<div class="floatleft">(https://78.media.tumblr.com/340353926d30224378a32e525b272a78/tumblr_oxxz9cXbTS1vxwaceo1_250.gif) </div><br/><strong> Name: </strong>Claudine<br/><strong> Location: </strong>Ballroom<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Attire</div><div class="spoiler_body"> (https://78.media.tumblr.com/3878bda0143cedb7662109ca4f9ef34a/tumblr_oxtstwsgJu1vxwaceo1_400.gif)</div></div><br/><strong> Tagging: </strong>Markus<br/><hr/><br/><strong><em><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">A</span></em></strong>fter the beverage became empty, Claudine waited a few moments before lightly touching her hand to a waiter, quietly asking how to dispose of her empty flute. A motion of a head, she understood, though simply had not wanted to assume. Trading her empty for a filled on, she nodded her gratitude before stepping from the waiter's path. The memories were coming back, even more, a part of her knowing the woman she once was no doubt haughtily laughed at who she was now. So quiet, so reserved, so distant. Focused on all the wrong things this annual festival was about. Not to say later certain business arrangements could not be made. Only that should not be her only focus right now. If anything, business was the last thing she should have on her mind at the moment. Instead, she should be like those around her who were simply joyful and enjoying the festivity, no cares of yesterdays and tomorrows. Frowning slightly as she raised her the rim of the flute to her lips, it sounded like such an easy feat. After all, this had once been an aspect of life she thrilled under.<br/><br/>The opportunity to be bold she found ebbing away as the music began to slow into its final notes. In that, she took sipped down the contents of her drink, hoping the alcohol at least would help to loosen her up. Made it all of a few steps when a wall rose from nowhere,  both blocking and crowding her as she lightly gasped. It took a second then she recalled the figure before her. Well, she recalled the mask at least. Not that short ago her gaze had landed in his direction, though she looked quickly away after a connection had been made. Too stubborn lost in her thoughts, more focused on all that did not matter as she made a retreat to fetch a drink. No better time than the present to make right of her standoffish if not rude behavior. Which was why a gentle smile laced across her lips, a gleam catching in her eyes as they peered at him from behind the mask, ready to extend her hand towards him. Ready, then stopped as the Anibus Warrior took the initiative from her. Though eyes narrowed slightly, they soon widened slightly as did her smile deepen as he seemed rabble on at first.<br/><br/>Well, at least she was not the only one who had a touch of nervousness Claudine noted as he continued talking, not pausing long enough for her to have a chance to speak. Had it not been for his choice of mask, she would have placed a finger to his lips. If she had, it might have prevented her shaking her head, chuckling quietly under her breath. Not at him, not directly, no. Was many a thing but not that callous and cruel. Not that she was aware of that was. All the same, she raised a hand, holding a finger up, giving him a moment to catch his breath. Imagined it certainly must get warm under that mask for him. Lowering her hand to chest level, she motioned to the practically empty flask in her hand. "<em>I am not so sure I could take on an Anubis Warrior,</em>" she began, gentle in her tone as a gleam made the flecks of gold to her eyes sparkle, breathing forth a note of her mystery by holding a rather thick Italian accent. "<em>And you did miss one of my witty excuses I had planned. As you can see,</em>" and she held up her empty glass, balancing on the tip of two fingers with ease to reveal a tiny drop still existed. "<em>I have yet to finish my drink</em>."<br/><br/>It was horrible, she knew it as did he, the attempt she made at humor to shave off some of the ice barriers she had unfortunately presented. Though to follow it, a small step back was made, a knee gave small bend under her gown as she curtseyed before him, offering him a tilt of head nod before rising. "<em>I would be honored to dance with you if you think you can keep up,</em>" she said with a wink from behind her mask, her soft smile deepening. No sooner had the words left her lips, her hand was slipping into his, gaze swiping around to find a place to set her empty vessel, which she did. "<em>I must say, that is quite a bold choice of mask and attire you chose. Though I suspect you are no stranger to being bold,</em>" she mused lightly though loud enough for him to hear as he guided her to floor where other bodies were already in full swing of the hurried movements of the Samba. "<em>Certainly challenges old-world custom, which I find quite refreshing, to be honest.</em>"<br/><br/>