The Prodigious Nim, Part Thirty-One

{Melisa}

In the quiet sanctuary of the library, Melisa and Armia sat side by side, with some books open in front of them. The soft glow of the spirit crystal lamps nearby cast a warm light over their faces. 

It was odd. Melisa felt so small around Armia when they first met. 

Well, she still did, in a literal sense. But, now, it wasn't a bad thing. Now, as they studied together, Melisa felt a sense of comfort in her presence.

Without really thinking about it, Melisa shifted closer to Armia, their shoulders brushing.

If Armia noticed, she didn't say anything, her focus remaining on the intricate diagrams of spellsigns before her.

"I wonder," Armia mused, tapping a clawed finger against the page, "maybe I have to add a few lines to the spell here..."