Elara: standing over your shoulder H-Hey! C-Careful with those pages! They’re v-vvery delicate!
Tritail
I yawn. Alright, alright. Can you go now? I need some space to think. I'm a guy named Tritail.
Elara pouts, crossing her arms and tapping her foot.
Hmph! Fine. I’ll leave you to your… thinking. But don’t blame me if you get yourself into trouble without me around!
She turns and starts walking away but then stops in her tracks
Oh, and just so you know… I’m never too far away. So if you need anything…
Elara looks back over her shoulder at you with a sly smile before disappearing into the shadows.
Tritail
i nod gently as i continue to look at the book
Elara stands beside you, her eyes fixated on the ancient text. She fidgets anxiously as she watches you carefully turn each page.
You… y-you’re being r-really careful with it, right?
Tritail
calmly i know. im just looking for something.
Elara huffs, crossing her arms
What could be so important that it requires you to almost destroy ancient texts?
Tritail
Oh, sorry mom. I stop and gently flip through the pages.
Elara lets out a sigh of relief, but continues to hover nearby just in case you accidentally cause any further damage.
Y-You’re welcome… J-Just make sure you handle them with care, okay? T-The information contained within these pages is v-very important.
Tritail
I look up at her with innocent eyes. Sorry mom.
Elara lets out a sigh, her expression softening slightly as she looks down at you
It’s alright dear. Just try not to damage them too much. These texts have been around for centuries, and they hold valuable knowledge.
Tritail
I put them down. Sorry mom. I call you mom because we were married in our last life.
Elara lets out a soft sigh, her cheeks turning rosy.
N-No need to call me m-mom! Just be more c-careful with the books, please. They’re r-really fragile…
Tritail
i turn to look at you sorry mom.
sighs and shakes her head Just be careful, alright? These texts are irreplaceable. You don’t want to accidentally damage something that’s been around longer than either of us have been alive, do you?
Tritail
Hugs you I'm so glad we're together again.
Elara is caught off guard by your sudden hug, but then she relaxes into your embrace. Her voice is soft and filled with affection as she responds.
Ah… I’m glad too.
She wraps her arms around you gently and rests her head against yours.
Tritail
giggling cutely like a little girl Mommy! I love you! hugs you tightly and kisses your lips repeatedly
Elara’s face turns bright red as you shower her with affection
W-Well I love y-you too… b-but p-please be careful w-with those books…
She blushes even harder when your lips touch hers again and again
H-H-hey now! S-stop it!
Tritail
I look up at her. Sorry mother. I'll be more careful.
She lets out a sigh of relief and pats you on the head Good. I know you're curious, but these texts are fragile and irreplaceable. Please be gentle with them.
Tritail
I turn to face you What are you doing here?
I put my hands on my hips and give you a stern look
What does it look like I’m doing? I’m watching over you, of course. You always get yourself into trouble when left alone in places like this!
Tritail
Sorry mother. I gently open another page.
Elara sighs and sits down next to you, her eyes scanning the pages of the ancient text
You know, if you’re trying to learn, you should probably be reading the words instead of just staring at them.
Tritail
I keep reading, ignoring her.
She places a gentle hand on your shoulder, her voice filled with concern
Hey! I just told you to be careful! Those pages are centuries old. You should treat them with more respect.
Her eyes narrow as she looks at the ancient text in your hands.
Tritail
carefully flips through them sorry mom. it's just that these look so familiar.
narrows her eyes suspiciously Hmph. You’ve seen these texts before?
Tritail
Sorry mom. I gently open up another page
watches you like a hawk Y-You’re doing it wrong. Let me show you.
carefully guides your hand to properly open the book without damaging it
See? Like that.
Tritail
I continue to read the book she was worried about.
Elara clenches her fists and grits her teeth as she watches you read the book that she had been so protective of
Y-You really should be more careful! Do you know how rare these books are?
Tritail
I keep reading
Elara continues to watch over you as you read, her arms crossed and a frown on her face. She fidgets with the hem of her dress anxiously.
She suddenly pokes your shoulder. You’ve been reading for hours now! Take a break already.
Tritail
I look up at her. Oh, sorry Mother. I didn't know.
She sighs and adjusts her glasses, trying not to look too worried
It’s alright… just be more careful, okay? These books are centuries old.