Tea Time (Part 1)

JP with Redsword, Lorem and Cindy

Elizabeth was quite pleased that she had met Mr. Vor’Aster earlier today. She was also pleased that people were beginning to show. Hopefully, Sasha had been able to get Dr. Jackal to agree without much effort.

Right now though the Eldren's main task was to convince Lorem to join them.

After she arrived home, a change into an outfit more appropriate for tea was changed into. She went this time with a dress of soft green delicate floating silk and a white bow. The tea would be held indoors so no hat was necessary. She accessoried the outfit with drop pearl earrings and a single pearl necklace offset in gold.

Elizabeth went downstairs to find everything was set as requested. Now it was just for her and Sung to await their guests.

Lorem and Nostrud came to a halt in the Dampfwagen after carefully parking in front of Lady Ellington’s house. Lorem removed her riding gloves, goggles and hat and placed them in the small storage compartment beneath the driver side seat. Her father meanwhile was glad to be climbing out of the jittery and noisy contraption back onto solid ground. He retrieved the gift they brought from the back of the vehicle. Lorem turned off the Dampfwagen, which gave a gushing hiss as it released steam, as she expunged any remaining pressure inside the engine and boiler.

The two gnomes made their way to the front door. Nostrud made sure that his daughter looked as presentable as possible, fixing the back of her dressed that had gotten folded from sitting in the machine. She adjusted his collar and tie. They both looked like they were hired staff as opposed to guests based on how they were dressed.

Nostrud was about to knock when Lorem stopped him and pointed to the clockwork device that she deduced acted as a doorbell and communication device. Being a littler higher than able to reach, Lorem put her hands into the pockets of her dress; a design of her own making. And pulled out one of the many items she always carried around with her.

It was a collapsible metal pointer that she extended to a longer length and used to pushed the button on the panel. Depressing the button elicited a buzzing sound and then a chime designed to bringing attention to those inside to the front door.

They both waited patiently. Standing in front of the door felt just as exciting as standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. Nostrud was slightly in front, with Lorem … a bit nervous … behind.

The door opened and a man dressed in black teils white gloves and shit with a bowtie, "Good afternoon Sir and Ma'am and may I ask who is calling?" the butler asked politely.

Sung walked to the Tea room doorway and looked at the front door and the butler. seeing the shadows form the light behind the people at the door he had a good idea who was there. He pulled his pocket watch out and looked at the time. "Elizabeth they are right on time Mr. and Miss Ipsum have arrived. " Sung said him trying to hid his Korean accent.

The two gnomes craned their heads back in order to look up at the butler. Nostrud was exactly 4 feet tall. Lorem was on the more petite side for a gnome at 3’6”, and she wore working boots which didn’t boost her height save half an inch at best. Lorem collapsed the pointer and returned it inside her right dress pocket. Nostrud stepped forward and presented Lady Ellington’s invitation card up to the butler to let the man know that they were called upon.

In addition, he handed the man another card that was made out of a piece of 8 mm thick scrap metal with one of the corners on each end cut off. Etched in calligraphy on one side it read … Ipsum. “Mr. Ipsum and his youngest daughter Miss Ipsum my good sir. We are here for our 3:30 pm tea per Lady Ellington’s generous invitation.”

"Yes, Sir please come this way. The house was immaculate and decorated with only the best decorations. The wood was polished the furniture was plush everything you would expect from a lady of her station.

Ipsum's was led to the room where Elizabeth and Sung were waiting. Sung was the first to meet them just inside the room. Mr. Ipsum and Miss Ipsum, I am glad you came please take a seat we have refreshments for you." said Sung He did not mess up their names too badly. but his accent did come out. Sung motioned with his hand to some seats near by.

Lorem trailed behind her father as they were promptly led through the house. Both were astounded by the opulence of the interior design and materials of the decorum. Lorem was taking in every detail, being an eager scholar of architecture.

The interiors they had experienced with regards to the luxury suites of Wuppertal’s railways, yachts, and airships were nice, but not to this degree. Lorem was used to industrial environments full of all manner of scrap, noise and mess; and their gnomish home back in Bramen definitely had a “lived in” feel to its sense of order. Lorem was concerned to touch anything, lest she put something out of order or smudged something in this picture perfect place.

Upon being ushered into the room where they would be socializing and having tea, Nostrud bowed respectfully and Lorem curtseyed.

Nostrud responded, “We humbled and honored to for the invitation.” His English wasn’t smooth like Lorem’s, but it was easy enough to understand.

The two gnomes made their way to their indicated seats. They had to hop up into them. The effort was something that any little person was used to doing in a big person’s world, so they accomplished it seamlessly and with ease. Their feet didn’t touch the ground. Nostrud placed the wrapped gift next to him for now.

“Thank you this opportunity. We are most impressed with your abode and design.” Nostrud commented politely.

Hearing that Lorem and her father were right on time made Elizabeth smile. Punctuality was a good quality to have.

Elizabeth smiled at her guests. "Thank you. It's a pleasure to have both of you here." The lady of the house then turned to the servant, a young man with blonde hair that couldn't have been more than 18. "Please tell the staff we're ready for tea." The servant nodded and walked away.

Elizabeth turned her attention back to her guests. "I hope your trip here was pleasant."

Nostrud nodded. Lorem also nodded, but more subtle. “Yes it was milday.” Her sweet German voice finally opened up. In addition, she enjoyed interacting with her inventions.

“I hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your day at the Exposition? There is so much to take in.”

"We did take in the History of Habation but did not have time for much else this day." Elizabeth responded. "I am sure I will have more opportunities to explore the Exposition in the near future. So, what has been your favorite part of the Exposition. Have you gotten to explore areas of Paris outside the Exposition?"