The Second Carpenter

XLVIII

XLVIII_I_

אוצר מדרשים

That afternoon General Suakasai left to visit the western border of the country. Sakura who had felt a bit more relief with the absence of that man, felt more comfortable about expressing herself. "Whoof, I'm finally down with the damned exams, but there's no time to rest. I just realized I haven't washed for a week. Theka, can you give me a bath once you get back from work?"

"Speaking of which, Thekarius," interjected Mirda in the middle Thekarius's smiling nod at Sakura, "can I come with you to your work place today?"

"You can if you want; but we really work there, you won't find much entertainment. Unless you want to sit down and read. But if you want a copy from the library, I can just fetch it for you."

"It'll be more fulfilling if I look for the books myself. But that's actually not why I asked. I want to come with you because of the work. I want to help with it. When I think back on the events in Autumn Falls . . . I feel like my life was saved only because I was Violet's friend. That makes me feel really pathetic; so, I want to make myself useful."

"I don't think you're looking at things the right way . . . but I won't give you advices. All right, then, you're welcome to come along. Any additional help is appreciated."

"Thank you for this opportunity; you won't regret it. I'm a smart girl."

"I won't regret it even if you don't do anything, really. But . . . ah, well, let's just see."

"Let's."

"Shahuya, lesh pway!"

"I was just about to say that, Dia!"

"Can I come with you too, Sakura?" said Bluemoon.

"Of course!"

"But you'll have to teach me whatever it is you'll be playing."

Sakura and Diana grabbed Bluemoon's arms and led her out of the Cottage. "We'll cheach you!" And closed the door behind them.

"Are you ready, Mirda?"

"Yes, Thekarius. Let's go."

"Since you could use an extra hand," said Violet, "I'll also join. Will that be all right, Norhan?"

"Yes."

"Wait," Mirda said with bulging eyes, "did you just ask for permission to do something?"

"I didn't ask for permission. I asked if it would be all right. Let's just go. I'm capable of getting bored, strange as it may seem."

'Big Sis Blue' was how the neighborhood kids called her name. Not 'Bluemoon', just 'Blue'. But she did not feel like correcting them. What is this . . . ? Could it be . . . Have I finally gotten over Selene . . . ?

But away from all the domestic news, dear Nemo who had been expecting to see only his Lord Thekarius, was surprised to see Mirda with him. What he felt upon meeting Violet, the word 'surprise' would not suffice to describe.

"Wow!" Violet was surprised too, but not anxious, "What are you doing here-"

"Nemo! My name is Nemo! Very nice to meet you, Violet!"

"Oh, you're definitely Nemo," Violet laughed, "And you just happened to guess my name at first try. Ah, whatever; I never had anything against you. Let's talk about the work that is done here."

"Hello, Nemo-chan! I'm Mirda. Gracious stars, you're gorgeous!"

"Yes," said Violet, "I've told him all about you, Mirda! And how you-"