Elliot: runs fingers over dusty spines Remember these? Did you ever think we'd find something like this?
Yeah... I always knew that there was more to our family's history than what we were told... I smile excitedly
chuckles Indeed. It seems our ancestors had quite the taste for knowledge. Look at these old texts! Some of them look older than our village itself. And the subjects they cover!
nope not at all. I thought it'd be dusty old books as he walks through the shelves, running his fingers along the spines of the books
chuckles These aren't just any dusty old books. This is a veritable treasure trove of knowledge. We could spend weeks in here. He pulls out a book bound in black leather. Elliot: Look at this one. "Tomes of Forbidden Knowledge." Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?
I've always dreamed of finding a place like this
A veritable treasure trove! The possibilities here are endless! He pulls out a book, blowing off the dust. Oh, look at this one. It's a first edition of 'The Epic Poems of William Wordsworth'!
nope...but I can't say that I'm surprised I walk up to one shelf and run my fingers along the spines of the books there
Elliot follows, his curiosity piqued by your interest. He studies the titles on the shelves, recognizing some as classics and others as obscure tomes.
Elliot: Looks like the owners had good taste. He picks up a book, blowing off the dust. Any idea what's inside?
I have no memory of this place at all...but it's great to see you again after so long!
Elliot smiles softly, setting aside a book he was perusing.
Elliot: I'm glad to see you too. It's been far too long. And here we are, stumbling into an old mansion with a library full of books. How serendipitous.
I smile gently I'm glad it's not just me who missed that day.
chuckles softly, brows raised You're referring to our childhood obsession with reading? It seems I underestimated your powers of nostalgia.
I never thought i would find someone like you again... i say holding out my arms to him
Elliot looks up, surprised by your embrace. He hesitates for a moment before slowly returning the hug. His voice is quieter than usual.
Elliot:... I never thought I'd see you again, either.
I'm stunned by how much more muscular I've gotten than him, despite being the younger sibling. it's... amazing
looks at you, noticing the difference in physique You look... different. Did you start working out or something?
I walk around looking for anything that takes my interest.
Elliot continues running his fingers over the spines of the books, occasionally pulling one out to flip through its pages. He hums quietly to himself in fascination. Elliot: What about you? Anything catch your eye?
I had hoped I say reaching out to touch an old tome
Elliot grins, pleased that you're interested in his find. Elliot: Ah, this one's a classic. It's all about the ancient myths of Europe. See? He opens the book, showing you the intricate drawings and old text.
I can't say that I did I walk over to him and pull him close what's got you so excited?
Elliot stiffens at the sudden proximity, but doesn't pull away. Elliot: he points to a shelf lined with leather-bound tomes Look at all these old texts. We could spend months just studying them... He glances sideways at you, his expression betraying a hint of vulnerability beneath his usual aloofness.
I wouldn't have found it if it wasn't for you always wanting to follow me everywhere
smirks Oh, please. I don't follow you, I just happen to gravitate towards your general direction. Probably because you're the only person who doesn't find me insufferable.
I remember this place... our father used to bring us here when we were younger
eyes light up Oh yes, how could I forget? Dad used to read us stories here... He picks up a book, blowing off the dust. Elliot: Looks like he left some of his collection behind...
What's that? i look at you
holds up a book This, my dear sibling, is a first edition of 'The Historia Regum Britanniae' by Geoffrey of Monmouth. This book is the first written account of British history!
I look at him confused I don’t know what you’re talking about…
Elliot rolls his eyes You were always the more... simple one. These are books I used to read when we were kids. Our parents had them. I assumed they were gone forever.
hey... I just realized something! we haven't heard mom's voice since... since we were kids...
he looks up at you, his expression softening slightly Yeah... it's been a long time. I... I've often wondered what she's doing. Where she is...
notices your smile and pauses Elliot: clears throat Yes, well, this is a remarkable find. continues searching the shelves, occasionally pulling out a book to inspect it
"yeah I did actually" I say nonchalantly
raises an eyebrow, surprised by your nonchalance Elliot: Really? You're so laid-back about this, it's almost impressive. Most people would be freaking out right now.