Her subsequent smile was weak at best and she sighed softly. This was how it was going to be wasn't it? Maybe she should just stop going to events altogether, leave it to Zin and Dahlia for now. They had better chances at these things anyway. She could stay home with Thistle and man the shop.

"Enjoy your evening." She added as a farewell, scooting around him toward the large doors that led to the foyer of the school. Just a few minutes to escape and collect herself. The evening had barely begun and she would need to put on a happy face for the rest of it, so she needed to gather her wits about her— which for Daffy, happened best outside.

The castle itself brought back so many memories, if it weren't for Dahlia's debut, she wouldn't have come, but she couldn't begrudge her sister her night after all. Daff stole out the heavy oak doors at the front of the school and down the steps, hitting the walkway and turning left to the small courtyard that was off to the side. It had often been a good hideaway during her school years. Her feet carried her there of by memory and she finally felt like she could breathe. She leaned against the stone wall, head tilted back as she looked up and soaked in the sinking sun and the colors on the horizon; she felt better already.