Alma perks up as she begins to notice the man's very slight, precise movements.  He plucks belongings right from people, and they take absolutely no note of it.  "Degenerate," she mutters under her breath.  She knew she was right to find him to be odd.  How in the world did he even manage to get in such a prestigious event with no difficulty?  Why was no one noticing his actions?  "Nobels must be oblivious to most everything don't they," she sighs quietly to herself.  A part of her had to commend him for such mastery of something, even if it was highly illegal.  To infiltrate a royal event and practically steal pearls off the neck of a noble is no small task.  She is well aware she should mind her own business, but such dishonesty cannot just go unchecked.  Alma takes a step away from the wall, intending to confront him quietly, until a woman moves in front of her.<br/><br/>"Alma, darling!  I did not expect to see you here!" she laughs shrilly and squeezes Alma into a near suffocating hug.  Alma is quick to pull away and brush herself off.<br/><br/>"A-Ah, Duchess Addington, what a... pleasure," Alma forces a cordial smile.  Elise Addington was quite the character.  Loud and boisterous, she always sets out to draw attention to herself.  She is near middle-aged at this point, but she makes it a habit to try and appear and act as if she were half of that.  Many young men are tormented by her presence, as she hardly leaves even the mildly attractive ones alone.  As Alma understands it, Duke Addington left their estate years ago, yet he still sends money to maintain his reputation and keep Elise quiet and content.  The women had been acquainted years ago.  The Duchess had taken quite an interest in Alma when Mr. Monrova spoke of her potion making ability.  For years Alma has been providing her with a remedy for aging skin.  Elise, however, still looks her age, since the potion's effects last a week at best, and she cannot always make her way to the Monrova manor to purchase more.<br/><br/>"Where is Jerece?  Why was he unable to attend?  Not that I'm not thrilled to see you, I've been meaning to inquire about getting more of that wonderful serum you make me.  Oh, and could you perhaps make something to restore hair color as well?  It's not quite as... vibrant as I'd like it,"  Duchess Addington rambles on with a wide smile, obviously avoiding saying her hair is greying, even if it's clear to any onlooker.  The woman's eyes dart to the potions on Alma's belt briefly, but flick back up when she doesn't see anything similar to the potions she covets so.<br/><br/>"Lord Monrova could not make it because Horatio called for him.  Apparently, he has found someone, he wishes to marry, and would like his father's approval. And yes, I can get to making what you desire once I return home,"  Alma replies simply, just wanting to get her point across and go.<br/><br/>"Really!?  Oh my!  You must make sure old Jerece sends me an invitation to the wedding!  Oh, darling, what's with that serious look?  This is a party, have a drink, dance,"  Elise lets loose another obnoxious laugh and pats Alma on the back a bit too forcefully.  Alma stumbles forward slightly, the corner of her mouth twitches briefly.<br/><br/>"Thank you for looking out for me Duchess, but I like to avoid alcohol.  It takes too little of it to make me lose my wits, and I quite like keeping a level head.  You, however, should go and continue having a grand time.  I will be fine.  I'm sure there are unattended men who would quite like your company,"  she straightens her posture and dismisses the woman as politely as she can.<br/><br/>"Right you are darling!  Send my love to Jerece and Horatio," Duchess Addington waves and scurries off to find someone else to entertain her.  Alma refocuses and looks for the strange man once again.  She is shocked to see none other than the queen walking away from him, quite pleased.  He couldn't possibly know the queen.  Suddenly things make even less sense to her.  She was going to investigate now, lest her frustration grow.  She calmly approaches him, choosing not to bring up his theivery immediately.<br/><br/>"Pardon me sir,  I couldn't help notice your interaction with the queen.  She seemes to be quite friendly to you.  If you do not mind me asking, are you two accuainted?"  Alma asks curiously, tilting her head slightly.  Now that she was next to him, as opposed to looking across the room, she finds the confidence he emanates is a bit intimidating.  She does not falter though; she merely makes sure to be aware of all the items on her that could be stolen.