Sol examined the bookshelves, deciding to start her exploring on a particularly dusty one. “What does Ventry primarily produce?” she asked, swatting at the flying dust. “I’m afraid I am still familiarizing myself with the South.”
Zeri sat on a sofa, plopping her book open beside her. “Seafood, Princess.”
At that, Sol grinned. “Oh, would I love to visit there.”
Zeri’s eyes gleamed. “You are welcome any time Prin—Sol.”
It didn't take any effort for Sol to become comfortable with Zeri. They spoke for hours, sharing details about each other’s homes. Although Sol had been told to say she was found in Graniela, she tried to lace as much truth as she could into her stories, still bringing Yavenharrow to life.
Zeri was fascinated by the idea of seasons and beaches with tender waves, unlike her own that were always chaotic. She shared that since childhood she was told if the opportunity to marry into Rimemere’s royalty came, she would be the one to participate for the chance.
Sol grew nauseous at the disclosure, then even more so at the fact that apparently most of the prospects here had gone throughthe same.
“We are all here because that’s what our role within our territory is,” Zeri said, lazily turning the pages of her book hours later. “Southern relations.”
Sol shook her head from where she lay on the carpeted floor, a pile of books beside her. “That isn't right. I—it’s brutal.”
Zeri shrugged. “Perhaps for you, who grew up away from the brutality of Wielder life. To us, things like these are normal.”
Sol shook her head. “I will get you out, Zeri.”
Zeri smiled at her a bit sadly. “It’s you who must survive. Not us.”
They only left the libraries to eat dinner, then returned with Jonah and Phil when they suggested they all go over the other god’s stories prior to the next Trial. They didn’t know when it would be, but based on the unpredictability of the Vows thus far, Sol agreed they should prepare. That, and she had no desire to lie alone in a cloud of her thoughts.
Zeri suggested the Trials might be going in order of the birth of the original creators, so she theorized Aquarene’s Trial may be next. Luckily, she was well versed in the god, talking Sol through not only Aquarene’s history but also shared Winderlyn’s, her assigned deity as a Wind Dancer.
“So, Winderlyn came from Aquarene and Flora’s prayers?” Sol tapped the feather pen to her temple, dipping it into a vase of ink before sprawling notes on her paper. “Are they… do they have tangible bodies?”
Zeri shrugged. “At one point. Once they left the terrestrial plane, their power was so great, unable to be fully extinguished, they ascended to the skies to forever watch over their people.”
Sol blew air out her nose. “I never paid much attention when it came to them, I’ll admit. I was more interested in the things we can see.”
“We can see their existence through us,” Zeri offered, wiggling her Wielder ring, the only thing close to a weapon allowed on the premises. “Every time we give an offering, we see it before our eyes.”
“Well, I just recently found that out.” Sol laughed, drinking a tea Jonah prepared for her to chase away the aches.
From the other side of the library, Phil sighed. “I usually don’t mind not being able to see until I am quite literally surrounded by books.”
Jonah laughed softly from beside Sol. “You are not missing much, little brother.”
Phil shrugged. “Still, I want to read the stories.” Sol’s chest ached as the boy plopped on the ground.
She nodded to Jonah and stood, making her way to the boy. The scar on her back ached, the pain radiating to her palm as she sat beside him. Ever since Flora’s Temple, both things had been pestering her.
Phil angled his head her way. “Princess? Are you alright?”
Sol nodded but rubbed at a spot on her shoulder in hopes of some relief. “My birthmark.” She decided to not mention the blood bond, especially since Dark Magic seemed to be a strained topic.
Zeri looked up from her book from her spot on a rosewood table beside them. “All Yarrow Wardens have it, did you know that? That’s how it’s almost certain Warren will choose you.”
“Any idea what it does?” Sol grimaced, leaning forward slightly as she plucked a book from the shelf behind her.
“From what I know, not much is recorded about them,” Jonah chimed from his spot on a couch.
Nodding, Zeri closed her book, throwing her hair into a knot. “That’s correct. It’s quite a mystery.”
“Did you all know,” Phil started, leaning against Sol’s arm, “that Winderlyn prefers offerings directly from the neck?” The boy giggled. “Fascinating.”
