Stolen Behind Scrolls of Writing

A Stolen Kiss

To say the kingdom of Wuyong was a magnificent realm was an understatement. Temples that could reach the clouds stood within the kingdom. Each is said to be crafted with gold while filled to the brim with treasures from faraway lands. Gold, jewels, and odd swords that no one knew the purpose of supplying the space within the temples.

To accompany the temples, a statue would be built nearby. Some statues were of simple size while others were close enough to be dressed in gold. Statues that tall are dedicated to a simple crown prince. A young and inexperienced boy who was respected and loved within his kingdom.
Preposterous! All of it must be lies and rumors.

Temples that tall would surely crumble and fall to the brutal winds of the southeast. Rain could easily erode the statues of the crown prince. Gold and jewels that were left unwatched had to have been stolen by now. Swords that hold no clear purpose other than decoration are senseless thoughts that only a child would believe in stories.

Allegations that an imperial library that was regularly visited by scholars was built inside the walls of Wuyong. Outsiders have heard scrolls and books were found filled within the various rooms of the library. Despite sounding to be unorganized, the library can be easily navigated. Tears are nowhere to be found in the writings. Wrinkles are visible in a few of early scholars' works, but not enough to obstruct the view of the reader.

Those within the kingdom of Wuyong will say the library is nothing but a visionary sight. Those who step foot into it are expected to leave just as quickly as they arrived. The imperial library is magnificent in every vocal depiction, but many have left out the headache it will give a commoner. So many writings and sophisticated writings give those of poor backgrounds an eye sore. Those who are illiterate find an even more difficult approach to the beauty of the library. Scribbles on papers are wondrous to nobles? What an odd thought.

Commoners of Wuyong would much rather waste their time basking in the light of the sun or talking amongst each other. To one citizen of Wuyong, he'd rather spend his time in the imperial library. Shelves and shelves of writings from philosophers before him were a great way to spend his afternoon.

Many would find him navigating the library. His eyes were deep in thought of what he was currently reading. He held the scrolls with gentle hands afraid that the slightest movement of his hands would rip the writing. He would make the library organized not only for himself but for others too. Many called him mental for taking so much care into something like this. He paid no mind to their empty insults.

Today, like any other day, the scholar was wandering through the aisles of the imperial library. He had no target in mind. He found himself at peace by wandering. The distant smell of silk was around him. The silence of the library finally made his fast-paced life come to a standstill.

No one else was with him. He noticed that long ago. The usual small talk had died out quite a while ago. The sounds of floorboards creaking had come to a halt. The shuffling of scrolls and other books had stopped.

The vassal had stopped in front of a case that held scrolls of writings he hadn't even touched yet. Despite the days he spends here, the scholar still hasn't fully read every bit of writing. Some shelves he had forgotten. When he first started using the library for his own research, he memorized each shelf and could find anything he wanted. Now, he takes a few minutes to even find one piece of information he wanted. His memory was slowly slipping after spending most of his free time in such a dusty environment.

The scholar glanced around and saw the night sky creeping into the cracks of the athenaeum. Night fell across the kingdom, and he had lost track of time. A terrible habit he always dealt with. One second could be morning and the next he would see the moon lightly hanging in the sky. Forgetting what he may have done in between those moments.