An Inventor's Heart
With almost childlike curiosity, Moira leaned forward to get a better look at the contents of the box. She had to slide a strand of her hair back behind her ear, which cheekily pushed itself in front of her eye. Small creatures moved slowly in the long box. They looked like tiny turtles, no bigger than a cherry. Her scaly skin glistened in a green-brownish shade under the bright light of the gas lamp, while the shell was covered with many black spots. The head looked more like that of a young vulture than the turtles she knew. Moira cocked her head a little when she heard a soft, ticking noise.
"Wonderful creatures aren't they!"
"Good lord, Salmen."
Moira pressed her hand on her racing heart.
"When did you come in?"
"Just now."
She could see his pleasure in his eyes and in his smile. But then he turned away and pointed with his hand at the room, in which they were.
"What do you think of my workshop? Does it meet your expectations?"
"You made me wait"
Moira did not intend to further strengthen his ego. He knew too well that his workshop was better than any she had seen before.
"And your animals look a little dirty."
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Salmen stepped up to her and looked at the turtles. For a brief moment he looked confused, then he reached for one of the animals.
"You'd better sharpen your eyes my love. Especially if you want to work with me."
He handed her the turtle. Fascinated, Moira looked at the animal as it sat quietly on her hand and returned her gaze. The ticking sound had grown louder and she felt a slight vibration from the small body. She gasped when she saw the tiny gears on the shell. She had never seen such fine work. Even what she had taken for skin she now recognized as metal.
"When you're ready, I'd like to start."