Chapter 6: Where subjects of living predicaments guide us to new beginnings

--LILLIE--

Standing in front of Historia’s library was more distressing than I had originally anticipated. It had been years since my father originally forbid me from returning, claiming that my reading and writing lessons, and books I had borrowed were nothing but a waste of time. Well, in reality, the reasoning of my parent’s was deeply rooted in their systematic ideology that classes shouldn’t intermix, for only those rich enough could afford to provide a proper education. Yet, on account of Historia’s philosophy, it seemed that she was more interested in providing academics to anyone seeking to further their desire for knowledge. Either way, I was damned if I was to return, and feared Historia’s anger of never explaining myself—not to mention the books destroyed under my father’s wrath.

I felt beads of sweat pile on my forehead as I hesitated to enter through the red wooden door, conflicted about seeing Historia again after being apart for so long. I was afraid she had forgotten me, for she never did come looking for me, like Jadis had. Then again, I was able to say goodbye to my herbalist mentor. Would Historia be glad to see me? Would she be angered that I didn’t have the courage to return, despite my parent’s cruelty?

Yet, here I was, abandoned by my parents once and for all, too afraid to return to my childhood neighborhood, and deeply concerned about the magic apparently running within myself that I had absolutely no idea how to manage. I had been too afraid to attempt to use the healing spell again, feeling unsure how I could even ignite it without a dangerous situation to arise. Would Historia have answers for me? Would she cast me out, like the others?

“Is it locked?” Sable asked from behind me as I stood motionless, lost in my thoughts.

“No, I just haven’t been back since my father burned the books,” I explained.

“Oh,” Sable replied. “Should I go first?”

“No! I’ll be fine,” I snapped, then pushed the door open. Upon entering the old library, the waft of nostalgia filled my nostrils as I remmebered the first day I had come. I heard the sound of the clinking hanging glass, and breathed in the scents of paper and ink as I stepped further in with Sable following me like a shadow. I twisted my head around, noticing only a few changes of cushions upon the chairs in which I had often used to study, and a significantly taller stack of notebooks upon the front counter.

“Greetings! Welcome to the grand Library of Historia!” her voice resounded, causing my heart to flutter as she stepped across the wooden floor while holding a book under her arm. Historia hadn’t changed. Her pinned up brown hair was lavish and healthy, and her lovely brown eyes widened as she adjusted the round spectacles against the bridge of her narrow nose. The chained earrings shimmered in the candle light as she tilted her head, suddenly pausing her footsteps as she eyed Sable intently.

“Well, I definitely wasn’t ever expecting to be visited by a Teragane,” Historia said, then bowed her head slightly, and Sable also bowed. She then adjusted the end of her emerald green waistcoat as her eyes then drifted to me. “Say—my good lord, you don’t happen to the the infamous Teragane who took part in helping save some trapped souls in the mine?”

“Yes, that was me,” Sable said and he placed his hand behind my back as he moved to my side. Historia watched his movements while curiously gazing upon me.

“I never thought I’d live to see the day where a Teragane stays on the ground instead of returning to the isolated areas hidden away from the rest of the world,” Historia added. “I have about a million questions to ask you, but, please, what can I do for you, since you obviously came here on accounts of finding something for yourself, right? And you—say, you look rather familiar.” Historia narrowed her eyes, and I felt my cheeks flush as if her gaze was capable of sending heat upon my skin.

“Hello, Historia,” I said, then bowed my head. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Wait a minute,” she mumbled, then looked up at Sable, then back at me, then slightly shook her head. “Lillie?”

“Yeah, it’s me,” I mumbled as I looked up at Sable who gently rubbed my back with his hand.

“Lillie!” Historia shouted, then lunged towards me, causing me to startle as she wrapped her arms around me, and the book under her arm fell to the ground with a loud thud. My hands shook as I grasped her back, but the familiar scents of her clothes and hair caused my heart to flutter as she then pulled back and patted both my cheeks with her hands.

“Finally you’ve returned!” Historia exclaimed as she smooshed my cheeks together, then looked up at Sable who only seemed pleased with the interaction. “Goodness, this must be your friend—after all this time, you finally brought him here.”

“Yesh,” I mumbled, then she finally released my cheeks and bent down to pick up the book in which she dropped. “This is Sable—my, uh friend.”

“Boyfriend,” Sable clarified, causing Historia to stiffen her neck as she looked at Sable, then at me with wide eyes while she slowly straightened up.

“Boyfriend? My—did you run off together, is that where you have been this whole time?” Historia asked with a chuckle, and adjusted her spectacles.

“Oh—no, I—uh, well,” I muttered while twisting the ends of my hair, feeling the heat ever so unbearable upon my cheeks, but Historia’s eyes darted as she then looked over her shoulder. “I guess I have a lot to explain to you. I’m really so sorry for not coming sooner. I’ve—well.”

“Hey, no need to be sorry, for life is unpredictable. What can I do for you two?” she asked, and I noticed a group of Tamarines wearing quite elegant clothing sitting in the corner, peering over at us while whispering to each other behind their opened books.

“I’ve got some things I’d like to ask you about—“ I stopped, afraid what would happen next if I were to tell her everything, and she looked at me again with a raised brow.

“Is it possible to speak privately?” Sable asked.

“Anything for my favorite student and her boyfriend,” Historia said with a wink, then pointed to a door behind the front counter. “Head upstairs, and I’ll close up the library. I see you are carrying some burdens, so feel free to set your items down and we can sit for a while and you can tell me alllll about your life. Hey, you can start a fire if you want, yeah?”

Historia then spun around and approached the group of readers, and Sable and I moved around the counter and opened the door, which revealed a narrow stairway. Before, I had never gone up to Historia’s living quarters, but felt excited to be finally invited to a more intimate setting with someone I had looked up to and hoped would be able to learn a lot more from.

Sable glanced at me with a nervous look, but he folded his wings and angled his wide body as we passed through the narrow passageway, following the stairs leading to a large living area. There was a small kitchen in one corner of the house, and a bed in another corner surrounded by walls of shelves with clothes, trinkets, and a strong scent of ink permeated the air. After dropping our packed items onto the carpeted floor, Sable and I entered the kitchen and I began stoking a fire, easily finding my way around while Sable prepared the iron kettle.

“She seems really happy to see you again,” Sable said as he placed the kettle upon the iron hook, and I moved it over the flames in the small fireplace.

“And you,” I said, and looked up at Sable who gripped the collar of the loose shirt he wore—the only shirt he owned after his woolen tunic had been torn apart. “She once encouraged me to invite you to the library. She’s the one who inspired me to write that book about the Teragane all those years ago. You know, the book you burned.”

Sable’s crimson eyes widened as he stared at the fire, and his smile faded into a stoic expression of regret.

“I’m sorry that I burned your book,” he whispered, and I patted his chest. “I wish I had never. It wasn’t fair to you, nor does it make any sense for the Sage to prohibit something like that from existing. The library—I’ve never seen so many books before. It’s open for anyone to learn or to use?”

“Yeah, Historia gives lessons here, but also privately in people’s homes. She likes helping people learn.” Sable’s eyes slowly drifted over to me, and his smile finally began to return.

“Lillie—why don’t you also do that? You’re a good teacher and you love helping others.”

“I—“

“So!” Historia’s voice rang as she ran up the narrow stairs, interrupting Sable and I. “Let me make some tea and then we can have a good long chat about what shenanigans you’ve been up to.” She quickly entered the kitchen, noticing the kettle already being heated, and began rummaging through some cabinets and prepared a teapot, and she, once again, encouraged me to explain myself.

“I thought for sure you’d return, especially on accounts of finishing your apprenticeship—did you start your own practice?” Historia asked, and I shook my head while leaning against the wooden counter while Sable began walking into the living area, curiously looking around.

“No—I joined the mine,” I said quietly as Historia began pouring the hot water into the teapot.

“The mine? What in the—why would you go there?”

“Well, it was to secure an income for my family.” Historia clicked with her tongue as she crossed her arms. “I know—life is more than just money. But, at the time, it was all I could do. Plus—well, my father forbid me from coming here and continuing any education—as well as my apprenticeship with the herbalist.”

“Ah—the formidable outcome of ruling parents. Yet, here you are now? And—don’t mind me asking, your hair? Why is it white?” I grabbed the ends of my hair and began twisting with a finger as I stared at Sable who was observing a book he found on a shelf. A loose bookmark suddenly fell out of the pages, and he bent down to pick it up, but his wings accidentally bumped a small table, causing a brass object to fall to the ground with a loud thud.

“I’m not sure, to be honest, but that is the least of my problems,” I said while Historia also observed Sable’s efforts to pick up all the things he was dropping. “I was forced to join the mine, but nearly died in the recent incident involving a lava creature from the depths. Sable found me after I went missing, heroically saving me and others, and he just never left. But, then he was found by the Sage—the Teragane leaders—then, because of our relationship, he was banished, and now we’ve been trying to find a way to make our lives work together. We were fine, for a bit, until the Keepers smashed up our fishing-stall—nearly killing Sable. Then, I—uh, well. I healed him with some type of magic.”

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I glanced over at Historia, noticing her eyes rather large behind the spectacles as she stared at me, but then she smiled, rounding her cheeks as a chuckle escaped her mouth.

“Oh, Lillie—I’m so glad you have returned, for you have always been such a wonder,” she replied, and another loud noise came from the living area as Sable dropped another brass object, but quickly picked it up and then sat down on the ground with folded wings. “Magic, eh?”

“Yes, my mother witnessed it and then accused me of being a witch, casting Sable and I out and, yeah, well here we are. Den-less, homeless, and—“

“So, you’ve returned to find answers, yes? Ah! Brilliant, my dearest. You were smart to come here, for magic is something feared, I daresay, but as elusive as the Teraganes themselves, yet, here you both are.” Historia took out three cups and began pouring from the teapot, and then handed a cup to me while Sable approached from the living area. “You really used magic to heal Sable’s wounds?”

“Yeah. So it seems.”

“Can you show me?” Historia lifted the cup to her lips as she raised a brow, and Sable then lifted his shirt, showcasing the scars across his abdomen, and bits of dried blood still lingering on his skin. Historia’s eyes widened, but then she laughed as she lowered her cup. “I meant for Lillie to show me how she uses magic.”

“Oh,” Sable said, then lowered his shirt.

“I don’t really understand how it works,” I said after giggling, but then felt my smile fade as I thought about yesterday’s turmoil. “It was all a blur of chaos as I attempted to stop the bleeding from the open wounds. I—well, I felt connected to his heartbeat, but also heard a voice—saw some visions, specifically some past experiences in the forest with animals. It was weird to see it all while Sable was dying. Then, blue light emerged from my hands, and I heard this voice call my name.”

“Really?” Both Historia and Sable stated as they leaned their heads to the side with wide eyes, and I glanced down at the terracotta cup in my hand, focusing on the swirling tea leaves beginning to rest at the bottom.

“When the light had vanished, Sable’s wounds were healed, and that’s when my mother began calling me a witch, particularly when the doctor showed up.”

“Well, doctors are always superstitious,” Historia said while rolling her eyes. “It’s no wonder he would immediately believe your mother.”

“So—do you believe me?” I looked up at Historia and she grinned while tapping the side of her cup, and Sable moved closer to my side and placed his arm behind my shoulder.

“Of course—it’s not the first time I’ve heard of such wonders,” she replied, and I sighed deeply and Sable leaned down to kiss the top of my head. “But, I’m afraid I do not know much about magic. Like I said, magic—witchcraft—anything supernatural is deemed, well, unnatural, but I know it’s real and not something to be feared. However, you’d be wise to keep it quiet and hidden from most people in the city. Your secret is safe with me, but if people are accepting of Sable in the city, perhaps the rise of magic will also be a thing in a year or two.”

“Oh, Tamarines don’t like me,” Sable said as he gently rubbed my shoulder, and I patted his hand with mine. “Well—most.”

“Ah—a double-hit from your parents, I assume?” Historia said. “Another reason to throw you out of their house. Jeesh, cannot accept anything other than what they deem worhty, right? Well, I’m glad you two came here, this is a safe place, always will be. Say—do you have a place to live or not?”

“No—I thought about some friends, but,” I said while looking up at Sable, and his eyes darted. “Not sure how they will react, to be honest.”

“Oh, you poor souls, hey! Why not stay here?” Historia offered, and a rush of heat filled my cheeks again while my old mentor casually flicked her hand across the chain piercings of her ear. “I don’t have much, but I’d rather know you two can take refuge here while you’re figuring stuff out at the moment. It’s barbaric for your folks to throw you out, especially after the mine incident. Golly, I only heard the city gossip, but I cannot imagine the horrors you two have gone through. In addition, would hate to see you be targeted by the crazy superstitious people who love to blame witches for their own undoing.”

“Oh, Historia, I really don’t want to burden—“

“Nonsense.” Historia held her hand up before I could continue, and Sable tightened his hand upon my shoulder. “If you don’t mind sleeping on the ground, I’d love to provide a safe haven for the both of you. Naturally, you can stay as long as you need, but feel free to come and go as you please.”

“That would be very helpful,” Sable said before I could answer, but I was grateful for his words, for I had only thought to deny such an invitation on account of feeling like a burden for someone I had only wished to retrieve information from. Yet, as Historia led us to the living area and pulled out a floor mattress, she explained she had housed many people in the past for temporary accommodations, and found it exciting to provide a safe place for us during our time of need.

“Is there anything we can do in return for your kindness?” I asked after she had moved some items away for us to store ours upon the lower shelves.

“Ah, you can help me around the library, maybe some lessons—I could use some extra hands,” she replied while dusting off a pillow, then handed it to me. “And, while you’re here, we can do some research on what can be discovered about magic. I’m sure we can find some clues somewhere in this ol’ dusty place.”

“I can also provide fish or other foods if that would be helpful,” Sable said, and we continued to speak about the living arrangements. Although my initial reaction would be to deny Historia’s hospitality and seek out Jamie and Lara for accommodations, after settling in for the night, staying up late after Sable had brought fish from the mountain lake, I felt relieved for being back at the library. Although I hardly knew what to expect, what we could discover, being with Historia gave me a sense of peace and security, something I had never felt with anyone else.

During the mornings, I would help her in the library, which was mainly answering questions to anyone entering, looking up certain resources, but in the afternoon, Historia would leave to attend private lessons, but would give me some projects to create while away. Sable, on the other hand, seemed restless as he followed me around, too nervous to leave unless to fly out of the city, and I began to worry how he would find his own sense of belonging without a clear direction of what he wanted to do.

“What kind of job could I do?” Sable asked me one afternoon as we tidied up the library while Historia was away.

“Well, what do you like to do?” I asked as he handed me a book while I stood on the ladder, and placed the book about smithing onto the top shelf.

“I like kissing you,” he said with a smirk, and I bopped his head with the book, causing him to scratch at his head.

“You could learn a trade, but at this point, not sure if anyone would be willing to train a Teragane, especially if half the city believes you’re some type of evil creature. But, maybe Historia knows someone more open-minded. Anything pique your interest?”

“I like helping people—I’m strong, and I can fly.” After putting the last books away, I jumped off the ladder and then stroked my chin as I thought intently what would be suitable for Sable within the city. However, anything apart from me felt endangering to his wellbeing, especially since the folk of the city were too quick to judge, and he was too naive to know how to navigate the complexities—for now.

“I think you should just—“ I looked up at him, and that horrible sensation of guilt clouded my mind as I had wished I could have offered more to the lone Teragane who abandoned his life just to get stuck in a life that was unfitting for someone like him. Yet, his eyes lifted as the front door swung open, and I looked over at the young Tamarine man entering, and immediately approached him with a friendly aura.

“Hello! Welcome to the Library of Historia—can I help you?” I asked and the man’s brown eyes darted as he observed the area, completely overlooking me as his disgruntled expression was obvious of his disdain.

“I’m looking for the Teragane,” he said, and I felt Sable suddenly approach from behind, but the man’s eyes widened as he then moved his hand into a leather satchel at his waist.

“Why are you looking for me?” Sable asked, but fear suddenly struck my heart as I eyed the man’s elegant clothing and his short hair was usually and indicator of someone from the higher levels.

“I have an official invitation from Lord Orvin,” the messenger said while extending a folded letter towards Sable. I grabbed it instead, causing the man to glare at me, but he lowered his hand to his side while tapping nervously. “Lord Orvin is very intrigued to meet the famous Teragane who has recently been causing a rather loud noise within the Divcii District.”

“I’m not that loud,” Sable quietly said, and I laughed while the messenger smirked, and his expression slightly softened.

“Well, everything you need is within the letter,” the man said, then bowed his head, then turned to leave the library, causing both Sable and I to glance at each other.

“Great—they probably heard about the Keepers getting tumbled by you and now are trying to figure out who is the cause of beating up their henchmen,” I said as I opened up the letter. Yet, as I read the invitation while Sable looked over my shoulder, I realized it was a dinner invite to a house up on the sixth level—a Master’s home, to be more precise.

Shit. What do they want?

“Looks like Sable has caught the eye of a Master,” Historia said later that evening as the three of us ate a simple fish soup and I had given her the letter to look over.

“A master?” Sable asked as he and I hardly knew what to think of the invitation. Well, I was completely appalled, but he was intrigued, stating that perhaps this was his chance to get connected with someone from higher up—to make changes and find a powerful voice in authority. In which, obviously, I thought was absolutely absurd.

“Oh, yeah. Lord Orvin has his hands in a lot of affairs,” Historia explained. “One of the most powerful elites of the city, if I were honest. I’m surprised that he even noticed you. Then again, that is probably why he is so powerful. He’s got his eyes on everyone, I assume.”

“Then, Sable cannot go to this dinner,” I said while crossing my arms and glaring at the paper sitting in the middle of the small floor table we sat around. “He’s probably only interested in what righteous efforts Sable has displayed and to kick him officially out of the city since he’s causing such a stir. No one ever stands up against the Keepers, let alone attempt to beat them up.”

“But—maybe this is my chance to stand up against a master,” Sable said rather hopeful.

“It is an intriguing opportunity for Sable,” Hisotria said as she adjusted her spectacles.

“If Lord Orvin is a Master, it will only cause trouble,” I said.

“How do you know?” I turned to look at Historia, feeling conflicted. I did not know much of the Masters, only that they ruled Cedrus City, controlled the Keepers, and my whole life had been miserable due to the complexities of how it was all managed.

“I—uh, I can’t stand such people who willingly make other’s lives miserable for the sake of money and power.”

“And noble of you to have such strong opinion. Yet, did not your own parents kick you out of your home due to their prejudice? Does one must be on the higher end of the system to be conceited and greedy?”

“Well—“

“Life is full of morally-gray people who make choices based on their own wants and needs. The best thing you can do is to give everyone a chance, at least, know that influence and power can greatly improve and benefit your life. And, most of all, it would do Sable a good deal to make higher connections if he are truly to settle here in the city. Who knows, perhaps he could find a job with the higher class.”

“Sable? Work for those bastards?” I slammed my fist upon the table, causing the cutlery to tremble and Sable’s wings twitched, but I suddenly moved my hand away as the scene felt too familiar of how my father would speak.

“I never thought you’d be so prejudice—you know, I thought you were more open-minded.”

“Lillie—I’d like to go,” Sable quietly said as he looked at me with his intense eyes of determination. “But, would you go with me?”

“Yes, you both should go and see what Lord Orvin wants,” Historia said as she flicked her hand in the air, and I sighed as I hung my head. “If he just wants to threaten Sable, then you guys can leave. But, if he were looking to seek vengeance, he would have already sent someone after Sable. Then again, what good would it be for someone higher up to squander their time with someone as mediocre as a broken fish-stall? Nah, this is something bigger and more intriguing.”

“I think so too,” Sable said, then placed his hand upon mine resting on my lap. “And, if it proves to be useless, we can just return here. But, we’ll never know unless we try, right?”

“Fine,” I grumbled, and Sable squeezed my hand as he leaned over and kissed my cheek.

“However, a dinner event would require something more fancy to wear,” Historia said and both Sable and I looked over at each other. “The elites are quite fashionable. If you both are to make a good connection, you’ll need to update your outfits. Frankly, Sable, you’ve been wearing nothing but that shirt and trousers, and are smelling rather gnarly.” Sable’s cheeks grew obviously flushed, and he pulled at the front of his shirt and sniffed it for a moment.

“Well, we both could use some extra clothes since I also have barely any,” I said with a giggle as Sable grimaced.

“Not just any clothes, you need the latest fashion, not just simple peasantry attire,” Historia said with a smirk. “You need something distinguishable and that looks well thought out and put together. I’m pretty busy before the dinner, but I can try to take you both to the tailor—Oh, no, I’ve got double lessons tomorrow and—okay, we’ll have to close up the library in the morning then.”

“Nah—I think I know someone who can help us,” I said, and Sable raised his brow. “Plus, he owes a debt to Sable.” As his expression turned into a scowl, Historia’s changed into one of relief, and I couldn’t help but release a quiet laugh as I thought about how happy a certain friend would be on the mere expression of us asking help in the prospects of wearing something of the latest, distinguishable fashion.