Page 13 of Tempest Awakening
As I leafed through a worn copy of 'Pride and Prejudice,' snippets of conversation reached me.
"I'm sorry, but that subject matter is outside our scope," the staff member stated, her tone polite but firm. "We focus on supernatural knowledge here. Human fiction about our world isn't really relevant to our collection."
The elderly man's response was measured. "I understand your position, but wouldn't you agree that how we're perceived by humans is valuable information in itself? Especially given recent events?"
Their exchange piqued my curiosity. Before I could second-guess myself, I approached the pair.
"Excuse me," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "I couldn't help overhearing. Maybe I can help?"
As I drew closer, I realized with a start that the staff member was an elf, her pointed ears now visible beneath her severely tied-back hair. Her ageless features regarded me with surprise and faint skepticism.
The man turned, his eyes sharp despite his apparent age. "Oh? And what might you suggest, young lady?"
I straightened, determined not to be intimidated by either of them. "I'm familiar with the kind of books you're looking for," I offered. "Human perspectives on the supernatural world."
A smile creased the man's weathered face. "Excellent. I'm interested in fiction written by humans about supernatural beings—vampires, fae, shifters, and the like. I want to understand how they view our world."
Excitement bubbled up within me, a sense of purpose taking root. "I think I know exactly the kind of books you're after."
I turned to the staff member. "Could you check for any novels in the urban fantasy or paranormal romance genres? Particularly those published in the last few decades. Authors like Charlaine Harris, Laurell K. Hamilton, or Jim Butcher might be good starting points." I paused, then added, "Oh, and do you carry any indie authors? They often have the most up-to-date takes on supernatural themes.”
She regarded me through narrowed emerald eyes for a beat before giving a curt nod and sweeping away, her movements almost preternaturally graceful. Left alone with the man, I extended my hand.
"I'm Tess, by the way. Tess Whittaker."
The man accepted my proffered hand, his grip firm and calloused. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Whittaker. I am Takashi Tanaka."
We made small talk as we awaited the librarian's return, Takashi revealing he was a kitsune with a fervent passion for academics and research. His frequent visits to the Dragonne Libraryallowed him to research the relationship between humans and supernatural beings in the wake of The Unveiling.
"There have been...difficulties, shall we say?" He frowned, steepled fingers brushing his lips. "Prejudices and misunderstandings abound on both sides. By exploring your kind's fictional depictions of mine, I hope to better grasp your perspectives and find new pathways toward mutual understanding."
My heart ached at the hope in his words, an ache that only intensified when the librarian—Aurelia, according to Takashi—reappeared with a stack of books.
"Thank you, Aurelia," Takashi said.
Aurelia regarded him with a curt nod before turning her penetrating stare on me. Though she said nothing, her disdain was obvious.
Clearly, my assistance hadn’t been appreciated.
"Miss Whittaker," Takashi said, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm, "would you care to join me in perusing these volumes? Your expertise could be invaluable in finding the right variety of stories."
"I'd be delighted," I replied, moving closer to the stack of books Aurelia had brought.
We settled at a nearby table, spreading the books out before us. I ran my fingers over the spines, recognizing some titles and authors immediately.
"Let's see," I mused, picking up a worn paperback. "This one's a classic vampire romance. It might give you insight into how humans romanticize certain supernatural beings."
Takashi nodded, jotting down notes in a small journal he'd produced from his yukata.
Next, I selected a hefty tome with a wolf silhouette on the cover. "This is part of a popular werewolf series. It delves into pack dynamics and the struggle between human and animal natures."
As we worked our way through the pile, I explained the different subgenres and themes represented. We found everything from light-hearted paranormal cozy mysteries to dark, gritty urban fantasies.
As I reached for another book, I hesitated, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Um, I should probably warn you about this one," I said, holding up a particularly steamy paranormal romance. "It's got some... well, let's just say some very detailed scenes of interspecies relations. You might want to skip those parts."
Takashi's eyes twinkled mischievously. "My dear, at my age, I daresay I've probably had more experience than these authors could dream of. A few spicy scenes won't make these old whiskers curl."
I burst out laughing, shocked by his candid response. "Well, in that case, you might actually find some of the more creative scenes... educational," I quipped.
