The Librarian

Levi turned around to where the Librarian had just set a bunch of books onto the table with a resounding thump.

"I wonder if you could help me with something for a moment, Levi?" The Librarian commanded.

"I, um... okay." Levi glanced back once more, where David and that other guy had been sitting, and then sighed. He would have to try and catch up with one of them later.

"I have a few books I need taken to my car, and since you apparently have no class at this hour, I know you wouldn't mind helping." Her voice was mild, musical even, but their was no doubt that when she "asked", her will was law. Levi had seen the library expanded, the atrium replanted, teachers beg and parents cry, all when she 'asked' for something.

Levi tried not to let his dismay show on his face and glumly took one of the boxes of books. Of course, because these were the Librarian's books, they had dull covers and titles, and looked to be hundreds of years old. Half of them were in languages Levi hadn't even heard of. The box was heavy and sagging, and Levi staggered a bit under the weight, but held on gamely. Never show signs of weakness in front of the Librarian.

Still, he was struggling, face flushed, by the time they got to the car. The Librarian held another box of books, leading the way silently, while Levi huffed and puffed behind her. He struggled to keep up with her long strides. The air was cool outside, and Levi's arms ached by the time they got to the Librarian's car, a green Suzuki hatchback. The trunk popped open with a chirp and Levi heaved his books in.

"What are all these for?" Levi asked curiously.

"It's a personal collection of mine. I had it shipped in from Norway, but they delivered it to the school instead of my home for some reason." She sounded somewhat irritated about that. "It doesn't matter though. Luckily everything arrived intact. Now I just have to get it home."

The Librarian looked down at Levi and smiled, "Thank you very much for helping me." Out of a pocket she produced a small, green stone with a golden symbol etched into it. "Here. Have this."

Levi took the stone, looking at the symbol. It was a straight line with a little triangle on one side, kind of like a weird D. "What is it?"

"That is the letter thorn. You used to have it in English for the "th" sound. It's also a good luck charm. Tribes in Europe would carve these as a form of protection and strength in battle." She laughed a little. "Some would say it's silly, but I'm fond of such things." The Librarian opened her phone, checking the time, and clucked her tongue. "Emily was supposed to be helping me with the books as well, but she seems to have- oh there she is."

Levi looked up from the rune to see Emily carrying another box of books across the parking lot. He slipped the rune into his pocket. A crazy idea popped into his head and before he could stop himself he asked. "Hey, um, do you know anything about alternate universes? Or werewolves?"

"That's quite a combination," the Librarian said wryly.

"I'm doing some research for a friend," Levi said quickly. "He likes to tell stories, so I wanted something to tell him."

"Well, the old vikings had stories about many worlds and about giant wolves, if that's any help. They used symbols like the one I gave you for magic rituals, in fact. You might try looking into Norse Mythology if you get the chance. We have quite a collection int the library."

"Thanks." Levi said. He jogged over to Emily. "You want some help?"

"I've got it, thanks," she panted. "What were you two talking about?"

"Oh, nothing. I'm doing some research for a project, is all." Levi felt really guilty about lying to Emily, but he knew how upset Brett would be if he thought that Levi had asked Emily for help.

Emily didn't look convinced, but didn't comment on that. "Brett has something for you, by the way. I ran into him in the hall." And then they were at the car, sticking the box in with the rest, the Librarian watching them carefully.

"Where were you?" she asked Emily.

"I ran into somebody in the hallway and the books fell on the ground," Emily said shortly.

"Well, let's get these back home. I don't want you late for your next class, dear," the Librarian said.

"Alright. See you Levi."

It always seemed weird to Levi that the Librarian was Emily's guardian. That's what she was called too, Emily never called her 'mom' or 'aunt' or anything, just 'my guardian'. Sometimes it seemed more like they were student and teacher more than family.

He watched as they drove away, and then walked quickly back up to campus.