[ he wasn’t expecting it to rain. ]
[ in hindsight, that was likely his first mistake. lately, he hasn’t been as focused on the world around him, not like he used to be. he’s slipping up, missing important details. he doesn’t mind it, per say–in fact, the water makes him more powerful– but today, he feels more out of it than normal. ]
[ stumbling back into the palace soaking wet catches him some strange glances, but he doesn’t pay them much mind as he searches for a quiet place to settle for the day. specifically, he’s looking for a library nadia described to him. unfortunately, he doesn’t have the key, and nadia failed to mention the complicated door that not even asra’s magic can apparently permeate, much to his frustration. the only person asra knows of whose magic could potentially permeate the plethora of locks and puzzles, specially designed by nadia herself, is already dead. ]
[ the only other thing he knew would work takes him back out into the rain. the library sits against the wall of the palace closest to the fountain, asra figures, and when he gets there, he runs his fingers gently along the stones, searching for any vulnerabilities he can use to get started. when he finds a give, he begins to weave his spell, letting the rain soak into him and using the additional boost from the water to aid him as he forms a portal door. after what feels like forever, he finishes, and steps through, straight into the library. ]
[ the sudden draft of dry air makes him shiver, and he shakes out his soaking wet curls, water flying everywhere. it pools at his feet, and he blinks droplets out of his eyelashes, hanging heavily into his eyes. it’s thankfully quiet, and asra sighs, relaxing, and begins to make himself at home, taking his bag off, then his shoes and socks, all soaked through. too tired from the portal spell to dry himself off, he takes his shirt off and wrings it out, then tosses the still-wet fabric over his shoulder. ]
[ now slightly more situated and only barely less covered in rainwater, he lets his eyes roam around the library. he realizes he has been here once before, with nadia, while she was designing it years ago, but hadn’t found the opportunity to return and enjoy all the books she stocked it with, many of them magical in origin, and one of the reasons he returned to help search for the plague. he takes two steps further into the library and stops, suddenly realizing he’s not alone. his gaze settles on the doctor, because of course he’s here. ]
The library usually remains silent, an eternal quiet occasionally punctuated by the distant chime of the bells that mark the hour. Julian wonders if it is by the Countess’s decree that no one enter, perhaps so as not to disturb the doctor’s studies. Whatever reason it is that precludes visitors of any sort is unsatisfactory at best to Julian, who wishes in his idle moments for a little reprieve, a little company.
The magician’s snake makes for a charming companion, whenever it is that she cares to slither into his lap and wind herself into a great knot upon the inconvenience of his thighs. Julian’s gotten somewhat used to her unpredictable presence, her weight almost welcome where it comes with an unusual warmth.
Today, she precedes her master like a prelude, though Julian could not conceive of the consummate theatrics with which Asra would enter the library, disturbing the perfect quietude with an emanation of displaced air where portal drew open and he emerged, whipping off his sodden shirt and shaking out his snowy hair like some romantic hero. Julian watched with the solemnity of one ensorcelled, a slow smile growing upon his lips as he catches the magician’s eye.
Oh. Hello, Ilya, Asra greets him, indifferent to the dramatic tableau he has created with equal casualness and ease. Julian cocks a brow and nods in silent greeting, allowing himself a moment before he responds.
“Good afternoon,” Julian replies, albeit a bit smugly. Beneath his hand, Faust shifts, nearly titters at the presence of her master. He strokes her scales gently. “To what do I owe this rare appearance? It’s not often enough that I can expect your company.” For how certain Lucio was that they should work together, the two had rarely found common schedules to do so.
Faust pops her head up from under the desk, her little tongue flicking excitedly at the sight of Asra. “Perhaps you came to retrieve this little scoundrel?” Julian asks with a laugh.