82 Library Date (2/2)
”Ag!”
”Ag indeed. Another group corrupted by your Magical creations.” Despite the admonishment, Elya held out her hands as well. ”Me too.”
Terebov adjusted his spectacles and contemplated their behaviour before stretching his hands out hesitantly. ”It would only be fair for me to partake in this… disbursal?”
Nikolai shot them all a dark glare and reached into his bag of wonders. In short order they were ensconced in a side chamber and emptying the bag which Elya had appropriated, claiming Nikolai couldn't handle the responsibility. Savouring the delicious treats with Tink on her lap animatedly describing his day, Elya shared a profound look with Terebov who was licking his fingers. Nikolai was jostling with Jarek and Satalia for some leftovers and kept trying to explain why they should behave in the library, but he snatched as much from the bag as the children.
”That was quite a treat, Master Morales.” Terebov bowed from his seat. ”If you ever have need for my abilities after this, I'm sure my services can be arranged for a suitable… price.” He licked his lips and shot a covetous gaze at the bag held tightly in tiny Satalia's hand. With a shake of his head, Terebov called for an attendant to accompany the children while he brought Nikolai and Elya into the depths of the library. ”When you asked for the little princess's help I dug into the archives and selected a few volumes on the Duchies, you may find intriguing. While I wasn't able to get a hold of any of the Illyri Geomantic surveys, the area was a wasteland before the Reclamation after all, there are a few treatises written by the Sages which might be useful. Unfortunately, the Magical locks mean I have no way of determining their value.”
”You mentioned one of the treatises was marked with the Final Queen's blood hound?” Nikolai's eyes shone brighter with every step they took, the musty staleness of ancient parchment and paper invigorating him.[In this we're identical. A library is a treasure trove beyond even the Imperial Vaults.] Elya scratched her cheek and took a deep breath while trying to follow their conversation. Magical history was not one of her forte's or interests after all. At least it wasn't until a few weeks ago when Nikolai began his casual introduction on the subject.
”Yes. It's a strange volume. Some of the old librarian's notes say they felt flares of odd emotions and sudden pangs of hunger… what's so amusing?” Terebov stopped and chided Nikolai, who began laughing during Terebov's commentary.
”Apologies. Those cravings mean the treatise is a waste of our time. It's a diary.”
”A Queen's diary would be a significant find.” Terebov grimaced at Nikolai's dismissal.
”True, but this the training diary of a child. Most likely one of the minor nobles sent as a hostage to the Queen's court. Part of their education was to record their practice sessions under the influence of powerful Shaper Magic.”
”To what end?” Elya asked, fascinated by the account.
”To ensure they could control their emotions.” Nikolai shook his head and stopped with a frown on his face, observing the nearby shelves. He continued, distracted and searching for something. ”Don't mistake the Illyri fighting in the Duchies for their forebears. The majority are descendants of commoners or slaves and don't hold the same love for cold interaction their royalty used to. It's what led to that twisted mess of etiquette and rules we know today. All the knowledge, but none of their concentration.” He shuffled over to a shelf and sighed in delight.
”I understand why you're so fond of this place.” He breathed and pulled a few scrolls from one of the library's shelves. ”I haven't seen copies of Loston's Analects in the Mage Council's library and they hunted for the original text for decades before they disproved his theories.”
”You won't find a better place for knowledge throughout the Empire!” Elya declared proudly. ”And Master Terebov ensures the collection improves every year.”
”I'm sure the Imperial library would dispute your claim, little princess.” Terebov demurred. ”But our collection covers every topic from Magic to agriculture to politics.”
”Politics?” Nikolai returned the Analects back to the shelf. ”What do you know about the Tribune elections?” he asked and Elya's heart lurched.
”The elections are coming shortly, I believe. Before even your wedding date.” Terebov considered, removing his spectacles to wipe the lenses. ”It was originally one of the First Emperor's means to guide Imperial policy. A way to define targets and control the Empire's expansion by conceding to interest groups and appointing a military leader . I'm not sure when it became an election, but it wasn't long after the First Emperor's abdication so there are plenty of rumours it was changed due to his wishes.”
”And the rules of the election itself?” Nikolai asked with a frown.
”Why the sudden interest in the election Niki?” Elya interrupted, trying to sound casual, but the lump in her throat only became larger when she saw him avert his gaze slightly.
”Oh. An old friend has been trying to get my support and keeps nagging me.” He coughed and said.
[He's hiding something. No, I shouldn't be suspicious. The Son of Heaven may have asked for Niki's opinion. As the latest appointed Advisor, it would be something he might be dragged into. And it's not like my reasons for involvement are clean either.]
”Actually I think the little princess checked out a few books on the subject recently.” Terebov remarked, winking at Elya in support. He was obviously hinting she take some time to engage in 'discussions' with her fiancée.
”Really?” Nikolai exclaimed, a sneaky grin lighting up his features. Elya wanted to writhe at the intensity in his gaze, guilt sparkling in her heart, but she simply nodded. ”Then you can teach me. It saves me a lot of trouble.”
”Of course.” She agreed weakly and followed after Terebov as they plunged into the most ancient part of the library to hunt for books. At least this part of her day was going to be fun.