A Valuable Lesson (OPEN)

[Anactoria IV]

How did the expression go again?

Ah yes. 'Be careful what you wish for. You just might receive it.'

A rueful smile curved a pair of pinkish lips, which here soon covered by the fingers of her cupped hand. Her shoulders shook just slightly as she giggled to herself, appreciating the irony of the moment, before she tuned her mind back to the task at hand.

The library, usually a hushed buzz of activity during the day, was a silent and dark as a tomb that evening. Now the moment of unexpected joviality had passed, Anactoria blinked her weary eyes and yawned into the same hand she lad laughed in not a moment before. In her other hand, held high in an arm that was beginning to shake from the effort, was a lit lantern. It's yellow-gold glow lit the narrow path between towering bookshelves, but only just. Beyond its circle of light, blackness waited on all sides. There was a a time, she recalled, that she had been afraid of the dark. And of silence. She outgrew the fear of the former. The latter she had come to welcome since her return.

The lips that had been smiling now thinned as her thought turned to ones of guilt. Here she had exactly what she had wanted, her father acquiescing to her wishes, a castle full of of options from which to chose the future queen of her heart, and what was she doing? Avoiding them by day, sneaking around her own home at night. Her stride slowed as the weight of that fact seemed to press on her, and she lowered her head for a moment of introspection. She then shook it, sending her curtain of dark hair dancing about her shoulders, free of cloak or crown for once. She lifted her head high again, square her shoulders, and started walking again, continuing her search. Her new stride was a blending of a march and a dancer's glide, the hem of the white chemise she wore ticked her ankles as she moved. She lowered her free hand to cinch the knot of the royal purple robe she wore over it, feeling a slight chill as she made her way.

She raised the lantern every few rows to look at the markings on the shelves, finally turning down one isle that read “History”. Once there, her speed slowed, and she had to switch lantern hands often as her strength kept threatening to quit on her in whichever arm she was using that moment. Finally, as she read the spines for the names of these large and forgotten tomes, she found the section she was looking for, and followed the dates there written further and further back., until she had to crouch to read the ones on the very bottom shelf near the floor.

“Ah!” she breathed, her face lighting up with a smile as she found the one she was looking for. Setting the lantern down beside her slipper-clad feet, she pulled the book free. She opened it and tried to read the first few pages, but the lantern was too faint to rad the faded, hand-written words, and in the wrong position besides. She'd have to take it back to her room, or at least the main area of the library where she could light a desk lamp...

Then, a new problem presented itself. The book was far to large and heavy to carry with one hand, even if she tucked it under her arm. And it was far to dark to try to make her way back without the lantern. To perfect this comedy of oversights on her part, the light was to faint for her to simply read the book where she knelt.

And so it was, Princess Anactoria, the fourth by that name, crown princess of the great empire of Terre de Conte, found herself at a complete loss as what to do next.

[Yuzuki Isawa]

It wasn’t until late evening that Yuzuki snuck out of her room. She moved cautiously, scanning left and right, taking care to make sure that each corridor was empty. Her steps were light, soundless. She moved through the shadows, her black kimono blending seamlessly with her surroundings. She traversed the courtyard, the gentle rays of the moon illuminating the white specks of cherry blossom upon her garb. A lilac obi, a shade lighter than her eyes, completed the outfit.

It was strange walking without the familiar weight of her swords, which, for conspicuity’s sake, were left behind in her room. For that matter, it was strange being clad in anything but her usual tattered kimono. But this was the castle after all, and the last thing she needs is questions regarding her poor attires.

Faint footsteps caught her attention; she dodged into the shadows. Another of the princess’ guests walked past, apparently admiring the beautiful moonlit courtyard. She waited. The guest walked past, and, dodging once more into the courtyard, she hurried toward the library.

Closing the double doors behind her and borrowing a lantern from the wall, she breathed a sigh of relief. The library appeared deserted, just as she had hoped. She really, really cannot deal with another human face for the day.

It was too much. Four years of traveling, four years of obscurity. And suddenly, she was thrust back into the courts. The other guests appeared to be handling it just fine, many of them hailing from noble backgrounds. On the other hand, though Yuzuki was technically the Countess of Toshi no Inazuma, she had forsaken that title long ago. She considered herself a samurai. A brute. A traveling mercenary. Anything but a pretty porcelain doll dressed up for some petty little princess to pick from.

The other guests didn’t know this of course. They regard her as just another noble. One of them. And, after the frenzied handiwork of a group of maids, competition.

Four years of hardship have hardened her features, but they have not touched her beauty. Her golden mane, pulled into a loose ponytail, pooled obediently before her right shoulder. The brilliant shade, having been tainted too long by dust and grime, could hardly welcome more this rare occurrence to shine. As such, it radiated luster, seeking to compete with the moon itself. Her body was lithe, bespeaking power. Her eyes were cold, deep pools of violets, the tinges of sorrow and solitude buried in those depths only adding to her enigma. A mysterious swordsman hailing from the Far East, with enough manners to befit her station, yet enough roguish novelty to enchant those trapped in the gilded cages of courts. She was competition indeed.

But of course, Yuzuki could care less what other suitors thought. It was the conversation that bothered her. Conversation polite and pointless enough that she want to run out of the castle and never look back, conversation that she has to handle with a polite smile and measured words…

That begs the question. Why exactly is she in court, pretending to be one of the many suitors? The answer lay before her.

Religion…Culture…History.

She made her way to the section. If Terre de Conte contained the information that she sought, this was her best bet. Since there was no separate section for famous weapons of the old, any possible references to such mythological arms should therefore appear under history. If she’s lucky, there just might be a volume or two about historical clashes of Yamataikoku.

Unfamiliar titles welcomed her. Yuzuki stared at rows after rows of historical texts, each volume the size of her lantern. She picked out a particularly thick volume and flipped through the pages. Great, the handprint is tiny, hardly visible under the dim light. Something about a war…then something about a dynasty being overthrown…all foreign kingdoms she’s never heard of. It appears these texts are rather comprehensive. It also appears she would possibly have to read the entire history section before finding anything – if she finds anything that is.

How very inconvenient. Since she can only come to the library by night, it would be many a night before she can finish even one shelf… It was not that she hasn’t time to spare, but each night spent means a day full of nobles she’d rather not meet.

She picked up another book, heaving both easily in one hand. Now to find a desk somewhere. She walked past a row of books, turned, walked past another, and another. She turned again, and this time, instead of being greeted by unoccupied space, she came face to face with the Crowned Princess of Sapphis Castle.

Naturally, Yuzuki didn't recognize the princess, who had, for one reason or another, dodged any major congregation of guests. But, judging from the fancy attires (way too much hassle in her opinion) the other wore, she could easily tell that she who stood before her is of high station.

A numb pain crawled up her forehead; she forced back a frown. Why on earth would anyone besides herself visit the library at this ungodly hour? She chided herself for her carelessness. She should have seen the light of the lantern, or heard some unusual noises. But all such thinking was for naught now, for the lady has gained awareness of her presence.

She was seized with the impulse to run. There would be no way that the frail girl, weighted down by all those layers of gowns, could possibly catch her. But the chances of guards descending on her, a suspicious character fleeing before another guest… She locked her jaws and forced a smile.

“Greetings milady, pardon me for the intrusion, I was not aware another guest besides myself would frequent the library at this hour.”

One could only wonder that, if Yuzuki knew that she was speaking to Princess Anactoria IV herself, would she have taken her chances with the guards and bolted from the library immediately.

[Anactoria IV]

Princess Anactoria did not curse, but she did give a silent plea to an apparently very fickle god. A guest. A suitor! Her frist since her return. How she had pictured this moment! The reality of it was terribly disappointing, however. She wasn't ready for this, not yet. Not while this other matter loomed over her head...

Perhaps it might be best not to mention who she was just yet. No reason they should both be disappointed.

She turned to look at whom was speaking. Oddly enough, it was the kimono that caught Anactoria's eyes first. The combined light of two lanterns played and flicked across the sakura leaves embroidered there, demanding attention from even a causal observer. As eye-catching as they were, they only made the rest of the garment fade into the surrounding shadows all the more. This had the affect of making it seam that the woman's head and blond-red hair was floating out of sea of darkness. Perhaps coming up for air? Or to drag the imperial princess down with her? There no way to tell. Those oddly flat violent eyes sure weren't giving away any hints.

Anactoria rose to her full height, lantern flickering at her feet, tome held in both arms. Her eyes swept over Yuzuki once, before making and holding eye contact with her. "Then we are both guilty of the same assumption," she said, a smile in her voice if not quite yet on her lips. "However, there is no need to apologize. Save for the inner keep, the castle is open to all guests at all times. Even for those of us that forgo sleep in favor of study." The very mention of sleep made Anactoria yawn, which she covered with with her delicate fingers as though repressing a giggle. "Even when the former might be a better idea than the latter," she added, and this time she was smiling.

"Since we chanced to meet," she went on, her tone more guarded. "Might I trouble you for some assistance? Exhaustion, I fear, has caught up with me and I find myself unable to carry both the lantern and this book back to a desk or table. May I add my burden of knowledge to your own as we make our way back? In return, I offer to help you find the book you are looking for." Anactoria looked away from Yuzuki for a moment to run her slim fingers along the spine of a few of the books on the shelves, a gesture that seemed almost fond. "I've spent a considerable amount of time in this very library, and know at least some of its secrets."

She looked back at Yuzuki. "Do we have an agreement?" she asked.

[Yuzuki Isawa]

Yuzuki’s desire to run increased at the eloquent explanation. But she supposed, since she initiated the conversation, albeit unwillingly, she must bear through with it. To her surprise, the expected onslaught never came. There was no mentioning of names or positions, not even casual hints at vast treasuries or military prowess. She welcomed the simplicity; it was refreshing after a tiresome day in which one’s worth appeared to be judged by how verbose she can be in her introduction.

Now that the other library-goer has risen to her full height, the samurai got a better look. The lady was of much shorter stature than herself, and in the process, carried with her a porcelain delicacy that Yuzuki cannot hope to match. Lustrous tresses of black framed exquisite features and a finely-spun chemise covered a slim form – the lady was dressed down, obviously not expecting company. Nonetheless, her mannered speech and inborn grace suggested nothing short of royalty.

There were princesses and queens after the heiress’ hands, she recalled, perhaps she who stood before her is amidst their ranks? If so, Yuzuki had no doubt that her fellow library-goer stood a high chance. The samurai didn’t think much of the princess, especially not after hearing a whole day’s worth of praises for Anactoria’s beauty. Another porcelain doll, she expected, quite possibly spoiled if the little escape antic was any indication. As such, with the right words and a beautiful face, a charming noblewoman (or royalty, whichever), should have no trouble sweeping the little princess off of her feet.

Not that she particularly cared. She was, by no means, here for the princess’ hands. Find some information or the lack thereof and get out. There was no point entertaining a princess’ fanciful dreams. Love…was not something she has the naivety to believe in any longer.

Inscrutable violets met a curious shade of blue, eyes that shimmered and swirled under the lights of flickering lanterns. She said nothing, patiently for the lady to finish her proposal.
Carrying a book? Holding two hefty volumes in one hand, the samurai could hardly see why such a task would be difficult…but then again, she never fully understood these court types. If she thought anything of the request, her face betrayed nothing. She had the same smile, a faint arc of her lips practically plastered to her face. In different situations, the smile could be interpreted as being friendly, condescending, confused, or simply inane. It was hard to tell with Yuzuki; she had about as much expressions as she does emotions.

“But of course,” she managed a short reply, already tired of speaking. She swept forward, steps, for once, light and steady (now where can she find some good liquor in this rocky box of a castle). She lowered her right hand, already belabored with two books, and looked at the princess expectedly. With no hands left to spare, it was up to Anactoria to pile on the third book.

Yuzuki would help the frail lady before her carry her “burden of knowledge,” but she had no intention of claiming the other part of the offer. Her search was hers and hers alone. She would never hear the end of it if words get out that she’s searching for information on a cursed blade. Having other suitors think that she’s touched in the head certainly wouldn’t help her quest.

[Anactoria IV]

Relief all but shone from Anactoria's eyes. "You have my gratitude, my lady," she said with a sigh as she placed the heavy book into Yuzuki's waiting arms. The leather cover, colored a dark brown in the lantern light, read simply: Keres Royal Family: A History.

"I am not normally this frail," she went on, and was grateful for the night to hide the embarrassed pink tinge she felt forming on her face. "But I have had a... trying month, to say the least. Have you ever been in a situation where you know you must act, but the correct action is a mystery to you? Where the more you look for that action, the harder and further away it seems? It is a dreadful feeling, all questions and impotent anger, giving rise to frustration. I hope you never have to suffer it."

The sigh she gave now had an edge to it, that seemed as wrong as it was angry, coming from so slight a young woman. "Apologies," she added hastily, as if remembering herself. "Weariness has made me verbose."

Anactoria then reclaimed her lantern, and rose it high. She looked left, then right to get her bearings, her hair bouncing about her head and shoulders with body and shine. "There is a desk the scholars favor three rows over and down the fourth. There be a brighter desk lamp there, as well as parchment and quill, should you wish to take notes. I can lead the way... unless you would like my help in finding what you are looking for first." Anactoria lowered the lantern to a more manageable height, and in so doing, completely changed the way its light played off of Yuzuki's face. There was something odd about it... the princess just could not put her finger on it. Forgetting herself once more, she fixed the other woman with a confused, but intense stare before she realized what it was.

Her eyes. They were all wrong. The smile she wore (like a mask) did not touch them at all.

With a slight shiver, Anactoria turned away. "Drafty old wing," she mumbled as an excuse, turning to lead the way to the promised desk.

[Yuzuki Isawa]

Per chance, Yuzuki glimpsed the book's cover as it was dropped into her arm. Keres Royal Family: A History. She wasn't familiar with the surname Keres, but she supposed the family has to be an influential one to merit such a hefty tome, one her present company thought important enough to pay a such a late night visit to.

The apology was surprising. Had she been that obvious? Her eyes narrowed a millimeter, perhaps there is more to the lady than meets the eye. The next few statements confirmed her suspicions. After all, only braving crucibles could a noble acquire the slightest of depth.

"I hope you never have to suffer it."For a fraction of a second, violets lost their impenetrable surface. Reminiscence glazed over her eyes, and she remembered...

"Zuki, Zuki, meet Ryuichi, he just returned with Duke Higoshi from the war!" A excited voice, beaming face..she had look so fondly upon that face then...

"Ryu, meet Yuzuki, Captain of the Royal Guards and my best friend."

She remembers the look of that boy - he was older than Yuzuki herself, but the arrogance in those eyes could only belong to a yet to mature boy. He had seized her up then, disdain flashed by his eyes at the sword by her waist. A chauvinist as well it appears. He greeted her politely, his face a mask that would have fooled countless others...

She didn't like this Ryuichi. She especially didn't like how Zuka refereed to him as Ryu. She didn't like-

Yuzuki cleared her throat, eyes instantly losing their glaze. She must be more tired then thought, to lose her focus like that...

Mask regained, she re-focused her gaze onto the lady. "Please lead on then, milady," she adjusted her posture, letting the books settle more securely against her. "Thank you for your offer, but I am merely browsing." There was no hesitation in her voice, no indication of deceit. It would take a master of perception to recognize her words as false.

[Anactoria IV]

Anactoria, crown princess though she may be, was not what one might call astute when it came from to deciphering falsehoods, especially one so expertly delivered. She did, however, posses a trait that so often eluded highborn individuals like her: Common sense. Common sense told her that noblewomen (for surely this woman was a noble - that much was plain from her garb and poise) did not go prowling about a library in the dead of night just to browse. No, that was something they did only if they had a purpose. A goal. Something that they could not trust to a friend or servant. Something that they had to find or learn alone.

After all, wasn't she doing just that?

She looked back over her shoulder at the taller woman, her face once again shinning with a smile. Only this one seemed somehow knowing. "As you say. You may consider it a standing offer, should you decide to avail yourself of it at a later date. Perhaps even at a less mad hour?"

She left the invitation open. After all, if the taller woman was a suitor (and Anactoria was certain she was), then when she eventually discovered the identity if her nighttime encounter, Anactoria was determined to make her fist impression a good one.

Once this other matter was attended to, that is...

She lead the way, and even in her drowsy state seemed to glide over the stone floor. She moved with a purpose just the same, not racing nor dallying, though the other woman would have no trouble keeping up with her shorter strides. The certainly of her path spoke of a keen familiarity with the library, and in no time, she found her was to the promised desk.

"Ah! There we are," she announced, perhaps unnecessarily. She crossed the open space, a sort of cove surrounded by still more tall shelves on all sides. She paused to light the two lamps on the table, filling the area with a brighter, yellow light. It didn't extended far into the area, but was plenty bright enough to read by if one sat at the desk proper.

'Desk' was something of misnomer. The highly polished wooden furniture in the center of this cove more closely resembled a table. With room and chairs enough to sit six, three on each of its longer sides. The promised quill, ink, and parchment was also there in abundant supply, situated in the ample space in the center of the table between the two desk lamps.

Desk lamps lit, Anactoir set her own down. "I thank you, my lady." she said politely, and meant it.

[Yuzuki Isawa]

"I will remember your kind offer, milady," came the same calm, dispassionate reply. There was almost a sense of unnaturalness to the way Yuzuki pronounced the words. It's been quite a while since she had to mutter anything asides from "ale" or "food." She rather disliked her suddenly much larger vocabulary - it's a miracle she hadn't forgotten how to speak. Nonetheless, this whole conversation seemed strange to her. She didn't belong here. Even the cloth on her back was tailored with mercenary funds, a far cry from the personal seamstresses of other noblewomen.

When the time of the day was mentioned, the samurai allowed a faint chuckle. "I'm afraid for a night-owl like myself, this library would tire of my presence before long." She finished, and then frowned. Why on earth did she feel like adding that bit? It was as though there was some kind of unseen magic about her current company, some innate charisma that's tearing her tongue from her control. In any case, whatever the cause, she was speaking far too much.

Letting her countenance return to normal, she followed in silence. Her guide, true to her words, appeared to be more than familiar with the library. Tis a curious thing really. How long ago had the invitations been sent out? A month ago? Two? Yuzuki was certain she had jumped the bandwagon at the earliest available time, having had eyes on the royal library for quite a while. How is it then that this young lady knew the library so well...?

She hadn't time to ponder the thought when her host jovially announced their arrival. She scanned her surroundings. A large table, far more spacious than the study desk she expected; two lamps, far brighter than the lantern in her hand; some supplies...it was more than sufficient for her purposes.

"I must thank you instead, milady, tis a haven amidst the dark night indeed." She too, thanked her guide, her words far more sincere this time. After all, if not for this chance encounter, she would have had to haul the books all the way back to her room. This little setup would allow her to stay all night at the library if necessary.

Noting that her dark-haired companion had situated herself, she set down the lantern and removed the first book, placing it neatly besides the other lantern. Next, picking up her own and rounding the table, she picked a seat on the opposite side. She considered picking the furthest chair, disliking company and all, but decided that the gesture was too rude for someone who had recently aided her.

Settling herself into the chair, she adjusted the books and lantern, and began to read.

[Anactoria IV]

Anactoria stole a look up at Yuzuki just once as she made her way around the table. She allowed herself one heartbeat, maybe two, to indulge in a flash of fantasy. A whirlwind courtship, a celebratory wedding, and eventful, full marriage and two adorable heirs. But when she tried to place Yuzuki's face on the fantasy bride's body, it never fit.

The second heartbeat came and went. The princess sighed, and opened her heavy book. Focus on the here and now, Anactoria, she told herself. You have all the time in the word to find the one. But you made a promise, and now you must keep it.

She opened to the index of the book, her delicate fingers tracing down the page until she found what she was looking for, she then turned to the corresponding page. Hands went out to ink quill and parchment without her having to look up. Her brow knitted in concentration in a manner that could only be called...well... cute.

Before long, the faint 'scritch-scratch' of quill on parchment could be heard. Anactoria's head bobbed up to the book, then down to the paper, then back again and she wrote her notes hurriedly. Despite the seemingly frantic pace of her writing, her hand and arms seemed to flow of the parchment in one smooth motion, jerking only when she reached the end of the page, and had to move her hand back to the left. With her other hand, she kept her place on the page, fingertips sliding from left to right, jumping down paragraphs, turning the page, and beginning again. She nibbled at her lower lip, occasionally flashing her teeth.

Time lost meaning as she read and took notations. Pages flipped before her, words, began to run together. Her head was now bobbing for reasons that had nothing to do with note-taking.

The frantic writing stopped, and Anactoria shook her head. She turned back to the book, and turned the page. Her gasp was quiet but audible. An atlas was on that page. A crude one, but one that have a rough idea of the limits of the lost Keres Royal Family's dominion. She sat the quill down and began to focus on the atlas exclusively.

"If that is the Sanguine Mountains..." she mumbled under her breath, trying to get her bearings. She yawned, and it was a big one. She managed to keep it silent, but the squinting it had caused her eyes to water. She rubbed then furiously with her arm. She looked back at the map, only to discover she had lost her place.

She began again, placing her index finger on the mountains this time. "... and the ruins were there..."she mumbled again.

Her eyelid were dropping. She forced them open. She lifted both hands to her face, and gave herself a sharp pinch just over the her cheekbones. The minor pain cleared her drowsy mind for now. She turned to the map again... and realized she had lost her place when she removed her fingers.

She started over. First the mountains. Then where she knew the ruins to be. "Then those ruins..." her head bobbed. She shook it. "Must be..." her lids closed on her. She forced them open by will alone. "...the Keres's castle..."

Her fingers left the map, and groped for the quill, their movements a far cry from the grace she had shown earlier. Unable to find it, she tore her sleepy eyes away from the book to look for it... to see it had somehow rolled halfway across the table, toward Yuzuki. It wasn't far, not at all, but as weary as she felt, it might as well have been on the moon.

She looked back to the supplies in on the middle of the table... and that was the last thing she remembered. Her bobbing head made one final decent, landing solidly on its side on the open book before her. The impact wasn't a loud one, but in complete silence might as well been a canon blast. Her curtain of dark hair settled around her head like an inky halo an eye blink later.

If it hurt, Anactoria would not know until tomorrow.

She was asleep before her head even made contact.

Anactoria Copied Notes:

The bulk of it is boring factual details, list of Keres royalty and the length or their reigns, import and export data, population and so forth. There is a few section pertaining to wars, whcih the princess had underlined. A few paragraphs concerning mysteriously missing people or deaths. Next to these notes, Anactoria had written "Nerocmancy?" in the margin.

Her handwriting grew less legible as she had gotten sleepy. By the time one reached the end of her notes, it was almost illegible, save for one sentence at the very bottom:

"I am coming, Enide. I promised I would."

[Yuzuki Isawa]

Long, shapely fingers cracked open the heavy lid of the first book. The age-worn leather contrasted sharply with her pale skin. With all the grim and brine scrubbed away, her hands bore resemblance to those of a skilled musician. She had music instructors once. And, despite her reluctance and seldom practices, her skills on a flute more than impressed those old buffoons. But she didn’t care for advancing in music; beautiful notes, for her, were at most an occasional delight on a drunken night. Instead, those well-proportioned digits found their way around the hilts of blades, a perfect fit. How she had reveled in the flash of metal then. The clash of fates. The dance of blades. She loved fine blades then, always searching for a sharper edge, a better grip, a more powerful weapon…and then there was that sword. That accursed…

Yuzuki shook her head. She needs to focus; now was not the time to get lost in memories.

She scanned lines after lines of ancient text, searching for any mentioning of weaponry. She read silently, soundless except for the frequent flipping of pages. She read of ancient Elven kingdoms, of dragon-slaying bows and the hammer of Thor. There was no mentioning of blades, much less Eastern blades. All the weapons seemed to be priced possession of heroes, glorified by their wielders.

She finished about half volume, frustration rising rapidly. Of course she should have expected this; it wouldn’t be like her luck to find what she’s looking for on a first try. Nonetheless, her poor chances were daunting. What if she read everything there is in this library and finds nothing…?

Her jaw tightened; there was no point wallowing in self-pity. So what if she wastes a couple months or perhaps a couple years of her life? It’s not as though she had any other purpose save for her present quest.

Nonetheless, her joints, stiff from sitting for so long, clamored for a break. The torturing volumes can wait. She stood and stretched, shaking out her hair and the knots in her muscles.

How long have she read? She had lost track of time. Looking across the table, it appears that her fellow library-goer, unlike herself, was unused to such late night escapades. Dark hair bobbled up and down, before smashing face-first into the book.

Yuzuki repressed a chuckle, remembering another dark-haired royalty with similar antics. How Shizuka had whined about all her lessons, but, being diligent as she was, she never failed to finish her coursework, no matter how late into the night it took her. Shizuka...

"Give me the sword."

"Zuka..."

"Give me the sword."

The sandy-haired samurai flinched as though struck by an invisible fist. Chest heaving, she struggled to catch her breath. Eyelids tight against one another, trying to block out the bloodied image. Why, why would she remember this now...

It took a minute before she regained her composure. But when violets opened again, there was a sense of tiredness in them. She was, for once, no longer smiling. She glanced across the table again at the form of the sleeping lady. There was no similarity between she and... It was merely a coincidence. Yes, a coincidence.

Pale fingers massaged her temple. What pointless thoughts, she should go back to her search. But violets spared another glance at the motionless form. Although the numerous lamps heated the area, it was nonetheless mid winter. That flimsy white chemise Anactoria wore hardly seemed sufficient. Perhaps she should-

Why the sudden concern? She chided herself, stopping her train of thoughts. Since when did she give a damn about mere strangers. Yet, such a small frame, smaller still as the surrounding darkness appeared to encroach upon the table...

She hesitated.

Just this once... She deliberated with herself, finally reaching a conclusion. Undoing her obi, she slipped off her kimono, clad instead only in a thin white nagajuban. She rounded the table and draped the black article upon the sleeping lady, who did not appear to stir. She sighed. Hopefully she never sees this raven-haired suitor again. It would be most inconvenient to be thanked, or, in the more likely scenario, berated for her assumptious gesture.

With that thought, she picked up her books and lantern, and turned to leave the library.

(The end?)

[Anactoria IV]

(Hmmm... almost)

Her sleep was deep, long, and thankfully, without dreams. She did not stir when the kimono was draped over her, or when its owner left, or in any of the following hours, of which there were several. Exhausted was, as word, fell far short of what the young princess had been fighting off. Now that it claimed her, it would have its way, rest of the word be damned.

Outside the sky began to lighten, then dawn broke in earnest. The lamp, their fuel spent, sputtered and went out, though enough outside light made its way in from the high windows to make her surroundings visible. In this distance, and throughout the castle, there soon arose such a clamor that it was a wonder that she slept through it all as maids and knights began to scour the castle. Guests emerged from their rooms, half dressed and bleary eyed to see what was the matter, and the rumors began to fly and spread: Anactoria was missing again!

Her chambermaid, a mousy plain girl of 14, was the one who found her in the library. After mustering up all the courage in her slight body, she placed a hand on the princess' shoulder, and shook her awake.

Anactoria woke with a start, and an unladylike snort of surprise. "What is --" she began. Than her bleary eyes focused and she recalled where she was. Her cheeks burned. Had she really spent the whole night there? Mortifying!

"Y-your -h-highness," her maid chanced, bowing "Are y-you all --"

Anactoria turned to face the maid and favored her with a smile. "I am well. At least, I am now. Still, I imagine when I was not found a-bed this morning, my father became...shall we say... concerned?

"His Grace has ordered the castle sealed the castle until you are found, your highness," her maid confessed.

Anactoria slid off the chair and rose to her feet. "Then let us not keep him waiting. I will --"

The kimono started to slip form her shoulders, and she caught it reflexively. Pausing to look at it, she soon recalled her chance meeting with the odd woman the night before.

How darling of her! Anactoria thought, to consider that I might be cold and to take steps to fix it. All without knowing I was the one she had come to impress and woo. The princess smiled. This was clearly a woman she should try to get to know better.

She lifted the collar of the kimono to her nose and gave it a slight wiff. The chambermaid's eyes nearly bulged out of her skull.

Reluctantly, Anactoria removed the garment, folded it nearly as she could, and handed it over to the maid. She then turned to collect her notes and the book. Now that she was rested, she hefted the tome easily, and wondered that she ever found it heavy. "I will go to my father and explain myself," she said at length. "You are close to the maids attending my guests, are you not?"

The young woman looked puzzled but bowed. "Yes, your highness. We often assist each other as the demands on our time increase due to your --" she fell silent suddenly.

Anactoira made mental note to higher more maids. "I would consider it a personal favor if you could reach out to your friends, and find out which one of my guests are missing this kimono. I would like it even more if the search was kept... quiet. If you find her, return to me and tell me her name. Also, see to it that this one is properly laundried and returned to me."

"As you command, your highness," the maid said, bowing yet again.

Anactoria nodded. "You may go now." Once the other girl had vanished back up the isle, The princess clasped her book to her chest, squared her shoulders, and followed after her. A childhood story came to her mind then, and she could not help but giggle.

Ah, but in the tale, they had but one glass slipper. I have a whole outfit. I must say: I rather like my odds.

(END)