[color=#D4987F][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/P7enTOf.png[/img][/center]

[color=#035E7B]Time:[/color] Evening
[color=#035E7B]Location:[/color] Banquet hall
[color=#035E7B]Interactions:[/color]  [@princess] Anastasia
[color=#035E7B]Mentions:[/color] [@Lava Alckon] Drake
[color=#035E7B]Outfit:[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/QoPP1pz.jpeg]Dress, Hair, and Makeup[/url]

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The herald’s voice echoed through the grand hall, announcing her arrival. [Color=gold]"Presenting Lady Thea Smithwood of Stravy!"[/color]

Thea entered the banquet hall with a purposeful stride, the weight of the evening barely registered beneath the confident facade she wore. The moment she stepped inside, she felt eyes on her, and for a fleeting moment, she basked in the attention. Thea was no stranger to it, though tonight, the anticipation of seeing her mother again clung to her like a heavy cloak. Perhaps that was why she indulged in a bit of alcohol before the banquet? Not nearly as much as she had been drinking about a week ago, but still enough to give her some confidence.

Her attire tonight was nothing short of striking: a gown of shimmering fiery orange silk that hugged her figure tightly before flowing down in graceful waves, the fabric catching the light as she moved. The low-cut neckline was daring but sophisticated, framed by delicate gold embroidery of twisting vines that seemed to dance across her curves, an intricate touch that drew attention to the natural elegance of her body. 

Her golden locks, usually falling loose around her shoulders in delicate natural curls, were arranged in soft, deliberate waves around her face in an updo. Her makeup was subtly bold with eyes accentuated with dark kohl and lips painted a deep red that only heightened the tantalizing curve of her smile.

Though her gaze swept across the room, scanning for her brother and others she might know, there was one face she couldn’t help but seek more eagerly than the rest: Lord Drake Edwards. Her steps slowed, eyes scanning for his familiar presence among the sea of guests and wondering where he would be seated, her chest tightening with both excitement and a touch of anxiety. 

But even as she searched for Drake, the weight of the evening remained. This event, this banquet—her mother, the looming shadows of what this banquet would bring for Varians—everything felt heavy beneath the gilded glow. Yet, with Leo beside her (whenever he chose to make an appearance), she felt certain she could weather the evening.
  
Turning her head slightly, she spotted the king himself, lounging on his throne in his usual, chaotic indulgence. It took everything in her not to laugh at him and she found herself quickly turning her attention to the Queen and her children. She gave a curtsy before her eyes landed on her best friend and a mischievous smile spread across Thea’s lips. She waved at her best friend, her hand a quick, playful gesture that cut through the sea of people between them. Despite the glamour and grandeur of the evening, Thea felt a moment of ease, a little piece of home in the form of the girl who had been her anchor over the past few days. Anastasia was a calming presence for her, and tonight, Thea needed all the calm she could get. She held the wave for a moment longer, as if to say, ‘I’ve got this,’ before turning her attention to the looming presence of her mother, Duchess Alice.

Her nerves returned as she took her assigned seat a few seats away from the woman.[/color]