Nina & Dani
The constant motion of the crowd, the din of voices almost hidden beneath a blanket of live music, the scent of mingling perfumes and colognes, the subtle shift of her balance in heels higher than any she'd worn in years -- it was like Dani had walked into a scene from the past. In the context of a world that was long gone, the full frost moon celebration would never have registered as anything out of the ordinary. In the midst of the ruins of Austin, however, it was out of place. This fact struck Dani again and again as she took in the magnificent revel. She had hoped to be able to put everything aside, to allow herself the indulgence of forgetting their circumstances for just one night, yet every moment felt decadent, wasteful. Even surrounded by every luxury the Capitol could offer, she lacked the ability to unwind enough to enjoy it.
Taking another sip of her cocktail -- because maybe the carefree spirit she sought could be brought out by slight inebriation -- Dani heard a voice she would recognize anywhere. She turned with a smile to return her friend’s greeting, making a sincere effort to smooth her expression into something less ill-humored. Nina was alone, she noted, and wondered where the prodigal ex might be. A quick glance around the room, seeking that red dress she'd provided, yielded nothing amongst the swirling crowd.
“Of course,” she said, bringing her eyes back to the other woman's face. “I’m just glad that I could provide something suitable. And thank you. You look fabulous too.” Even in a room full of women dressed at their very best, Nina stood out, putting the majority to shame. "Are you enjoying the ball so far?"