The guard already returned to her post as the crowd started to disperse. Yuw quickly made her way towards Miao, pushing her way through the people. By the time she made it to the entrance the smaller woman took notice and became defensive at once.
“State your purpose.” Miao growled as she readied herself for anything Yuw would do to her, and would strike at a moment's notice.
“Relax, I’m not here to cause trouble.” The giant said, making sure the guard saw her hands at all times.
“State. Your. Purpose.” Miao’s eyes stayed on Yuw, constantly scanning up and down in search for any malicious intent. Regardless of her stiff posture, the experienced giant could see she was ready to pounce at a drop of a dime.
“I apologize for my actions.” Yuw said, not wanting to give any reason for the woman to attack. “I never should have struck you. I’m sorry.”
The guard took a moment before her expression finally broke and started to soften. “I’m sorry as well.” Miao then dropped her defensive stand and bowed in respect. Yuw then gave a deep sigh and smiled, happy that things were resolved.
“You seem to attract troublemakers, huh?” The giant’s awkward smile remained, expecting to get more reactions from the smaller woman, but to no avail. “Can I enter?” Yuw asked, being optimistic that things had changed since last time.
“I’m sorry, Strength.” Miao’s expression became more apologetic, which only caused Yuw to frown. “The answer is still ‘no’. Now is not the time for you to come in. When things have changed, then you may.”
“Nothing new? No hint or anything?” The giant’s voice was filled with dissatisfaction , feeling more desperate to get into the Library, convincing herself the solution to all her problems was in there.
“I-...” Miao hesitated as she looked up at Yuw, but when she was about to say something she instead lowered her head. “I cannot say. I’m sorry. I would disturb the flow of what’s to happen.”
“So… Next time maybe?” The tall woman asked with disappointment worn on her sleeve, as the look of defeat was present on her face.
“Um… If I may…” Miao spoke up after seeing the look on Yuw’s face. “Maybe try the Healing Temple? It’s the island across from here. They might be able to help.”
The giant turned to look at the Healing temple, tilting her gaze from one side to another, trying to get a better look of the island with its details. From afar, she was able to tell that a large number of people were coming and going, from the island itself and the building in the center of it.
From this angle she could see how complex the building really was, as some of its spirals were suspended in the air, orbiting the beam of light. Questioning what other-worldly magic was used to make such structures. The island’s terrain had reminded Yuw of some traditional ink paintings back home. Many paintings of large mountain ranges came to mind, with trees and foliage growing along the sides of it.
“Y-Yeah, maybe I will.” Yuw said, with no promise of actually going, and found the idea ridiculous as she knew she didn’t need healing and her hand wasn’t in pain from what had happened earlier. It wasn’t that severe to need a doctor. The giant knew what she wanted, and it was in the Library.
She then started to walk towards the fountain, and watched everyone pass her, ignoring her presence. As she almost left the vicinity of the Library, she noticed a pull once again. This time not towards the building, but to a person. They sat not too far from the back door, and carefully watched the entrance.
The person had brown long hair, wearing a lab coat with a gray shirt and blue cardigan. Yuw approached them, but stopped as she hissed in pain from the cut from her knuckle. The noise of discomfort made the person look up in surprise, unsure of what was going on.
“Hello, may I help-” They looked down at the giant’s hand and realized the situation. “Are you okay? You were hurt during the conflict, weren’t you?”
Yuw looked down and noticed the blood dripping from it. “Oh… Yeah, I ended up scrapping it trying to help that guard.” She confessed.
”Here, let me help.” The brunette took out a small roll of bandages and took their hand. “It may not be much, but it will work.” They added as she tended to the wound.
“Thanks… This whole place feels so familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. It’s baffling to me, and I want to know how things work here.” She felt awkward saying this to someone she just bumped into.
“Oh? Well, you certainly look new here.” The woman glanced behind the tall woman’s back, noticing the silver cord that hung. “If you have questions, I am sure I can answer.” She then sat up straight, ready to reply.
“Well, one question is with the food stalls I’ve noticed here today. They weren’t here the last time I came to this place. Is there some special activity going on?” She gestured to the vendors, but then paused for a moment, thinking back to what she knew. “Do spirits even need to eat?”
“Well, no, we don’t need to. But some of us either never shook off that hunger feeling, or just still find pleasure in such things.” The doctor then looked back over to the vendors, and showed an urge to visit them. “Or in my case, both.”
A moment passed before the woman started to remove the bandage, unveiling the hand to be fully healed. “Better?” She asked, as the giant’s face expressed how delightfully surprised she was.
Yuw nodded and smiled a little bit, once again amazed by the natural laws of this realm. “Hey um… Can I ask, who runs this place?” The curious giant gestured to everything around the two as she asked.
“It is ran by many people… A council of some sort, that helps keep things going.” She replied, looking up at Yuw, “Is this your first time here? I don’t think I got your name.” The woman then stood up, dusted herself off, and extended her hand. “I’m Dr. Alexandra Dienoss, but you can just call me Alex.”
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