Lucas stood before a wooden building, its weathered exterior bathed in soft sunlight. The structure wasn't particularly grand, but it had an air of quiet importance. Its slightly arched roof and ornate carvings along the frame spoke of a history steeped in craftsmanship. Above the entrance, etched in an unfamiliar script that somehow translated in his mind, were the words Library. A faint aroma of aged wood and parchment drifted from the doorway, hinting at the treasures within.
Though Lucas had known their destination was the library, he hadn't expected to be brought here immediately upon reaching the main city. His eyes lingered on the intricate details of the door—worn, yet sturdy—as he tried to reconcile his thoughts. The city itself, bustling and alive, now felt distant, as if the library had pulled them into a quieter, more contemplative world.
Eldric dismounted his Skyrak with practiced ease, the bird's talons clicking softly against the cobblestones as it adjusted its weight. The large creature ruffled its feathers, letting out a low, guttural coo. Eldric turned to Lucas, his expression calm yet firm.
"Lucas, let's get inside."
Lucas, who had been staring blankly at the building as if trying to decipher its purpose, blinked and nodded. "Alright."
Clumsily, he slid off his own Skyrak, nearly stumbling as he touched the ground. The creature tilted its head, watching him with an inquisitive, almost amused gaze. Together, they approached the entrance, leaving their towering mounts tethered outside.
As they stepped inside, the air changed. It was cooler, tinged with the scent of old paper, leather bindings, and a faint hint of lavender, likely from some kind of cleaning agent. The light filtering through high arched windows painted the interior in hues of gold and amber. The walls were lined with towering shelves, each filled to the brim with books of various sizes, colors, and conditions. Some volumes looked ancient, their spines cracked and their titles faded, while others gleamed with newer bindings. The floor was made of polished wood, its surface bearing the faint scuffs of countless footsteps over the years.
A girl with soft brown hair tied neatly back and wearing round glasses greeted them from behind a wide wooden desk near the entrance. Her pointed ears and delicate features marked her as an elf, but her demeanor was warm and welcoming.
"Welcome, visitors!" she said, her voice bright.
When her gaze fell upon Eldric, her expression shifted to one of recognition. "Oh, it's you, Eldric. It's been a while since you've come by. Did you come to learn more magic spells?"
Eldric shook his head. "No, I came to guide my friend here to where he can read and learn more about his elements."
"Oh? That's great, Eldric. Well, have fun reading, then."
Lucas observed their exchange with quiet curiosity. The way they spoke to each other hinted at a familiarity that made him wonder how often Eldric visited this place. He glanced around, taking in the surroundings as they moved deeper into the library.
The interior felt almost labyrinthine. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched endlessly, each section marked with elegant signs indicating its contents: History, Alchemy, Elemental Magic, Beast Lore, and countless others. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their intricate designs holding crystals that refracted light across the room, casting gentle rainbows on the walls. The occasional creak of the floorboards underfoot added a sense of intimacy to the vast space.
Lucas marveled at the sense of order here. Despite the overwhelming number of books, everything seemed meticulously arranged. The faint rustling of pages and murmured conversations echoed softly, creating an atmosphere of focused tranquility. Somewhere in the distance, he heard the faint clink of a cart being wheeled, likely by another librarian organizing the collection.
Eldric came to a halt near a quieter section of the library, where the shelves were noticeably older and the books seemed more specialized. He turned to Lucas.
"All the books you need will be in this part of the library. If you want to look for other books, feel free to roam around. I have somewhere to go, so I'm afraid I can't help you much from here."
Lucas nodded, though the thought of being left alone in such a vast place made him hesitate. "It's alright, Eldric. You've helped me enough."
Eldric's tone softened slightly. "And don't worry about getting lost. Go to other places if you want, I'll find you when I'm done."
With that, Eldric turned and strode away, his footsteps fading into the ambient sounds of the library. Lucas stood there for a moment, watching his retreating figure.
'He really just left me like that?'
Lucas sighed but quickly shook off the feeling. 'Oh, well. He's done enough—bringing me to the city, guiding me here, and showing me where to find the books I need. He may act cold, but he's surprisingly helpful.'
Turning his attention to his surroundings, Lucas scanned the towering shelves. The section he stood in bore the label Rare and Elemental Texts, and the books here radiated a sense of age and power. Some had intricate designs embossed on their covers, while others were bound in simple leather, their edges frayed with time.
Looking up, Lucas noticed the ceiling above this part of the library was domed, painted with faded murals depicting ancient magical practices. Tiny motes of dust floated in the air, illuminated by the soft beams of sunlight streaming through small, round windows set high above. The room felt almost sacred, as if stepping into it required a certain reverence.
Despite its grandness, the library had an inviting warmth. The faint hum of magical wards layered into the walls added a gentle vibrancy to the air, making the space feel alive. Lucas couldn't help but feel both awe and curiosity as he began to wander, ready to explore the wealth of knowledge this place had to offer.