Phyllis
Alva Ivanova
The Ball, Maith Mansion

Alva's eyebrows raised just slightly in surprise. She didn't get out much, but she knew enough to recognize Cat's rather unsavory circumstance. The brief description she provided didn't exactly paint him in the most positive light, either. She understood why Cat had gotten so drunk. 

"Oh, really?" 

She glanced out into the crowd then back at Cat and bluntly continued, "That's rather unfortunate. Why would you want to be an accessory for someone like him?" 

Despite Alva's straightforward tone, it came from a place of genuine - albeit poorly expressed - concern.
Marguerite
Catarina Tanner
The Ball, Maith Mansion

It was Cat's turn to look surprised, though her surprise came from Alva's bluntness. Even more surprised by Alva's concern. Valkrin's reputation preceded him, clearly, and she couldn't help but feel a little shaken by such a response from Alva. *What am I doing with him?* She thought, her brow furrowing slightly. *Alofen would be horrified...*

She smiled wryly and replied, "He's not all bad, though he seldom shows his good side to others." She looked away, pausing to take a drink. "Besides, he offers stability and safety. No one will bother me when I'm at his side."

Truth was, after all she had been through and all she had done, she didn't really see herself as worthy of anything better either. And he took care of her... That was worth something, right? And somehow the man seemed immune to her curse, at least so far.
Phyllis
Alva Ivanova
The Ball, Maith Mansion

Alva nodded skeptically, noting the look of uncertainty on Cat's face. 

"Apologies. It's impolite of me to speak ill of someone I haven't met. But I will say, it seems like you're telling yourself that more than me."
Marguerite
Catarina Tanner
The Ball, Maith Mansion

"No need to apologize!" Catarina replied, quick to reassure Alva, but also avoiding the second bit of what the woman said. 

She smiled reassuringly at her new companion and took a long sip of her drink. Alva was perceptive, certainly. Perhaps too much so.