Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 20:37:59 GMT -5
The clouds were gathering overhead, promising a stormy evening when Emeline returned from the city proper and the errands that sent her there. Handing off the basket of goods procured to one of the well-trained servants with a nod of thanks, she started to retreat to the parlor set aside for the ladies of the family, intending to order a pot of hot tea and warm herself at the hearth. No sooner had she turned to begin the approach then she was interrupted by another servant, offering her a salver on which rested fine quality vellum bearing a seal in purple wax.
Purple wax? Emeline stared at the seal for a moment, realizing that only one family used that specifically colored sealing wax. Whatever was in that missive, it came from the Royal Family. Swiftly schooling her features into calm, she took the vellum from the salver and thanked the servant as she turned into the parlor. The seal was examined, confirming that it was embossed with the lotus flower that was the Deveraux sigil.
Why were the Deverauxs writing to the Prices? Had they already learned that Tysen was possibly missing? Emma had not seen her eldest brother in days and neither had anyone else in the household, raising questions that lacked answers. Frowning, she broke the seal and read the contents carefully before she re-folded the missive. Her gaze shifted to the fire, watching the dancing flames while she took several minutes to think about the implications of the missive and who'd sent it.
Finally, Emma broke herself away from her reeling thoughts, moving quickly through the house. She didn't bother with a wrap, instead exiting the rear of the house to briskly stride across the courtyard and down the way, guided by the bell-like ringing of hammer on anvil. As she approached, she could feel the heat pouring out of the doors, thrown wide; she could hear the furnace as well, a low, unceasing roar that made her think of awakened dragons.
Stepping into the doorway, she welcomed the rush of heat over her as she let her eyes adjust to the dim interior before seeking out her brother. Emma was not one to interrupt Everett while he was at work, but she felt the letter justified her intrusion. Waiting for a break in the rhythm, she shouted to gain his attention. "Everett!"
Everett Price