Page 87 of Legends and Librarians
“I don’t want them to think we’re stealing patrons,” she murmured, giving me a guilty look. “I mean, I know that’s part of the point, but it still feels weird!”
I laughed, pulling her close. “This town’s big enough for two libraries, you know. Especially if they’re being run by people as amazing as you.”
The sky whale groaned as it lowered itself as close to the ground as it could. I ran my hand over the moss on its back, hoping it knew how much this meant. Nyssa helped me toss a ladder she’d found over the side of the whale, so the kids could get down and go talk to their parents like they said they would.
Then we invited anyone who wanted an adventure to join us.
At first it was just a few curious teenagers, but then people showed up by the dozens. People of every age, some looking likethey’d dropped everything just to come here, covered in flour or paint or with paperwork still clasped in their hands.
All of them had the same look though, eyes wide and full of wonder.
It was hard not to feel that way on the back of a sky whale. As more and more people climbed up, I felt sure that we’d succeed. This had to be enough people for the library to get the story gods’ blessing. If we took any more, they might not even fit comfortably inside the library.
Once everyone was aboard, Nyssa and I moved to the front of the whale, sitting down so I could run my hands along the smooth skin around its face. Its kind eyes looked back at me, making a beautiful song-like noise. With this one amazing story spirit, my new home was going to be safe and sound for years to come.
“Thank you, we’re ready to go when you are.”
The whale groaned its song out as it turned slowly, drifting in a wide half circle over the town. Squeals of excitement came from behind me and a few screams. This was a moment nobody would ever forget.
“Let’s go home,” I said, hugging Nyssa tight. “The Misty Mountain Library is waiting for us.”
Chapter 31
Nyssa
The cool wind whipped through my hair as we soared through the sky, listening to the whale’s beautiful song as we made our way home. Bubbles surrounded us as we got closer to the library and a few more people milled about. I spotted Oren talking to the apothecary, the artists who’d stolen the golem’s flowers, and even the contractors who’d been terrified of Cerbie!
They’d followed us up the mountain when they saw the whale passing by. Add them to all the people on the whale with us and this festival was going to be a success. My chest warmed as I turned to Roan.
“We did it,” I said as a grin stretched across my face. “Look at all these people.”
“You’re amazing.” He wrapped his arms around me, taking the chill of the wind away. “The story spirits and the library will be happy.”
I leaned back against him, enjoying the view as the whale settled down near the library. The flight had been so steady we hadn’t even needed to hold onto anything and the kids were cheering as Willow lowered the ladder.
Lisa stood in the courtyard with the golem and the Demon Lord while Mochi sat behind his snack shack with Cerbie. None of them moved, as if waiting to see how the people with us wouldreact. For a moment, I thought it was going to be a standoff as the townsfolk’s eyes widened, taking it all in.
Then Mochi broke the ice by bringing one of the little boys from earlier a stick of cotton candy.
He carefully took the fluffy blue sugar like it was a great treasure before turning to a woman behind him. “See, mom? They’re nice!”
The woman’s arm was wrapped around her son tightly, like she still wasn’t sure what to do here. I glanced at Lisa, who shook her head like we shouldn’t step in. This was all Mochi right now and I believed in the red panda.
Mochi produced a matcha boba tea and held it up to the woman, chittering happily.
“How’d you know that’s her favorite?” the boy asked, his voice full of shock. “Aren’t they amazing, mom?”
“Thank you,” she told Mochi with a small smile as she took the tea. “Maybe they’re different than I thought...”
With that, the others seemed to think it was safe enough to move again, and everyone started mingling. I let out a breath. This was actually going well! To be fair, it was hard to be terrified of a cute red panda handing you snacks.
“Welcome to the Misty Mountain Library everyone,” I said loud enough to be heard over the mumblings of the crowd. “We’ve got festivities outside ranging from Mochi’s Snack Shack to golem rides and bubble magic, then in about an hour we’ll be starting the book ceremony inside. Feel free to look around until then.” I motioned at Lisa. “This is our other librarian, Lisa, and she’s actually one of the story spirits too. If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of us.”
Lisa’s eyes shined bright as she smiled. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you. Let me know if you need any help.”
That set the conversation off. Everyone had questions and soon there was a mix of awe and laughter as the story spiritswelcomed the townsfolk into our world. The library wasn’t the scary place they’d all imagined. It was full of magic and wonder.
Willow wandered over to her grandmother as the apothecary played with the little dragons, who seemed far more excited than usual. I grinned as the older woman slipped them some dragon nip out of her pocket, like she was keeping a secret stash just for them. The dragons flew in circles, their flames a rainbow of colors.
