20 September, 1987
Work has been mundane and nothing seems to really make Elaine busy. The woman hates being busy at times due to the heap of papers that need to be ready and the stamps that have to be pressed. Yet, it cannot be denied that being invested in something helps to forget about anything else. Especially troublesome matters. This morning has been the usual so far, Elaine mindlessly traces the rim of the warm, ceramic tea cup that sits Infront of her. It's jasmine scent wafts into her nostrils and leaves a soothing influence to the hustle and bustle environment inside her mind.
She watched her own wavering image in the deep, mahogany liquid, and everytime she set it down, the image would shatter into a thousand shards. As if on cue, a voice rang out. "Are you well, my lady?" Lori, of course. Elaine smiled and turned around. "Good morning, Lori. Yes, yes I'm well, how are you faring as of today?"
A long pause follows as Lori tilts her head, the curve of her lips lifting up a bit into a small smile. "I can see something is bothering you. As for your inquiry... it's the same as everyday." Lori claps both her hands, a sudden gesture as though a beam of energy just penetrated through her. "How about you go to the library? Do you not think it's been a while since you went there? I shall send a word for Lady Claire and Lord Vermont to join you. Would that be alright, for you?" Lori stops and looks at Elaine hoping to see some enthusiasm, although she knew not to expect much of her when in such a mood. Elaine thinks and after awhile agrees, since it potentially could be a rather refreshing experience to meet up with her two favorite people in her favorite place.
Slow, yet fast steps echo throughout the grand hall, with an occasional rustling of slik fabric which was accompanied by a more resonant, trudging steps. Elaine knew who had graced the Manor with their presence. In a matter of time, the intricate, polished mahogany door was pushed open as bright lights from the hall shined through. Elaine looked up, and before she could process, a set of arms rushed to hold her. "My goodness, Elaine!! I was waiting so long for you to invite me. Have you forgotten me or what?" Lady Claire was truly an eager beaver. Blonde hair, bright eyes, pale skin, and a thoughtful mind, she was the very example of a fair maiden. On the other side of the room, stood a tall, figure looming over the both, Lord Vermont. Being chivalrous was something he was practically born with, he had a way with his words. Given his nature, it really did shock people whenever he broke those stereotypes. His speciality lays on being an excellent equestrian, even in theost labyrinthine passages, he could swiftly guide a fierce stallion towards the light at the end of a tunnel.
It was obvious the three are of royal blood and did of course inherit titles, but each and every lineage differed from one another. Yet somehow, they managed to coexist throughout the years.
"No, I hadn't forgotten you. Never. You know that, don't you? All three of us are equally busy with our own occupations and of course the families. I did not want to disturb and today seemed like a suitable day to meet up." Elaine confessed and decided to share out today's plan of going through the library, and all the books there have actually been updated so it was an ideal way of spending their leisure time together.
The library in the Lytton Manor held not just mere books but it held a presence and ambiance of generational wealth and knowledge. Multiple categories with varieties of books, and it was the birthplace of knowledge for every Lytton born. Including Elaine. The afternoon sun was quite gloomy today, but it did not cease to cast a suitable experience for reading.
"You know... I'm curious. I never really got to ask you this but..do you think we could read or see that book that ..Lady Clarissa..your grandmother left you?"
Elaine turns to look at Claire, she really had an astounding memory, even Elaine herself forgot about the existence of that book. She pursed her lips as she thought for a while.
"Thank you for reminding me, Claire.
We can look into it, it's supposed to be somewhere..."
Her eyes scan the shelves filled with books and one book stood out among all. A deep olive green, with a well worn appearance, hinting to it being used countless of times, it's spine bent. As Elaine took it out, both Claire and Vermont , each went to her side and leaned closer to see. The pages were creamy white, with a striking black ink that was embossed within the pages. The slight scent of dust and musk intoxicated the three, and that stirred up a feeling.
Elaine carefully flipped through the pages and stopped when she saw an illustration of a stopwatch, and it was not just any stopwatch, she knew this one, it was the same one that she carried herself, even now with the inventions of the modern clock and phones.