#bluebuttons

Glass Buttons

Elnias had answered the door and ushered in the small seamstress with a bow and flourish of hand, “The Grand Dame is awaiting you in the parlor, Miss Sunspell.” The man led the way through what likely seemed to be a maze of elegantly outfitted rooms which were perfect down to the very last detail.

Naivaria had been escorted into Lady Devonshire's study by a man who was unfamiliar to her; that was to be expected, for no sooner had she been announced had the man departed, leaving her alone to face the intimidation that was Anatheliea Devonshire. The woman -was- intimidating, too; an icon, a legend, and here she was standing inside the woman's home, one hand at her collarbone to clutch the little half-cape that she perpetually wore a little tighter around herself as she looked around the room with wide eyes. As soon as her gaze fell upon the lady Devonshire, however, she immediately dipped into a deep curtsy. "My lady," she intoned politely, not quite sure that her quiet tone would carry through the room to the woman's ears.

Lady Devonshire was sitting perched upon the settee and leaning down to the small robotic thing with a most curious look upon her face. “Elnias, darling, how is it that you do this again? I’ve quite forgotten.” A button was held in her hand and there were at least a dozen other buttons scattered along the floor. Clearly she had not been entirely successful in this particular venture.

Her brows furrowed for a moment more and as she looked past Elnias and as Naivaria interjected, the look dissipated into a broad smile. The Lady rose with arms extended and stepped forth to embrace the young woman, “Oh… Naivaria. I have so been looking forward to our meeting.” Hands gently ran down the young lady’s arms as the elder woman inspected the fabric. “You do a fine job, girl. It has been literally years since I have seen someone with the potential which you possess. But do come in and our boy toy will find a pot of tea in this old house.”

Elnias chuckled and dipped his head, turning on heel.  In truth, he was merely her assistant although he allowed the woman to keep appearances and say mildly inappropriate things from time to time because it amused them both.

Naivaria has been so busy ogling the hallways that she had not taken much interest in the man, to be truthful. To be in a house this fancy caused her breath to catch at odd moments during their labyrinthine walk to the lady's study. 

Whatever she had been expecting, though, it had not been a mechanical device or a bunch of buttons... or, it seemed, an embrace from the woman. She very nearly flailed, not knowing if it was really appropriate to hug her back... but, ah, then the woman was running her hands down the sleeves of the heavier robe that she had chosen to travel in this evening, and complimenting her handiwork, and she simply couldn't help it--she smiled and bobbed her head, her cheeks taking on that faint tinge of pink that they frequently acquired when she became excited. 

"Oh, I have been looking forward to meeting with you as well my lady," she said quietly, the half-cape's warmth forgotten for the moment. "And you are too kind. Yours are words I never expected to hear from one of your iconic status."

Anatheliea laughed softly as the young woman blushed and reached up to unclasp the small cloak. “Put it over on the chair, darling. And do tell me of yourself while we try to figure out this blasted button contraption.” The matron turned and sat before the little thing again, trying to extend the button and saying the word, “Blue.” The robot did not seem to be having it. “Push the golden button on the front, my Lady.” The deep voice came from the direction of the hall where Elnias stood with a tray that was ornate silver. A beautiful tea setting of china rested atop it over lace and a plate which was overrun with small pastries. The man crossed the room to a small table and set it down, turning back to them.

Elnias turned back a moment too late though and the robotic creature clipped out words as lights began to flash. “Buttons. Blue. Buttons.” Lady Devonshire looked positively shocked and sat back abruptly with a hand raised to cover her heart in disbelief. It had sucked up all of the buttons on the floor and was now spinning around in a circle! The clamoring got louder along with a whirl of gears grinding and then the head started to turn round and round. “BUTTONS. BLUE. BUTTONS.” This was not going to end well.