawn and kept Aslan's attention that first night they had properly talked. Oh, Althea was talking about her dress. She should say something about it, but what.
"I don't." she said simply, her tone light and devoid of feeling.
"It was a gift from someone, they loved it." which had been enough for Aslan, a point she felt had been carried across in her short, but uncold reply.
"Yes, I couldn't think of anyone appropriate I'd want to spend the evening with." She answered honestly, the words flowing easily from the tip of her tongue.
"why aren't you with anyone?"