Between Christmas, her own family event a couple of nights ago and now the Sugarplum Gala, Torie was tired. This little run of social gatherings was almost as exhausting as the season. It wasn't so bad however, every minute she could sneak in Anthony's company was well worth it. Plus she was able to see Poppy and Basil often, which kept her spirits up. Their annual winter ball had gone well enough, it was a nice little reprieve to have the warmed garden to enjoy even in the dead of winter, but tonight was something else entirely.

Tonight she had donned yet another new dress, gold and draped to perfection. Torie had pulled out her favorite amethyst jewelry, the deep purple of the stone hanging delicately at her ears and neck and she toyed with the necklace every now and then as she kept an eye on the crowd for her favorite people. She was however, looking forward to taking a break from the social scene for a few days after this. Perhaps now that things seemed to be in motion, she could persuade Anthony to call on her and get her out of the house when it became a little too dull, but she was looking forward to a respite.

After a few dances, Torie took her leave from the floor with a glass of champagne. She drifted from the main ballroom toward the library for a moment to catch her breath. Honestly perusing the book selection, she nearly started when Basil came up beside her, but managed to cover it up. "I have not had to fight for a single drink this year," She chuckled. "Almost disappointing." Their meeting last year had started out strained, but Torie had been able to win him over in the long run and now she couldn't imagine life without him as a friend. "Thank you, I'm glad the exhaustion does not show." She passed him a look as she nudged him in return.