Her steps come to a halt as she enters the room, seeming to have walked into something she was not supposed to.
Claire, being the one who could charm one off their shoes said, "You're back. Annie, we needed to talk about something."
For some reason, Annie felt her skin subtly sweat, her heart feeling heavier than usual well technically one cannot feel the weight of their heart..or maybe they can. Anyways, Claire's upfront words seemed to have stirred something within Annie.
She had just left the life back at the meadows, the life that gave her free will, and the quiet life many people would beg for. Although for someone living there constantly with little to no stable source of communication with different people, it would rather be an emotionally exhausting experience. She left that life she lived for so long, and found a circle of people and..well living like this was not so bad. Was she going to have to say goodbye so soon?
She clutched the basket in her hands firmly, before looking at them with eyes that were on the verge of caving in to her inner feelings.
Claire, who was about to speak stoppEd
"Annie, are you okay-? Gosh I'm sorry I came off tone"
Claire realized and hit herself on the forehead lightly.
Elaine, on the other hand, went up to Annie, and just stood Infront of her.
"Are you alright, Annie?"
Annie's eyes went wide and suddenly the blood capillaries in her cheeks seems to enlarge and soon enough, her cheeks were pink, her tip of her nose was pink, and her eyes let out a few tears before she laughed in what seemed like relief.
"I..I thought you all were leaving..this is very foolish for me to say, but really..I thought it was something serious. Please, I do not what this to end so fast.. it's been such a great time even though, I'm nothing more than a stranger."
As she wiped off her own tears, the trio were left speechless. Goodness gracious, just to quench their curiosity, they had come so far without realizing, perhaps it would is true when they say that one way leads to the other and it can turn into a long adventure.
Despite being stuck in a time that's not their own, it seemed to give them relief their time of origin barely did.
"Annie, it is something serious but I suppose that can wait."
Elaine escorted Annie to her room, looking back and signaling for Claire to come follow, which she did immediately.
As for Vermont..well even for the mightiest soul, this was something sentimental.
He got off and went towards his quarter, his boots clacked along the wood.
"It's not a goodbye silly, I'm sorry I said that so... seriously."
Claire confessed more expressively to help clear up whatever confusion had mixed in with the air around here.
"But like she said..it is serious. I heard you two got to know about some..work in the upcoming masquerade?"
Annie, now much more grounded to earth, responded, "Oh yes, we did. A job for a maid or servant, the trials begin within a few days.
Four days actually."
"FOUR!?!?"
Claire exclaimed before shutting herself.
"My..that is soon, very soon actually. Well, we were wondering, would you take in the offer? It's not like you will not be able to participate at the ball..you will just after taking care of your duties as the worker. If need be, Claire may accompany you."
"..I don't know.. the offer is generous, there is quite the charitable wage for just even appearing at the trial. Although, Elaine, the trials are at the Moor household."
Nostalgia sparked within Elaine, maybe Claire as well. The Moors were the cousins of the Lytton household. Of course, the trials would be held there, the main venue is only meant for the chosen ones.
"They are friendly people, Annie.
While we are there, maybe I will find my subordinates, and surely, the first thing we will do is thank you for your generosity and integrity. You've done so much for us, it will not be a goodbye though."
That somewhat made Annie feel more in place, "Well.. alright, I will apply for it..but am I going there alone?"
"Nope comrade, I shall accompany you on a journey of sweeping floors and dusting furnitures."
Claire said enthusiastically, flashing a smile that seemed to have its own personalized light.
Annie smiled brightly and nodded.
Elaine's eyes drifted towards the mirror that encapsulated the image of the three of them. Entirely different girls, of different time, place, upbringing and yet together.
She wondered just how long til even this.. would drift away. Or maybe prephaps, something better was waiting.
Irene sat calmly sipping her evening tea, as her husband, Javis seemed somewhat concerned.
"Something the matter, love?"
Said the woman who's silver strands made aging feel like the rejuvenation of another stage of life.
"Dear, I'm just wondering where Elaine is...not just her, Claire and Vermont too..
Sometimes, even I cannot keep up with my enigmatic way of expressing myself."
He added with a little laugh.
(Yep, this is Mama and Papa Lytton)
"Don't worry.. I'm sure..Elaine has a long explanation to present no matter where she is, or where her curiosity took her. Although yes ..I feel rather concerned for the other two."
Elaine felt a sudden shudder down her spine, one almost too familiar, as though it was a calling. Usually, a calling for something that would shake her entire soul, and this time around, it would most likely be more than that.