The Night After The Party We Don't Talk About

[Madam Zaragoza]

“Did anyone see my hip flask at all? I think I left it in here last?” She pauses running through her head what she can remember as it where she sat, stood and lay at various points.

[alanwrotethis]

In another room, Dukes curses and clicks his fingers. An assortment of random clothing tumbles towards him, manhandling him as buttons clasp and sleeves find their mark.
He scans the room, a brush assaulting his hair with diabolical aim.
"Where is her... ouch, why can't she wear something easier to see at night!?"
He mutters, picking up a few stray pieces of black fabric. When he holds them up and sees the... state they are in, he grumbles and rifles through a wardrobe for a spare suit. As he leaves the room he snatches the animated brush off of his head and throws it onto a nearby chair.

Returning to the library, a bundle of his own clothes in hand, he takes a seat beside Aurelia.
"Yes, splendid, grand, whatever was just said was charming. I. Am. Sure."
He turns to Aurelia.
"In case you want them."
At her confused look at the offer of men's clothing, he gives a widening of the eyes.
You don't want to know.

[L .]

Aurelia's eyes widen a moment and then slide down to the clothes, before coming up again. She takes Dukes entirely at this word.

"I do, it seems improper in this company to remain quite so relaxed." One hand at her sheet, she reaches out to take his clothes with a murmured thanks. "The night before is one thing."

"Does anyone mind especially for lack of propriety if I..." she trails off asking. Even as her gaze comes up she spots Aldrich sitting directly opposite her. Aurelia's expression takes on an immediate deadpan look. "I see not."

She begins changing, tugging on the trousers under the half-gaping sheet with some exasperation.

[Jean-Jacques]

Having forlornly looked around the lecturn, Jean-Jacques glances up as Hermina is searching for her flask and recalls it from the evening.

He gives up on his book surmising it likely wandered off somewhere of its own accord and moves to where Hermina is

“Elder Hermina, can ee assist your search?”

[Valentina Audley]

"Would you wish some assistance Elder?" Valentina moves to Aurelia, clearly intending to hold the sheet and shield her from view if accepted.

[L .]

Aurelia looks genuinely startled by the suggestion, not having been used to a female companion before. It throws her back to her mortal life and a strange emotion wells in her.

"... Ah, yes, thank you. That would be wise."

She continues anew, with glorious assistance.

[alanwrotethis]

Niketas, somewhat unfazed by the public changing, claps his hands together.
"So.... Hermina your hipflask is on the shelf behind the target, Jean-Jacques's book is under the ottoman, and Keane?"
Dukes turns to the elder.
"Sorry, I think your bead must have gone off with Durham... he sat on it at one point."
He smiles.
"Anything else you need to know? Anyone?"

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina smiles and deftly holds the sheet, hiding Aurelia from all eyes except possibly Dukes who is sat a little close to be shielded.

[Madam Zaragoza]

“Thank you Dukes,” she walks over to the shelf and collects her flask. She slumps down in a nearby seat, unscrews it and takes down a large gulp. She looks a overwhelmed by everything.

“Er... is how is everyone this evening?”

[L .]

From safely behind the sheet, Aurelia tsks just slightly, to catch Valentina's attention; she grins as she pulls on the last garment, mouthing 'Round seven was meant to be in here' - perhaps to explain their host's mood, the slight mania in his eyes.

"I am done, thank you."

Aurelia spends a moment sorting out her hair, which is now mid-back and loose in a fall of straight glossy black, braiding it instead. "And I am well, Elder Hermina. How was your night?"

The ridiculousness of the small talk is not lost on her.