Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 6)

Somehow asking one of them seemed much worse. It felt like Tomhas would be much more likely to strike up casual conversation with staff in his home for literally no reason whatsoever. And he liked bragging about his children, which she now was. And so it seemed far more likely for one of the librarians back home to rat her out than it did Ingrid.

“That makes sense.” Ky nodded. “… probably for the best.”

"I couldn't agree more."

Ky nodded, trying to think of a way to keep a good thing going. She had a fount of knowledge in a chatty mood and she had no intentions of wasting her opportunity. And yet she couldn’t think of anything offhand to ask.

Ingrid pursed her lips and folded her hands into her robe. "Family history is important," she mused. "It's good you're taking an interest."

“Yes, ma’am.” Ky smiled and dipped her head. “I feel like I’m very behind in what I should know by now.”

"Good thing we have books, then, eh?" Ingrid grinned, though it looked a little more forced after such a grim topic. "Like I said before, there's an entire group of librarians dedicated to Ash-related texts and documents."

“I’m definitely interested in recommendations,” Ky said. “The stories you must know…”

(Ky: gremlin, squirreling diaries within hours of arrival to drink all the tea
Gaius: -_- )

"What might you be looking for, diary-wise?" Ingrid asked. "We have some dating back to shortly after Venr's time, but those are all in archaic Nortung."

“I think I’d be interested in more recent history,” Ky said. “Things that would have directly impacted Tomhas or Gaius, so I can understand a bit more…”

Ingrid winced. "Those diaries will be down below, near the front on the last shelf on the right. You're sure you want to read those, dear?"

“I’m sure.” Ky nodded once. It’d be painful. It’d make her even angrier at Michael than she already was, angrier than she was at Aleth. But she needed to know. And, perhaps, she needed to get over her fear of her own anger, as Gaius suggested. Perhaps it’d be good for her to feel rage and not feel guilty about it because it’d be righteous. “… eventually. Astronomy today, though. I need to read up on it in case Gaius makes conversation about—“ she nodded upwards, meaning the orrery. “I don’t understand it whatsoever and don’t want to look dumb.” …er. He already knew she was an idiot. But no point in making herself look even dumber.

"Good idea." Ingrid nodded. "And maybe work up to the more recent diaries. I advise it strongly, especially for a girl your age." She paused. "I would also advise asking Lord Gaius if he approves. Reading about the lives of people who are remembered by those still living should be approached with caution."

Ky nodded. There was so much to unpack there.

The impulse to assert her ability to handle grim things.

The feel that she should comment on Ingrid’s comment about Gaius. She would have to think about it and calculate her best move. She didn’t think a timeline existed in any universe that he’d give her permission. And he’d probably be pissed off to know she’d been snooping around. But if she didn’t ask first, then she could claim ignorance. Say that she’d thought since it was in the library it was fair game, and beg for forgiven after the damage had already been done. He couldn’t take the knowledge back from her after she had it, even though he could bar her from the library after that. Might be a risk she was willing to take.

“No doubt,” she agreed. Hopefully Ingrid wouldn’t take it upon herself to inform Gaius of Ky’s curiosity herself.

"Is there anything else you need from me, dear?" Ingrid asked.

“I don’t think so.” Ky shook her head and smiled. “Thanks for taking the time to talk with me.”