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After the orchestra had hit their last, dying note. After the standing ovation, the cheers from the crowd in the audience. After the curtain had fallen, there was a get together. A social gathering of the whose-who of the art community and the performers alike. It was a glorified meet-n-greet, a chance for those well connected to rub elbows with those of talent. It was, also, a fundraiser of sorts. The DCBC was not struggling in any fathomable stretch of the word, but more money meant more tours, more costumes, more productions and shows. It meant more for the dancers as well as the patrons that frequently filled the seats in the theaters they preformed in.

Greasing the cogs to keep the machine rolling.

Delphine had never quite figured out whether or not she enjoyed these post show get-togethers, or if she found it all terribly repetitive and tiresome. She thought perhaps her opinion on them varied from occasion to occasion.

Tonight she was neither amused nor unhappy to be there. The performance had gone well, and the post show high still lingered. She'd had time to change from the bedazzled costume she'd worn on stage and into a modest, yet classy dress that fit her slight figure without being too revealing. Silver hair remained in the bun she'd worn on stage, as did the dark make up. Darker than she preferred, usually, but it matched the dress. There was a beaded choker circling her slender neck.

She was sipping from a long stemmed glass as she watched the people interacting around her. Sparkling cider, rather than the champagne that most of the others were drinking.

Admittedly, there were those few choice benefits to attending such functions. Delphine spied a rather familiar woman over the rim of her glass as it lowered. Tall, blonde hair, with exquisite taste. Ms. Marinus was, in the young dancer's opinion, as flawless as a person was likely to come. She watched as the woman exchanged pleasantries with another familiar patron, one Delphi could not recall a name for, and when those pale eyes lifted to her, glass raising in indication, the dancer felt herself standing just a little taller. Lips pulling in a pleased, almost shy smile.

"As always," she answered primly. "You flatter me with you kind words. Thank you, Ms. Marinus." Her chin dipped in a small, respectful nod, eyes lowering briefly. "It was decided a fairer touch would lend more emotion to the piece. I hope the intention carried through." Her free hand slid over the outside of her thigh, smoothing her dress to rid it of imaginary wrinkles. All at once she felt terribly under dressed in classy little black designer number.

That was simply the effect Stroud had on her.

A light giggle followed the taller woman's joke, flute lifting to press the rim against her lips to stifle the noise as dark eyes lifted to glance in the man's direction before returning to the lady in silver. "I trust you enjoyed the performance?"

The sweet smile slipped just a touch at the mention of the chorus line falling out of sync. It was not the fault of the young dancer, she knew that well, but still, the idea of anything disappointing the tall blonde was upsetting. "I apologize on behalf of the other dancers. If you like, I could mention it to Mr. Seraphine so he may keep a closer eye in the future." The words were sweet as honey, but inside the girl seethed that anything dared not be flawless for the lovely lady in silver.

Her temper was easily cooled though as Stroud continued, and Delphine was all smiles again as the compliments continued. "I wouldn't dream of leaving the Destiny City Ballet Company, so you needn't worry over my absence. I will be here for your enjoyment for years to come, Ms. Marinus." It did delight her to know her presence was enjoyed by the taller blonde, and the faintest touch of color rose up in her cheeks as she hid another smile against the rim of her glass, sipping at her sparkling cider.

It could also have been the close proximity Stroud was keeping that made Delphine blush, but she certainly didn't mind. She stood straight, still, and composed beside her as the talked, attention easily held. "I'm not entirely sure I could contain myself is Ms. Whelan were to pay our company a visit," she admitted humbly. Then, leaning in a little closer, she lowered her voice furtively, as if she did not wish to be over heard. "There has been talk that we will be seeing Suzanne Farrell and Allegra Kent soon, and perhaps even Xiomara Reyes as well. Not all at once, of course, but over the course of the next year." She grinned brightly, clearly pleased at having been able to share something she considered to be of the utmost importance and privilege.

"I would be thrilled to meet Ms. Misty Copeland, though, if I'm to be honest." Another sip, smile candid, then she continued. "And it would be something of a dream come true to study with the Royal Affiliates of Dance. London, preferably, but they're so very hard to get into." The last was followed by a wistful sigh and a dreamy look.

Every sweet word was like honey, and the soloist found herself craving every sweet drop that fell from the other woman's silver tongue. Her attention was rapt, lithe figure leaning ever so slightly forward as the taller woman rained compliment after compliment on the dainty dancer. "Never," she assured sweetly. "You've got nothing to fear from me, Ms. Marinus. If I had talons," which wasn't to say that she didn't, per-say. "You would be the last person I turned them on." The smile she offered up was a candid one, impish yet innocent all at once. Delphine knew how to play the game, she had spent years in this world, and one did not survive in it long without a bit of armor and a set of claws.

"He did. Colin spent a year over seas studying with the Royal Academy." She was both very proud of him, and furiously jealous, but since he was one of her closest friends, she dared not show him the latter. "He's already offered up what he believes will be most beneficial in terms of advice in regards to a promising submission. His insight and experience with this is invaluable." There was just the barest hint of a frown on her lips, but it didn't linger. Delphine took another drink from her flute, almost distracted, before the whole of her attention returned to Stroud.

"Jess is forever unbearable," she answered, voice soft so as not to be overheard. "But Colin is a dear friend." Another small pause as the dancer reflected on the attack that had befallen the dancing master, and the resulting division of work between those with elevation enough to pick up the slack. "Everyone was very busy," she admitted, "It came with both relief and a certain measure of dread when September returned to his post." Certainly she would have to explain to Ms. Marinus the qualities of a proficient dancing master. They were not usually very well liked by those they oversaw.

A flick of Jade eyes, taking in the room around them, but Delphine didn't see the dancer she was primary under study for. It wasn't surprising, really. Not when the other dancer had only briefly been considered for the role of Cinderella before it had been passed on to Delphine. "Jess, usually."

"I would not presume to know what their intentions might be," She admitted softly, eyes lowering demurely to her drink, the painted tips of the nails playing against the rounded lip of the glass. It could have meant nothing, just a simple response, but she smiled just so sweetly that perhaps Stroud could see the lie on her lips. Or perhaps the dancer had not truly tried to hide it. Not from the lovely lady beside her. The one that spoke naught but sweet words, like thick honey. Delphine admired her so, but of all the dancers, it had been her that Ms. Marinus had chosen to talk to.

She had the tall woman's attention, if not, in fact, her favor.

Delphine knew what she preferred, even if she didn't voice it. Jess was, and had always been, a nightmare to work with. She was the stereotypical bitchy dancer. From her first day at the DCBC the principle had seemed to hold nothing but contempt for the dainty silver haired dancer. At first it had been upsetting, but Ms. Stroud's words probably rang true. "She has been worst than her usual since the cast list for this production went up," she commented idly, bringing her glass up to finish what little was left before handing it off to one of the well dressed footmen. "I doubt she's accustomed to sharing her spotlight with those she considers beneath her.

"I've only been in Destiny city a few years, but I've done what few have. Rising to soloist upon acceptance, rather than starting in the corps." it smacked dangerously close to bragging. "If she perceives me as a threat, then being arrogant has not made her blind."

Delphine crossed her arms lightly over her stomach, one hand up to toy idly at the necklace that hung from her throat. Just something to occupy her hands while she and Ms. Marinus continued their talk. There was a small smile, sly and secretive, as jade eyes flicked up to the woman beside her. "I think you could guess," she mused playfully, leaning every so slightly closer. "I want the spotlight." It was what any ambitious dancer wanted, was it not? She hummed wistfully, necklace chain sliding between her fingertips.

"I would dance with the devil for that, I think." It was just talk, after all. "Not that I do not plan the rise myself. I will make it," she assured her, expression bordering on fierce. "Of that you can be assured. I will climb as high as I am humanly able." There were no limits to the dancer's ambition.

Delphine melted, just a touch, at the wink and endearment. To be in the woman's good graces was subtly addicting in a way. Every smile had the dancer longing to see another. Every praise made her swell with pride. Her presence was magnetic. "You are forever too kind to me, Ms. Marinus. I am never quite sure how I would ever be able to repay the kindness and support you give me."

She leaned in as the taller woman did, echoing the kiss on either pale cheek, before eyes widened a touch at the whisper. There was a curious look on the dancer's face as Stroud drew away, a very obvious question resting on Delphine's tongue, but the lovely woman was already striding away through the crowd.

What did that mean? She didn't know, but she found herself immensely intrigued.