[Library] Amid walls of books (Leigo)

[Fiera]

Fiera threw Leigo a condescending stare, though a smile twitched on her lips, “would I ask you if was busy?” The stacks of books on the front desk had long been forgotten. She was quite relieved that Leigo had accepted her help, mostly – so she told herself – because she thought studying Auristics alone was dangerous. But also because that meant Fiera would get to spend a little more time with him. By now, she had given up scolding herself for these thoughts. “Were you planning on studying tonight?” she asked, then instantly regretted it. That made her sound too eager, as if she didn’t mind giving up her sleeping hours to help the boy. That was, in fact, exactly how she felt, but Leigo didn’t need to know that. Fiera wondered what help she could provide him with. She wasn’t good at Auristics, but she knew the facts. She had a good memory for these things, but that didn’t mean she understood them very well. Fiera heaved a sigh. What would come, would come.

[Leigo]

At the girl’s arrogant comment, Leigo felt strangely relieved. That sounded like something he would’ve said had the circumstances been any less awkward. Even Onuo seemed to notice. You two sure are socially unpleasant. She smiled again. Was she expecting him to say or do something? The boy wasn’t sure he even needed to know. Nodding simply at her previous statement, it took Leigo some time to process the other question. He was indeed planning on studying during the night (mostly because no one would bother him), but he couldn’t figure out her sudden interests in him. In any case, he replied simply. Lying was always something he felt comfortable with. “I can’t sleep.” Short and friendly, with a nod too “I’d like to start just about now.” There wasn’t much more to say; besides he wasn’t even sure how to start. “Which one do you recommend we start on” that ‘we’ sounded strangely awkward in his mind, but whatever, he had agreed already.

[Fiera]

Fiera sat down at a table and thought about his question. Her fingers beat out a simple rhythm on the wood, “First, tell me how much you know about Auristics.” He might end up knowing more than her. That would be awkward. Fiera was coming to realise they were both finding each other’s company highly uncomfortable. Then she thought about his question some more, “Well, history is more of a solitary activity” that’s why she chose to study it this season, isn’t it? “So one of these.” She slid the two books closer to him, “Take your pick, it doesn’t matter to me” Fiera had decided that if he didn’t know anything, she might try teaching him to meditate. That always helped her focus of her djed.

[Leigo]

“Oh, as far as auristics goes, I’m quite alright with basic theory.” And then he paused, not really wanting to tell her the following “it’s the practical use that gives me trouble.” Another long silence “It has been impossible for me to initiate that added on sight in any way.” Then quickly shrugging the moment off, he reached out his hand to pick one of the books. It was clear to him what it would be. After all practice is the only thing that actually concerned him. Resting his fingers on one of the works, he pushed it away. And then there was only one left, he wasn’t sure of the title anymore, but he could still faintly remember the name Casey Grey. “This one.” Then a rather awkward silence “You seem to know what you’re doing.” cough to clear the throat. “How did you figure it out?” it was a simple question that left a terrible aftertaste of impotence in the boy’s mouth. He still tried his best to instill humility in his voice. Quite uncommon of you to ask for help. We need it. And? And that's it. Why did she even want to help him? Smiling at his last thought, Leigo suddenly felt a bit more comfortable. As long as it felt like it was him analyzing her and not the other way around, the boy was content.

[Fiera]

“You know the basic theory, but have problems with the practical aspect” Fiera nodded, she knew what he meant. It too took her much effort to reach her djed store. No, perhaps that was not his problem, “Do you have good control of any other magic?” She looked down at the book Leigo chose. It was the right one if he was having such problems. Casey Grey explained the different forms that this magic could take, that was one thing that he had to understand; there was no standard way of using this sense. Fiera was distracted by his offhand comment, “I read these books last season. I also have a good memory. It isn’t very hard” Her tone was warning, although she couldn’t tell if he was insulting her intelligence or being serious. Then, her face cleared and she voiced her previous thoughts, “One thing you have to understand, is that Auristics is basically up for interpretation. There is not standard way of doing it. Grey explains this well in her book.”

[Leigo]

Should we tell her? Boy’s inner ear resonated with his own though. I’m against it. For better or worse, Onuo was still there to ruin the mood, interrupt statements and save the blond’s behind. Why – I mean I wouldn’t tell her of you, just mention some reimancy. For all she knew, I could’ve been a complete and utter moron when it came to these things. Besides, I doubt that my telling would surprise her much. Besides auristics, reimancy is like one of the most common magical disciplines. Halting his own thoughts, the boy riddled himself. But does that make it any more public? My thoughts exactly – the familiar calmed down again. I know what it is that we should do. Go ahead then, I’ll trust you not to say too much. “I do” was all Leigo wished to say while not yet fully confident in Fiera’s discretion. Not letting the conversation shift to the topic of his insofar ‘theoretical’ magic wielding, Leigo simply kept talking. “Was there anything you found helpful in preparation for taking the first step of vision enhancement?” an honest to gods question, and he hoped she would see it that way too. Then again, if she asked about magic… He knew what needed to be done!

[Fiera]

Fiera had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Why was Leigo so secretive? Giving a barely sufficient answer then quickly changing the topic. Trust wasn’t a thing to be handed out to everyone and anyone, especially not at this time. But seriously? He’d saved her life, why on Mizahar would she want to harm him? Anyway, he’d asked her a question. “Meditation,” Fiera replied, choosing to quote her former professor than to trust her own explanation, “It is the foundations of magic, knowing how to manipulate yourself before you influence the world around you. It helps me tap into my djed consciously.” Now her brow furrowed, “But that might not be your problem. That’s why I asked if you knew any other magic. Maybe you can easily manipulate your djed at will but have troubles extending it outside your body. I choose to see my djed as a physical object, which helps me control it.” Fiera was open about her magic; half hoping that Leigo would see this as a peace offering. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t use the information she’d given him to gain advantage over her. The rapid beating of her heart had now slowed, and as a result, Fiera relaxed, completely erasing the tension she had felt.

[Leigo]

The boy was beginning to feel shame for his earlier panic. She clearly meant no harm to him, but one could never be too safe. Magic was one particular question that was never supposed to have such a simple answer. He would throw her a bone (so to speak). One awkward moment of that surreal power in exchange for her dropping further inquiry about it – it would be enough, it had to be. “Back there” he stopped, scratching his neck as his throat dried up “in the water… it was magic that allowed me to get you out in time. It is magic that saved both our lives… even if it was that bastard’s reimancy who got us in that mess to begin with.” He would stop talking again. It wasn’t really that he felt uncomfortable; he had learned to carry himself well despite awkwardness by this point. “Pardon my rudeness. I just really didn’t want the discussion to move in that direction…” there was certainly more to say, but he guessed Fiera would be much more likely to zip it if he left the thought half finished. That way she could assume ten possible outcomes, each worse than the previous – panic was a bitch after all. When did you get so sentimental? I didn’t? Then why did you… She’s a Kelvic, remember? She could’ve easily been bonded to any on board… Anselm included. That old man already knows too much about me; about us. Best case scenario, Fiera had some allegiance to him. Worst case – she was loyal to Anselm and the Nuit would hear every word the boy would tell her.

[Fiera]

Fiera inhaled sharply when the boy mentioned the water, eyes darting anxiously around the room. The library spun around her and salty water leaked from cracks in the wall, filling the room at an unbelievable pace. Sand coated her throat, breathing became impossible and her head hurt. The Charoda screamed in pain and Fiera watched as dark blood spurted high into the sky. Not fully understanding what Leigo was telling her, Fiera managed to choke out a soft, “That’s fine” Just as suddenly as it had started, Fiera felt the panic abate and the hallucinations die down. Slumping in her chair, the girl closed her eyes and tried to still her shaking hands. It was just like her in her dreams. Were they going to return? Fiera remembered only too well the twisted images that her mind conjured and the horror and panic she’d felt upon waking. She’d kept herself awake for almost three days in fear but found it only worsened the dreams in the end. Sleeping had become the worst form of torture. Slowly, her eyes opened and she fixed her gaze angrily on Leigo. Sitting up, though obviously shaken, Fiera continued, “T-try reading, my – my aura. Now” The only clear thought she had was that any Aurist would be able to smell her fear at that moment.

[Leigo]

It wasn’t fine. He could see such in her eyes well after she mumbled against them. Her mind wasn’t at ease and her hands kept trembling. Followed by an angry glare at the mention of that day back in the water – she wasn’t even close to well. Did he invoke something unintended? Perhaps the whole event fell onto her much more harshly than it did to him. Upon being asked to read her aura, he wanted to tell the girl off rudely. Wasn’t that why they were sitting together in the first place – he couldn’t bloody do it! Deciding against such rash actions, Leigo would actually try. Instead of trying to expulse the djed from his body like he did when facing the obelisk, the boy had another idea. Keeping the matter well inside him, he would follow the same process it took to expel it. Never allowing it out, he could feel the buildup inside his own body. Closing his eyes, he would finally stop staring at Fiera. When he opened them again, if only for a moment, djed like strands seemed pushed back into his eyes, and just for that moment he thought everything was glowing. Did you notice anything glowing just now? No. Was it even supposed to glow for him? Leigo wasn’t sure what was what anymore. Taking another closer look at the girl, he wouldn’t notice anything abnormal. Perhaps he was seeing things. Best not to mention anything unless he was sure it had been a success. “You’re upset” looking in her eyes, probably looking more certain than he felt “scared” and he would add after remembering the cold glare she gave him earlier “and angry – at me, likely” it was only logical. After all it was much too sudden for her to feel anger towards anyone else. “But that was not auristics – I’ve failed again…” he would stop, moving his hand closer to one of her own. For a moment it might’ve looked like he would take her hand, but it was never his intention. “Your hands are shaking” he would explain finally. Then he would shut up at the awkwardness of it all, one hand resting farther across the table than before.