Lyssa loved her job any time of day, but she had to admit that having the closing shift was her favorite. The library was always quiet, but with the sun setting the hush became almost sacred.
She smiled a bit at her own fanciful thoughts, absently flicking through the pages of the book in front of her. She'd read it a dozen times already, but she liked the feel of a book in her hand. She glanced up with small smiles and nods for the people who began trickling out, returning home.
It was just about closing time when she finally looked up and realized the library was empty. Seemingly. She sighed and stretched, closing her book, and rose to her feet. This was why she loved the closing shift, actually getting to close up. There was something wonderful to her about being the only person in a big building full of books.
She needed to make her rounds first though. More than once she'd almost been locking up when some student or random fellow bookworm came hurrying out of some nook or another, breathless and apologizing for losing track of the time. Taking out the quill and parchment she always carried, she leaned over her desk and scrawled a quick Light.
A soft glow sprang into being around her head, enough to see by even as she began walking around and blowing out the lanterns. Satisfied, she set off on her rounds.
Ameterasu sighed slowly, knocking on the door of the library. She was asked to deliver a book that was ordered. Quite the rare book. Her client was a librarian, thus, a fellow reader. Possibly someone that even shared her undying love for the written arts.
She opened the door and walked in, looking around, before smiling gently and softly calling out to whomever was left. With a light, non-threatening "Hello?"
Lyssa turned at the voice, a little surprised. Seeing the newcomer, she smiled and said, "Oh, hello. I'm sorry, but we're just closing up."
Hating to send someone away from the library, she added, "But if you'd like, and you know what you're looking for, I could help you find something quickly."
Ameterasu shook her head. "I'm.. Not looking for anything, my lady. I merely did as requested and came to fulfill an order." She held up the book with a gentle smile. "Didn't you order this one?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Oh!" Lyssa's smiled widened and she moved forward to take the book. "Yes, thank you! I'd forgotten Terryn said someone would be making a delivery today."
Eyes softening a bit, she added gently, "No need for that "my lady" business. I'm just Lyssa, ma'am."
Ameterasu smirked slightly as the woman took the book off her hands. "No worries." She said with the same gentle smirk. "Then you can call me Ameterasu.. Say, it's quite the collection you have here.." She said as she glanced around.
She clutched the newest book to her chest, looking around and unable to stop herself from beaming.
"Yeah," she agreed, proud despite the fact that she only worked in the library and didn't own it. Sensing a fellow bookish spirit, she looked at Ameterasu and offered slowly, "Would you...like a tour? We really are closing soon, but seeing as you went through the trouble of making this delivery..."
She trailed off, offering a kind smile.
Ameterasu chuckled at the display of excitement at the new book. She didn't react as strongly to it, but she knew and understood how the woman felt. She smiled as a tour was offered to her. "I'd love to.. And it wasn't trouble at all." Was stated with the same gentle and friendly voice.
"Great." Lyssa grinned. "Follow me then, I can show you around while I'm closing up shop."
Ameterasu nodded slowly. "Lead the way." She said with a gentle smile.
Turning to gently place the new book on her desk- she'd file it later- Lyssa set off into the library. "This floor is mostly nonfiction, research material," she explained, gesturing to the shelves around them and dousing lanterns one by on. The glow around her grew more pronounced as she did.
"We get a lot of students in here, and they usually need in and out fast, so this is the most convenient layout," she said over her shoulder.
"I see. Smart design.." She said as her fingers trailed the leather covers, smiling gently. "The most basic and the most intricate of titles.. A very intruiging collection. Sorted per subject it covers.. Well done."
Lyssa blushed lightly. "Thanks. That's sort of my job, organization."
They came to a simple if large staircase and she started up it. "So what brings you here?" she asked curiously. "Not the library, I mean. Arca. Are you a local, or visiting?"
"Visiting. I had some bussiness of interest here. One of them being the order to this library. I reside at the local inn." She chuckled a bit. "The menu isn't as bad as they'd have you believe here."
"What sort of business? If you don't mind me asking?" She paused at the top of the steps, leaning against the railing and looking at her guest.
"I do not mind at all, Lyssa. I am a grandmaster in pyromancy. So. I was asked to tutor some children of notables here. Aswell as fulfill some other orders I had here." She nodded slowly, standing next to the librarian. "But. I tend to also make time for myself on these trips. You see.. I rarely get out of Featherfall. So it is a rare occasion for me to travel." She chuckled slowly.
Lyssa sighed a bit with envy. "I'd love to travel," she admitted. "Books are an amazing substitute, but they can only do so much, you know?"
"Oh.. I completely understand. This is the first time I trvalled to another city in years.." She said with a chuckle.
Lyssa smiled. "Let me show you something then." she started off around the balcony-like ring that circled the first floor of the library, dragging her fingers along the shelves.
"Aha!" She found the title she was looking for and pulled it from its shelf with a grin. "Technically it's a children's book," she explained, "that's the section we're in, pretty small section actually... Anyway, I love this thing."
She flicked the book open to a random page. It was full of beautiful, detailed illustrations of every major city in Le'raana, along with pictures of major landmarks, ruins, lakes, rivers, deserts. She handed it over.
She took the book with a gentle nod, before closing it and looking at the title. Ger eyes growing in awe and disbelief. "This.. Is a very rare book.." She said as she looked at Lyssa, the dropped jaw changing to a small smile as she opened it again. "Marvelous.. It's so detailed.. I've been looking for it for a very long time.." Ameterasu chuckled slowly. "I always get outbidded on auctions.. I am surprised.. Pleasantly so."
Lyssa beamed. "I'm glad." She tilted her head and added, "You're welcome to check it out, if you like. I keep track of that sort of stuff."
Ameterasu chuckled. Closing the book. "I will definitly. But tomorrow." She said as she carefully put the book back in it's rightful place. Admiring it on the shelf briefly before turning her gaze to Lyssa once more.
"Great." She nodded in the direction of the rest of the shelves. "This way then, I'll finish your tour and close up." She started off down the balcony again, moving toward the fictional books, pointing out poetry, plays, stories as they passed them.
Ameterasu seemed to enjoy the small tour. Able to explain some more in-depth things about the fictive tales or her understanding of the poetry. Indicating that she was an avid reader.
Lyss was actually having fun. Ameterasu seemed to really be listening to her, and had many insightful things to say herself.
As she was blowing out the last lantern, she said with a smile, "It's nice to meet someone who so clearly loves books. It may seem strange, but even in here that can be a rare thing."
Ameterasu chuckled. "The feeling is mutual.. People aren't as passionate as books as one would hope.. Pitifully." She said with a gentle chuckle. "But you really have some masterpieces here. I am glad you wanted to show me around."
"I'm glad you wanted to take a look," Lyssa said cheerfully, leading them back to the stairs. "There are a few back rooms and such, but I really do have to be closing. If you're coming back tomorrow to check out that book I could show you then?" she offered.
"Don't mind if I take you up on that offer." Ameterasu chuckled as she walked down the stairs, her arms folded infront of herself. "I will be here for a week, if not longer."
"Great." Lyssa smiled as she walked her to the door. "I'm almost always here, so stop by whenever you feel like." She nodded politely to her, eyes shining happily. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Ameterasu. I hope to see more of you."
"The pleasure was all mine, Lyssa." She said with a gentle smile, before walking out, gently closing the door behind her.
After she left, closing up was simple and quick. Lyssa glanced at the new book as she was leaving, then decided she would properly file it in the morning. Blowing out the last lantern, she left through the back door, locking it behind her and bending to pet the few stray dogs and cats who'd gathered to eat the scraps she'd left out for them.
Smiling, she made her way home. She was looking forward to morning.
And, as promised, Ameterasu made her way towards the library. Somewhere in the afternoon, she knocked the door politely and entered the library. The collection of books not ceasing to amaze her once more.
Lyssa looked up at the knock- as she always did- and smiled brightly when she saw who it was. Lurking to the young man who was sharing her shift, she stood and moved toward the door.
"Hello again," she said, brightly but quietly.
"Good afternoon, Lyssa." Ameterasu smiled gently at the librarian. "How are you doing today?"
"Well, and you?" She beckoned for the other woman to follow her. "I assume you want the rest of that tour I promised?"
"Fairly well." Ameterasu smiled as she followed Lyssa. "And you're correct in assuming. If you have the time." She added with a chuckle.
"Of course." She turned to look at her fellow librarian, gesturing that she was going to take their guest to the second floor. He nodded and she started toward the stairs. "What are you most interested in seeing?" she asked over her shoulder.
Ameterasu followed Lyssa after smiling and gently greeting the other, unknown person. She smirked and shook her head. "Anything. Really."
"Then come this way," Lyssa said, an idea suddenly striking her and her pitch changing slightly with excitement. She lead them in the opposite direction around the balcony than she had the day before, to a door set back into the wall in between two shelves.
She pulled out a set of keys and fiddled with them, explaining, "This is where we keep all the books on magic, or book that are magical. Usually people are only aloud in with specific permission, but..." She shrugged, eyes dancing.
Ameterasu arched an eyebrow, stepped forward and put a hand on Lyssa's. Hoping to get her attention away from the lock. She shook her head slowly. "Lyssa. I also sell these kind of books. Knowledge that could desintegrate cities could be here. And while I love books as you do, you should not trust strangers with that. At all." She said, followed by a gentle smile, releasing her grip on the librarian's hands. "It isn't safe." She concluded.
Lyssa paused, tilting her head. "Are you saying you plan to disintegrate a city in the near future?" she asked playfully.
But she knew the other woman was right. It had seemed harmless enough, just showing her around, but perhaps she should be more careful. She shrugged sheepishly, ducking her head. "Yes, I know. I suppose I got carried away."
"Not me, no." Ameterasu chuckled softly. Before turning around. Letting a small fire spark infront of Lyssa. Forming it into a small, blazing butterfly. "I am more refined." She said as the critter flew over to her and dissipated slowly as it went. As if being blown out by a stray wind. "Just do mind it next time, Lyssa. Not all people's intentions are good."
Her eyes went wide and she clapped her hands together once delightedly. "Oh, that's amazing," she exclaimed- quietly, they were still in the library- and beamed.
She nodded at Ameterasu's words though, sobering slightly. "I know, I will be careful." Offering a shy smile, she asked, "Could you...show me something else like that? I've always been fascinated with magic."
"Thank you." She said with a soft smile as she turned to Lyssa again. "And that is alright. As a fellow bookkeeper, I can understand the excitement."
Ameterasu chuckled as Lyssa asked for another exemple, it wasn't really that difficult. Ever since Silmeria taught her some extra things, her control over flames had improved drastically. "Don't be afraid." She said, holding out her finger. Another blazing butterfly appearing ontop of it, before flitting over to Lyssa and landing on her nose. The fire not being hot or burning at all.
Lyssa held her breath, expecting the fire to burn despite Ameterasu's assurance. When it didn't, her eyes went very round behind her glasses and she hitched in a small breath.
"Amazing," she repeated, so softly it was almost inaudible, not wanting to dissolve the small miracle in front of her.
"It's a small feat.." Ameterasu chuckled slowly. "But I am glad it doesn't cease to amaze you."
Lyssa shook her head, still smiling wonderingly. "I can do a bit of magic, but nothing like this." Shaking herself to refocus, she gave the other woman a sheepish look. "I'm sorry, I got distracted. What would you like to see?"
"Hm? You can? I'd be interested in seeing so." Ameterasu said with a soft smile. "And, whatever you wish to show me, Lyssa."
"Really? Um, okay." She tilted her head, thinking for a moment, then said, "I can show you to one of the back study rooms. Not one of my favorite places, but there are some interesting tomes the students use a lot."
And there was plenty of ink and parchment, which would allow her to show her own brand of magic.
"If you'd like that, that would be fine." Was what she said with a gentle smile.
"Alright, this way then." She led them further around the balcony to a set of three doors set into a wall. She opened one a crack to make sure they wouldn't be disturbing anyone before waving Ameterasu in.
The room was mostly occupied by a long table piled high with books and stacks of parchment. The some dozen books that were meant not to leave the room were shelved along the far way.
Ameterasu walked into the room, slowly nodding. Investigating her surroundings with some form of attuned clairvoyance. "Peaceful." She said with a soft smile.
Lyssa nodded. "I've always thought so." Moving to the table, she slid a piece of parchment toward herself and pulled a quill and bottle of ink out of the small pouch on her hip. Thinking for a moment, she slowly wrote out "candle, fire".
A small candle flickered into being and a tiny flame appeared at her fingertip. She reached out and lit the candle, looking to her guest and saying, "It's not much, but that's what I can do."
"Creation magic. Very rare." Ameterasu said as she walked over to the table, examing the candle closely. "And through means of script. That is.. Unique and amazing." She looked at Lyssa again, smiling. "Where did you learn to do this?"
Lyssa blushed, looking down. "I- I didn't, exactly. I mean, when I started learning to read and write it just sort of...happened." She shrugged. "I didn't know it was called that. Creation magic. Though I suppose it makes sense."
"I see." Ameterasu tapped her lip as she thinked about it. "Has anyone in your direct family shown any magical aptitude? It is often a gift that is inherited." She said with a soft smile. "And do not be taken aback, Lyssa. I am a teacher. You have to be as a grandmaster."
"My parents are mages," she replied. "But they can't do what I do. And I can't do what they do, or what you do." She shrugged. "I sort of had to figure it out on my own. A few mishaps along the way," she admitted with a light laugh, "but overall nothing too terrible."
"Ah. Ofcourse." She nodded with a smile. "The affinities aren't nescessarily in tune, but, the magic essence is present." She let out a soft chuckle. "If you wish, I can teach you some basic things like clairvoyance, or warding."
"Really?" Her eyes went round behind her glasses. "Oh- yes, please! But can you really teach me that stuff? Gods know my mother tried for years, but I just can't seem to pick up "normal" magic."
Ameterasu nodded. "I can. I've taught people who didn't even know they were magicians when they stumbled in."
Lyssa nodded eagerly. "Then yes. Yes, of course, please. I'd be happy to learn anything you're willing to share."
Ameterasu nodded with a smile and sat down on one of the chairs. "So, what do you want to start with?"
The butterfly of flame leaped to the front of her mind. "Could you..." She fluttered her fingers. "That- that butterfly thing you did...how difficult it that?"
"That is.. Very difficult." She said with a bitter smile."It requires a lot of concentration and control over fire.." She looked at Lyssa. "I am sorry. But it would be impossible. And it isn't basic at all."
"Oh." She supposed she should have expected something like that. "Well...what's the simplest spell you know?" She wasn't even entirely sure she'd be able to do that, but she had to start somewhere.
"Hm.." Ameterasu opened her palm and held it up. A bright flame flakkered in her hand. The entire room slowly heat up due to the sheer heat of the flame. "Just a normal flame. If you're attuned to fire, you might be able to do it. If you aren't.. Well. That would show what you're attuned to." She closed her hand again. With a loud hiss. "Focus on your core. Serenity. Try to force your being on your palm." She smiled slowly. "You can do it, Lyssa."
Lyssa was wary, but she mumbled, "Okay." Taking a breath, she mimicked the other woman's movements, holding out her open palm. Calm. Focus on her core. Okay, she could do this.
She let out a breath, trying to focus the power she felt when she used her script magic, she pictured a flame. She really did try, but a piece of her recoiled, remembering the look of disappointment on her parents' faces every time she'd tried and failed to use conventional magic as a child.
For a millisecond, a spark snapped into life above her hand. Then it was gone. Lyssa let out a sharp breath, shoulders slumping. "Sorry," she mumbled. "I don't think I can do it."
Ameterasu merely smiled gently. "So it isn't a lack of control. It is your capacity.." At that, she stood up and kneelded down next to Lyssa, putting a hand on her shoulder, another at the back of Lyssa's hand, lifting it again.
Lyssa would feel a vigourous and agressive energy spooling through her body. Yet. As vigourous and agressive, it wasalso warm and sheltering. "Try again, Lyssa. I know you can do this. No pressure. Take your time."
Startled by the sudden surge of energy, Lyssa nodded jerkily. Closing her eyes, she tried again.
It felt like she was swimming against a current, but eventually a tiny flame flickered to life above her palm. She gasped and her concentration broke, the flame disappearing, but she was grinning. "I did it!" she laughed. "Oh my gods, that actually worked!"
"That is correct Lyssa. You did it." She said with a soft chuckle, before standing up again. "Well done
But you chanelled my energy. Try it again. This tile. Your own. I want to see what element naturally occurs to tou." She said with the same gentle smile.
"Okay." She nodded, eager to try again, and repeated the process, this time reaching deep down into herself to try to find her power.
When she opened her eyes, a very small flower had bloomed in her palm, tiny green vines snaking up to anchor themselves to her fingers. Her eyes went round and she looked up at Ameterasu, laughing delightedly.
"Oh my.." Ameterasu softly grabbed her hand. Inspecting the flower closely. "That is amazing.. And very rare."
Lyssa blinked. "Wait, really? What does it mean?" She bent her head to take a closer look at the flower. It was tiny, but a pretty little thing, sort of dusky colored.
"An.elemental adaptation. With training. You can control plants." She said with a soft smile.
"I- I can?" The surprise must have broken her concentration completely and the flower sort of shimmered away. "Oh." In a weird way, she sort of missed it.
Putting the thought from her mind, she looked at the other woman with a brilliant smile. "Thank you so much- I never would've known I could do things like that if I hadn't met you."
"I am always glad to help out a fellow magician." She said with a soft smile. "Don't mention it. It was my pleasure."
"Still, I'm grateful." Lyssa smiled at her again, feeling a little buzzed. "I feel like a library tour isn't enough of a thank you... Can I do something else for you?"
She wasn't even sure what she could do, but she felt like she should offer something.
"Please. It is fine. The library tour suffices." Was what she said with a soft and gentle chuckle.
"Well." She clapped her hands together softly with a smile. "Then I suppose I should actually finish it for you."
She moved toward the door, trying to think of what to show her next.
Ameterasu smirked. "That sounds like an idea." Was what she said as she started following Lyssa again.
"Well, you've really seen most of it," Lyssa mused alloud, tapping her chin. Then her eyes lit up. "Oh, I know!" With a smile she started following the curve of the balcony to yet another door tucked into the bookshelves.
"There's a very nice spot tucked away on the roof," she explained over her shoulder. "Not a lot of people know about it, but when I have a break I like to take books up there."
"It does sound like a very nice spot to read." Ameterasu chuckled slowly as she followed Lyssa along, still looking around and smiling at the shelves that could remotely interest her. Casually browsing, as one might say.
"Well, when the weather cooperates," Lyssa said with a chuckle. She opened the door and led them up a narrow flight of stairs out onto the flattened roof of the building. It was a nice enough day, if a little breezy, and she tripped lightly over to the edge of the roof, perching on the stone parapet along the perimeter.
"Quite the view." Was what she said with a soft chuckle. "Want to see another trick?"
Lyssa turned to her eagerly and piped up, "Yes, please," almost childlike in her curiosity.
Ameterasu slowly nodded. The circles on her shoulders set ablaze and extended. Like wings. And with slow and resolute steps, she walked over the edge. The blazing wings slowly beating to keep her floating. With a mighty swoosh, she turned towards Lyssa again.
Her jaw dropped open. "Oh my gods."
Shaking her head and smiling in wonder, she stood, taking a hesitant step closer. "That's- it's beautiful," she whispered, unable to come up with anything else to say.
"My master was.. Or even still is. A phoenix. I merely aim to copy the wings."Ameterasu chuckled slowly. "But this is the power of magic, Lyssa. A grand and dangerous gift you have to use wisely. I am certain you can achieve similair things if you chose to persue the arcane ways."
Suddenly she felt very small. She shook her head, clasping her hands together. "I'm just a librarian,' she said quietly with a small smile. "I'll never- I mean, it would be amazing, but I just don't think that's me."
Ameterasu slowly hovered closer to the edge again. Extending her hand for Lyssa. "You have a gift. It is your choice what to do with it. I only want to make sure you won't regret your choice and offer you guidance. If you are content dithyour life as it is.. I would not dare think of taking that away from you." She gave Lyssa a warm and sincere smile.
Lyssa smiled at her. "Thank you for all your kindness. Truly."
Ameterasu shook her head slowly. "Do not thank me. It is just who I am." She stepped on the roof again, the wings slowly folding and dissappearing. "And I dislike dictating someone's life." She chuckled slowly.
Lyssa smiled. "Still, thank you." She looked around. "Would you like to go in? Or do you want to stay out here for a bit? I probably have a few more minutes before they need me at the front desk."
"I won't take up more of your time, Lyssa. I had a great time. But I also have other duties." Ameterasu chuckled slowly. "Thank you. And untill we meet again, Lyssa." She smiled softly. "Stay safe.." The last thing she said before she turned around again, hopping over the edge and safely landing with the flaming.wings once more, waving gently if the shy librarian was still present, before walking off.