Library

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

Aelic nodded his agreement then gave the twins a parting smiled before disappearing into the depths of the library to return their books and then head to the cafeteria to get some dinner.
((Not gonna post at the cafeteria cause I don't have any one to react with etc, so we can just post in the West wing for the next morning)).

[Pandabaking, Lieutenant Panda (Second in command)]

"Bye sister see you later." Rowan said before walking out and walking to the library with Aelic. "Where did you put the book yesterday?" He asked.

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

Aelic walked into the library with Rowan, smiling when he saw that their usual couch was unoccupied. 'I know where it is. You go save us the couch.' Aelic said to Rowan before bounding off into the library with a wave. After collecting their respective books, he made his way back to the other boy and handed him the correct book before sitting down beside him. At this time in the day the sun slanted through the windows to hit the couch at just the right angle and Aelic already felt himself relaxing into the warmth and quiet atmosphere.

[Pandabaking, Lieutenant Panda (Second in command)]

Roman sat down in the couch and waited for Aelic to return before starting his book again. He was reading slowly and was curled on the couch with his right arm hanging over the back of the couch tracing letters to words he didn't know mouthing the words out trying to figure out the words. "What's this word snake?" Rowan asked showing Aelic the word unable to figure out hesitation.

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

Aelic glanced up from his own book at Rowans voice, then looked at the word the fox was pointing to. 'Hesitation.' He told the other boy, scanning the page and picking out other 'difficult' words, most of which Rowan had already worked through. 'You are getting very good at this Rowan. You learn quickly. Good job!' He praised, smiling with evident sincerity.

[Pandabaking, Lieutenant Panda (Second in command)]

"I still feel stupid for having to ask for help. It goes against every fiber of my being to ask for help." Rowan sighed frowning at the book. "What does hesitation mean?"

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

'I know.' Aelic said, smiling softly. He knew what sort of personality Rowan had, knew he hated asking for help (half because he never had anyone he could ask), but that just made Aelic even happier that Rowan trusted him enough to be that person he could ask. Aelic would have been happy to help regardless, but it made it that little bit sweeter. 'Hesitation. When you pause before saying or doing something because of doubt or reluctance.'

[Pandabaking, Lieutenant Panda (Second in command)]

"Stop confusing me with big words snake. What the hell is reluctance?" He growled glaring at the snake.

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

Aelic winced and looked sheepish. He had forgotten that reluctance probably wasn't in Rowan's everyday vocabulary. 'Sorry. Reluctance. Basically unwillingness. If you don't want to do something, for whatever reason, you are reluctant.'

[Pandabaking, Lieutenant Panda (Second in command)]

"Just remember that Sister and I aren't book smart as you put it." He growled slightly before looking at his book again. "This Magnus person does not line vampires what ever they are." Rowan sighed turning the page.

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

Aelic just nodded, slightly chagrined. 'Vampires are mythical creatures - they're made up, not real. Stories.' He said, this time not surprised Rowan didn't know what they were. He turned back to his own book, content to read some more (until Rowan needed help again that is).

[Pandabaking, Lieutenant Panda (Second in command)]

Rowan nodded slowly and continued to read mumbling every so often figuring words as he read them. He sat there for a few more hours reading another two chapters in which he was very proud before his eyes started to cross from reading too much. "Snake I have reached my limit with the witchcraft. What do you say we check on Sister?" He asked nudging Aelic with his foot.

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

'Hmm....' Aelic hummed in response, mind still absorbed in his book. At Rowan's nudge the words finally registered and Aelic looked up, floundering a bit as he tried to drag his mind into the present and reply. 'What? No wait, yeah, sorry. Yeah, ok, we can go.' Aelic stammered, grinning a bit then stretching and closing his book. 'Want me to put yours away too?' He asked Rowan, unsure if the boy wanted to take it back to his room or not.

[Pandabaking, Lieutenant Panda (Second in command)]

"Uh I will take it to my room. Sister may enjoy it later." Rowan said standing up his shoulders, elbows, wrists and neck cracking as he stretched them out. "I sound like I'm falling apart." He grumbled waiting for Aelic.

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

Aelic nodded and stood up also, shuddering a little at the cracks. 'That you do.' He said wryly, before saying 'Back in a bit' and running off to put his book away. He came back a few minutes later, sans the book, and smiled at Rowan, accompanying it with a wordless 'lead the way' gesture.

[Pandabaking, Lieutenant Panda (Second in command)]

((To the west wing))

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

Zibiah stopped in front of the Library's huge oak doors. The doors themselves were impressive but the true treasure was what lay beyond them. Without waiting for the rest of the group to catch up, she pushed the doors open and raced inside. What she saw took her breath away. Books! Everywhere! Walls lined with giant old tomes, shelves in even rows as far as the eye could see filled to the brim, cosy little lanterns dotted around with big squishy sitting things huddled around the light. Zibiah loved it! She turned to face Leah, eyes alight, silently asking permission to go explore.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

Leah laughed at Zibiah's rapturous expression and nodded. They all walked in.
"Too bad Felix isn't here," Andi said, "He's the biggest book-lover."
Leah loved reading, and knew that Rosie liked it too, but Andi only read when he was bored- and Andi was always doing something.
"Let's just grab a couple books, fill out the cards, and put them in our bags. I don't think Andi would appreciate us sitting and reading for hours," Leah said, "Is that alright with you guys?"
Andi smiled gratefully.

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

Zibiah almost cheered at Leah's nod and sped away, flitting from shelf to shelf, staring at the books and running her fingers along the spines. She loved having access to all these books, all the time! This is definitely going on my to-do list. She thought to herself with a grin before speeding back to her friends. As much as she would love to just wander around here forever, she couldn't just abandon them and the tour. There will probably be other secret treasures this stone tent has to offer. She thought, almost skidding to a halt in front of Leah. 'This place is amazing! Where to next?!' She asked, excited to see what was in store for her.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

"How about the nursery?" suggested kindhearted Andi, "The babies love having visitors.
Leave it to Andi. That would be perfect for sweet Zibiah.
"Yeah, that sounds fun," Rosie said. Leah knew Rosie would be happy- she adored small children.
"What do you think, Z- er, Rasha?"

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

'Nursery? Sure! Lets go!' Zibiah said with a grin, already picturing the adorable baby Blessed they must here. She had never met a baby Blessed, but was excited anyway. 'Come on Leah, come on!' She said happily, speeding out of the door and racing along the corridor before doubling back and returning before the others had even left the library. 'Umm....Which way?' She asked, suddenly bashful.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

Andi gave directions, and they all headed towards the Nursery. "Hey, Zibiah," Leah whispered (while trying to lug her bag of about 15 books), "Why can't they know your name? It isn't like anyone here will recognize it."
(Continue in Nursery)

[DuskFox, God of all Cursed (Creator and Head Mod)]

((K! Will post in the nursery))

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

Leah was just browsing through the stacks, when she came upon a new book. Now, it's not like she'd read every book in the library, but she at least had seen them all often enough to recognize a book that hadn't been there before. Plus the book was obviously brand new. They never got new books- all the books here were at least 100 years old, and you had to be careful or they'd fall apart.
Leah pulled the new book off of the shelf, and was about to read the title, when, suddenly......

[bubblewaffles]

Sara was bored. She had nothing else to do, and she liked the peacefulness and the serenity of the library that wasn't really anywhere else but the gardens, but then she would want to eat the bugs there. She wanted to sit down, but she went to go grab a book. All of a sudden, a fly zipped into the library. Her eyes widened and her instincts jumped. She ran through the library when she lost track of the fly and ran straight into someone.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

Ouch! Something- no, someone- barreled right into her. She sood up carefully, making sure the book was alright, then held out her hand toward the small blond girl who'd run into her.
"Are you okay?"

[bubblewaffles]

Sara nodded, not wanting to talk to anyone. She shyly gripped the girl's arm and let the girl help her up. She forced a faint smile. Of course, she was glad that the girl had helped her up, but she didn't like the scent of a strong person coming off of the girl. She looked down at her boots, suddenly interested in her shoes.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

Okay, so she was a bit shy. Or maybe just was just embarrassed after running into Leah?
"Don't worry about it. I'm kind of clumsy and trip over my own feet, so I'm used to falling down. I'm Leah. What's your name?"

[bubblewaffles]

"Sara." She responded. She punched herself on the inside. Why was she acting shy when she could just ignore the girl and walk away? But then again, she had to eliminate the threat, and the only way she could do so was to study more about the threat.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

"Well hello, Sara. I haven't seen you around hefore- are you new?"
The girl seemed uncomfortable- and incredibly annoyed, but Leah pretended not to notice. Most of the newbies were like this- too jaded to believe in human kindness. It was harder for Cursed on the outside. The best way to draw them out was to ignore it and start up a conversation. To ignore any rudeness or insults, and continue to ne interested in who they really were. Because, deep down, that's what everyone wants- to be accepted.

[bubblewaffles]

"Kind of. Not your business though." Sara replied rudely. She didn't like people like this who tried to gain her trust too quickly, as last time this happened, she was taken away from her life of happy barely survival by herself. She was so accustomed to being alone, surviving by herself and being betrayed by almost everyone she met that she didn't know real trust from fake trust anymore. and she never trusted again.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

"Well, I guess not- sorry if I'm being pushy. I've only been here a few years myself. How old are you? I'm seventeen."
Sara was clearly trying- and failing- to be at least somewhat civil. She obviously didn't trust Leah, and was trying to figure out her agenda. But Leah honestly didn't have one. She just wanted to get to know the new girl.

[bubblewaffles]

"Fifteen." Sara replied in a snarky tone. She wanted to tell her to go away, but this news would obviously spread towards everyone else in the Palace, so she just decided to force a smile.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

"Fifteen? That's how old Rosie is!" Leah exclaimed. "Rosie's my sister. Well, not blood-related, but she's my best friend and roommate, and we're really close. She's really smart and showed me around when I first got here. I think you'd like her."

[bubblewaffles]

Yeah right. Sara thought. Like I would trust anyone like that. Her smile disappeared for a split second as that thought fell on her mind. "I'd like to get to know her!" She covered up that thought with enthusiasm.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

Cheerfulness, huh? Sara obviously wasn't going to open up so easily, so either she'd decided to go along with Leah in the hopes that Leah'd get bored and leave her alone, or she was trying to block a painful memory that had risen to the surface, or she was trying to make a good impression because she thought Leah was going to go tell Rosie (and everyone else) all about her.
"What do you like to do, Sara?":

[bubblewaffles]

"I like to think. And read sometimes." Sara smiled faintly. She didn't like to do anything, and didn't have many hobbies. Asking her was like asking her what did god did during free time.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

"Think and read, huh? Sounds like my friend Felix. You don't even notice he's there, and then he suddenly pops his head out of his book and makes some ridiculously brilliant comment that he obviously thought long and hard about before letting it come out of his mouth."
Felix, huh? He had a knack for getting people to open up without saying a word. He'd be able to figure out what made Sara tick.
"Well, there's a lot of things to do here, and you'll have all the time in the world to find some more hobbies."

[bubblewaffles]

"That's sad, even though I'd like to spend time with Felix, maybe get to know him." Sara commented. She didn't like spending all of her time doing nothing, especially thinking about new hobbies. She started to hum a tune that she learned of a kid when she was on the streets.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

She was expressing actual interest in something!
"Yeah, it can get a little boring, so lots of people has a 'thing'. Rosie has her plants, and Felix has his books, and I have.......I don't really know. That's a nice tune, by the way. What's the song called?"

[bubblewaffles]

Sara blushed for real. "A Lonely Night Outside." She replied. She was glad that this conversation hadn't gone completely off the rails so far.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

"That's a pretty name. I bet the lyrics are interesting- sing it for me sometime, okay? Please?"
Sara was just awkward and jaded, but she clearly wasn't malicious.
"You're in the West Wing, right? That's why we haven't met."

[bubblewaffles]

"Sure." Sara smiled softly. She remembered what happened last time she trusted someone like this and her smile disappeared. "And yes, I'm in the West Wing, because of my poison."

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

Poison?
"I thoght so. Hey, do you know what the difference is between poison and venom?"

[bubblewaffles]

"No. Not really. I never recieved education." Sara replied.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

"It's actually really interesting, because most people just think of the terms as having the same meaning, which is a shame, because they are actually fundamentally different. Poison is something you consume that hurts you. There are poisonous plants and stuff, but animals aren't usually poisonous- to humans, at least.. They're usually venomous, which means that they control whether something gets hurt. The rule of thumb is 'if you bite it and you die, it's poisonous, if it bites you and you die, it's poisonous.' "
Leah wondered how Sara could read if she'd never been educated.

(No, I'm not making this up, This really is the difference. The reason they're called "poison dart frogss" instead of "venomous frogs" is because the old tribes living in that area used to coat their darts/arrows in the venom.)

[bubblewaffles]

Sara smiled, but the smile was barely there. "Well, thanks for the clarification. I'll be sure to tell the next kid that walks on my wrong foot." She replied sarcastically. She really didn't like being told she was wrong, even if she was learning something. The only reason she knew how to read was because when she was smaller, someone, the same person who'd betrayed her later on had taught her how too.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

"What animal are you? I'm a raccoon dog."
She couldn’t figure out what kind of venomous animal had Sara's gold and black coloring. A snake, maybe?

[bubblewaffles]

"Golden poison dart frog." Sara replied, smirking.

[LJF, Lieutenant LJF (Third in command)]

(Sorry, I did a bit more research of poison dart frogs!)
Oh. Oh!
"Omigosh, I'm so sorry! I totally messed up!"
She couldn't believe she'd been so rude.
"Poison dart frogs actually are poisonous, since the animals who try to eat them are the ones who die. I'm so sorry."
That's what she got for acting like such a know-it-all. She wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole.