A Little Bit of Magic Cpt. 2

While Adrian wove his way between bookshelves to meet up with Charlie again, he took a few deep breaths. Honest mistakes. He'd only made honest mistakes that anyone could have made. He waved back while he walked, giving a faint smile of recognition. Of course, the lore on leprechauns was spotty, often by their own design. So he tried to push past the awkwardness enough to move on. It wasn't as though he'd been insulting on purpose- that would be dreadful. He stopped in the section he remembered, glancing over the well-worn spines of the old tomes stuffed onto the shelf in meticulous order. He'd have to remember to put cards where he found them so he could return the books later.

He looked back up to where Charlie stood by the statue, glad to see it was in view of the narrow aisle after all. He traced the bottom of the shelf with a fingertip absently and called up to him. "This section and the one just below it should have plenty of what you're looking for." His voice was subdued enough to respect the volume of a library, but definitely clear enough for Charlie to hear. After offering a smile, the prince took his gaze away, letting it wander to a nearby shelf to peruse the rare titles there.

Charlie watched with some relief, the prince’s small wave and kindness in looking away making him feel immensely better. At least Adrian hadn’t seemed to mind all of Charlie’s requests. “Thank you,” he said quietly, just enough for the human to hear, and teleported over to the shelf Adrian had shown. Once there he leaned against the nearest book for a couple of moments, calming his breathing from the effort, before stepping away and looking up at all of them with shining eyes. The tiny leprechaun didn’t even seem to mind that there was a comparatively very large human right next to him; after years of living in the city he was more than used to that. No, the worn printed titles on the sides of the aged historical tomes were the only things keeping his interest. It was better than he could have dreamed- there was so much to be learned.

Finding a somewhat large collection that looked like the records he had been told existed, Charlie determined to read it. Scrambling up lithely onto a nearby, shorter book he clambered to the top of the tome and started trying to push it down, so that the spine would rest on the shelf below. From there he could see if he could manage to tug it anywhere; if he could do that then he could store it quickly and be able to retrieve it once he teleported to a reading table. If he didn’t have the strength for that, however, then it was a lost cause and he ought to find something else to read. This was his normal system in reading, at least. As he sat on top of the books and tried to push it he frowned, thinking he might have to choose a lighter one. This one wasn’t budging.

Adrian had found an old worn journal on the next shelf over. It was an explorer's diary from the earliest human settlements in the land that had become the kingdom. The usual descriptions of the locales didn't interest him so much as the drawings inked into every inch of paper not taken up by tight handwriting. He was looking over a drawing of a plant, one that apparently had some kind of medicinal property, when he glanced up again and noticed Charlie straining against a book several times his size.

It was a valiant effort, but it was clear to see that the leprechaun wasn't likely to get the book to budge on its own. Adrian gently closed the one he was holding and moved closer to Charlie while keeping a polite distance. "Do you ... would you like some help?" Adrian had no idea if this would come across as offensive. He knew Colfax never minded having stuff carried for him, but then again Colfax was ... a bit lazy (though he called it efficient). "I can get that to a reading table for you, if you want."

Charlie looked over at Adrian and smiled sheepishly. The book obviously wasn’t going anywhere, and while he was mildly embarrassed about it given the size of the book in comparison it was hardly unexpected. Still being able to read it, however, instead of being forced to opt for another book was a pleasant surprise. “That would be much appreciated,” he said politely. “Thank you.” Charlie shuffled back from the thick tome, giving Adrian room to reach for it even as he slipped back down onto the wooden shelf. He flushed slightly, feeling almost honored that the prince was willing to help him. It was very nice of him.

Once down he glanced around, trying to see which reading table Adrian might bring the book to. He trusted that the prince would be considerate enough to put it somewhere he could see. This would hopefully be his last teleportation for a while, at the very least a couple of hours while he worked on reading the book. Any more and he’d be feeling very worn down. As it was he should reserve some of his strength for actually reading- given human-sized books it was quite a bit more of a physical endeavor for the leprechaun. He was used to it by now, but all the same it did take energy.

Adrian smiled and retrieved the book with a certain care and reverence, the kind reserved for something as old as this tome clearly was. Once he slid it out from the shelf, he held it horizontally and stacked the much smaller book he'd found atop it. He looked back at Charlie, hesitating only a little. "Well, I can of course take this wherever you'd like me to, but I'd like to be bold and suggest you return to the alcove by the window. It really is a wonderful place to read. You could even stand here," he tapped a finger on the center of the book he held, "if it's too far for your tastes." Adrian smiled again. "I wouldn't mind the company in the least."

Though he looked a bit surprised by the fact that the prince was asking for his company, it was with no shortage of relief that Charlie accepted his offer. “That would be very nice, thank you,” he said politely, chancing a smile up at Adrian. The prince’s kindness and consideration was astounding. He had even offered a way to help Charlie get across the room without picking up the small leprechaun. (There was only one person that Charlie could tolerate holding him and that was Sawyer. Anybody else and it just felt undignified, if not downright embarrassing.) Wasting no time Charlie stepped forward and stepped up to the top of the small stack. He sat down cross-legged, knowing it would be easier to balance that way once Adrian began moving, and smiled up at the prince as if to say he was ready.

Adrian held back his amazement at how light Charlie really was. Considering the weight of the books already in his hands, the leprechaun didn't add anything at all. It was the same with Colfax. Even though he was quite a bit taller than Charlie if Adrian remembered correctly, he was all but weightless, too. Adrian made sure to keep the books steady in his hands as he returned to the reading table, finding his sketchbook just where he left it.

"And here we are," Adrian announced as he set the books down gently. He removed the small journal from atop Charlie's chosen book, setting it next to his sketchbook as he took his seat. "Did you say you go to the University? That would be Valenhale, right? Did you know that the main building is one of the oldest buildings in the city not designed by James Mercy? It was built by a changeling, the daughter of a sidhe. That's why it stands out so much." Adrian realized a little late that he'd begun to ramble, so he cut his musings short with a weak chuckle. "I, ah, enjoy looking into things like that when I have the time."

As Adrian set the books down Charlie wasted no time in stepping off onto the table, making sure he was out of the way quickly so the prince could retrieve his own acquired reading. He was thankful that Adrian had moved them, and therefore him, so carefully and steadily. In fact the leprechaun was about to say so when the prince piped up with a question. Charlie nodded his head to agree that yes, he was attending Valenhale, before listening with some awe as Adrian enthusiastically continued about the building. “I didn’t know that,” he said once the prince had finished, beaming up at the man. “That’s so interesting!” The enthusiasm on Charlie’s part was genuine as well; being a scholar of history of course he was excited to learn something new, especially about his own school.

“I always did think it looked quite a bit different from the other buildings,” the leprechaun mused, taking a seat on the large tome of records as he thought. The book was thick enough only Charlie’s toes brushed the surface of the table. “It’s more… organic in some ways. The curves are nice, and the windows are larger and better placed than many of the other buildings. You can see into most of the classrooms which is very efficient.” At this Charlie flushed, realizing that this likely wasn’t something most students noticed; after all, he was the only leprechaun-sized student at the school. Things like clear windows didn’t matter so much to everybody else. “I mean, I think it’s nice. Very, er, very well designed.”

Adrian nodded in agreement, beginning to understand why Charlie put so much stock into being able to see a location. It was the limit to his interesting teleportation ability. Adrian was sure he could have read that in a book somewhere, but learning it from the source was so much better. "I remember looking at some of the old design drawings for it once. They still have those around. Those windows are designed to let in as much sun as possible at all hours, thanks to the architect's Summer Court heritage." Adrian felt so at ease, discussing things like anyone might. And Charlie seemed to appreciate the discussion, too, which was very encouraging. Adrian tilted his head a little. "Well, I suppose I could probably guess based on your book choice, but what are you studying at Valenhale, Charlie?"

Charlie’s blush receded as Adrian continued as if the leprechaun hadn’t ended his last little diatribe so awkwardly, and he lit up at the next prompting. “History!” he replied cheerfully, his legs swinging a little as he leaned forward excitedly. “Or more specifically the evolution of relationships between humans and Fae in this area. Any remotely regional history is important to this of course, but it’s a very practical topic as things go. After all, these relationships are constantly changing, and understanding where each party has come from historically frames their decisions and perspectives now.” Realizing he had just gone off a bit Charlie sheepishly bit off the verbal thesis that was like to follow and instead simply said, “I suppose it’s rather more interesting to me.” For obvious reasons, seeing as he was a “wild fae” (unaffiliated with either Court) living amongst a human-majority population.

Adrian listened, keenly noting how excited Charlie seemed about the topic. He was well trained in the etiquette to appear properly interested, but he didn't need it. The enthusiasm was a little infectious, even if Adrian hadn't studied very much on that topic yet. "That sounds very fun, actually," he admitted. "I've mostly learned about relations with other human nations. My tutors are keeping history with the Courts to the very basics for now." Considering the fairly recent turmoil between the two superpowers, it was little wonder. The dust needed to settle before Adrian (or any non-fae, really) could hope to be open with the Seelie and Unseelie.

He smiled softly. "You are the first wild fae I've met," he admitted. Indeed, unaffiliated fairy kind were hard to come by in most areas. "And I'm guessing it isn't too bold to guess you're the first enrolled at Valenhale, too." Adrian wondered absently if that made the university experience drastically different. After all, everyone who attended still had to do the work.

Charlie flushed, though the prince’s admittance was by no means unusual. He was often the first wild fae anybody in the city had ever met, if not the first non-human sized person entirely (though the pixies did seem to get around). “Yes, I do believe I’m the first leprechaun to enroll,” Charlie agreed, though he couldn’t account for all wild fae. It didn’t seem likely, however, that any others had even tried before him. The human kingdom was even less diverse in nature back then. “Most of the students are human, naturally. All of them are human-sized as well so I, um, have some accommodations in place.”

The tiny leprechaun picked part of the table to stare at while he talked, suddenly very embarrassed. Though he had gotten used to studying at the University, and his peers had gotten used to him, Charlie hated feeling like he was somehow less able than the rest of the students. It was decidedly different from the schooling he had growing up where he was the same size as everybody else (though maybe a bit shorter than average). There was a level of challenge to it that wasn’t even academic.

"I'd be disappointed if the school didn't provide any," Adrian answered easily. After all, it was the school's job to provide an education for its students. And he'd seen the charter himself before. Valenhale prided itself on being accessible to any of the country's residents, and now Adrian supposed that included any leprechauns. "Personally I would attend classes there, but most of my instructors think I might be a classroom distraction ... I always tell them I'd be on my best behavior but it just doesn't convince them," he jested. Of course, there were many reasons the crown prince couldn't easily attend school at a university like that one; chief among them being that he had a much more focused curriculum and had to learn it before he took the throne, putting him on a different schedule.

Charlie chuckled appreciatively, thinking that Prince Adrian showing up for class might cause even more commotion than Charlie’s arrival had. After all, the leprechaun was simply of a species previously unseen by most; Adrian was going to be the ruler of the entire kingdom. Which is why Charlie was still quietly amazed that they were sitting together holding a relatively normal conversation. “I’m sure whatever you’re learning here is of an even higher quality,” Charlie said. It had to be, of course. If the prince’s education wasn’t the best in the country then somebody wasn’t doing their job right. Curious, Charlie hesitated for a moment before tentatively asking, “What do you study? Mostly, I mean. I’m sure they want you to learn just about everything.” Though he felt as if he were asking something mundane Charlie looked up at Adrian for the answer, quietly intrigued.

Adrian clasped his hands on the table, finding himself leaning forward slightly as the conversation engaged him more and more. It struck him that such casual familiarity might be frowned upon ... but the again, being in charge of the kingdom had to mean he could bend some rules, right? "Some of my tutors are actually also faculty at the university. You're right that I do need to learn most things, but they've had me focusing on economics, political history, and military strategy ... though I'm sure that last one isn't taught at Valenhale." He chuckled breezily, hoping he didn't make himself sound too elitist with that statement. Even though, being in line for the throne, Adrian was the elite around here. "Between you and me, Charlie, I'm a fan of the math lessons."

Charlie smiled sheepishly. “I must admit I’m not too good with numbers myself,” he admitted. He wasn’t particularly bad with them either, but maths never had piqued his interest. “You’re right, though, I don’t think we have a single course on military strategy at the University. There’s really no need for it. It does sound like you’re getting a very practical mix at least.” For a future king. A future king that one rather mundane leprechaun was talking to so casually. Goodness Charlie hoped this was allowed; though, he supposed that if the prince himself was alright with it it rather had to be. “Which of your tutors are also professors at Valenhale? I might have met some of them.” It wouldn’t be unusual. Charlie had met most of the faculty there, if only because in his first few weeks of classes nearly everybody in the university had made a point to see the strange new student the dean himself had enrolled.

Adrian thought about it, his eyes wandering as his thoughts searched for the answer. He should probably make a point of knowing this sort of thing better. It was only fair to the men and women who came to teach him. "I definitely get maths and economics from one of the top professors over there, same man for both. And when I was taking arts classes one of the drawing professors taught me. Sadly that's out of the curriculum but I don't mind. I'm learning what I need to, after all."

The slight tone of disappointment was not lost on Charlie, and the leprechaun said, “Of course, but surely they could find you some time to keep drawing. After all, every minute of your day needn’t be planned out.” The small leprechaun smiled and gestured broadly, encompassing their entire, somewhat odd situation as evidence that not everything in the young prince’s life was scheduled. “Talent shouldn’t go to waste.” It never once crossed Charlie’s mind that Adrian might not be all that great at art. He was the prince, he was bound to be good at everything. Not to mention if he missed the subject he was bound to have at least a natural interest in it, if not greater skill.

Adrian smiled, a bit flattered and surprised that Charlie would assume he had talent just from hearing he enjoyed art classes. "You're right on all counts," he replied. He tapped the sketchbook in front of himself with a fingertip, drawing attention to it probably for the first time since he'd dropped the thing so loudly on the floor. "That's why I carry this with me when I can. In fact this alcove or one of the gardens outside is where most off the pages in here were filled. I think I've made a good balance for myself."

And really, if Adrian hadn't found a way to balance out his responsibilities, he'd be far more stressed than he was. Of course, his imminent role as sovereign of an entire nation was stressful regardless, but he could temper that with relaxed moments like this one. Adrian couldn't help but think that the last time he'd met one of the small folk, he'd been preparing to draw. Something about the simple activity had brought the most interesting people right to him.

As Adrian tapped the journal Charlie looked at it curiously, really seeing it for the first time. Upon second glance it was obviously not the same as the other leather-bound books in the library, and the somewhat curled pages spoke of it being well used. “Could I look at some of your drawings?” Charlie asked. Then, thinking he was being astoundingly forward and flushing slightly in embarrassment, he added, “I mean, if you wouldn’t mind. I’ve never been to any of the castle gardens before, but they look lovely from afar.” He’d only ever seen them from trees or rooftops before, when he was up high enough and close enough to be able to see over the castle walls. This was admittedly his first time sneaking onto the royal estates, however, so he hadn’t ever been in the gardens themselves.

If it were possible, Adrian brightened. Considering how few people besides himself took an interest in his hobby, it was little surprise. Even Colfax, while generally impressed with the drawings he'd seen, wasn't very enthusiastic about anything except his own work. And even then, "enthusiasm" was a generous word to use for him. Excitement didn't seem to be an emotion Colfax was capable of.

"Sure," he replied, turning the book a little so it lay at a better angle for Charlie to see from his seat. Adrian lifted the cover and flipped the sketchbook to one of the filled pages.

The leprechaun’s eyes grew wide in appreciation and he hopped down from his seat on the book, stepping forward to better see the illustrations. “These are amazing, Prince Adrian,” he said, forgetting that he was supposed to just call the prince by his first name in his awe. The illustrations, though made in broad strokes compared to Charlie, were obviously made with a natural artistry. The plants seemed alive, and there was something inherently realistic about the drawings. The scenes almost leapt off the page, and though Charlie had never seen the gardens from this perspective (and likely never would considering they were drawn from a human’s viewpoint) he felt as if he were there. It was very impressive.

Adrian felt his face heating up from the compliment. Charlie's reaction was clear in more than just his words, and it was encouraging to see the way he looked so intently over the drawings. "Thank you, Charlie. I do try to practice when I can. Like you said, it isn't always about schedules and responsibilities." And thank the gods for that. Someday, Adrian would find nice words to dress up his hobby so that it would be seen as a little more useful. Until then ... well, who was going to tell him he couldn't spend his free time that way?

Adrian had a sudden thought, looking at his drawings of leaves and flower petals. "Oh, Charlie, do you want anything while you're here? I can have them bring tea or something to eat if you want it while you're reading. They do have fae-sized things you could use."

The leprechaun looked up as if surprised by the prince’s generosity, though he shouldn’t be by this point. Charlie’s first instinct was to refuse- after all, he wasn’t nearly important enough to have the crown prince of all people doing anything on his behalf- but he couldn’t possibly decline tea. Especially not since fae-sized implements were so hard to come by in the city; his own set were the only he’d seen since living there. So despite himself he piped up with, “If… if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, tea sounds lovely.” He couldn’t wait to see what kinds they had, though he was certain they’d be much better quality than his own supply. Flushing with embarrassment now the leprechaun’s gaze went back to the drawings even as he stepped back once more. “I do apologize,” he said, almost automatically, before realizing he wasn’t even entirely sure what he was apologizing for. Surely there had been numerous things. Quickly he added, “For distracting you from your drawing time, I mean. I’m sure you value every minute.”

Adrian chuckled and held up a hand as if to wave off the concern. "Well. I am cutting into your reading time, so I'd say we're even." Not that he'd truly see it that way. Charlie wasn't bothering him in the least. There would be many chances for Adrian to draw, but his chances at making a new friend? They were sadly few and far between. Most of his social circle simply came with the job he was born into.

"I'll just be right back," he told the leprechaun, excusing himself from his chair and quietly slipping away. He found the door to the library quickly, not wanting to keep his guest waiting on his own for too long. Once in the main halls it was easy to flag down a maid and request that she bring him and his guest refreshments, being sure to tell her that he'd need the fae dishes. He told her where to find them in the alcove in the library (she knew exactly the one). "Thank you, miss," he bade her, before heading back.

"Ah. Someone will be along soon with something," he said in greeting as he approached.

“Thank you,” Charlie replied graciously, offering Adrian a smile. In the short time the prince was gone the leprechaun had managed to open the tome he had selected, and the thick front cover now rested upon the table without resistance thanks to a well-worn spine. A few of the first thin, yellowed pages had followed, though they threatened to spring back up and cover the small leprechaun if Charlie didn’t keep a gentle hand placed on them. Needless to say the fae was now standing atop the book, though he had been considerate enough to take off his shoes beforehand. Old resources must be treated with care, after all. This just happened to be the only way he could possibly read it. He had found his weight was usually too slight to make any difference, and so long as he was careful not to slide the thinner pages too much it was if he hadn’t even touched the human-sized books. The experience was decidedly different from what he had been used to, having read leprechaun-sized books most of his life, but by now he very nearly considered it normal.

Adrian couldn't help but take note of the way Charlie stood atop the open book, carefully propping it open. It was a lot like the way he'd seen Colfax navigate a book, more or less. Though Adrian was certain Colfax had never thought to remove his shoes before. The prince wondered absently how a suggestion like that would go over with the no-nonsense little guy.

He pulled his sketchbook towards himself lightly, trying to minimize the sound of it scraping across the table. He retrieved his pencil from where it was tucked away and flipped to a fresh page in the book there was a breeze caused by the swishing of the pages. He thought he'd give Charlie a chance to start on his reading before the tea arrived and disrupted it once more, and refrained from asking any of the many questions he had.

Of course, with the staff being very efficient around the castle, it didn't take more than ten minutes for footsteps to approach their quiet corner of the library. Adrian looked up just as the girl from before rounded the corner, in time for her to give a quiet, surprised "Oh!" as she caught sight of Charlie. To her credit, it only barely caused a falter in her step. "Pardon, my Prince," she said in greeting as the tray in her hands was delicately set on the table well clear of their books. "I got it into my head that your other friend was visiting," she explained, already tidying up the arrangement she'd brought. True to what Adrian had said, in addition to settings fit for a human, there was an extra saucer on the tray to keep stable a set of fae-sized dishes.

"Not a problem," Adrian reassured her.

Charlie looked up from his reading as the girl approached, offering her a smile and a polite, “Thank you, Miss.” The book was now open to the middle, the weight of the pages keeping them in place on either end, so the leprechaun stepped lithely off of the tome and, ever proper, put his shoes back on. Though the fact that they had a fae set of dishes suggested people his size visited the castle on occasion he was still mildly surprised that the maid hadn’t even sent him a curious glance. Most humans reacted a great deal more.

Her last sentence, however, suggested an even more interesting reason for her relative ambivalence. “You have another friend my size?” Charlie inquired, looking up at Adrian with what was almost excitement. Charlie had met very few others his size in the city, seeing as the population was a majority of humans and even the exceptions tended to be more human-sized. There was the occasional group of pixies but they were somewhat rude.

The girl smiled at Charlie's politeness, quickly endeared by his manners. But, since he was a guest of the prince, she wasn't about to be rude or stare, regardless of what curiosity she might actually feel. She gave a small bow and stepped back before turning to give them leave. Adrian gestured to the settings to allow Charlie to take his first. It was a pleasant thing to hear Charlie refer to Colfax as Adrian's "other friend," meaning he seemed to already count himself as a friend. So Adrian had made a good impression after all.

"I have met one other person who's fae-sized," Adrian said in reply. "Though he isn't fae. I'm actually not one hundred percent certain what he actually is, however, and I'm not sure of the polite way to ask."

Even as he stepped forward to accept the prince’s invitation Charlie’s brow furrowed in thought. “Hm,” he said, his brain whirling, “That’s… unusual. I don’t believe I’ve ever even heard of somebody our size who wasn’t a fae of some kind.” That was certainly saying something. Charlie had made it a point to be well versed in the world and the beings that inhabited it, of all shapes and sizes. He hadn’t once heard of anybody like the prince’s friend. Then again, most people hadn’t heard of leprechauns either. Perhaps it was similar secret hidden from larger society.

Reaching the saucer Charlie picked up one of the fae-sized cups delicately, looking at the enameled details with quiet pleasure. It had been a while since he’d seen something so well crafted at such a normal size. He wondered where they had obtained such a nice tea set; it had probably been a gift from an emissary to the royal family or something similarly diplomatic. Charlie could only imagine they had things from all over the world stashed in the castle. Pouring himself some tea from the fae-sized teapot Charlie took a small sniff and sighed contentedly. It smelled heavenly. He couldn’t wait to try it, and even as he stepped back to give Adrian space he took a small sip. “Thank you so much,” he told the prince, giving Adrian a smile. “The tea’s absolutely delightful.”

Adrian was in agreement with Charlie. If he hadn't met Colfax himself, he never would have thought there could be small folk that didn't have their own natural magic in them, a clear sign of fae blood. But Colfax didn't have an ounce of it in his body, so he insisted. Adrian hadn't known him for long but Colfax didn't seem the type to lie about something like that; he hardly seemed capable of being anything but brutally honest.

The prince smiled, glad to see that his guest was enjoying himself. "I'll be sure to let them know, I think they prepare the blend here," he answered while he prepared his own teacup, gently stirring in one lump of sugar. He should probably know more of the specifics on that, considering he asked for tea often enough. "They get one of the spices from the eastern desert, I think." While he took a sip, Adrian allowed himself a private moment of fascination to see Charlie drinking his own tea, performing the same motions in miniature.

“Oh,” Charlie quietly exclaimed, his gaze unfocused as he took another sip of tea. “Maybe Sawyer knows what it is then.” Shaking his head slightly he brought himself back to reality, smiling sheepishly up at the prince with embarrassment for having mentally wandered off. “Um, my housemate comes from the eastern desert originally,” Charlie explained, not wanting to seem rude by just rambling to himself and not offering any context. “I know he’s traded spices before, I was just thinking he might be able to know what was in the tea.” Though trading would likely be the only way Sawyer would know. He wasn’t exactly a tea person by nature. It would all depend on his memory honestly, and if he decided he actually cared enough to think about it. Charlie took another sip of tea and offered the prince a smile. This was turning out to be a lovely afternoon.