After accepting the potential noble lady's proposal, I followed her towards the library, and I quickly noticed how many looks she received as we passed by busy streets and vendors. My assumption that she was a noble, must have been correct, even though she was dressed in what I would consider a high end merchant outfit. I had read plenty of fantasy novels, and the way that Nia carried her self, was exactly how the 'nice' noble woman would. Kind, smily, and extremely attractive, on top of commanding the crowds attention wherever she went.
I was uneasy about what her angle was, but for now I felt no reason not to enjoy the time spent with a gorgeous woman. So I spoke up
'Hey, I'm Jason by the way'
'*cough *cough, and…'
'Oh, and this is Prya, a Fire Sylph, Ronin a Mayan Mouse, Ruby, a Bloodraven, and of course you know Ari'
The cute blonde giggled and a blush was seen slightly before responding
'You can call me Nia, it's nice to meet you all'
'So Nia, are you from around here?'
'Yes, I was born and raised in the capital. But don't let that make you think I can never leave, I've been to a plenty of cities'
'Ahh, a little defensive about that question aren't you?? I wasn't going to judge.'
'Well, where have you been, Mr... Adventurer'
'Hahaha, well this is my city in on this continent, Ive been to plenty others, but none so magical as Tyrnbrook'
'Oh, now you are just being flattering'
The two of us continued to banter as we made our way towards the library, often discussing the shops, and stalls we passed, with Nia giving her opinion on which I will need to visit while I am in town. It was mostly small talk, except for when Nia asked how Ari and I met. I went into the story, I had told before, how Ari was just a 6 week year old pup with no mother left in the wild. I was on fall break, in between midterms, and was taking a hiking trip with a few close friends. One morning I went on a hike alone, deep in the woods, getting a view of nature, I accidentally went off trail, a good mile or so, when I hit a clearing. It was there I found him. He was so small I could fit him in my hand, he was also so young, that he needed special care. I knew either I would take this puppy and raise him, or he would be left there to die, so I did the only sensible thing and adopted him. I have been raising and teaching him ever since.
Nia seemed very enthralled with this story, coming from a world where going off trail typically ends in your death, I could see why. National parks weren't safe either if you were out of bounds, but not to the same degree as in this world.
By the time I finished the story, we were feet from the library. Nia turned and smiled,
'We are here, let me go talk to the librarian about your magical beasts and then we can enter'
Nia quickly headed off towards the entrance, where an old man was stationed, upon seeing Nia however his eyes shone, and he quickly dipped his head. It seemed like Nia was telling him, there was no need, but her back was turned, so I couldn't make out much of what they were saying.
Within a few minutes, Nia was back with the old man in tow, welcoming us in.
I finally was able to soak in the grand library and was extremely impressed. The white stone building stuck out on the street, with 9 pillars in the front, and two turrets on each wing of the building, covered in glass windows. It had a gothic style to it, yet an elegant and sleek look that made it feel modern. But as I stepped into the library, I was completely blown away with the immense amount of books laid out. This was a nerds dream, plenty of desks, and chairs, but each and every shelf was filled with books. No 'bookstore', coffee shops, or bakeries taking up space. This library was dedicated solely to preserving the vast quality of books they had procured. Yet the place was completely empty, except for the few staff members hidden throughout.
Nia grabbed my hand, and tugged towards one of the many empty tables. It seemed she had a specific one in mind, as we passed multiple and headed up the staircase towards the right wing. We walked down the corridor, and the up a rounded staircase towards the top of the turret. Once there Nia sat us down at the center table, which was made of a dark wood, seemingly pulled from nature, along with chairs that you sunk into. Nia took the chair across from me, while Ari, Ronin, and Ruby went to the window to look out on the city. Prya, decided that sitting on the table was a better option.
With no computer, I was unsure how I was going to quickly find the books I was looking for, but in a world of magic, it seemed they had this under control, as quickly, the same old man who first welcomed us, had entered the room, and seemed to be waiting on us, no different than a waiter.
Nia looked at me, explaining how this worked,
"The Grand Librarian is a powerful mind mage, and has been working here for decades. Cyrus knows where each and every book is at all times, so you just need to explain what you are looking for."
"Hmm... okay well, first I want all you have on the magical creatures on the continent, im specifically looking for a mount, but it would be nice to know what's out there. So probably an encyclopedia with short descriptions. Next, well, im new to this land, so the history of Highbrook would be helpful, with that, I will also need a map, both of this country, the neighboring countries, and I guess the world if you have one. Introduction to magic, along with all the affinities in this world, and lastly some world events, like a life magazine.'
When I finished, I realized I may have gone a little over board with the request, but I felt it was best to gather as much information as possible about this world, through books, and then people. I felt there would be a nationalistic bias if I asked anyone in the city about details of the war, even Nia, who seemed honest.
Yet, the request didn't seem to faze the grand librarian, as he took the order, and then looked at Nia, who seemed the most taken aback by the request, simply asked for a list of worldly regents and herbs. Nothing to grand.
'Don't look at me like that, I was going to help you shift though all the books you got. It seems like you have ambitions to becomes the worlds strongest hahaha'
' oh don't give me that crap! I have no interest in training all my life just to be the worlds strongest. Hell no. I do want to get strong, but no, I ain't the hero type.'
'You're… not?'
Grinning Prya, who had been unusually quiet ever since we met Nia, replied
'Of course not! When I met Jason, I had to save him.'
'Not that again… but no, I have my own dreams, and being somebody's else hero will only get in the way of that.'
'So what is your dream then?
Before I could go into my amazing dream, Prya had to interrupt me!
'Oh.. not this again!!'
'Hey you said you loved the idea!'
'That doesn't mean you have to go on and on about it to everyone you meet!'
'You ungrateful little fairy…'
It seemed I struck a nerve, Prya doesn't like to be called a fairy, so she speed up off the table fist raised about to shart a fight.
Nia looked at the two of them in wonder, but yet I could tell she was still curious as to what we were talking about.
'My dream is simple, but I want to create a free clan, open to man, spirit, and beast. One dedicated to magic, but self sufficiency. A place where people can grow, but also be themselves. It was be inclusive for members, but open to the public a few times a year, I'm sure there are plenty of clans, but mine is for enjoyment, rather than power. We will start as an adventures crew but slowly build out.' It felt free to say your dreams out loud, almost like you were speaking them into existence, yet I felt what Prya was saying, I was a little to open on a dream with no progress.
Yet, Nia seemed to be entranced by the idea.it was being shown in her eyes.
Quickly enough Cyrus was back while several books floated around him.