In The Grand Library, there are no ordinary days for the librarians. Where most visitors found fascinating books, few of them found secret untold, but then Dryad found another life.
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The next Sunday, the rain fell heavily. The storm and strong winds kept Dryad inside her own house from coming to the Grand Library. Dryad reached a rotary dial phone which was placed in a corner of her house. She dialed the number of the grand library and waited. When the call connected, a calm voice was heard at the other end.
"Yes. Alvard Shielder of The Grand Library is speaking here. How may I assist you?" Sir Alvard said. He was at his study, dropped his quill for a while.
Dryad replied, "Oh. Hello. It's me, Sir, Dryad. Um... I apologize, it seems that I'm trapped here due to the storms. Sorry, I might be late to the library. I should wait until the rain subsides."
Sir Alvard seemed a bit worried when he heard that. But he also understood that Dryad's safety should be a priority. "It's okay, Dryad... you don't need to rush to come here. The mansion and The Grand Library will always wait for you, I promise. You are safe in there, right?"
"Thank you for understanding, Sir Alvard. Yes, I am fine here... ah.. achoo!" she sneezed then chuckled anxiously there "ah! s...sorry for that!"
"Bless you, dear child." Sir Alvard whispered. He couldn't help but feel a bit worried when he thought that Dryad might caught a cold. He sighed and spoke in a soft tone, "Dryad, are you alright? You sound quite... unwell. We have the mansion's physician staying here. Perhaps, you need me to send the doctor to your place instead?"
"No, no.. it's alright. Thank you, Sir, but I don't want to cause any trouble. I will come there by myself later," she replied.
Sir Alvard still felt a bit worried. "Are you sure? I'm really sorry if this weather makes your condition worse... If there is anything else that you need, please do not hesitate to ask. You hear me?" he said again in a concerned tone.
"Of course, Sir Alvard. That is very kind of you. Thank you again," she said.
"Anytime, Dryad. Take care," with that, Sir Alvard put the phone down. He looked at the rain outside through the window, hoping that she would be fine soon.
Haze, who was writing on the nearest table, glanced up to him. "Sir? Is that Dryad who's calling" he asked.
"Yes, Haze. It was Dryad. She is unable to come to the library due to the storms outside. I am concerned for her wellbeing as well. It seems that she is a bit under the weather today," Sir Alvard said.
"I see...," Haze paused for a moment. "Anyway, If the storm has subsided, I'm planning to go to the post office this late afternoon. I need to send back these translation documents to our client. So... I will visit her after I'm done with my task."
"That's very nice of you, Haze. Thank you. But if the weather is not getting better today, that's fine, you can deliver the documents tomorrow. One day of delay won't hurt. Remember, your own safety and well being come first," Sir Alvard said.
After several hours, the storm finally eased up. Though still drizzling and a little cold, nevertheless, it was safe for anyone to go outside. So, Haze packed his things, wore his coat and took an umbrella. He smiled and nodded briefly to Sir Alvard before heading out.
Sir Alvard rose from his seat, walked in between the bookshelves only to be startled by an unusual sight.
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"Virgil... no.. Lesath. What are you doing?" Sir Alvard was slightly surprised. It's been a long time since Virgil didn't show his true form. Yes, Virgil was not a human, and his true name was Lesath.
Lesath was seen writing and binding some paper. His complexion was dark. His long, straight and gray hair was adorned with several thin thorns that are much like twigs. His eyes emitted a soft glow of orange light. His thin robes elaborated with golden and silver strings here and there. He has a very unique appearance.
"My Master," Lesath greeted. "Don't mind me. And please rest assured, no one can see me with this form."
"Well, you forgot about Dryad. What if she sees you like this?" Sir Alvard said.
"She's not around, anyway," Lesath reasoned. "Please understand that I am taking this form because I am crafting a tome that needs my power to be released . As soon as I'm finished with it, I can return to my proper state. I promise I won't scare anyone, especially Dryad," he continued. "But...With all respect, my Master, I need to concentrate on my work."
Sighing softly, Sir Alvard said in understanding, "Very well... I'll leave. Please, be careful with your power and don't do anything dangerous."
Lesath nodded. "Of course, my esteemed Master," he bowed his head respectfully. His voice and behavior were different from "Virgil" that he usually wore as his mask.
Sir Alvard gave him a brief nod before he walked towards his own study room and closed the door.
After a while, Lesath lifted his gaze from his work and looked to the front door.
"My Master," Lesath called, "Please, be careful. Someone is coming here, and I sense something so powerful along with his arrival." He looked back at his hand-made tome and continued writing something with a quill and ink, "then I must finish my task quickly."
Sir Alvard stood up and opened the door of his study. He came out, placed a hand to the guard rails and glanced to the front door below him. Sure enough, someone was approaching. As the door opened, he stepped down to greet this visitor. It was Lord Vladislav.
