Chapter 506: Sucks To Be Unmanly
As Northern entered the door, a flood of light washed into his view, causing him to squint his eyes for a moment.
As he opened his eyes almost immediately afterwards, the scene of a grand library bathed in the soft, warm glow of amber light filtering from large, hanging orbs, unfolded before them. Towering bookshelves stretched upwards to the high arched ceilings, their dark wooden frames etched with ornate designs, giving the place an air of timeless knowledge and history.
The shelves were packed with ancient omnibuses, colorful spines of varying ages, and some loose books scattered across the plush red carpet that runs the length of the room, adding a touch of comfort and luxury.
Small alcoves featured well-worn wooden tables and chairs, giving the space a lived-in, scholarly atmosphere.
A few open books lay abandoned on the tables, their pages ruffled, while other papers and scrolls were stacked in neat piles, showing the recent presence of who might have studied there.
In the center of the library, a large, elegant desk of dark oak rested, set beneath a chandelier of glowing crystals.
The desk was cluttered with parchment, ink bottles, and quills, and at its center sat an intricately crafted brass lamp that illuminated the surface with a soft golden light.
To the side, a set of comfortable leather chairs and a low table invited deep discussions or private contemplation.
Behind the desk, a tall man, exuding an aura of authority and mystique, sat.
His eyes blazed with an intense violet glow, radiating an otherworldly energy that seemed to pulse with restrained power.
His sharp, chiseled features were accentuated by his slicked-back dark hair, which perfectly complemented his aristocratic demeanor.
Adorned in a sleek black suit, his attire was impeccably tailored, with a tie holding a gem of deep amethyst, shimmering with almost the same energy that emanated from his eyes.
The man crossed his legs and made his debut statement.
"Welcome to Tharion, young man. Do you find this place fascinating?"
Northern almost felt intimidated as the man's voice cut through the perfect silence in the room, velvet-like, yet carrying the force of a thousand storms behind it-a voice that could both comfort and threaten, depending on the situation.
He wouldn't need to yell to make himself heard; even his whispers would demand attention. "We elves have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and such thirst has helped us across ages."
Northern flinched, as the man's voice appeared to his left. He was removing a book from its shelves.
He turned to Northern with a stern look on his face, further accentuated by his perfect masculine jawline.
His eyes, asserting dominance and control over the atmosphere.
"The things we do, we do for a reason; our very existence is backed by knowledge, which has carved an indomitable path for my kind. Meticulously, along with benign precision, we have shaped the course of our history. Our actions, beliefs, and resolve are guided by a higher purpose-a grand design that transcends the limited understanding of mere mortals."
Northern watched in silence as the man continued to read.
"Each step we take, each decision we make, is a calculated move in a cosmic game of chess. We are the guardians of a truth too vast for most to comprehend, the shepherds of a future yet to unfold. Our methods may seem harsh, our choices difficult, but they are necessary for the greater good.
"In this intricate dance of fate and free will, we stand as the arbiters of balance, ensuring that the scales of existence remain true. So when you question our motives, remember this: we bear the weight of eons on our shoulders, and the responsibility of shaping the destiny of all." He smiled a little and raised the book in his hand, "The Fallen Sons was a great piece by Altezchmeir Schnides. Do you have a predilection for books?"
Northern froze for a second, dumbfounded.
'Don't tell me... all the while, he was quoting the book in his hands, verbatim?'
"It's a great piece, I would love to read it again tonight. But first, let's talk."
His smile suddenly eased all the pent-up pressure in the silent atmosphere, as he pointed for Northern to go towards the chair opposite his table.
There was nothing stopping him from sitting, and although he couldn't quite get the overall strength of the person standing before him because he didn't want to alert him in any way, he was still confident in his ability to, if not kill this man, then seriously wound him, a couple of broken ribs and severed limbs, perhaps.
With a confident stride, Northern made his way to the chair and eventually sat down, comfortably leaning on the armrest.
The man observed him for a few seconds and then joined him, settling into the chair opposite Northern.
"So, do you want to start?"
'He has a very arrogant and proud air, but he's actually nice.'
Northern looked at him with hidden disdain.
The man, regardless, waited for Northern's response.
With a padded shoulder, Northern shrugged, sternly facing him and clearing his throat before
speaking.
"Well, I guess I can go first." Northern's voice resounded with an unusual, unpracticed, flawed and pretentious thickness.
He cleared his throat again, upon finding out how stressful it would be to continue in that
tone.
'Sucks to not have a manly tone honestly.'
"You are probably most curious about how I know that you guys are elves."
The man kept a straight, unfazed gaze glued to Northern.
Who continued, oblivious of the subtle pressure the man exerted.
"Well, I've had a few encounters, and I have an ability that lets me see the one thing you all have in common. The way of the wind is some kind of elven blessing, isn't it?"
The man raised his brows.
"Oh, I understand..." His baritone vibrated out.
"Well. Aside from that, what has led me to this point is the fact that I am looking for my mother, who happens to be an elf who was kidnapped some months ago. Her name is Eisha. All I just need is for you to find her for me and I won't concern myself in your matters."
For the first time since meeting him, the headmaster's expression changed, contorting with immense and terrific distress.
"What? You mean, the Lady Eisha was kidnapped?!"