Okay Clary, here’s your big chance to impress Shadow! I just have to do the research, and she’ll be so impressed she’ll fall in love with me right then and there!

Okay, that probably won’t happen. But still, good things I’m sure will result!

I happily made my way to the big library in the center of the city, where I worked. The city was so pretty during the day, but the library was simply beautiful, with its elegant arches and the spires that made me think of swords and wands reaching skyward. This was my home, not that house where Malk lived and I slept.

I opened the doors and took in a whiff of that lovely library air, full of the scent of old books, new books, just… books. This was where I belonged.

I waved to Jen standing by the offices, and she called out, “Hey, Clary’s back!”

I let out an exasperated sigh as I walked over to her and said, “You know, this is a library. We’re supposed to be quiet, or at the very least not yell.”

She waved off my comment and said, “Oh don’t worry about it, nobody’s come by today. We’ve decided to call it a free day. Jill and Riley are on the third floor, we’re thinking of marathoning some Doyle.”

“You know, my official title as of yesterday may be head of history and magic, but I’m still a head librarian. It is my civic duty to ensure that my employees are doing their work properly and-” I broke off because Jen had started laughing uncontrollably, and after a second I joined her.

“Good one, Clary!” We laughed for a few more minutes, before heading upstairs.

We walked past row after row of bookshelves stocked with everything from historical texts to the trashiest of fictional literature. I’d read so many of them, but there was always more to read. Most people don’t realize just how many books there are in a library, and they think anyone good at reading can go through them all in a short amount of time.

We got to the third floor and found Jill and Riley sitting on the couch we’d dragged up there when we renovated that section of the floor into a sort of living area. They were watching Doyle and Arthur chase someone, probably the murderer for that episode. It was a detective show, with a really cool premise based off some old books. Riley looked up and said, “Hey, Clary, we were waiting for you. These are just some episodes from the first season, we’re planning on marathoning season three to catch up for the premiere in a month. Come on, join us!”

I hesitated but only for a second. Doyle was too good to pass up. I plopped down on the couch, and we started watching the show.

“Doyle is soooo handsome!”

“Did you see that, that was the symbol of Jamiart! One of his agents must be behind the murder!”

“Oh yes, it’s Idler! She’s my favorite character, she’s so cool and seductive and badass!”

“Wow, do you think she could have survived that?”

“Oh yes, this is so cool!”

“Okay, I’m sure that guy is the criminal, he totally fits!”

We watched three episodes, riveted to the television and trying to figure things out as we went, since none of us remembered this part of the season. Pretty soon though I remembered why I came to the library. “Hey, I’d love to watch some more Doyle, but I really have to do some research for Shadow.”

Jill smirked at me. “Ooo, that’s the girl you’re crushing on, isn’t it?”

I blushed, and spluttered, “Ww-what no no not at all what are y-you talk-g-g-ian talking about?”

“Haha, I knew it! Come on, give us the scoop. Tell us all about your crush, your love.” She stretched out the word ‘love’ and I blushed more.

“She’s… She’s something else. She’s the potential Champion the papers are talking about, and she’s so amazing. She’s so powerful, and smart, and strong, and I always feel so awkward because I just end up ranting when I’m talking to her and just finding myself unable to speak coherently because I’m so nervous about saying something wrong.”

“You got it bad, girl. Hehe, have you told her your feelings, or asked her out?”

“No, I’m so afraid she’ll say no…”

“Just go for it. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“I just told you. She could say no. I… I’d rather not know, than try and get rejected.”

Jill shrugged, and went back to watching Doyle as I stood up and made my way to my office. I grabbed books off the shelves as I went, mostly dungeoneering books but a few journals too.

I settled down in my chair, and started reading. I read past various sections describing dungeons that had already been conquered, loot stolen, all things absolutely useless before finding any dungeons still unexplored.

There was mention of a few in far off territory, guarded by some ancient constructs, but it didn’t sound very appealing and I didn’t think we’d have the time. There were a few monster lairs scattered about, but they all seemed to be low in loot, having only wealth.

I was getting frustrated when I finally found something that seemed a bit promising; a dungeon that wasn’t too far away, and was said to contain unknown artifacts but had defences that I suspected someone like Shadow could easily overcome. The writer described seeing a few magical items within, and that it had a variety of traps that he himself could not overcome, but that seemed easy to me.

Yes, yes, this is perfect! I hope Shadow likes it… oh, I can’t wait to see what she thinks!

I put away the books, wrote down the information I’d gathered, and left the library. Time to see Shadow again.