Blood Moon Rising

Chapter Six || Grimoire

Valus watched closely as Xander spoke with one of the elders. There were a lot of gestures and hushed tones. The elders library isn't exactly open to the public, but he said he would pull strings so here's to hoping.

Their conversation ended in a quick embrace and a smile filled goodbye. Valus stared intrigued as Xander walked back over, "Got it. Your father will be here in a little while as well. He's got the verdict on your ascension." Valus jumped with joy and nearly hugged the man. She had been waiting for so long to even peek at the elder's library and Xander achieved it no matter the circumstance behind it.

Xander chuckled, "Happy?" And Valus grinned, "Ecstatic. But anyways, your chat with Elder Hames seemed more like a reunion..?" She treaded carefully. Xander nodded, placing his hand on the small of her back to lead her towards the library as he spoke, "Yeah. Um, that's my grandfather on my mother's side. He spends all of his time with the Elders so we actually never see him." Valus blinked realizing the resemblance of black hair and facial features but the man had these wise silver eyes. "Huh! That's really interesting!" She opened the doors and stopped with amazement.

The books covered all the walls, there was a second floor with bookcases that went from the ground to the ceiling. It would take the rest of her life to read all of these books. "They're organized right? I mean it looks like it but.." Xander chuckled, "Yes. And—" He drew out the 'nnnnnd' as he dug in his pockets before pulling out a piece of paper with an 'Ah hah'; "Hames gave me a couple sections to look in."

Valus has been feeling their connection growing... she thought for a moment as she had watched him digging for that paper. It was like the tale of the first wolves. The longer they were near each other, the closer they got. Maybe they really were the fated pair. Xander will do anything to help her and she really appreciated it.

"Alright!" She snatched the paper and looked it over, she tore the last three off, thankful the elder put them in order, then handed the other three to Xander. "You go that way and collect the books. I got these." Valus smirked, wagging the paper between her two fingers. Xander grinned at her, his eyes were filled with something but she couldn't decipher what it was exactly. He turned and walked away.

Valus took a moment to watch him, having had few moments like these. She was grateful that the bond wasn't overpowering and forceful, that it allowed them to come together as individuals of free will. One of these days she will need to get her hands on a book that details bonds to fully understand it honestly. Taking note of that last thought, she turned and walked towards the sections she picked out for herself.

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"There you are. I thought we were supposed to meet up." Xander came over carrying a couple of books, Valus looked up from her spot on the floor, her back against the bookshelf. "I'm sorry. I started on one and now I'm on number two. There is so much we all don't know about ourselves!" She exclaimed as she flipped through the pages quickly yet gently.

Xander sat down next to her, "Anything on witches in there?" He leaned over and Valus could feel his warmth radiating on her shoulder. It took all of her self control not to shudder at the touch. This is beyond ridiculous! "Yes actually. They did participate in the rogue wars, which we knew but what WE didn't know is that they weren't exactly 'extinct'. The rogues just went into hiding so the witches followed. They tend to link to wolves and end up under their control."

"So they don't just do things. The rogues make them." Xander thought out loud. "Exactly. They actually wouldn't exist without the rogues." Valus added, looking the book over then checking the paper again. "Do you have... "Blood Moon's birth records"? Why is this on here?" Valus wondered for Xander. "Maybe some of the rogues are from here?" Xander took her piece. "You were supposed to grab that." Valus shook her head, "Damn. I'm sorry. My minds all over the place."