--- Part 1 ---
Deep in the heart of London a ball was being held within the confines of Lord Abernathy royal residence. It was a common custom to celebrate the New Year with such a fashion. Inviting all the nobles and people of prominence to the Lord's house for a feast and party. Where would sixteenth century England be without such things?
Meredith sat idly by as she watched her father talk with a local magistrate from Paris, her long blue gown clinging tightly to her body. The party was quite interesting, with all the delicacies and colors it provided, but at the same time it was a place of exquisite business. Sighing deeply to herself, Meredith wanted to enjoy her night out but she knew no one of importance to parley with. Alas, it would have to wait until her father's business was over.
"My lady, why is such a fine young woman sitting by herself," said a proper-sounding voice.
Without looking over, Meredith replied. "My father is busy with work, it would not be proper."
"With all due respect," leaning into Meredith's view, the man smiled. "I insist that you have fun."
Meredith looked up into the eyes of Lord Abernathy, a tall, finely crafted Englishman with long, curled brown hair. "I am sorry my lord, I meant no disrespect." Smiling through her embarrassment, Meredith averted her eyes.
Lord Abernathy stared at the young woman, the ends of his lips folding up into a wide, jovial smile. "It is quite alright my dear. When I throw these parties, I expect all my guests to enjoy themselves, daughters of busy and industrious men included."
"Yes, of course," Meredith said. "It is an excellent party my lord. Your house is extremely fine."
"That it is, but I believe someone of your refinement would find a more appropriate area of pleasurable-reconnoitering in the Blue Room."
"The Blue Room?" Meredith said curiously.
"Oh yes, it is even more spectacular than this party." Lord Abernathy clapped his hands. From behind a small, ornately carved cupboard, a short man appeared.
"You called my lord," the short man said with a dull sounding voice.
Lord Abernathy smiled down at the young woman as he spoke to the butler, "Yes Wainwright, please take Ms. Smyth to the Blue Room."
"As you wish my lord," he said with a nod. "My lady, please follow closely."
Meredith looked over at her father, who had been parted from the French businessman and was now intently discussing something with a Turk. She sighed before smiling and turning to Wainwright. "Thank you Lord Abernathy."
"Do not thank me my dear, enjoy yourself."
Meredith stood and followed the short butler out of the room, her blue and white dress flowing along with her.
--- Part 2 ---
As the two walked the halls towards the Blue Room that Lord Abernathy mentioned, Meredith could not resist viewing the tapestries and paintings that lined the walls. Most must have been from Italian artists of some refinement. A rather interesting one showed a large set of various fruits. It was odd, the grapes, oranges, pomegranates, and other items seemed to stand out, almost as if they poked out from the canvas.
The entire house seemed enchanted with some magical prescience. "This house is wonderful," Meredith said with baited breath.
Wainwright continued walking forward as he spoke in his normal meandering way. "Lord Abernathy wishes only the best for his guests and family."
"I can imagine," Meredith responded as she stepped past a large set of four statues. Each one was beautified as a particular season, with gold and floral wreaths around their heads.
They walked slowly down a set of stairs that seemed some distance from the front audience room. Meredith held her dress up slightly as she stepped down the stairs.
Stopping in front of a large mural of the goddess Venus, Wainwright looked back behind Meredith. Scanning the empty stairwell, Wainwright turned his attention back towards the painting. "My lord wishes this room to remain a secret, lest its features be spoiled."
"I see." Meredith was a little curious at to why such a room might be damaged.
Wainwright studied the side of the painting before he found what he was looking for, a golden lever attached to a small device behind the painting. Pulling the lever down, Wainwright stepped to the side as the painting shifted to the left. "You may enter."
Meredith peeked into the opening hesitantly. "Is it safe?"
"The lord would not have sent you to a place that was not," keeping his eyes straight, Wainwright waited from Meredith to enter.
Summoning up her courage, Meredith walked through the opening and into a long cold tunnel. Behind her, the painting shifted back, separating her from Wainwright.
--- Part 3 ---
Meredith slowly walked down the stone hallway. It was cold and void of any moisture. She clung her arms around her chest. Her blue dress was excellently crafted but silk provided little protection from the cold.
As she walked down the corridor, Meredith couldn't help but look up the sides of the walls. Near the top of the stone walls were intricate carvings of flowers. Roses, lilies, tulips, and other flowers seemed to be so well carved that Meredith could almost imagine they were real.
Down the corridor, Meredith heard a soft chiming sound, like the sound from a set of small brass plates. She couldn't help but feel something poking into her mind. It felt like something she had done before many times, but this time it felt differently.