As I delved deeper into "Tales of BrookCastle," myriad questions arose in my mind: What secrets did the book hold? How was it interwoven with my own journal? What mission had my future self recorded, and how could it guide me?
Each page turned brought a mix of curiosity and excitement.
It became evident that "Tales of BrookCastle" was more than a mere journal. It was an adventure chronicle, recounting the exploits of Lorei and Dayton during the decadence period of Belcium. Their adventures were rich with details of quests, struggles, and discoveries.
The realization that the same Dayton, now standing outside the vault in the library, was written in these pages sent a shiver down my spine. He was a part of this story; he met me.
I walked out of the vault, my heart heavy upon the new tale I've read.
Dayton leaned casually against the wall next to the vault door, his relaxed posture a stark contrast to the lively scene unfolding before him. Log and Lizy, dressed in oversized, mismatched librarian robes, looked like characters from a whimsical tale. Log's robe dragged comically on the floor, the sleeves so long they almost obscured his hands.
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“Oh hey, Rose, I—”
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Log's face turned a deep crimson as he struggled with his attire, the oversized robe swallowing him almost whole.
The grand hall was alive with laughter and movement. Lizy looked like a mischievous sprite, her robe swaying with each playful spin. The twins, caught up in the excitement, twirled and clapped, their white hair bouncing with each movement. Their librarian outfits fluttered around them like the garments of playful spirits.
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“We made a dare! He lost!"
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“Hey, it’s embarrassing!”
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Log protested, trying to adjust the robe more securely, only to make it look even more awkward.
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“Not for us!”
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Lizy stuck out her tongue playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Log, still grappling with his oversized attire, gave me a sheepish grin.
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"You should have seen it, RoseBud. Lizy challenged me, and, well, here I am."
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He spread his arms wide, displaying the ill-fitting robe that hung comically from his frame. The sleeves draped over his hands, and the hem pooled around his feet, making him look like a child trying on an adult's clothing.
Lizy nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with delight.
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"And he had to sing a silly song too, but the twins loved it!"
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she added, causing the twins to giggle even more, their laughter filling the room.
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"Do it again, do it again!"
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The boy twin jumped up and down, his excitement contagious.
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"Alright, here goes."
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He straightened up and began to sing, his voice light and playful, yet with an undertone of melancholy.
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"Redness of the road. Patches of the sky
Never see the light. As our time passes by.
Twirl and spin, my friend.
Laugh and sing, lament.
For life has just begun—"
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The twins clapped along, their joy evident in their bright smiles. Their laughter and applause echoed through the room, filling it with an infectious energy.
I smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude for these moments of lightheartedness. The intense challenges and enigmas of the vault were momentarily forgotten, replaced by a sense of equilibrium and relief.
Dayton chuckled, his eyes warm with amusement.
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"It's good to have some fun amidst all the seriousness, right?"
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I looked at Dayton more attentively as he looked at me. Despite the jovial atmosphere, I couldn't shake the weight of the tale I'd just read. Maybe Dayton understood a little of how I was feeling.
After the song was finished, Log sighed, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile.
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"Yeah Lizy, that's the final time."
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He reached out to ruffle her hair playfully.
Lizy dodged his hand with a laugh, skipping around him in a playful dance. The twins joined in, their movements graceful and joyous, transforming the grand hall into a lively tableau of merriment.
With that scene unfolding behind him, Log slowly approached me. The contrast between the lively backdrop and his more subdued demeanor was striking.
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"Looks like you had quite the fun,
How was it?"
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"Well, actually, it was kind of refreshing."
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The weight of my recent discoveries was momentarily lifted by the lighthearted atmosphere.
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"...Glad to hear it."
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The Maiden was at the table as well, her serene demeanor softer now, her smile warm and heartwarming. She seemed to absorb the joyous scene with a sense of quiet contentment, her eyes reflecting the happiness that filled the room.
I wanted to question Dayton, but I didn't want to dispel the jovial atmosphere. Additionally, I wasn't certain what to inquire about. The weight of the book's secrets and my own questions hung in the air, but for now, they could wait. The present moment, filled with laughter and companionship, was too precious to interrupt.
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"Miss Head Librarian!"
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Lizy spun around playfully, her librarian robe swishing with each movement, the fabric flowing like water around her.
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"Is Dayton going to leave for recorder work soon?"
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Dayton crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, a small smile playing on his lips.
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"I've been doing this for almost a hundred years. It's about time I took a break,"
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He pushed off the wall and moved closer to Lizy, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and warmth. The room seemed to hold its breath, anticipating his next words.
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"Yes, Lizy, it is your turn,"
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The Maiden replied, her voice gentle but firm.
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"Wait, me?"
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Lizy's eyes widened in surprise. She stepped back, nearly bumping into one of the twins.
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"You... trust me?"
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"We have made you do chores for us long enough. It's time for you to see the world."
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Dayton's smile broadened. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Lizy's shoulder.
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"Now, go change into your new recorder clothes. You won't want to waste time, do you?"
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"Brother Dayton made them for you himself!"
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The girl twin chimed in, her voice bright and cheerful.
Lizy blinked, her surprise slowly giving way to a bright smile.
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"I won't let you down!"
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She stood a little taller, her excitement palpable as she glanced around the room, taking in the supportive faces of her friends. Without missing a beat, she turned on her heel and dashed towards her quarters, her laughter trailing behind her like a melody of pure happiness.
The twins clapped excitedly, their eyes shining with admiration for Lizy. The room buzzed with a newfound energy, the joy and anticipation of new adventures lighting up every corner.
Dayton looked at me, his expression thoughtful.
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"And you, RoseBud, the knowledge you've gained will be crucial. Remember, every step you've taken has prepared you for what's to come."
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He moved to stand beside me.
I nodded, but a thought nagged at me: Is following a predetermined path really that fulfilling? Do I have free will, or are all my futures set in stone?
Dayton seemed to read my thoughts.
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"You will find your answer one day."
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His words lingered in my mind, both a promise and a challenge. The future, with all its mysteries and potential, seemed daunting yet exhilarating. I knew this was not the last time our paths would cross. Our stories were intertwined in the grand tapestry of time, and I felt certain our journeys would bring us together again.
With renewed resolve, I turned to join the others, the questions about fate and free will driving me forward. I was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead, knowing that the knowledge and connections I had gained would guide me.
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"We are heading to Antioch Soterion, I have a friend to visit.
Lets pack up."
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The room buzzed with a new kind of energy as everyone began to prepare for the journey. The twins, always eager, dashed off to gather their belongings, their laughter echoing through the halls. Lizy, still brimming with excitement from her new responsibilities, hurriedly packed her recorder clothes and a few essential items. Dayton, ever the steady presence, helped Lizy pack her bags, making sure nothing was left behind.
I headed to an empty sofa and sat down, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. The soft cushions provided a welcome comfort, and I could feel the tension of the day's events begin to ease. The room around me was filled with the sound of footsteps, rustling bags, and the occasional burst of laughter.
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