#anywhere

"Ah."

"Ah yes, the entire thing is in Russian, a set of four out there, Winter's Embrace: A lesson in Pain Reserved.... Summer's Grip: A lesson in Vibrant Power, and Spring' Dances: A lesson in the Chains of Growth" He says wistfully "Would that I had the other three"

"Oh, I know where they may be read. Not taken, but read."

Casually, with the confidence that she speaks true.

That catches him off guard "Oh?"

"But of course. The place where all such are. The Library."

"You are having fun with me" The marquis chuckles

"Mm? Nay, you may not borrow. But you may read there, certainly. It was difficult to tear myself away from the place."

"Wait, you're speaking of a SPECIFIC Library, THE Library? It's lost"

"Of course The Library."

"That i s where all lost books may be found. As you are surely aware."

"How.. how did you find it?" he asks his eyes hungry

"Through a quest. The way is demanding, but not impossible."

She chuckles softly. "Bronte wished to leave less than I - why, there were Bookwyrms there the size of buses."

"You must tell me hwo you got there, please?"

Earl fights a smile

"Oh, that.... truly, is that something you would desire to see?"

"You must know that desire yourself, good lady, or else why take that quest?" Oh it's good lady now is it?

"Truth! For I do delight in books."

"But the path is not information to casually toss about. Nay, it must go to a soul who understands the spirit of the Library."

"I have worshiped books all my life, hungered for them" the Fiona assures "Why you can see evidence of that here"

"I can. But that alone is not enough. A true pilgrim would recognize fellow travellers, those with inkstained fingers and poet's hearts - regardless of kith."

"Ah, I see... " he sighs "Well, I did not mean to be boorish. Very well, you wanted to read Volume two?"

A soft smile. "I did, yes."

He unlocks it, "Shall I bring you tea?" An offer which shows great trust, for if the tea should spill.

Earl is hiding a smile

"Tea would be lovely."

Soon, both Earl and she have tea, alas, no cream as she likes it, but the tea IS high quality, and while theyr'e not properly vintaged, the cups are very lovely

She compliments the steward in charge of such, and makes polite chit chat.

He is polite enough to let her read for long periods in silence, however, he proves to be useful if she has questions of the book itself, mentioning foot notes he faileed to notice the first time.. details that hint at other social forces

Quiet conversation, questions and... "And then there was a 'Swap Shop' where much - indeed, all, may be traded. A temptation, of course, but bargains can be had."

"Sounds like a bargain with a severe cut" Fascinated. He's a pompous kithist, but the Marquie is not entirely unlikable. Indeed, there arequalities, like a real love of books that can be admired

And Zara, her itch satisfied, is willing to play nice. "Aye, indeed. It is not for the timid."

What was probably meant as a twenty minute tour and a polite return to trhe door turns into hours. Long enough for her to give him landmarks, enjoy tea, swap talk of favorite works of literature, and yes, for her to read volume too! Oh how delicious it is! Volume One ended as she was finally becoming a young woman and but a budding witch! This is Morgan Le Fay as THE Witch of her time, the bringer of Chaos by means foul and finesed to shake Camelot to its hypocritical foundations!

Sure, some might say she went too far, but what style, what panache! And yet, still she knew sorrow. She knew regrets. She wished she had done better by Mordred.

Zara sighs, and nods... carried away with the narrative.

And yes, while a part of her hated Arthur, another part of her was furious with Guinvere..and Le Fay recognized the duality of it. "Is this then my legacy? To be remembered as foul temptress, hellish witch, and destroyer of Paradise? Let the minstrels sing what they will. I never bowed to any of them, No god, devil, Wizard or King ever owned me and no level of Any Hell crafted by mortal dreams could hope to compare with the ice of my vengeance of the heat of my passions! Those in power will always call those they would shackle wicked for refusing to wear cuffs of that design. I am less bowed naked in the moon's kiss than a Queen becrowned in fine Garb. I am Morgan Le Fay, let history make of me what it will... I know who I am even if others do not. I remain Le Fay"

A small smile.

There is a third tome. It must include her grimmoire, at least in part

But... it is not here.

"I will go to my grave believing those tomes are the works of Morgan Le Fay" The Marquis admits "Or, at least the truest dream of her"

"They ring true to mine eye, agreed."

"Would you like to spend the night here? The.. bale is weak but as long as only one person draws from it" He says

A room sized hold, however grand that library, is not much truth

"I need not draw from the fire tonight. Love?" A look at Earl.

"I shall be fine" he assures

"well then, we hsall have more time to talk about THE Library ,and if you like read another book or two. I have some novelties that might amuse you, a looking glass, look through it, and it gender flips the characters and things play out as society in the setting would allow. Little women is awhole nother world"

A soft chuckle at that

He is happy to show it to her. How amazing. Beowulf as a woman reminds her of some trolls she's met

A surprisingly pleasant and unexpected evening.