#𝖉𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖞 𝖇𝖔𝖓𝖉⠀‖⠀asks.

[route214]

She did not expect there to be a library out here, but there it was. Word from a friend or some long grapevine like that led her wanderlust to the strange place.

"Hello?" She wasn't trying to break in, she swears.

⠀a visitor?⠀it's been ages since they've had one, it feels like.

⠀“ good afternoon! come on in. ”

⠀it seems her grapevine led her to the right place—⠀tucked between trees and away from the main road, a homey little building did sit for whoever could find it.⠀consider it almost like a treasure hunt, their prize endless knowledge tucked into shelves, though perhaps that's why visitors are rare . . .

⠀“ pleased to meet you;⠀call me hisao. ”⠀he seemed friendly enough, but a second face briefly makes its own appearance.⠀his duskull couldn't help but be a little nosy, peeking from behind its trainer—⠀wonder who this new person is.

[route214]

Has been curiously wandering in the reflections and gazing at the library. Then gets caught up looking at the shy aged man in passing. It's another them, but so much different...

⠀as usual, the library sees very few visitors today.⠀he'll have to find something to do to keep his hands busy instead—⠀so why not get to reorganizing shelves?⠀they've been too messy for him to stand looking at.

⠀his duskull hovers closely beside the librarian as he works, gothitelle planted next to the window, staring at . . .⠀nothing.⠀her frills, however, stand up on end like the hair on backs of necks, eyes laser focused.

⠀“ you see something out there? ”

⠀a joking remark, but with how still she is, and the glimpses of something in the corner of his eye—⠀he's wondering if that cold chill he's been waving off is what he thinks it could be.

⠀“ . . . . . ”

⠀best to pretend he suspects nothing;⠀he has no reason to fear another spirit, and playing unaware just might lure it out of the shadows.

[route214]

“Hello neighbor.” They are reading off of a clipboard. “Do you enjoy helping out your community? If so, I have a deal for you. Introducing, skull scouts.” They hold up a box of cookies in their other hand. “We are a nonprofit community using the money you donate to enrichen the lives of those less fortunate. Would you like to buy a box of Skull Roulette cookies for the mere price of ten dollars?”

⠀how long has it been since a knock came upon his door?

⠀business was never lively here, but it's been quieter these days—⠀so much so that he nearly jumps at the sound, some papers on their desk scattering at his feet.

⠀—he can pick those back up in just a moment.

⠀“ oh!⠀good afternoon. ”

⠀not a patron—⠀a bit of a shame.⠀but they're here to . . .⠀sell something?⠀here?

⠀(⠀curious timing, too;⠀he just stopped idly snacking on those chocolates he bought.⠀fine, the sweet tooth can be indulged today.⠀)

⠀“ ah . . .⠀sure, why not? ”

⠀a little whistle to his duskull summons it from hiding, bringing his wallet over as directed.⠀ten dollars sounds fair enough to him!