Despite my worries spared for my companions, despite the pain which gripped my heart as I transformed from free D’Angeline into captive once more, when I heard whispers of a ball, a creature such as I could not refuse such an opportunity. All were welcome, and so I would show the mass of strangers how graceful, how beautiful, how elegant one can be. Though I have no place in this world, though I might be stolen once more from my home, this is one setting in which I might pretend to belong.
And how kind of my captors to outfit me with a heavy purse! I knew, of course, that such a resource could not last; yet I also have learned well that a few coins towards appearances are not wasted indeed. So, while the oxblood fabric against my skin merely imitated silk, it nevertheless clung to my figure in such a way that I could not scowl at my appearance. I noted the way its shape highlighted my newly-finished marque; at the very least, before arriving in this place, I found that small sliver of freedom.
I forced my expression to defy my hesitant steps, and I entered a realm I must confess seemed enchanted. Thousands of lights reflected against satin ensembles and freshly-scrubbed skin. The hum of conversation and soft laughter provided a welcome melody as guests mingled with pastries grasped delicately between slender fingers. For the first time since arriving here, I smiled.
Yet not all who entered the gate shared my expression. My gaze fell upon a small woman with skin the color of cool ash and, most shockingly, two cone-shaped horns atop her head. Despite her strange appearance, I also noted that she looked quite beautiful. Some of this city’s inhabitants bore odd, inhuman traits -- could it be that this world contained races unknown to my own land of origin?
I felt my feet carry me to her corner at the edge of a platter of sandwiches; at the very least, I might learn valuable information from conversing with her.
“Have you yet sampled any of these?” I asked, gesturing towards the array of snacks and trying not to appear surprised at her appearance. “There are too many, I believe, for me to begin.” A simple way to begin a conversation, yes, but it would have to suffice. I studied her movements, waiting to glean whatever I could from her response.