27 Change Of Personality

The faint scent of vanilla meets my nose, bringing a smile to my face, but the small layer of dust formed on the book's thick cover caused me to sneeze.

The ambient is placid given that I'm the only person in this library. As soon as I stepped inside, I meet with a dwarf in-charge of this archive. He doesn't say anything as soon as he saw me but instead, he bows his head slightly as a sign of greeting, and I do the same.

I took my time going around this capacious library, searching for history books or some books that I find intriguing. This day is reserved for learning day; I might already know some information about this realm but not everything.

I flip the third book pages that I'm scanning, where there are beautiful illustrations of three living entities. Their faces are vaguely sketched, but I can tell what they are.

One looks just like Blossom, a fairy with large enchanting wings. The other is a mermaid with a long glamouring tail. Though the third one looks like an ordinary woman but surrounding her are three elements. Fire, wind, and water. Both her hand clasping her necklace with her eyes closed.

I look at this illustration in awe. I flip to the next page to know what that's all about, but it shifts to another topic, the same origin all over again. With a sigh, I shut the book.

I turn towards the bookshelf on the very end corner, remembering when Blossom and I entered that hidden room.

Since I didn't have much luck looking for more information, I decided to walk instead. I leave the library feeling down, but I send the curator a slight smile passing by his desk. He looks occupied writing on his scroll.

I make sure to close the door quietly, and as I turn around, I jump in sudden fright when I come face to face with Blossom. She looks shocked to see me, but she recovers, bringing a smile to her face. A smile that forces her eyes to close.

My hand was still on my chest, which I bring down and bow my head, "Hello, how are you feeling?"

"Rose Ann, daughter of Rosetta. I feel exceptionally well on this fine weather, although the castle has been a bit gloomy," she responds in a manner I've never heard Blossom speak before.

She has always been eloquent with her speaking, but the way she stands in front of me with her right arm folded on her chest and her left hand supporting her chin, she looks intimidating. Her bright blue eyes that were as calm as the blue sky are now an electric shade of blue that could send electricity crawling up your skin.

I can feel my face breaking, scanning her appearance, but my mind screams at me for being rude, "Is it? I can it has been quiet for days now, I wonder where everyone went," my hands were fidgeting with each other as I'm feeling off the edge. Her gaze isn't very comforting today.

Could she be mad?

She lets out a frustrated sigh while she massages her temples, "I should get a change of the castle workers, get some fresh new blood to create a vibrant atmosphere," she plainly says while she scans the walls of the castle as if she's unfamiliar with this place.

"What-" I gasped out loud, surprised with what she had just said, but she cuts me off, "Rose Ann, would you care to join me for a cup of tea in the garden?"

"Y-yes, of course," with wide eyes, I nod. She couldn't have been serious about firing the creatures here. They hadn't done anything wrong; there's no reason that they should change the beings here.

She claps her hands together, "wonderful!" and her sparkly blue wings spread from her back, revealing its graciousness. It starts fluttering, lifting herself off the ground, "I'll meet you there in five," and she flies off.

Leaving me standing there completely stunned. I feel lost, confused, and doubtful. Something is off about Blossom; it's like she's an entirely different person. Her aura used to be soft and gentle, but now, I'm afraid to say that she looks like she can inflict fear and pain in just a blink of an eye.

I shrug the evil thoughts away and start walking towards the back door to the garden. I make sure to walk steadily while my mind is in a frenzy.

Rhys did mention that something had happened in the castle the night of the festival, which had led Blossom to lose most of her strength, making her sick. Everyone here still has the abilities Bohr had gifted the humans. Since the deities were thrown in this realm and humans were transformed into different creatures, their magical powers were cut short by Bohr.

The deities chose particular creatures and gave them the strength to handle magic, but not everyone could wield them for long. Some beings like Blossom can withstand letting her ability loose for an extended period but overusing it will weaken her right away. Rhys, Faye, Ena, and others can only use their abilities once with a long rest. Creatures who let their ability out without taking precautions can lead to death.

This had me thinking that maybe there was another attack on the castle that night of the festival. Rhys, the commander of knights, wasn't here, and Faye was still injured. Only Ena would have been available to lead the knights, so Blossom must have stepped in. As a result, overusing her powers and weakening her.

Her sickness must have been the cause of the sudden change of personality. Faye had once told me that she tried overusing her magic once, and the consequences lead her to forget some of her memories. Up to this day, she still tries to recall what she had forgotten.

I'm glad that I looked at this in a wider context. One shouldn't jump to conclusions right away. Everything should have a reason.

I meet with the blazing hot afternoon sun, my pale skin turning warm red as I dive outside without a sunhat or a cloak that would protect me from being sunburned. Though I continue walking, the garden was only a few meters away from this high staircase.

My eyes go to the practicing field where it's empty, and it reminds me of how I miss training. Once I take the last step down, I head towards the graceful-looking greenery.

Diversified colorful flowers are tidily arranged at the sides of a cobblestoned path. I see all types of trees that bear fruits surrounding this large garden. In the middle of all beauty is a garden gazebo. This wooden gazebo is more expansive and in the shape of a square.

In the middle, where there are two garden chairs and a table, sat Blossom. She lifts the teacup, which reminds me of the first time we met. She must have felt my presence, so she looks at me with a smile signaling for me to sit with her head.

I quicken my pace, stepping onto the steps leading inside the gazebo. With long strides, I find my seat, which is across blossom, and I sit comfortably.

The teapot starts to float up, and I stare with amazement in my eyes. It floats towards me, tilting by itself to pour me a cup of tea. As it fills it half full, it flows back to its place.

Blossom decided to be the first one to break the silence with a statement that froze me, "you have a lovely looking necklace; it looks somewhat familiar."