Fate Weaver's convergence

C38

"Alright... Kiyomi... you can do this... "

I was standing at the top of the stairway to Lorn's office. Slipping up as I was attempting to psych myself in order to face her.

Shit... this feeling isn't new...

Staring at the door, I could feel myself overcome with nervousness. My tail was waving nervously, my throat drying up, and a cold chill as sweat began to form.

Did she scare me... that much?

I stared at the wood doors; it was on me to approach her for today's instruction. Mother left early this morning and wouldn't be back for a few days, so I was on my own.

"Okay... you can do it."

I whispered to myself as I slowly began to approach the doors. Standing in front of them, I reached for one of the brass handles before they suddenly swung inward. Surprisingly, Maria was absent; she usually accompanied the Guild mistress. Instead of Maria, Lorn stood there, holding the doors open as she stared down at me, her expression telling of the fatigue that was currently dragging her down. With a sigh, she moved to the side before speaking.

"Enter, we have a long day ahead of us."

"Thank you... "

Passing Lorn, It was as if I could feel her eyes trailing behind me. With a resounding click, Lorn closed both of the doors to her office.

"We'll be sitting on the sofa's today. I'm too tired to sit at the table."

"Yes, ma'am."

I responded curtly, b-lining for the sofa's that flanked a coffee table on either side. Stacked on it were a few mugs that were steaming and a variety of books strewn about. They looked like a mix of biology books at a glimpse, giving me some semblance of confidence in bringing up the subject of races. Taking a seat on the sofa closest to Lorn's fireplace, I attempted to feel comfortable, but the feelings of nervousness were still there. Walking over to the sofa opposite of mine, Lorn slowly took her seat, yawning as she did so. When she'd finished, she looked down to the table, grabbing one of the mugs. For a few moments, the room was silent as Lorn sipped from the mug. The silence was only broken by Lorn parting her lips from the mug and speaking.

"Kiyomi, why were you standing in the stairwell for so long?"

Lorn asked before drinking once more.

"Excuse me?"

I asked, confused at her question.

"Kiyomi, I know everything that happens here. You were standing outside my doors for roughly twenty minutes. Can you explain why?"

"... "

I remained silent, unsure of how to answer. Looking at the coffee table, I'd hoped I could get away with not answering.

"I asked you a question."

Lorn's said loudly, startling me and forcing me to answer.

"Iwasafraid!"

I subconsciously squeezed my eyes shut; I couldn't help it, as I was afraid still. It was different than usual, as this was a fear I hadn't experienced in a rather long time. From there, all I could hear was Lorn sigh before standing and walking around the table. She stopped just next to me before I felt her sit down next to me, lifting me some from the change in pressure on the cushion. Opening my eyes and peaking to the side, she was doing the same. She looked just as tired as when she opened the door, but I still felt myself fearing her.

"Kiyomi, you have no reason to fear me. If there were a reason to do so, I'd have taken care of it already. I went... overboard, and much earlier than I probably should have... That being said-"