Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, strands escaping as Marya hunched over the table, her quill scratching furiously across the parchment. The symbol on the page consumed her focus, its intricate lines demanding her full attention. "Excuse me," a voice broke through her concentration. She looked up, blinking at the man before her—medium-sized, with wavy shoulder-length hair and a boxed beard. He appeared stunned, his hand clutching his chest as if struck. His knees buckled, and he braced himself against the table, his arm trembling as he caught his fall. Marya's eyes widened, her notes forgotten.
Marya begins to stand, "Can I help you?"
Throwing a hand up, "No," he gasps, "I am quite all right, thank you." He scurries off, disappearing down one of the library aisles.
Marya's brow furrows, scratching her temple, "What the hell?" Shaking her head, "Whatever," she returns to her studies.
"Hello," a cheery voice interrupts her. Marya glares up at a busty woman with light hair pulled into a long tail. Giggling, "I am so sorry, but are you finished with that book?" Marya's eyes look at the closed book she is pointing at.
"Ah hum!" They both turn when they hear someone clearing his throat. "Thank you, Himari," the man from earlier stood with his back straight as if trying to make himself seem taller. "I am fine now. I was just surprised, is all."
Marya's eyes shift between the two of them. Sliding the book to Himari, "Here you go." She returns to scribbling notes in her notebook.
"Young lady," Marya's head flops forward, and she slams her pen down. "Are you studying the poneglyphs?"
Marya sighs, "I am."
"To what end?"
"It's personal. Now, if you don't mind," she picks up her pen.
"Allow me to introduce myself," Marya continues to write, "I am Nao Itsuki Makino," gesturing to Himari, "This is my assistant, Himari Chinatsu Nomura." Himari hides her face behind the book as she giggles.
"Nice to meet you," Marya says flatly, "if you don't mind, I am very busy."
Nao huffs, "Do you, by chance, have any connection with Elisabeta Vaccaria?"
Marya's pen stops, glowering up at him, "She is my mother."
Nao smiles, "I thought so." Marya groans when they pull out chairs on either side of her and sit. Nao picks up her journal. "Are these her notes?"
Marya snatches it away from him, "Yes." Crossing her arms, "Is there something I can do for you?"
Nao crosses his legs, resting intertwined fingers atop, "I knew her." Marya raises an unimpressed brow. "Quite well, actually. I knew your father, too." He scoffs, "That scoundrel!" Sighing, "Alas, he won the prize in the end. The rogue!" Marya glances at a solemn Himari when her chair creeks. "You do know," Marya rolls her eyes, "she studied the poneglyphs as well."
"I did figure that out. Now, if you don't mind," Marya attempted to write.
Nao taps the open book with his finger, "It's what prompted her untimely end."
Marya snatched the book towards her, "I suspected."
Nao sighs, "I should apologize."
"That isn't necessary," Marya turns a page.
"It was not my intention to concern you earlier." Marya continues, writing, "It's just you look so much like her." Marya pauses for a moment, "It took me by surprise. I thought I was seeing a ghost or something. But your eyes are definitely his." Noticing her lack of reaction, "Okay fine!" He stands. Taking the book she is studying, he examines the page, "I will help you."
Marya bolts up, "That is not necessary! I can do…" Himari giggles, placing a hand on her shoulders.
"Of course it is," he adjusts his glasses, "I am brilliant, and I know a cry for help when I see one." Slamming the book closed, "We should create a schedule! Himari!"
"Yes," she snickers, "clear my calendar!" He declares, "This will be my primary focus until further notice!"
"Wait! I!"
"Of course," Himari squeals.
"I am a guardian!" Marya belts out. She is immediately scolded with shushing by the librarian.
Nao tisks, "Definitely his daughter. The library requires decorum."
Marya pinches the bridge of her nose, "Sir, I appreciate the offer, however."
"Nonsense!" He sits, "Now, let's begin, shall we."
*****
The bell over the door jingles, announcing Marya's arrival at the beauty shop. "Hey girl," Harper floats out from the back. "Dang," he leans against the counter, "what is going on with you? You look like you have been put through the wringer."
Marya rubs her eyes, "The person helping me is relentless, and I can't get rid of him."
"Oh?" Harper Chuckles. "And who might this person be?"
Marya sighs, "Mr. Makino and his assistant, Ms. Nomura."
"Oh," Harper balks.
"Yeah, it's a little brutal. I am so ready for another task."
"Well, girl, what brings you by?"
"I am out of conditioner and skin care."
Spinning away, "I got you, girl."
The bell rings again, and Marya becomes rigid when she sees who it is. Aurélie is nose-deep scribbling in her book as she steps up to the counter. Marya steps away, hoping to remain unnoticed. She cringes when the bag Harper carries crinkles, giving her away, "Here you go, girl." He hands it to her, "I added some travel sizes too."
Aurélie snaps up, narrowing her gaze. "Thanks so much, Harper," Marya chuckles nervously.
Marya is about to turn away, "Marya!" Aurélie inserts her pen in the book's spine and slaps it close. "Explain yourself!"
"Oh!" Harper squeaks, covering his mouth, and he flicks his wrist. "Sounds like someone is about to get a spanking."
Looking away, "What do you mean?"
"So much drama!" Harper claps.
With a cold tone, "Why have I not heard from you since your return?"
Marya rubs the back of her head, "Well, you see. It was not on purpose. I just got distracted, and then I was a little busy."
"Too busy to visit your mentor?" Aurélie scolds.
"Oh, SLAP!" Harper snaps his fingers.
"Well," Marya looks away, "I have some time now."
Bags in hand, they stroll through the busy passageways and over the bridges. "How have the tasking been?"
"Um," Marya searches for an answer, "they have been fine. The first two were uneventful, but the last one was a little exciting."
"Do not get complacent," Aurélie replies, "it only takes an instant for a task to get eventful." She emphasizes the last word.
Feeling a lecture coming, Marya changes the subject. "How is the poetry writing?"
Aurélie lights up, "I am currently working on a new one. Would you care to hear?"
Marya smirks, "of course."
Aurélie handed Marya her bag and retrieved her notebook. Clearing her throat, "My blade cuts clean; my blade cuts true; my blade will cut you. Dark steel stabs true. Your soul will be set loose." Looking to Marya, "What do you think so far?"
"Oh," she gives an exaggerated nod, "inspiring. Very moving."
"Really?" Aurélie pulls out her pen, "I was thinking for the next part."