Page 53 of Must Love Libraries and Libations
“Blossoms and herbs bookwyrms won’t be inclined to eat.”
She chuckled. “All right? And for what purpose?”
Gods, I was terrible at communicating with people. Words on a page were so much easier.
“I… I have a plan for the library’s celebration tomorrow. I just need…”
“Help?”
I inclined my head to her.
A moment later, the bell over the door rang once more. “Ready, Junie? I’m famished.”
I turned to find the orc Granik coming through the door. His arrival triggered a series of happy barks, and a mosspup shot from somewhere in the back toward the orc. The flash of green bypassed me entirely, running to the orc who bent to greet the dog.
“I’m sorry,” I told the herbalist. “I think you have plans.”
“I’m very happy to help…as is Granik.”
“I am? Help with what?” Granik asked.
The mosspup, having greeted the orc, paused to give me a curious sniff.
I bent, giving him a careful pat, uncertain how he might react to me.
The mossy dog, who looked more like a heap of forest floor than a creature, wagged his tail, gave me a lick, then carried on.
Juniper gave me a warm smile. “Your secret is safe with me, Master Erasmus. Now, tell me what you have in mind.”
“I would not take up your time if you have important work to do.”
“Something tells me this is more important than anything I had in mind. Now,” she said, opening a notebook. “What do we need?”
Juniper and I stood in the middle of the library, eyeing the garlands dotted with glimmering sundrop flowers and violets, the standing arrangements with sunflowers and fragrant herbs, and the table displays where the flowers and herbs enhanced the historical artifacts I had been setting about the library. The ornamentation was simple and clean. Sunflowers, bluebells, peonies, hydrangea, and freesia were paired with mint, basil, rosemary, and dragon bloom for scent. Burlap bunting and straw ribbons made things beautiful and bright.
To my luck, the herbalist’s orc friend had agreed to help, as long as dinner came after. I had been very thankful he was there. Reorganizing the library had taken more than magic. It needed muscle. With Granik’s help, we had managed to rearrange the entire room, setting out chairs and tables so patrons could more easily see the Wyrmwood tree. As well, the spaces had been set up to display the library’s relics, which I’d begun setting in place: the first books catalogued, old paintings of early versions of the library, the magical inkwells which once graced the long tables, rare books, maps, and more.
More.
As much as I could think of.
There was nothing too much…for her.
It was all for her.
I only hoped it would be enough.
After Granik set the podium in place, we all stepped back to look.
Juniper smiled. “I’ve enchanted the herbs and flowers to hold their spring until tomorrow, just a little water spell to keep things hydrated.”
“It is perfect. I don’t know how to thank you both.”
She looked up at me. “You are already thanking me, Master Erasmus.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Primrose is a dear friend,” she told me with a knowing look. “I chose her favorite flowers,” she said, gesturing about the room. “I was right to do that, wasn’t I?”
