Essentia Animus

03-Mannequin Collection

The Ymheqxhya Family Mansion forebodingly awaited its two first ever visitors, its gates twitching errantly in the wind with the sound of rusted metal. Both visitors were transfixed to the haunting atmosphere they were attempting to brave, while otherwise unaware of their surroundings.

"Thank you both for all your hard work. Since you have worked so hard on our behalf, please do come inside. I would be glad to ensure both of you get to enjoy a memorable dinner in recognition for your services." Mrs. Ymheqxhya startled both Vwyx and Sryine in that moment, not even having been aware of the other's presence. Vwyx herself had been wondering how she should approach the gate at all, not even aware she was no longer alone. Sryine took the opportunity to notice the bookshelf that was now accompanying them, which looked to be almost exactly her height. Both of them realized that this turn of events answered a few questions they might have had, but in turn things had gotten even more complicated.

Vwyx looked upon both of the others. By now, it was clear that the woman inviting them in lived here, and thus was her client in this delivery. Technically, it wouldn't have been fair of her to just give up part way, for most anyone else in the village she would go to the full lengths of ensuring such a bookshelf would be placed in its destined abode for usage, maybe even helped them to stock it if the situation was right. Nothing about this situation right now felt right at all, but she couldn't rightfully believe her task was completed at this. Even the other girl, looking to be about Vwyx's age, seemed equally as out of place. Leaving everything to this other girl, someone who didn't even look like she could properly carry the bookshelf despite her being taller.. Vwyn would have to see this through. However, she wasn't about to simply accept a dinner invitation, and was far too determined to not intrude to that extent.

Sryine was similar minded regarding the dinner invitation, as she looked upon the other visitor. This would be the craftswoman who had produced and delivered the bookshelf she was standing beside. Sryine was certain that the craftswoman would not have yet recognized her, considering the lack of reaction people generally have to her presence. Sryine could still understand why, the circumstances were far too distracting for too many thoughts on the matter. As is, she was compelled to call her victory after having discovered the bookshelf and make for her escape. But not only was her earlier resolution intruding on that, the feelings of fleeing someone who had asked for her help feeling too unjust, but now she was feeling sorry for the woman who had been left with the responsibility of this delivery. She was still the daughter of the current chief, running away before her peer did would not be responsible in the least.

Effectively bound in compulsion to the other, both girls followed their host into the mansion, slipping past the front gates. Sryine found her offers to help with the bookshelf turned down, so instead helped with the doors along the way. Once inside the front doors, Vwyx collapsed to the floor, having overspent her own abilities in the process. It made evident just how hard Vwyx had been working, if her stamina was already spent in the process. Vwyx however was also the only human present, and Sryine was fully aware that humans had much more stamina than elves like her and their host. Meanwhile, Vwyx being human would mean that her senses weren't as sharp as anyone else present. This was in fact why Vwyx still did not recognize Sryine in the poor lighting that was outside, and even was still unaware she was the only human present.

"I'll go call my husband. He's still probably in the laboratory working on his latest invention. The bookshelf is going into the library down the right hall, I've got a box of tomes already prepared for shelving." "Laboratory? Inventions?" "Library? Tomes?" Mrs. Ymheqxhya's words brought Vwyx and Sryine into a state of new found hope. Those words held some personal ambition for each of them, and invested into their attention. Vwyx was back on her feet with newly inspired energy, already carrying the bookshelf to its destination. Sryine was fervently looking around in Vwyx's wake, unable to pass beyond the obstructing bookshelf to reach her goal just beyond. The bookshelf finally passed into the library as Mrs. Ymheqxhya returned with her husband.