82 Library Date (1/2)
Elya chuckled softly at Nikolai limping through the library gates, a sulking Jarek in tow holding a young child's hand and a sleeping toddler sucking her thumb in his arms. Nikolai's cane was back in use after his disastrous escapade at last night's ball. Under the influence of a few Suzdal cousins he drank enough to rival Etenani and ended up giving a long lecture on the dynamics of flight to an equally inebriated audience, before launching himself from the balcony. The brilliant Master Mage who arrived in Neva on a cloud of lightning flailed his arms and explained how air currents generated 'lift' and floated to the ground on a bed of Magic. Where he promptly stuck his foot into a flower pot and twisted his ankle.
The Suzdal's had cheered at the dramatic display and hilarious outcome, before carrying him before Elya where he knelt and was berated by his fiancée. Much to the audience's amusement. Even Aunt Natalia was smiling at his antics from her wheelchair and the old woman's new almost gentle demeanour left most of the family in awe of Nikolai and his relationship with the 'ancient crone' as one of her cousins had phrased it the night before.
”We won't talk about yesterday.” Nikolai muttered once he reached them, eyes downcast, and a soft blush rising on his cheeks.
”Of course Niki.” Elya said and gestured to the eager librarian at her side. ”This is Master librarian Terebov Krasimir Vladimirovich.”
”An honour.” Nikolai bowed deeply at the waist, almost as much as required for an Imperial descendant. Those rare Imperials with middle names were the surviving descendants of the Hundred and One: the dozens of noble families who had sacrificed themselves in battle against the Gods to protect the First Emperor during the Cleaving. Most of their bloodlines were wiped out, but the dozen children of those families still alive were protected and nurtured so the blood of their ancestors would not die out. The Gods had cursed the families for their defiance and their descendants were faced with terrifying tribulations and a poor ability to pass on their lines. Each child of the Hundred and One was registered and protected by Imperial decree, and every citizen of the Empire respected their ancestors' sacrifice.
”No need for this much formality, Master Morales.” Terebov smiled. Contrasted against his happiness, his pale bespectacled face and gaunt features was a testament to the terrible revenge of the Gods. For someone like Nikolai with the Will of the True Imperial, it was enough to go on a rampage. Terebov must have sensed his darkening mood, since he just smiled brighter and gestured at Elya. ”I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Our little princess waxed eloquent on your breadth of knowledge.”
”Princess?” Nikolai tried to raise an eyebrow, the flickering rage in his eyes dissipating. [He still can't manage that expression.]
”Ah, apologies, I mean Elya.”
”I've known Master Terebov since he was an assistant clerk assisting papa.” Elya supplied, chuckling at the disappointment flickering on Nikolai's face. It would take a lot more to embarrass her than a childhood nickname. ”Come, the Master has prepared a reading room for you.”
”We won't be going to yours?” Nikolai asked.
”Fates forfend Master Morales.” Terebov exclaimed. ”As a senior member of the main House you will have a dedicated study on the mezzanine. I would be remiss in my duties if you did not receive treatment equivalent to the Duke himself.”
”Oh. Does your brother-in-law get the same?” Nikolai glanced at her.
”If he would show up in Neva regularly, I would see to it.” Terebov grinned. ”The assistant minister has… issues with the Duke.”
”Papa doesn't like him.” Elya said. ”Says 'the boy's too much of a bookworm.'”
”I think he's just jealous of all the smart, capable people coming to take his daughters away.” Terebov remarked airily and Nikolai snorted, lips twisting into a smirk at the flattery. ”Come. Let us head to the reading room… oh, it would appear that the young mistress is awake.”
Nikolai glanced down at the little girl pulling on his sleeve and plucked her from Jarek's arms. Jarek gazed up at with relief evident on his face, massaging his shoulder with such an exaggerated motion Elya had to suppress a snigger. The boy was learning terrible things from his Master, the least of which was melodrama.
”Guess she's not a 'Nice Lady' anymore.” Nikolai ruffled his apprentice's hair and smiled down at the baby girl reaching up to pull on his hair. ”Should teach you better than to disregard your Master.”
”She promised playmates.” Jarek murmured, a complicated gaze targeting the siblings.
”Tink. Did you cause trouble for young Jarek?” Elya asked the young boy grabbing Jarek's hand.
”He wasn't a problem Khanbikeh.” Jarek interrupted quickly, a flash of guilt in his eyes. ”I'm just�� a little tired.”
”Not trouble aunty El.” Lidia's eldest son, Tikhonievich or Tink for short echoed the words and lifted a sticky hand towards her. The boy's eyes were just like Lidia's, crimson and full of mischief. ”Jarek gave me sweeties and showed me magics.”
”Wonderful! Jarek is a very smart big brother and you should thank him. You must be so proud, Niki.” Elya pulled a handkerchief from her coat and wiped her nephew's hand. ”And little Satalia is growing so fast.”
”Yeah. Kids are great.” Nikolai murmured.
”They took all my sweets.” Jarek offered with a sad sigh. ”And eggs.” He looked up at Nikolai and opened his palms like a beggar, lower lip trembling as if he were about to cry. Tink and Satalia heard the word 'egg' and giggled. Tink copied the pose, the effect spoiled by his beaming smile while Satalia was as blunt as her father, pulling on Nikolai's collar and demanding in a loud voice.