Phoena was startled when someone ran into them, causing them to drop the books in their hands.

“I’m so sorry, please, let me help you with that.” The woman flustered, dropping to her knees to pick up the books.

Phoena hesitated before doing the same, the woman looked familiar – a rarity in the strange world they had found themselves in.

Large doe-like grey eyes in a dark face, framed by bronze curls. Even the way her freckles lined against her skin was the same, two in a line near her right eye.

Phoena had always prided themselves on their observational skills without the use of their magic. But they hoped they were wrong.

The woman looked like someone from their past – from long before they joined the other adventurers. And she was long since gone.

“I’m Adelita, by the way.” The woman said with a blush. “I haven’t seen you in here before – are you new to the area?”

“Phoena.” They replied without thinking. “Yeah, I am, is it that obvious?”

“Well, most of the regulars here know to avoid me – I guess.” The woman’s blush only grew. “I’m pretty infamous for my lack of grace.”

“But why does that mean to avoid you?” Phoena hadn’t meant to ask that out loud.

The woman – Adelita – winced.

“Most people don’t want to have anything to do with a well-known trouble magnet. I’m surprised they still let me in to be honest.”

“That isn’t very nice.” Phoena said with a frown.

“I’m used to it.” Adelita shrugged. “Hey is that ‘Journey from the Crypt’? I love the ‘Adventures in Magics’ series.”

“Yeah, it is, I wanted to get caught up before the new release.” Phoena said, deciding to ignore how much Adelita had wanted to change the subject.

“Well, you’re in luck! Apparently, the head librarian has some connections, or something, and they got the new book in straight away. In fact,” she paused to dig through her bag. “I have the copy of it right here! You can read it after me, if you like. I was actually going to the sitting area.”

Phoena smiled, taking Adelita up on her offer. The more information they could gain from the books, the better.