Ari & Lan | Backstage | Complete | 2/2
At first, all that Lan did as an answer was huffing and laughing a bit, because a perfectionist like her would ever never considering anything to go smoothly. Still, it wasn’t as if she had to take that on Ari. “It could be far worse, my dear. It would be far, far worse. We are going to make it though.”
“‘Could be worse’ ought to be a theatre catchphrase,” Ari said said with an amused shrug. “And anyway, as long as there isn’t a giant beast of some variety rampaging through the district, I will consider it a victory of a sort.”
The fact that the gala had gone on at all was a testament to the resilience of the city’s populace. Or perhaps their madness.
“Thank you,” she said, finishing off the last of the appetizers she intended to take and licking her fingers clean for good measure (the lack of a napkin was unfortunate; she would need to wash her hands before she touched her costume again, lest she get permanently blacklisted with the district’s costumers for destroying two dresses in a row). “This was timely -- and very good.”
“Ha, I do believe we’ve got enough of beasts for at least the rest of the year. The one to come surely promises more fine terrors.” Not that she planned to fight any anytime soon, but hey, it was the thought that counted.
Lan nodded softly as she took a step back, admiring the dress and the dressed for a moment. “You’re very welcome, and certainly have impeccable taste when it comes to snacks. If you find one of my poor employees around feel free to request a napkin; they all have a lot of them. Have fun out there.”
“I intend to.” And with her stomach full, she thought she might even manage to do it. “You’ve all sorts of people to yell at, I expect -- and I need to wash my hands.” She smiled. “I don’t think you’re meant to tell caterers to break a leg, so -- good luck. I’m off to make myself presentable.”
“By all means, break a leg,” Lan said, her mood considerably brighter now. “Well talk more once things calm down. Until then.” And with a little wave of her hand, Lan walked away, half fading into the shadows. The best people to yell at were the ones that didn’t even know she was around, after all.