loch & azalea
"Good to see you too, Councilor," Loch replied, pleasantly enough. She noted the careful cordiality of Azalea's greeting with amusement; if they were to act as though they only knew each other in passing, just two respectable Machinists making small talk, then so be it. "You've been well, I hope?" Everyone in the room was playing games; Loch supposed they might as well join in.
Unlike most other women at the ball, Azalea had gone for a more business-like look, but even in a simple black suit, she could outshine the nobles in their expensive tailored dresses. "You look gorgeous tonight, Councilor." In a lower voice, she added, "All these bird-brained idiots who spent a fortune on their outfits look like they ain't sure if they want to kill you for looking better than them, or shag you." The amusement was evident on her face; unhappy nobles never failed to cheer her up.