“I’m Siri.” Informal presentations, because Ari was so — herself, nothing noble or pretentious. Tilting her head she observed the other woman, eyes narrowing for a split moment as she drew her own conclusions and took her in. There was only so much initials on a network could tell someone, seeing them in the flesh brought the entire picture to life.
The topic of the Feywood had been forgotten by now, and as such Siri was perfectly at ease with Ari. “Thank you.” An afterthought, a struggle to catch up with conversation as her world adjusted. “Cat suits you better, you can play with mice and moths, never with spiders though.”
A tiny shudder passed through Ari despite her best efforts; her face wore a little grimace as she said, “Thank you, no.”
Had she been particularly vocal about spiders on the network lately? She couldn’t recall. It had been months since the last time she’d refused to enter her flat until her landlady found and exterminated an eight-legged intruder. How did she…
Well, no matter.
“A pleasure to meet you, Siri. Are you a friend of the Countess?” she asked. She was not a friend of Aud’s -- Ari would know -- and certainly not a friend of ‘Basil,’ nor was she guild (of that, Ari was pretty sure; she didn’t have the particular carriage she associated with Thieves’ Guilders).
Spiders, worms, damp earth and broken branches in the trail. Her feet sunk into the ground, she wiggled her toes (no, she could only feel the leather of her heels, the balance as she shuffled from one to the other). Siri shook her head, “A passing acquaintance of most people here.” Her status opened doors for her, so it was not surprising that Siri found herself here.
Silence stretched between them for a moment and a passing waiter offered them flutes of champagne; Siri picked up one and sipped it.
Ari put up her hand, somewhat regretfully, and sent the waiter on. Only a few more months, she reminded herself. But she wasn’t drinking tonight. “Well,” she said, “in any case, I hope you enjoy the party.” (Hopefully, she thought privately, without fondling the gowns of too many fussy noblewomen; there was already bound to be something dramatic tonight; Aud and Miles didn’t need help from casual acquaintances to ensure it.)
“I think I ought to check in with the bride,” she said after a moment; across the room, Aud looked like she might appreciate some rescuing. “Enjoy that champagne for me,” she added with a quick smile before making her exit.