Keeper of the Moonlark

Moving In

The tour of Kenric's (and now Athena's) home took way longer than Athena was expecting. They explored every floor together with the exception of the third floor which they were going to see last. Kenric even found things he forgotten about which amused Athena.

The first floor was broken up in two wings. The left wing had a library, and it took up the whole wing. Athena had assumed that Kenric was more of an athletic man so she was surprised to see such a large collection of books. 

The right wing held a large dining room as well as a kitchen where gnomes were prepping dinner already. There were four gnomish kitchen staff who were very excited to meet Athena. They believed having Athena around would fill the castle with more life than Councillor Kenric could imagine.

Kenric's room was on the second floor along with three guest rooms. The fourth floor was entirely private living space including a music room despite elves not being musically inclined like the dwarves. 

Athena was shocked to see a piano, but was also excited as piano was one of the things Mr. Forkle allowed her to take up in her free time. The black piano sat next to a large bay window. The white keys glistened in the afternoon light.

"Am I allowed to play?" asked Athena timidly.

"Sure! It doesn't get any use so you're free to use it whenever you want. Want to play a bit now before we move on?"

Trying not to look too eager, Athena walked over to the piano. Even before she could sit down, she could practically feel the keys beneath her finger.  Kenric leaned against the window as he saw Athena's guard drop while she placed her hands on the keys tenderly.

It was as if someone else overtook her as she let her feelings bleed into the music. The melody soared from her soul as she used the piano to convey all of the emotions she was feeling in the moment. Despite the sad tune, Athena was happy to be playing on the piano.

"That was really good," encouraged Kenric when she finished, earning him a pleased smile.

They moved to the next room. Athena smiled again as he showed her the art room he had. It was also practically unused, but she thought it was nice that he had both. 

"Do you like art? asked Kenric as he closed the door on the art studio.

"I like it but I'm not very good at it."

Kenric laughed. "I'm not either. Hopefully one of the friends you make at school can use it."

Maybe if she made some friends, she could lend them the space. Athena brushed that thought away. She wasn't supposed to have friends. It would get in the way of her protecting Sophie. Athena's friends would be a liability to the Black Swan.

The fifth floor had rooms, but they were all being used as storage. 

"You're free to look through all the stuff, but I don't think there's much in there that would interest you."

Athena nodded before Kenric led her to the third floor. Her bedroom was huge with a large bathroom with a shower and a bathtub separately. Inside the bathroom was a walk-in closet. All of her clothes from Della had been unpacked by the gnomes. The room next to hers was her spare room which was completely empty except for a couch and a few chairs. Down the hall were hers and Kenric's office space. Kenric explained that they were so close in case she needed help with homework.

"I think Della got all your supplies for school, so you don't have to worry about a thing." Kenric smiled. He had been jovial the whole tour. Athena was impressed by his attitude. She would've thought he'd be more bitter about having to watch over a random 15 year old girl, but he seemed to take it well.

"Why don't we head into Atlantis and get you something as a first day of school/welcome to your new home gift?" Kenric ruffled her hair. "Get changed and meet me in my office when you're ready."

Athena touched the her hair after it was ruffled, not sure how to react to the physical touch or the idea of getting a gift. "You don't have to get me anything. I'm already intruding."

He laughed. "You're not intruding."

Athena doubted his words, but she nodded. "I'll be quick."

Athena was not quick. The moment she saw the bed she was tempted to crawl in. Deciding she'd only lay down for a few minutes before changing was her mistake. She hadn't realized how tired she was.

It was dark out when she woke up. She tensed not recognizing where she was at first. She looked around, and the memories flooded back. Athena sat up and ran out of her room. Her hair was a tangled mess as she opened Kenric's office door. He sat at his desk, looking through papers. He looked up when he heard the door open.

"I'm so sorry."

Kenric smiled when he saw her messy hair. "Don't apologize. I should've realized you would be tired. It's been a long few days. Why don't we go tomorrow instead?"

"Are you sure?" Embarrassment crept through her heart. How could she fall asleep so quickly and for so long. 

"Of course. Why don't we eat? I bet your hungry." Kenric stood up from his desk. 

Athena nodded and waited for him by the door. "I wouldn't say no to food right now."

They walked down the hall and into the dining room. Gnomes brought a few dishes to the table, and Athena tried to enjoy the food. The flavor was divine, but the texture made her stomach churn. She missed more solid food.

Living amongst the elves after being raised in the human world was going to be rough. She just hoped that they didn't realize who she associated with. If Kenric found out that she was part of the Black Swan, it would be over for her. She just hoped he wouldn't try to read her mind. Losing her memories scared her.