Ashan 25, Arc 721
Dinner parties weren’t her thing really, but Natalia had been raised to handle them like an expert. Light conversation, never overcommit to anything, make everyone feel comfortable, be charming. Well, to be fair, that would have been her responsibility at a dinner party hosted by her parents. This one, hosted by her good friend, Liselle, was a bit of a different beast. People she had known her entire life would be there and as such, Natalia would be able to relax a bit. Not much…but some. She still was who she was – that couldn’t be changed.
However, she knew that they were all aware of the decision she had made to step out of the world they all knew, so logic dictated that there would be a world full of questions lobbed at her. Sighing softly as she prepared herself in one of Liselle’s spare rooms, the young brunette wondered why she was bothering with the evening at all. This wasn’t the world she was living in any longer, but Liselle had begged, and Natalia felt something of an obligation to her.
Wearing a gown of gold – borrowed from Liselle - she looked at herself in the mirror, making a few last-minute adjustments. Gold suited her olive skin tone perfectly and was always a good choice. Bright colors…did not, and even if they did, she simply wouldn’t wear them. Deep, dark rich colors were more to her liking. Even the gold she wore that evening had a depth to it, evoking class and elegance. Choosing to wear her hair in loose, soft waves, she took another look in the mirror and deemed herself ready for whatever fresh torture those who knew her best were about to let loose on her.
***
Pleasantries aside, her peers held their questions during the social break preceding dinner. Many glanced questioningly at her, curious but unwilling to break the ice...or incur her ire – it really was hard to tell at times. She had lost her temper a few times as a child but since, had learned the fine art of using a controlled, calm voice for most everything…even when one was angry. It had served her well, especially during the last conversation she participated in with her parents when informing them she was moving out and rejecting the life they had planned for her. Of course, financial consideration had immediately vanished, but that was alright. It was better to chart one’s own course instead of being forced into a wasted life.
Once dinner began, however, the evening was something of a different experience. The conversation was lively to start, varying in topic. Natalia simply sat, listening and poking at her appetizer, until a particularly vile young man she was acquainted with decided to turn the spotlight on her. Josan Renaldi, one of the richest brats she knew, turned his gaze to her, clearing his throat and speaking up so everyone could hear.“So, Natalia, rumors are buzzing that you left your parents’ estate and broke off the engagement they had arranged. Now, being the sensible girl you are, I’m sure those are simply the rumors of uninformed minds, yes?”
Gasps and whispers followed. Some were appalled that he had decided to bring up such a sensitive situation while it seemed others curious as to what she might say in response.
