Emmaline sticks to the sidelines, but to no avail

Emmaline found herself humming quietly along with the pleasant music that floated softly over the gathered nobles. The airs of violins floating gently upward in an elegant slide were all too familiar. It was an old tune, a famous one that she recognized from her days back home, long before joining the Bravos --'Alceste.' It felt like several lifetimes ago. She was an optimist, though and tried not to get too lost in the past, besides, she had a mission here tonight.

Emmaline's eyes scanned the crowd, looking for individuals wearing colors that might indicate an allegiance to Lady Dieudonne, or other families that might recognize her. She spotted a pair of young lords who seemed like they might know something useful, but Fuu was already talking with them. Emmaline sighed. So far, this had been far less interesting than she had hoped.

Feeling a little down, her mind overburdened by the memories of her past that just refused to go away, Emmaline wandered over to where a young waiter was carrying drinks to guests. She accepted one when he offered and stood around, sipping it slowly as she kept an eye out for guests that seemed either particularly interesting or particularly tipsy. With any luck she would turn up a lead too long, and the new direction would give her something to occupy her mind, so it wouldn't drift back to her parents or her sister or--

"Emmaline!" A familiar voice spoke with a mixture of shock and indignation. Emmaline winced, her fears suddenly and immediately realized. Approaching out from the throng of mingling nobility was her younger sister, Caroline. She moved to Emmaline's side, glaring at the other woman. Her mouth opened to deliver a scathing tirade that she clearly felt Emmaline richly deserved ...but she stopped herself short, remembering where they were, and composed herself before speaking again in a calm but direct manner. "What are you doing here? Where have you been? Mother is furious and I was worried sick!"

Despite her anger, there was a certain relief in the younger Beaumanoir's eyes. Her sister had run off, disappeared, and it seemed Caroline had feared the worst. Now, seeing Emmaline again, brought back memories and feelings that she had done her best to forget.

***

This chapter was co-authored by BriefcaseRonin(https://chyoa.com/user/BriefcaseRonin) through a roleplay! Please check out her other writing :)