Page 57 of Legends and Librarians
The Tales and Tomes Festival went on for an entire month and was the biggest story festival of the year, taking over the streets of the capital and spilling out into smaller cities beyond it. Thousands of authors spent the time writing new books while readers got to meet their favorite authors and join bookish events.
The whole thing culminated in a special ceremony held at magical libraries around the world where authors offered up their newly born books to the story gods and were blessed with good ideas for the year to come. The libraries were also blessed if enough people showed up, proving the public wanted them to thrive.
And I was going to make sure that our library was one of them.
As Roan and I walked onto the festival grounds, the sounds of groans filled the air. The festival only had a week left, somost of the writers were reaching their limits by now. Everyone started off all excited, but after pumping out the words day after day, their minds went a little mushy.
We entered the grounds by Nightmare Alley, the inspiration for many a horror novel. Haunting screams filled the air along with rattling chains and strange lights.
Roan frowned. “Is this what all festivals are like? It looks a little grim.”
“Not exactly,” I said, coughing as smoke tendrils coiled in front of me. “Maybe we should head over to the Enchanted Realm a few streets over, it’s to the right of Lover’s Cove.”
Roan raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been here before, huh?”
“Of course, I’m a librarian.”
Actually, I’d tried my hand at writing a novel once, but ended up just brainstorming ideas without getting any words on the page. The experience was amazing though. All these writers in one spot, cheering each other on, motivating everyone to just write one more chapter.
One more page.
One more sentence.
“You can’t find another festival as bookish as this one,” I said, excitement coursing through me as we left Nightmare Alley. “There are book themed crafts, food, plays, and a lot of authors even do book signings! It’s my favorite time of the year.”
“I love how much you love it here.” Roan grinned widely, offering me his hand as if that was a normal thing between us now. “Mind showing me around?”
“Uhhh, sure. I’d like that.” The back of my neck warmed as I slipped my hand into his.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say this felt like a date. The idea sent butterflies racing through me. He’d been sleeping on the floor again lately, which somehow made me feel like we were even closer than before. Almost like him moving to the floormeant he actually had feelings for me and didn’t want to cross any lines.
That was probably wishful thinking, and unhelpful too, because I needed to stay focused on the mission.
“Actually,” I said slowly, “we need to sign the Misty Mountain Library up for the final ceremony first.”
He curled his fingers around mine, tracing circles on my palm with his thumb. Warmth blossomed in my chest as we walked around the festival, hand in hand. Okay, maybe it was a little bit of a date.
As we made our way to the center of town, Roan’s gaze kept wandering to the stalls.
“Don’t even think about it,” I warned. “We’re in the magical food section. So unless you want a Mystic Mocha that’ll keep you awake for three days and then knock you out flat or some Bard Biscuits that’ll turn everything you say into song, I’d steer clear.”
“Could be useful,” he said, studying the menu. “Clarity Crystals are hard candy that bring focus to your mind and this Stamina Sourdough boosts your endurance.” He turned to me, eyes sparkling. “The guild’s chefs are always looking for new recipes, maybe they should visit.”
The guild and Jade were two things I didn’t want to think about today. Today was all about beautiful book magic that the library so desperately needed. And Roan…
“I’m going to go sign us up,” I said, squeezing his hand before letting it go. “Why don’t you get us some food? Normal food.”
“Okay,” he said, “but you’re kind of taking the fun out of it.”
I rolled my eyes. “Try the magical food too then. I’m not stopping you.”
I wound my way through the stalls until I found the administration building and walked up to the counter.
“How can I help you?” a young woman with pencils stuckthrough her buns asked.
“I’d like to sign the Misty Mountain Library up for the festival.”
“Of course, I’d be happy to help.” She smiled a bit too brightly as she pulled some paperwork out. “Name of the library, address, and name of the writer who’s sponsoring you.”
