#ltg

The far halls of the Solitude library were gloomy and unwelcoming. Perhaps, stiletto-heeled boots had not been the best choice today; the sorceress took a long time descending the spiral staircase in the semi-darkness. Illuminated only by the dim light of sparse lamps, this place resembled a crypt more than a repository of knowledge, but Agrippa felt a faint tingling in her fingertips, which always indicated the presence of magic nearby. She could have sworn that knowledge was tangible, and that touching pages filled with wisdom filled her mind and body with a pleasant excitement. Agrippa took a deep breath, reminding herself why she was here. Deep in the hall, there was a much more brightly lit nook; most likely, a scribe or some other poor soul assigned to toil in this godforsaken, dusty basement was stationed there.

As she drew nearer, the sorceress found, to her surprise, a fragile girl bent over a desk, meticulously copying a botanical diagram. Her pale skin seemed to glow under the candlelight, and the curls gathered at the back of her head shimmered like gold. Her slender fingers carefully yet decisively traced lines. She was so engrossed that she didn't even notice the clatter of Agrippa's heels or how she gently ran her hand over the binding of one of the books lying on the table: "They tell me you hold the key to the greatest botanical secrets," Agrippa's voice cut the quiet. "I speak of the treatise, 'Moonlight in Petals'."

The girl flinched at these words, almost making a blot. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't notice you!" Her gaze involuntarily settled on the crescent moon pendant resting in the hollow of the sorceress's décolletage. After a brief pause, she added, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Agrippa laughed warmly, leaning closer to her. "Allow me. I am Agrippa D’Aperier, a sorceress with a particular thirst for lost lore. Rumour whispers that you are restoring Maelmoth the Mysterious's 'Moonlight in Petals.' I find myself desperate to touch its wisdom."

"Oh, are you interested in this masterpiece too?" The girl's eyes lit up; she spoke quietly, but her speech accelerated. "The book is too fragile to be handled. I'm currently reinforcing the spine and restoring several pages damaged by moisture. Well, not right at this moment, I mean, I am doing it... yes... The book was written by a genius! A true genius! Every illustration is so detailed; I dream of achieving such skill and precision someday. Actually, I was very surprised they entrusted me with such complex work. If it weren't for... You know, I'm even afraid to touch its pages."

Agrippa watched, captivated, as shyness melted into passionate fervor.

"What exquisite dedication! Do not undervalue your skill," Agrippa chided softly, a hand brushing her own thigh. "And your sketches... They are beautiful. I thought it couldn't be otherwise. But tell me, where is the book now?"

"I... I've said, it's too delicate. The restoration, the copy... I can't give it away in its current state," the girl tried not to meet the perceptive sorceress's eyes.

Rising, Agrippa drifted closer, leaning over the drawing. The scent of costly perfume enveloped the girl, painting her cheeks a brighter crimson. "It seems our paths are destined to cross again," Agrippa murmured, leaning down until a strand of her hair brushed the girl's shoulder. "How fascinating... Are these drawn from life?"

"Oh, yes, they are a bit rough... Here, look," She shuffled papers in a fluster. "This luminescent moss, I found it below the Winterhold College. And this fungus... in the caves near Wayrest."

Agrippa smiled broadly; she immensely enjoyed watching the shy joy of the cute librarian. "A final question, then: how long until the book is restored?"

"I cannot be sure. The work is immense. And the language... so arcane. Truthfully, I wonder if any of it can be truly grasped. His style is so... unique..."

"I know, I know, but there's a certain charm to it. Genius is rarely simple. Actually, I see you are quite knowledgeable in botany yourself. I could help you unravel all the secrets of this book. How about a team effort?"

"With... with you? I can scarcely imagine it!" Her voice dropped to an awed whisper. "I've read your volumes on illusory herbology..." She paused. "That is... it was you, was it not? Forgive my presumption..."

Agrippa gently tilted the girl's chin up. "They are mine. But let that not disquiet you," she said, her thumb stroking a soft arc across her cheek. "How about we get to know each other better? Come visit me. That tower visible from the Solitude bridge is my home.  I am certain we will find much to... discuss."

"R-really? Of course, it's such an honor, I... I definitely will!" The girl's eyes sparkled with anticipation. A real sorceress's tower;how many secrets, mysteries, and perhaps even rare books were stored there! She was scared, awkward, but she simply couldn't refuse.

"It's settled then. I'll warn my apprentice that we are expecting a guest... So, what is your name?"

"Please, call me Mazentia."

***

"Mistress, if I understand correctly, you ended up not holding the book in your hands, nor even seeing it?"

Agrippa's laugh echoed brightly. "Your tone cuts me to the quick." She ascended the stairs, her apprentice in tow.

In her chambers, she released the tight embrace of her corset, a full breath finally flooding her lungs, and sank onto the divan. As she pulled off her boots, she glanced back. "Restoration is a slow art. And I perceived something else... I doubt anyone, least of all that sweet girl, knows the manuscript's true worth." Kocha was nearby; he was used to tidying up the chaotically scattered belongings of the sorceress throughout the tower. She never asked him to, but didn't mind either.

"But isn't that bad?" He stilled, a skirt clutched in his hands. "What if she damages it? The knowledge could be lost forever!"