tearsofpearls
She stood very quietly, her back against the wall, the gilded paper almost making contact with her dress. There were so very many people, and so many voices, so many lives taking part here.
Her thoughts turned to the guests. How pretty and handsome they all looked. She concealed her regret at being thought too young to dance, and became amused with watching the pretty ladies go by on the arms of their dates. But her dark eyelashes flicked downward slightly. There was nothing in the immediate future that she had to look forward to.
Even the bar tender had refused her a cup of tea with his remark, "Aye, isn't it past your bedtime?"
The little girl sighed softly.
Ari leaned over, thinking that the bartender knew her and would send her to bed.
"Err, she's with me," she lied, wondering what the girl's reaction would be. Hey, everyone had to have a little fun tonight. It was a ball!