Mysteries of the Ancient Library {Discontinued}

Chap. 3

It's been a few weeks now, and today once again I continue to read. Duke joins me often, but sometimes I sit alone. I have noticed that, at those times he, they? (for context Duke has not stated his pronouns, so Xe doesn't know if Duke is a he or a they or even a she, Xe can only assume as the vocal range he hears from Duke) is not around me my distraction is diverted from the books to me wondering where Duke is, it's bothersome, but....at the same time comforting? In a sense, it's peculiar but i don't fight it, as i haven't been kicked from the library, which means i haven't upset Duke yet.

I hum a tune to myself, unnatural for my race of species. Humming tunes would be something more for Emot race not the Intu, but i'm having a pleasant time and the humming of tunes does appeal to me. "What ya'hummin'?" I jump out of my thoughts as Duke makes himself, themself? known. I blink before thinking about what I was humming, only to frown "a song i thought i had locked away" i say a bit of, something i can't describe, Parrin may now, but i don't. Duke hums, "ah, bad memories associated with it?" pursing my lips i shake my head, not sure if Duke can even see it, "ah, no, pleasant memories but, my race are not supposed to have sentiments....plus the people who i'm reminded of with the song are no longer with us" there's a stretch of silence "i-i'm sorry for your loss" Duke says softly, i hold the book i was reading in one hand and use the other to wave off the air, "it was years ago and my emotions for one of their deaths was drained from me, it is a mere memory now" another silence "drained?" Duke questions, i ah softly "right you do not know of my people, would you like to know?" Duke pulls out a chair across from me and I assume he/they sit down "if you're willing, i am curious about you" i smile softly before quickly wiping it off my face, "another deal? We ask each other questions and answer to the best of our abilities?" Duke hums, not saying anything before he/they makes a noise "ack!" he/they chuckle "you can't see me nodding, yes i like that, it reminds me of an old human game called 20 questions" i head tilt "you'll have to tell me about it later" Duke snickers "sure Xe, i'll tell you all i can, let's begin, shall we?" i bring the book up to my face to cover my nose, down, hiding the blush and smile on my face, the nickname Xe has grown on me and i'm not sure why it makes my face warm into a blush but it does. "We shall" I say behind the book, still smiling.