January 2nd, 1895 — Noble's Workshop

On New Year's Eve, at the booth, Noble had told the woman in the booth I want to be happy. He'd been fairly exasperated about it, but had popped the bonbon into his mouth anyways. Who was he to pass up on a candy he'd already paid for?

He'd been in good spirits on New Year's Day, and now was the first time he was back in his workshop after actually enjoying spending yesterday with his family. He was brewing beauty potions — everyone was interested in beautification in the immediate aftermath of the New Year. He was actually brewing with the door open, and humming a song that Grace had played on the piano to himself, and had just moved a batch into a carafe when he heard someone approaching the door.

"It's a beautiful day!" Noble called, cheerful, having not even checked who was there yet. Whoever it was, he was sure he'd be glad to see them.

open to someone with reason to be at the Greengrass residence, or a client/prospective client of Noble's!

  

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set by Bee

Lorelei liked occasionally dropping in on her cousins for a number of reasons--not the least of which was that she spent entirely too much time at home these days, since that was where she was working from at the moment. She'd stopped by today to wish her family a happy New Year before she went on to Padmore Park for the festivities there, and someone had mentioned that Noble was in his workshop.

When she approached, she was surprised and a little amused to see the door open and to hear what sounded like humming. "In a good mood today, are we?" she asked.

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Bee is actual magic

Oh, cousin Lorelei! Noble grinned at her, crooked, and shrugged his shoulders. "It's a New Year," he said, tone bright. "I hope you're in a good mood too, or I'll be all annoying." Usually Noble was much snarkier, in general and with his cousins, but he was feeling particularly chatty today. And a visit from Lorelei was a treat!

  

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set by Bee

"I suppose I am," Lorelei said, amused. "I just came by to say happy New Year. I'm happy to see you so... well." If she thought it was odd, she was at least ready to let it slide at the moment.

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Bee is actual magic

Maybe it was strange for him to be in a good mood like this, but Noble did not think it a bad thing. Maybe he was — turning a corner. Probably he would be just as irritable as usual tomorrow, but right now, he could not quite make himself believe it. "Happy New Year to you, too," Noble replied, in the same bright tone. "Any fun activities yesterday for yourself and Cousin Greer?"

  

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set by Bee

"We tried the ice skating over at the park yesterday." She made a face. "I'm sure you can guess how that went for us." Lorelei laughed. Well, it was certainly amusing now, when she was no longer in danger of slipping on ice. Though the sight of the pair of them trying to do winter activities was probably itself amusing. "I was thinking of going back today. For the festivities in general, not the ice skating," she clarified. "Have you been?"

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Bee is actual magic

He smiled at the thought of Cousins Greer and Lorelei skating — particularly Cousin Greer, who could be irritable at the best of times.

"Not yet," Noble replied. Normally he would not have bothered with much follow up, because going to the festivities did not feel particularly useful. But instead he took a step back from his cauldron and asked, "Can I come with you?"

  

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set by Bee