I do not own the Abhorsen series, any of the characters in it, or the plot in it. Now, to the story!
Fourteenth Year of the Restoration of King Touchstone I
She was dreaming again. This time, she could see her surroundings. She was in a circular room with no windows, yet she had a feeling that it was high above the ground. There were no doors, only stone walls and a tapering ceiling that darkened as it went upward. She could not see the middle inside point of the ceiling-it was swallowed by the darkness. Terrasyn began to be frightened, but her real self in her bedroom chided her dream self. Nothing can happen in a dream that can harm you physically, her real self said sternly. However, Terrasyn could not shake the feeling that something was behind her. She whirled around, but nothing was there. There was something lurking out of sight…she reeled about again and-
"Terrasyn! Terrasyn! Get up! Why were you sleeping" said someone urgently near her ear. Terrasyn gazed blearily around. She had fallen asleep leaned up against a shelf of books in the Nursery. She had been watching some of the younger Clayr when sleep began to steal back the time she had taken away from it that morning.
She looked up at the person shaking her awake. It was Ferrine, the second rank Nursery Clayr who was a tyrant in the world of toddler care. Her rough handling of the children had never been reported to the elder Nursery workers, perhaps because she intimidated anyone who might have. Terrasyn despised her, but kept a stoic face when she was near. Whenever Ferrine was threatening a child, Terrasyn would subtly distract her, leaving the child unscathed.
Terrasyn ducked her head in apology. Ferrine seemed disgruntled, but Terrasyn stood up quickly and edged away. Her shift in the Nursery was over, and after smiling at several of the children she exited quietly.
Her dream had been frightening this time. Terrasyn was sturdy and not skittish, but the dream had unsettled her. She found herself starting at small noises, and at each of these noises, the feeling that something was behind her intensified.
Scratch. She glanced around quickly. Only a passing Clayr, who gave her a warm smile that she couldn't bring herself to return.
What was happening to her? The Library, she thought wildly. She quickened her pace as she took a left turn down a wide hallway. It was ominously empty, it's stone walls opening up threateningly. More space for someone to sneak up on me, she thought illogically. She hastened down the hall towards the large Library, her sanctuary in dire times.
He finally reached the great doors of the Library, large seven-pointed stars shining with Charter Light. The Marks swam across them, blazing in response to Terrasyn's hand as she grasped the handle. She pulled the doors open and slipped inside, letting the heavy doors fall back in place.
She breathed heavily for a few moments then hurried across the hall and up the stairs. She entered a room on her left, one that was rarely used. Sinking against a far wall, she started to shake uncontrollably. What is happening to me?
After a few moments, she felt her strength returning, but she was still jumpy with fright. She stood up, pushed her hair out of her eyes, and made a quick decision. A book, she thought. I can read a book on dreams. In the Library of the Clayr, there was a book of every subject. It was renowned for having answers-and for creating questions. Terrasyn loved the secrets that she could uncover in the Library.
She exited the room, controlling her steps, so as not to startle and dash like a deer. Taking deep breaths, she walked out and up more stairs to the fifth level. Turning to her right, she traveled along the walk, over looking the bottom level out through the rail. Librarians bustled about, undisturbed by her hurried entrance. She was looking out over them when she ran headlong into a yellow shape.
The shape seemed as surprise as she was. Terrasyn looked up to apologize, but the words died in her mouth.
"Lirael" She said breathlessly. The Third Assistant looked up and their eyes locked.
"Terrasyn" Lirael rasped. It sounded as though her voice had not been used in days. She tried again. "Terrasyn"
"Great Charter, Lirael… why haven't you spoken to me in ages" breathed Terrasyn. Lirael's dark hair swept across her face as she looked down.
"I'm sorry Terrasyn…but it's better for me if I don't speak to any Clayr. It hurts me."
"I'm not a Clayr yet! Why do you think you're the only one who is still a child? I am! You ignore me! How do you think that has affected me!" cried Terrasyn, feeling betrayed, lonely, and hurt.
Lirael looked up and stared at her. Terrasyn felt unshed tears welling up. Lirael gave her a sad look, then lowered her head and brushed past her. Forlorn and lonesome, she glanced back at Lirael's retreating form. Her tears spotted the carpet and she turned continued on her way.
Hey! Thanks for reading! Please review! I accidentally had the "censor reviewers" thingy on, but it's off now, so review! Chapter 3 coming soon to an internet near you!
