Beforehand…
London
When I left Hyrule, I remember waking up in hospital where I met a nurse who asked a few questions about me. Since I arrived with no form of identity the staff at the hospital were confused at their new patient. I was apparently found unconscious in the woods on the outskirts of the city, where I was discovered and then brought to the hospital. I was interrogated with many questions, including identity, family members, address, phone numbers. All of their speech was foreign to me and when I found out where I was, I knew that I had landed into the wrong destination. Only I wasn't sure what it was. But I tried to be patient with the staffs puzzled expressions and tried to answer their questions the best I could with a calm exterior. When I spoke about Hyrule, the nurses were again very baffled at my assumptions. They considered that Hyrule was a place of fantasy and fiction and that it did not exist. They considered that I must be mentally disabled and delirious. My weapons were discovered and since it wasn't allowed to have them in possession they were confiscated and I never saw them again. Also since they couldn't find out any important details about who I was, I was then sent into foster care with nothing but a name and a mysterious past.
Lucky for me, I received a decent education but the only sad part of the foster system was that I was never adopted into a family. Of course I had a feeling that I didn't want to, I had a family back in my old life and I didn't want to replace them. When I arrived in my new settings I was only 15 and I realised that I was no longer in Hyrule anymore but I had landed in a new foreign environment named London. I had indeed picked the wrong bean in my impulsive and desperate actions in looking for a portal that would take me to the Twilit Realm. My life was perfect back in Hyrule, I was loved, admired and idolised. I was a very important figure as I used to be the mayors daughter. But that all changed when the Twilight descended on Hyrule and it turned out that I was chosen to deal with it. I met my guide, mentor and friend Killian, who accompanied me on the quest to explore many dungeons, cleanse the Provinces of the Twilight and find important dark magic known as Fused Shadows to go up against the king of shadows who cast the darkness over the land. Once it was finished not only did I save the Princess, I enabled the village children to finally go home, I travelled all of Hyrule and I flourished independently as a warrior. Someone who I never thought that I would become, but I discovered a part of myself I never saw before. A brave, determined girl who was willing to fight for what she believed in. But that victory came with a price, and Killian had to leave, I had spent so much time with him and I wasn't ready to say good bye. Despite attending the Princess's coronation and getting back together with family, that wasn't enough for me. I needed to see him, so I recklessly saddled up my horse and rode into the depths of the forest until I found the grove where magic beans grew. I made a portal and jumped through and look where that got me.
I was a fool to want to have everything, and I paid the ultimate price. Never being able to go back. For one thing I do know is that London has many things that I have never seen before such as cars, technology, phones, buses, taxies, restaurants, shopping centres, foreign places around the world. But no magic, and no beans, only science. And for a few weeks I depressed about this for a long time that seemed like forever, I was filled with guilt, shame and also loss. But soon enough I was on a new quest, to fit into this setting. I got a phone and heard about social networking such as Facebook, Twitter, Snap chat and other forms of online communication but I wasn't much social. For all the time that I was here, I felt like I couldn't connect with other people, I was too different.
I travelled by public transport but I got my own little red car and I learnt many things such as the many tastes of Italian cuisine which I enjoyed the most. Life as it seemed had gone by very quickly, soon enough I was in my early twenties, but even though I had spent nearly a decade in London, I didn't feel welcome here. I was too unique and mysterious compared to other young women.
I picked up my personal style which I felt most comfortable wearing which is green, black and brown. For a women I was a tomboy and I felt more comfortable in the kind of clothes that made me feel like I was still the chosen hero. I enjoy wearing denim and leather clothes. I've also got leather belts, bracelets and boots with a silver metallic design.
One memory a while back that I vividly remember is when I went to a nearby game shop in town near my flat and I found an interesting game in the teenage section. It was called Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and the plot was identical to my past life but the hero was Jared my old childhood friend and he looked different. Like a blonde teenage Hylian in my old clothes. I felt a deep twist of regret in my gut and my belly coiling so tight that I couldn't breathe properly as I put the game back on the shelf. I wiped a few tears from my eyes that seeped out without permission as I didn't want to be seen crying in public for no reason. I had left a perfect life and I could never go back. I was stuck in London with nothing but a simple job in clothing retail at the mall where I got a lot of my style from. I also have a flat with bills to pay on electricity, rent, water etc. I might watch the news, rent movies but I found the game of Zelda and that grief and regret was flooding back in.
So as a lesson learnt, I avoided the game shop and went to pursue new hobbies and a new purpose in life. I tried many things to get my mind at ease, also since I was a very curious person I wanted to see how things were like if I tried them. I tried hiking in the woods where I was found to attempt to get away from normal life and blend back into the world I left when I was fifteen.
In the present I leave my flat to go for a walk around town nearby, I feel very bored and I get the feeling that I need to try something new. I picked another simple outfit for the day, of course I have a black fur vest covering a dark coloured green long sleeved shirt. I also am wearing dark grey jeans with my favourite black leather boots, complete with my black metallic belt that wraps around the waistline of the jeans. I haven't worn this combination for a while and I thought I would give it a try for today.
As I walk along the busy streets I feel spring is losing its winters chill. The day is overcast as the clouds are acting very stubborn to let the sun shine through the barriers lately. But for some reason the overcast look of the sky brings a very secluded, elusive calmness to the town. Others would find it gloomy and dark but I think differently about it. Basically embracing the simpleness of it. A gentle brisk wind whips through my long strawberry blonde hair as I walk along the street. Being overtaken by cars, black London taxies and red buses that pass by going different directions on their way to their destinations. But I am in no hurry today, I need to take it slow to be able to clearly view everything.
I look up to see the signs and labels of the different buildings I pass by, the London buildings have their own style as I have noticed over the years, they look very unique to the original houses in Castle Town and Kakariko village. They look more modern as does everything here. But only one catches my eye. It looks older than the rest, the paint is coming off and the sign reads Library in capital letters. It looks squished between two other buildings. Next to the building on the right is cut off by a driveway that cuts into the street from the right. But something fascinates me about the library, despite the building being old and run off, the front door entry looked welcoming. The two front doors were wooden and they were cleaner and newer than the rest of the building. Beside the doors on either side were two windows which had an intricate floral design on them. Out of curiosity I slowly walked over taking in every detail. A part of me wanted to peek into the building by looking through the window but another part of me wanted to just go inside and have a look in there. I bit my lip and cleared my throat as I stood before the two wooden doors. I took a deep breath before I reached over to open one of the doors. As it opened a door bell rang to announce my approach into the library. I looked around as I held the open, and the look of it was very pleasing to my eyes.
On the right side of the space were several book shelves while on the left side of the aisle was the librarian's desk but they were not present. I let the door close behind me and I followed my instincts to the books. I past several rows of wooden bookshelves which were old fashioned but clean with five rows of books on their shelves. In those rows were step ladders in case petite customers couldn't reach the top shelves. The carpet was soft and a light hue of grey, it also brought a fuzzy and cosy feeling to the place. Also people could sit in comfortable corners and read if they wished just by my observation of the carpet.
As my eyes scanned around taking in the layout and simple structure of the library my first instinct was to start searching for the kind of books I felt like reading. I ran my fingers over the spines of the books as I quickly glanced at the titles and authors of the books as I walked along the rows. I saw a few books whose titles caught my eye, I casually removed the book from the shelf and turned the cover over to the first page. Yellowed and marked were the books, but they had clear protectors with a code mark for the scanners and the library label on the first page. This is the information I framed into my mind as I looked at this one book and many others on the shelves. I then put the book back on the shelf in its original position once I finished having a curious study of the one book I found. Everything about this place was peaceful and quiet until I heard a kind feminine voice behind me.
"Can I help you with anything?" The actual tone of the voice was calm, serene and collected, so the actual surprise of this person's presence did not matter so much. I whipped around to see who I assumed to be the librarian. She had neat golden blonde hair tied up in a pony with clear blue eyes. Her face was well shaped and it held natural beauty that many would admire at first of this woman. She also had a pale complexion that enhanced her beauty. She wore a nice light blue cardigan over a long sleeved white shirt with grey long pants. She sat at the desk that sat to the left of the library, the position enabled the person behind it to see the rows of books at a good angle. The desk was constructed from old timber but it was nicely cleaned and free of dust. It was also arranged with a well- balanced layout of things such as books, pens and other forms of stationary neatly positioned in a comfortable and suitable manner on the desk. Most obvious was the old computer which was in the exact middle of the desk.
I forced out a respectable and calm smile "Yes I was looking for good action adventure books but I was having trouble finding any"
The librarian got up from her seat rather gracefully, when she moved she wasn't clumsy, awkward or in a rush. She looked serene and placid as she walked towards me, she seemed elegant as she moved. Her movement reminded me of the sultriness of a cat and the graceful complexion of a swan.
"Not to worry dear I have plenty at my library, would you like me to show you?" her voice was calm and warm, hearing the gentleness and hospitable tone of her voice inclined me to accept any suggestion she made.
"Of course" I eagerly responded. The librarian offered me her hand.
"You may call me Mrs Blanchett" She said with a kind smile. I took her hand and shook it gently.
"Nice to meet you, I go by Avril Laureena"
Mrs Blanchett nodded "That is a very unique name Avril"
I couldn't help but blush, over the course of the many years that I lived here, no one on record ever appreciated the unique use of my name. From having a good memory of my past, in school I was probably the most shy and unusual girl you could meet. I was the only girl who wrote left handed and had exceptional skill at English. And the most important and memorable aspect of my school life was that I was the only girl on campus who was named Avril.
Anyway, this meeting went by in a happy natured rush. This kind woman showed me a few books that interested me, I was also welcome any day of the week. Once I found a few I followed Mrs Blanchett to her desk. I noticed the sway in her hips and how she walked, like there was no faults to pinpoint in her stride. As I laid the books in a stack on her desk, she stood bent over, I gave her my ID card and she made me an official member of the library. Afterwards Mrs Blanchett gave me a library card confirming my membership.
As I watched her peacefully at work I was still sociable "Do many people come here Mrs Blanchett?" I asked, she smiled as she scanned the computer with her eyes and moved the mouse, clicking occasionally as she progressed in her activity on the computer before finally typing to conclude.
"Not many, only a decent few come every couple of days" Mrs Blanchett took each of my four books and scanned them on the code mark.
"You seem like a curious sort, tell me, what brought you to reading books?'
I was put off guard for a moment, I didn't want to tell her about Hyrule, by now it was an embarrassing subject because whenever I told someone they thought I was being silly and telling lies also they considered me a weird sort.
I improvised my explanation trying to sound as normal as possible "I used to read some as a child, I don't remember them now but they were my escape from everyday life from stresses at school and whenever I felt down, works getting busy now and so I thought I might seek my old pastime so here I am"
Mrs Blanchett smiled warmly and offered me the books "Enjoy them Avril and return whenever you wish"
I eagerly took the books and held them in my right arms embrace as my left shoulder conveyed my typical black handbag. I grinned at her when I received the books.
"Thank you Mrs Blanchett, it was really nice meeting you today" I told her happily, the librarian responded with a kind smile and a nod. I took my wallet from the desk with my left hand and cleverly put it into my handbag despite my arms being full. The wallet now had a library card which now gave me free access to the books that I may want to read in the future.
That then concluded my meeting with Mrs Blanchett and my visit into the library. I strode down the aisle and took a last glance around this comfortable environment one last time before departing onto the street. Honestly, I felt at home here it was like this feeling encouraged me to come here and look around. I was looking forward to coming back as well. As I approached the two wooden doors I noticed the two windows welcoming light into the space and as I saw from outside they had a creative floral pattern on the glass. On the windowsills there were a couple of pot plants that caught my eye. The flowers in the pots sat on their designated spots enjoying the suns warm and comfortable shine. They housed different types of beautiful flowers, my favourite would have to be the white ones. I bent over and sniffed them pleased by the smell of their perfume. I smiled to myself as I opened the door. Once I stepped outside I was greeted by the light of the sun that finally shone through the clouds. I found myself once again positioned on the busy streets of London, with big red buses, little black taxies parked along the streets, several cars passed by on the road. People walked on the walkway in several crowds, each person or small clique going to different destinations.
The main thing that caught my attention was a taxi which was parked in front of the library. I for one may feel lazy about not bothering to walk home but with these books in tow I deem it unnecessary to walk with a big baggage of books in the crook of my right arm all the way home. I slip my handbag to rest properly on my left shoulder as I walked over to the taxi before opening the door to the back of the vehicle. Once inside I casually pull the door closed before I slip over on the shiny black leather of the seats until I sat at the seat to the right next to the window. Once I have my seatbelt on, I place the four books neatly on my lap in a small stack. I let my handbag slip down my shoulder so it can sit next to me on the seat. Once I am comfortable and sorted I tell the driver the location of my flat and he drives off without another question knowing fully the streets and where every place is. As I sit in my seat, the little taxi peacefully drives along as I glance down to look at the books that sit in my lap. I sweep my strawberry blonde hair out of my eyes so I could see. I studied each book carefully reading the blurbs with interest and getting myself excited to start reading. However with this inconvenience I sigh to myself.
"I should bring a bag for them next time"
When Avril left the library, Mrs Blanchett shut down her old computer. She thought to herself in anticipation of this event, Avril was an eager reader, this only meant one thing. That the girl who walked into the library today for the first time was the woman for the job. Long had she known of this particular young lady and what she would do in the future, it was only a matter of time. When Avril consumed all the knowledge she needed to know, Mrs Blanchett will make her move. Out of all of the books in the library, there was only one book she wanted Avril to read. And if she could encourage Avril to peek into it pages, the young woman could finally achieve her destiny.
Of course I did come back after a couple of weeks, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the four books Mrs Blanchett gave me so therefore I was excited to return to the library. I came through the doors with a skip in my step and a smile on my face. The door bell rung and the sweet scent of flowers welcomed me into the library. I walked down the aisle past rows of book shelves, one of them was wider than the others as it had a small table with four chairs in it. Ahead of me in front of the last two aisles was a fireplace not being used, an armchair stood there over a navy blue rug. As I arrived into the building, Mrs Blanchett glanced up with a calm face but smiled as I strode briskly to her desk. This time I brought an extra bag like I promised to myself when I left the library. They would hold the books in a more portable fashion so I could also carry my handbag with no stress of books falling out of my arm as I walked. I scooped my hand in the bag and took out the four books to return.
"These were very interesting Mrs Blanchett, only took me a few weeks to read them all" I greeted the librarian as I laid the books on her desk to scan.
"I'm glad you enjoyed them Avril, I suppose these books are up your alley" her wise and calm voice kindly guessed as she scanned the books.
"Of course it is a very busy Monday in London but I'm off work today so I decided to pop by" I answered her by sweeping my long fringe out of my face.
Mrs Blanchett answered and then kindly welcomed me into the space "I am open all day, I have plenty of adventure books, make yourself at home dear"
And so I did, I collected an armful of books and spent the entire day quietly in a corner reading relentlessly page after page. The day drifted by and as I read I returned to the fantasy world I felt most connected to. I didn't feel homesick anymore, I was involved in a big adventure only I was the witness. I read all about the hero's feelings, regrets, bravery and success.
I also learned about different creatures, forests and lands. I read never wanting to put the book down in fear of returning to London where I did not belong. But luckily I was still in Mrs Blanchett's library and as I finished the book, I moved on to the next one. At last I found something here that I enjoyed doing and whatever I didn't get to read at the end of the day I would borrow them.
I would come to read at the library every chance I got whenever I wasn't to work on that day. A few other members would visit but as I am a very secluded character I made no effort in meeting new people. However I become fond friends with Mrs Blanchett who enjoyed my company. In winter the librarian would go into her office via a door behind her desk and make me a hot chocolate. I would read in the armchair before the furnace. In spring and summer, Mrs Blanchett gave me chopped up apple, my favourite fruit as well as biscuits, cookies accompanied with a milo. I would work in the local clothes shop in the mall, go to the gym, shop and clean my flat when it needed tending to.
But I made a commitment to go to the library to read books, this was my life in all its normality. Life was a blur as I developed my knowledge and improved my life by trying new things in the London community. Before I knew it, two years had gone by. I had read all of the books in the library that concerned adventure, I also considered rereading some of them, and they were enjoyable back then at least.
In the present December had arrived and also the cold and chilly winter season had as well. I rugged up warm for bed the night before. I stayed warm as I awoke in the morning, I made myself the typical butter toast with warm chocolate milk. I enjoyed breakfast by lounging on my plain brown couch in front of the television watching the news. I made sure the dishes were done and my bed was made. Also I tended to my bathroom needs, brushing my hair and teeth. Putting on deodorant to keep myself in good hygiene. Last of all I got changed into the clothes I planned on wearing for the day.
I made sure they were warm so when I stepped outside I wouldn't freeze to death. I put on a long sleeved emerald green equipment shirt. Over the top of it was a black denim vest to hug the shirt close to my skinny frame. I also included dark brown jeans which was tied off by wearing my black leather belt. For the jumper I wore a practical dark brown leather trench coat which was long in length hanging down my body and ending behind my knees. And finally for the shoes I wore my favourite black boots. Along with my black mittens and a beanie. I made sure to have the fringe of my hair pinned back so my face was clear.
This morning was particularly cold, I was reluctant to leave my bed but I have to if I want to do anything today. Once I leave the comfort of my bedroom I go over to the table where my handbag hangs over my chair. I collect it casually and slip it over my right shoulder. As I am positioned in my flat I notice the decorations set up around the unit with a splash of colours such as green, red, silver and gold. In the corner of the lounge room next to my brown couch is a medium sized Christmas tree, a few presents lie underneath it. They look small, and also not very exciting. They were given to me by Mrs Blanchett earlier in the month. The giving of the gifts was as always very thoughtful of her to consider me. After all, she is my only friend in this place.
I open the fridge and look inside, I notice it looks bare and close to being empty but luckily it has a few things in there. I finally know what I have to do today, and that is to go out grocery shopping. With the full knowledge of my agenda I exited my flat remembering to lock the door behind me to assure the security of my home. I take the small flight downstairs and go to find my car in the basement car pack underneath the building where people who owned the flats kept their cars.
My little red car is very distinguishable and easy to find in the large basement crowded by other people's cars. I unlock the car using my key and hop in. I turn on the car and drive out of the basement and out onto the London streets. By basic routine I know where the supermarket is, and also I know where I prefer to park, close to the building under the concealment of a tree in the gardens surrounding the parking lot. The environment outside is a typical weather that you would expect on a cold winter's day in London. The sky is overcast with light grey clouds covering the sky, little snowflakes drop from the sky and onto the ground. And the wind is energetic and cold providing the winter chill that came with the season.
Most importantly the London streets are all decorated for Christmas that is expected at the end of the month and as usual, winter days go by quicker than any other season. So the long anticipated event was approaching very rapidly. Outside the big shopping plaza where I work in the clothes shop is a big Christmas tree that is set up in the gravel. The tree is a traditional pine tree that is used for Christmas. And it's particularly tall and decorated very creatively to set the right mood that Christmas is coming.
The drive is an easy cruise as it is a short journey to the supermarket, it doesn't take too long so the drive to and back is a breeze and therefore no hustle. Once I arrive at the car pack there is plenty of people coming to shop as there is plenty of cars gathered around the parking lot. Luckily my usual spot hasn't been taken and I casually park the car before going in to collect the groceries.
I got myself a trolley and go down the aisles to collect the different types of food I need to make meals for the week. I pay no attention to the other people, I prefer to keep focused in this situation. I like to know what I have to get and if I get distracted, I fear I may forget something. Along the way, I made sure that I collected a juicy, plump turkey and plenty of vegetables for a hearty Christmas meal.
Once I was finished I pushed the trolley filled with groceries to the cash register, who got the groceries, scanned them and put them into plastic bags. Once the ordeal was finished, the employee humbly wished me a merry Christmas which I kindly replied back with a thank you accompanied with a small smile. As I pushed the trolley out of the supermarket and journeyed to find my car, people passed me and wished me a merry Christmas. The streets filled with snow as the small drops flowed down relentlessly. After packing the car and putting away the trolley in the bay, I drove home and progressively packed away the groceries storing the food neatly into the fridge.
I unpacked the last bag and took out a magazine I had collected from the shop, the television was still on, that didn't worry me too much I might want to watch it. I took a comfortable seat on the couch and read through the magazine, looking through news headlines, celebrity news, food and recipe ideas. At the back however I had a quick look at hair ideas which featured products design to change the colour of one's hair. Today just like any other day, I always try to find something new to do and to experience. The library is grand and all but on some days I wish there could be something new and exciting to do. So when I gaze at the hair products an idea shapes into my mind. Nowadays I see other women my age with nice looking hair but with most people I cannot tell if they're hair was dyed or not. Like I said before, I'm not a people person so I don't have many friends or know anyone besides Mrs Blanchett.
But I think this is a good idea, I am open to the fact of changing my hair colour. I would like to know how I would look without the typical blonde exterior that I normally have. I set the magazine on the coffee and reach over to grab the TV remote to turn the thing off but something stops me. A movie trailer comes on the screen, it really catches my attention so I hesitate in turning the TV off. I watched with piqued interest, it seemed like a sign. Something for me to watch at the pictures sometime, also I wonder if this was adapted from a book. The movie is called the Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and it is going to hit cinemas on December 13th. When it's finished an ad comes on that I have seen a thousand times. That gives me enough motivation to turn off the TV this time.
I return to my car and I go to find the salon in the same plaza I work in. Except by memory the hair salon is in a different area than my workplace. I park the car in one of the first three levels. I travelled into the plaza and navigated the salon. Soon enough I sat in a chair before a mirror, I have a silk blanket laid over me and clipped around my neck. The hairdresser is a young woman and decent enough, I tell her what I want done and before long she gives me selection of hair colours. I didn't want blonde or brown as I felt those colours were too dull at this time in my life. I felt like something dark and unique so I chose black. Then so, the hairdresser went to work, painting the dye into my hair until it was completely covered in it. Then I waited for half an hour for it to set into my follicles and scalp. Then my hair was washed at the basin when it was thoroughly washed I was moved back to the chair. By now when I look at myself in the mirror, I look different, my hair is no longer blonde but now a dark black. I look at myself and admire the change.
To complete the appointment my hair was blow dried and then trimmed. Afterwards I was free to go, I paid for the appointment at the counter before I finally left the salon after an hour had been spent. I took an elevator and found the level where my car was parked.
I took the keys out of my handbag and unlocked the car, I got in before turning on the car and driving out back onto the main roads. When I came to a red stop sign, I checked the clock on my car. It was 5.30 so I decided to stop at the library before coming home at 6.00 to make dinner. I drove on through the busy streets but luckily I could avoid a possible traffic jam as I knew the location of the Library off by heart. I also knew a few shortcuts to be able to get there quickly. I drove down a short alleyway and came out onto the street where the library was positioned. I usually parked in the middle of the street in front of the library or across the road. This time cars filled each of my preferred parking spots. I felt frustration as I struggled to find a park, I circled around the street a few times getting more annoyed by the second as I wasn't having any luck finding an empty space. However for the third time around, at the end of the street across the road a car had its back lights on, I lit up with relief as I pressed my foot on the breaks slowing my car to a stop.
The car in front of me reversed backing out, once it was fully out I waved a thank you gesture to the male driver. The car slowly turned to the right then it drove away. I allowed myself a weak smile as I carefully parked the car.
Currently inside the library Mrs Blanchett had finally made her move, removing all of the action fantasy books Avril hadn't read save for one. They were hidden in her office in a box. All the books that Avril had read over two years was all she needed to know for what was about to occur. She was expecting the young woman's return soon and now she was prepared. Mrs Blanchett counted on the future to determine the choices Avril makes and the actions that she will perform. As the librarian expects and knows that the incoming events will both be unplanned and altogether unexpected in Avril's point of view. But the librarian had faith and she knew that Avril did have the qualities to endure the many difficulties and conflicts once this long anticipated deed was done. Not only was this beneficial for Avril to find new discoveries but also to aid important figures whose lives are doomed without her.
The same old bell rung as I opened the brown wooden door while I entered into the library, my two year old relationship with Mrs Blanchett comforted me to start a normal, easy conversation once I stepped through the door. The warmth of the building enveloped me as I exited the cold chill from outside. I shook it off and welcomed the warm essence of the heaters positioned on random spots on the walls. Normally due to the cold overcast days in London the typical presence of the flowers were absent from their position on the windowsill on either side of the doors. The sun was not included on a cold winter's day which made it unhospitable to house the beautiful flowers in the library. Instead freshly cooked muffins replaced the spring bloom and provided the generous Christmas custom of giving and most required warm necessities. The muffins were an enticing chocolate chip flavour, I took one from the platter and showed no hesitation in tasting it which comforted me and disposed the last shivers from the cold.
"Lovely muffins Mrs Blanchett, I am quite charmed to see a good example of your Christmas spirit" I greeted the librarian in a joyous manner. As if she knew I was there she was bent over the desk writing something down in her writing pad. She smiled as she heard my positive comment from afar.
"Well it is heartwarming to know that you appreciate my little gifts" Mrs Blanchett stood as I walked towards her wiping my mouth free of the crumbs as I swallowed my first bite.
"Back for more I presume?" Mrs Blanchett guessed coolly with a steady gaze on me, I tsskked and made a poking gesture to signify her right answer.
"Quite correct" I answered as I now stood before the librarian, I bent over and leaned my elbows on the desk to be able to look at her writing pad curiously to see what she was writing while I occasionally took a bite from the muffin.
I noticed it was very neat, swirly and cursive, I must comment that it looked tons better than mine.
"What are you writing Mrs Blanchett?" I asked with curiosity as I tried to read the writing upside down. It was difficult to figure out the words from her style of writing. I continued eating my muffin.
"A shopping list, Avril" Mrs Blanchett responded "I may as well begin my Christmas spree. Groceries, gifts and perhaps more books to add to my collection. I do recall that you have read every single fantasy adventure book I have"
I sighed and hung my head down in disappointment of this reality. "Yes, indeed I have"
"Your hair looks very different from what I last saw, darker and may I say unique and exquisite" Mrs Blanchett looked at me with a sweet smile. I was confused as I picked a little chunk of my hair and held it up so I could glance down and look at it. I had forgotten about my hair appointment earlier today and I was reminded when I saw my hair was now black and no longer my normal strawberry blonde.
I grinned as I chuckled a little bit "Yeah I know, I wanted something different, so I decided to dye my hair a darker colour"
"It suits you, it is an enjoyable curiosity to bring change into your life" Mrs Blanchett smiled to herself as she foraged through her top drawer at her desk.
"Speaking of which, I may have something tucked away that picks your fancy"
I was piqued with inquisitively and a rush of anticipation and a little bit of excitement as she got out an old brown leather book.
"This is an old one but it's got everything you want in a fantasy adventure book, this is one of my favourites, my mother read it to me before I went to bed, she had been told it too by my grandmother. It's a classic story I know you'll enjoy it" Mrs Blanchett gave me the book, I accepted it gratefully. I couldn't wait to open it up and start reading but I glanced at the cover and I was gobsmacked and excited as I read the title.
"Oh my goodness, it's the Hobbit!"
"Did you watch the trailer? I have heard the movie is coming out very soon"
"Yes! I saw it on the TV in my flat" I was beaming from ear to ear at this sudden surprise. Mrs Blanchett looked amused as she spoke.
"Well before you watch it, you may as well read it. To get a good understanding and also what to expect later on"
"Of course thank you Mrs Blanchett!" I was very thankful to have someone as caring and considerate as Mrs Blanchett for a friend. Then it hit me, I was on a tight schedule, I checked the clock on the wall. In ten minutes it would be six o'clock. I had to go home and prepare dinner.
'I must apologise, I plan to be home at six I brought turkey and vegetables for dinner tonight" I was anticipated for what was on the menu but I also knew that after every household chore was done I wouldn't give a second thought to reading the book.
"I promise I'll be back soon to return this" I held up the book for the librarian to see. She shook her head.
"No Avril, you don't need to give it back. This story is my gift to you" She kindly and generously told me.
I smiled as I walked around the desk, I gently pulled the librarian into a hug "Thank you so much, this means a lot to me"
"You are most welcome Avril" Mrs Blanchett let go of me and stroked my cheek as she smiled at me "Have a lovely dinner, I will purchase more books for you when you return"
I nodded as I stepped back a bit "Merry Christmas Mrs Blanchett, hopefully I can find a way to repay you"
Mrs Blanchett laughed quite charmed "I have everything I need in this world, your gift for me should be that you proceed with life to the full, having courage to face the difficulties, having the heart to appreciate others and finding new meaning to remain. That is all I expect from you"
I listened to Mrs Blanchett carefully but I didn't understand what she said but I politely replied "Of course I will, unless I am faced with those things. Anyway, Merry Christmas Mrs Blanchett!"
She gave me a little wave as I happily skipped out of the library. As the bell rung and the door was shut behind me Mrs Blanchett let out a relieved and hopeful sigh. She was going to miss Avril, she personally enjoyed having her around. She brought colour and happiness in this quiet and lonely space. But soon she will read the book and her journey will begin.
"Don't worry my dear, you will encounter them"
I walked along the quiet street, not many people were around at this time of day. A few street lights came on and night was fast approaching. Now only six minutes remained as I walked, the car was a distance away.
I honestly wanted to read my book then make dinner but it still had to be done. I may as well read a bit before I hop in the car. I get out the book from my handbag, the Hobbit. In fascination I opened the book and slipped the pages until I found the first chapter.
"In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole with worms and oozy smells. This was a hobbit hole and that means comfort"
Ok I think to myself as I turned the page, I read a bit more and I noticed the writing looked similar to Mrs Blanchett's. I was confused, surely someone else wrote this.
By now the hobbit Bilbo Baggins met Gandalf who invited him on an adventure but Bilbo refuses. Then when the hobbit is having dinner, a dwarf named Dwalin arrives at his front door out of the blue. Then his older brother, Balin comes along shortly after. Both dwarves raid Bilbo's pantry.
By now I am walking down the street and am drawing closer to the crossing where across the road my car is parked. I read these lines "The door bell rung for the third time and Bilbo was beginning to feel more stressed now.
"Oh dear, another dwarf, how many more are coming to raid my pantry?" Bilbo thinks to himself as he briskly goes to open the door. Outside are two young looking dwarves, one is blonde with braids in his hair and moustache. The other has messy dark hair with deep brown eyes and a little beard which had grown very little on his cheeks and stubble. Bilbo is quite surprised to find two more but they part and let a tall woman between them. She is skinny and curvy with midnight black locks, pale skin and emerald green eyes. She looks rather shy as she bends in to peek in the Hobbit hole. She wears a brown trench coat with green, black and brown clothes" I pause right on the spot. I was deeply confused and it couldn't be true. Was that me?
Suddenly before I could do anything else, car tyres screech on the road forming a crescendo towards me so quickly that I didn't have time at all to react. Then it happened.
The car whacked into me so hard I fell through the air. The beanie slipped off my head, my handbag came loose off my shoulder and even the book slid out of my fingers. Then as only a short second passed I landed on my head and the rest of my body came to rest on the hard ice covered road. I could swear that my head could've cracked from the impact but it ached painfully and nothing seemed broken. In front of me a large metal beast had stopped a few metres away in front of me, its eyes shined onto the street.
Black spots covered my vision and I was close to blacking out. I summoned the last bit of strength I had left and I rolled over onto my belly. The cold ice slipped through my clothes and all the warmth ebbed away from my body. I shivered and my teeth chattered as I saw a brown leather book in front of me. I slowly reached over and grabbed it, dragging it towards me. I was so cold that I couldn't move my other arm as it shivered fiercely. With my left hand I opened the book and read.
"The two young dwarves introduced themselves in unison "Fili… and Kili" with that they bowed respectfully saying "At your service!" After that I couldn't read anymore, all my strength was gone, a golden light flashed out of the book and enveloped me. It was a blurry light as my eyes squinted and I was going unconscious. But then everything went black as if even the sun turned itself off.
There you have it guys, my first chapter ever on this website! I seriously hope you'll comment, like whatever. All my love goes out to hobbit fans who can coincide with me with their love of the hobbit story and characters. For one I honestly hope that you like Avril and find her interesting. First of all I will put this off my chest to say that she cast as Kristen Stewart. Ok for some of you, you don't like her and all but that's ok because I think of my OC and I imagine she has the actress's face.
The next chapter is set in Ered Luin in the perspectives of Fili and Kili my two favourite brothers! The chapter is shaped around their life before the quest. Setting the scene and everything. The chapter also features their mother Dis, and young Gimli from Lord of the Rings who gets a special cameo!
See you next time you read.
;)