"You couldn't have picked a closer job?" Gajeel mumbled from his seat on the train. His head was between his knees as he struggled to keep from emptying the contents of his stomach with every sway and creak of the moving vehicle. His head pounded, each throb threatening to send him over the edge and hurling into the waste bin that Levy had gone to fetch just for that purpose.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aAnErRo8b
From the seat across from him, Levy sighed, lowering her book and cocking her head in sympathy at the state of her companion.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7vqbMngsS
"This was one of the closest translation jobs posted. And you didn't exactly let me look at the rest of them for very long either." She mused, raised a brow. He didn't reply, too lost in his nausea to even tease her. "Either way, we've only got another few hours or so and then we'll be arriving in Rosalia."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCfxFO1NeM
They were headed to the country of Bosco, where a bookkeeper in Birchwood had gotten his hands on an ancient tome, written in a language he had no knowledge of. Naturally, he'd asked for Levy by name in the job request, seeing as she was the most proficient translator in Fairy Tail. Freed was a close second, but his specialty lay more in runes, traps, and enchantments.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRbvDlbOQS
Rosalia was the closest city by train. The rest of the journey would have to be made on foot, a fact Gajeel was just a little thankful for. The less time he had to spend on a moving vehicle, the better it would be for everybody.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwP6LEZlwR
Levy watched the mountain range surrounding them grow more distant as the train traveled, with a forest slowly coming into view between them. The landscape of Bosco differed only slightly from that of Fiore. It felt much like home, Levy thought, her gaze returning to the book she'd brought along to occupy herself during the long ride.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjQRjX8Orr
The train began a turn, changing the center of gravity for those inside. Gajeel groaned in response, opting to lie down on the seats rather than sit, facing away from the reading bluenette clutching his middle in a vain attempt to stop the dizzying feeling. Levy watched his pathetic attempt to ease his toiling head, and sighed quietly. Putting aside her book, making sure to mark her place, she reached for her bag and took out the small vial of perfume she always kept with her.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXSnzkci2d
More searching for a piece of cloth or something similar revealed nothing, but she quickly reached up and undid the orange ribbon tying her hair out of her face. Laying the ribbon across her lap, she folded it a few times over. Uncapping the perfume bottle, she gathered the ribbon and covered the lid with it, tipping it over quickly so the scented liquid within soaked through some of the layers.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTzXTXVHSB
Once she felt it was strong enough, she recapped the perfume and put it away. Levy leaned over and tapped the dragon slayer on the shoulder, getting his attention.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGybdkMscm
"Here, the scent of this should help with the nausea." Realizing he couldn't see the ribbon she held out to him, she stood and dangled it in front of his face, restraining the involuntary wince of pain as her leg wound was agitated.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjDHX5P4kN
He cracked an eye open, taking in the sight of her ribbon folded up, before the scent of peppermint filled his highly sensitive nose. For a moment, it felt as if he didn't feel sick at all. Eyes widening, he gently took her offered ribbon and held it close to his nose, inhaling the scent greedily.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0lQFkkLoZ
Levy returned to her seat and picked up her book again, pushing the now-freed strands of her hair out of her face. She shifted her leg a little, trying to get it in a more comfortable position so the bandages wouldn't rub too much against her still-healing wound. Looking back up at her companion, she noticed Gajeel's shoulder seemed to relax a little, and she smiled.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zKh84bYf8
"Thanks…" He muttered just loud enough for her to hear.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DZs861uk2
Gajeel closed his eyes in bliss, feeling a respite from the unsteady tossing and turning of his stomach. Levy had been right, the perfume helped immensely. Underlying the crisp scent of the peppermint itself was the hint of Levy's shampoo, the sweet and fruity aroma of strawberries.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVue52gzOm
But he'd never admit that was what he was really trying to fill his lungs with when he sniffed at the ribbon, clenching it tightly between his fingers.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPYmEuOgnq
"I thought we'd never get off that damn thing." Gajeel groaned, popping his back as the two walked away from the Rosalia train station. Glancing behind him as he slung his bag over his shoulders, he saw passengers beginning to board for the next departure. "Can't we just walk on the way back to Magnolia?"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjpbakHlHt
Levy looked at him funny. "Gajeel, it would take us over a week to travel on foot."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxkfhjPXpL
He shrugged, grinning. "So? What about it?"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vcGEjROWF
With a sigh, she shook her head and tried straightening her hair again. The wind kept blowing it around her face and it was starting to get annoying. "My rent is due by Friday, and I can't have another late payment."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIbnWH69EK
Obviously this wasn't the answer he'd been hoping for, as his grin quickly fell away. "More fucking trains…" Gajeel scowled, crossing his arms in a pout.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WFq274CjR
"Well, you wanted to go with me…" Levy muttered, looking away and holding her arms behind her back. It wasn't as if she'd forced him. He was the one who'd pretty much told her he was going with. Not that she didn't appreciate it, because she did, but he could be a little dense sometimes. He sighed deeply.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jaRsUIRb4
"I know that. It ain't your fault, shrimp." Levy felt a finger push at her head, and she looked up to her partner with an annoyed frown. He was grinning in response. "Quit your moping."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtQI1z1MiT
"I'm not the one moping." She swatted his hand away with a blush she couldn't contain.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcHf3HjL7L
"Gihee, you're too easy to tease, shorty."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVlGk0W1ZD
"Urgh! Don't call me shorty." Levy smacked his shoulder. Gajeel pretended to think about that for a moment, before turning back to her with an even wider grin.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeEytdKfRu
"How 'bout tiny, then?"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡttFYsuzHiC
Levy's face turned a deep shade of red from anger. "Stupid Gajeel! Stupid!" She shouted in exasperation, finally throwing her arms up in defeat and picking up her pace to walk away from him. But of course, he just couldn't resist throwing in another taunt as she sauntered away like that.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWPTpOhbC0
"Don't wander too far, or I might lose you in the tall grass, gihee!" Gajeel saw her shoulders tense, and in the next moment she rounded on the spot and pointed towards him, a smirk of her own in place.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8wrJbbSKM
"Solid Script: Quiet!"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSAarN7yil
The word materialized in midair and shot towards Gajeel's face, wrapping around his mouth and holding fast. Levy watched the moment of his realization, the way his eyes widened and he tried backing up a step, but by that time it was already too late.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kObytD0Lb
He tried speaking but all he could do was gesture wildly in anger. The spell cancelled all noise he tried to make. Levy giggled at his deep frown as he pulled in vain at the nonexistent sound barrier on his face. All that was left was the word 'quiet' printed into his skin where her magic sealed his mouth shut.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzqc34zaQ2
He pointed to his mouth over and over, glaring vehemently, obviously wanting her to cancel the spell but she only smiled sweetly and skipped ahead, feeling rather proud. It was nice to see him be the one floundering for once.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTj3tnQDSN
"Better keep up, Gajeel, and don't get lost! I won't be able to hear you call out."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡlopc5yKw8k
He sighed silently, glaring at her back.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdCGIk7H9d
Several minutes went by, with Levy leading them ever closer to Birchwood, glancing back mischievously at her silenced companion every once in awhile to make sure he hadn't wandered off. She'd giggle at his unamused expression.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCoejc9PCO
The corner of his mouth tilted upwards at the sound of her laugh. Once again, the dragon slayer felt it was music to his ears. His mood lightening, Gajeel smirked. He had to admit he'd been impressed with her display of power. She had definitely gotten stronger and faster during their time in the Council. Not only that, but she'd taken to defending herself against his teasing more and more, something Gajeel had started to enjoy.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m2U8apayq
He cocked his head, his eyes wandering to the perfect view of the bluenette's rear end as she stomped away in annoyance. Not for the first time, he was thankful of her wardrobe preferences, admiring the enticing view of her legs in that orange dress.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0aFnKndaa
And at least he had a good view.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdkpnziPoG
They arrived in Birchwood just before lunch, and Levy finally released Gajeel of her magic.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaJPBx4FR5
"About time you took that off! I should arrest you…" Gajeel growled, rubbing at his newly-freed mouth from her magic. It felt strange to be talking again, as if the sound of his voice were different. Levy only chuckled, turning back to the edge of the town and walking past the small outpost they had for security.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBNjbn97xZ
"If you would stop teasing me, I wouldn't have to do that." She reasoned, searching the streets back and forth for some sign of their destination. Neither one of them had ever been to this town before, and both were unsure of where to go.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNjqbAJtju
"Doesn't mean you have to muzzle me for two damn hours…" The dragon slayer muttered, crossing his arms. Ignoring him, the bluenette reached into her bag and produced the job posting, reading the description again.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaVVGx2m3o
"The store is called Russo Bookery. By the directions they give, it should be near to a local cafe." She glanced up, not seeing any restaurants in visible sight. Gajeel elected to lead the way, letting his nose do the searching. The smell of fresh bread and other cooking foods made his mouth water. They hadn't stopped for lunch, nor had he eaten anything before taking the train to avoid getting sick, so the raven-haired man was starving.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kVDnqbxJx
"We should get something to eat before we meet whoever this guy is." Gajeel suggested, leading them through the streets of the town. It was quite small, though spacious and not overly crowded like Magnolia could be sometimes. Levy pursed her lips, examining all of the buildings around them with interest.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrBMgJaQGP
"I suppose, but I'd like to get started on translating as soon as I can. I don't know how long the book I'm supposed to translate will be, or even what language it's in, and we have to be back to Magnolia by Friday-"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqbovR8HdF
Gajeel held up his hands, pausing in the road to stop her rambling. "Relax, shorty, you'll get back in time to pay the old hag. Eating lunch ain't gonna set you behind. You'll need food in order to stay sharp anyways."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW9J7YUALn
As if to prove his point, her stomach rumbled loudly, and she blushed as he smirked with satisfaction. He'd won this round. Sighing, she began walking again, now hoping to find some place to eat quickly so they could meet the client.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZgEBImDk6
They happened upon the cafe that the job description had mentioned, and Gajeel and Levy sat down to a light meal. In addition to the food, Levy wrote up some iron for the dragon slayer to eat as well, feeling a bit bad for what she'd done to him earlier. She hoped he wasn't genuinely angry at her for it, but if the smirk he sported while recounting training sessions with Panther Lily was anything to go by, everything was fine. Speaking of which…copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFj6TxqhdA
"Why didn't Lily come with us?" The bluenette asked. Gajeel glanced up, halfway through chewing a crunch of iron.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTXdsZvOqK
"He wanted to stay and train with Erza." Levy nodded, returning to her meal. To be honest, she missed having the little exceed around with them. She hadn't seen him properly since they'd returned from the Council. Which was a shame. She was quite fond of the cat.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8cxE1zFIB
They had a window seat, so Levy could see out into the town square, bustling with residents and traveling merchants selling their wares. In the middle sat a tall statue of a man Levy didn't recognize. The bluenette suspected that he held some importance to the town's formation, or something of the like. Children played, running and shouting, while their mothers and fathers watched from afar, conversing with the other adults about grown up things.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡIta2BZN20f
Levy didn't realize how much time had passed while she inspected the town from the window.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG7Fqmnae8
"Oi, you alright?" After awhile, Gajeel snapped his fingers together several times, finally gaining her attention away from the window. "Earth to shrimp!"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVL63MZz1Q
Snapping her head around, she raised her brows in surprise. "H-huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry, I was just watching the people."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx5B7NCw2P
"Are you ready to go? You're the one who wanted to see this guy as soon as possible." He nodded down at the empty plate in front of her, and she came to realize that she'd been absentmindedly munching on the sandwich she'd ordered, finishing it up long ago. Gajeel's own plate was devoid of his food as well.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb5obvld5h
"Right!" She chirped happily, grabbing her bag and standing. Mind set on the task at hand once more, they paid for the meal and left the cafe, heading over to the bookstore set opposite of the square.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TiATzbmb6
A worn cloth banner fluttered with the wind, pinned to the building in a few places to keep it up. Russo's Bookery and Literary Collections. It was a brown-stone building with a low roof, much more dated than the rest of the town so far. Levy guessed that it had been one of the first built in the town, judging by the darkened glass windows and cracked stone in some places.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡLefq5sWiHK
Sparing one more glance at Gajeel, she pushed her way into the store. Above her, a small bell jingled, notifying the owner of their arrival. Gajeel stepped in behind the small mage, stopping when they took in the interior of the bookstore.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0T7ZjpeN4
Levy stood still, mouth open, at the sea of books rising to the ceiling all around her. Shelves lined the walls, with parallel shelves occupying the space in the middle. But all around the neatly-packed shelves were stacks and stacks of scattered books. Some almost reached the ceiling, while others seemed to have been knocked over and strewn across the floor haphazardly.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmIO3ZWY9c
Old and new, cracking leather covers for spell books and the newer colorful covers of novels. The store had a bit of everything and then some. Levy clasped her hands together in delight, her eyes slowly turning to stars as she inhaled the hint of vanilla scent that accompanied old books. Behind her, Gajeel inwardly groaned, a stony expression crossing his face.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQXAzRnRkm
"Just great…" He muttered, thinking that if the state of the store was anything to go by, then they must be dealing with a nutcase of some kind. Not to mention, he'd have a hard time dragging Levy out of the place until she finished translating whatever book the guy had for them.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOvBd4YI57
"Hello?" Levy called, slowly picking her way through the mess of books all around them. She made sure not to step on or damage any of the books in her way, while Gajeel elected to simply sweep those before him to the side with his foot. Of course, he made sure to do so discreetly, so as not to anger the bluenette in front of him.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1oTw0UYGn
"Hello? Is anyone here?" Levy tried again, peeking her head around one of the shelves.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pTUZgBx8c
"Oho! Dearie me!" She heard a man's voice call somewhere in the back. There was a shuffling noise, and suddenly an old man, small in stature, stood before them. He bowed deeply, smiling with closed eyes.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWlDgv2JuY
"My apologies! I'm afraid I was in the process of numbering the books, and I did not hear you enter!"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyj6iPUgtV
The two Fairy Tail mages studied the man before them. He was only half of Levy's height, and they had to crane their necks down to look at him. Most noticeable was his bushy white eyebrows and beard, and the severely wrinkled face they occupied. The man was definitely old, though his character held a sort of youth that Levy and Gajeel were so used to seeing in the members of their guild. He had that light in his eyes that never seemed to dim.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIbSxz10ni
"Numbering the books?" Levy asked curiously. The old man nodded enthusiastically, tugging at his long white beard that nearly reached the floor.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡmftiK9Jicx
"Oh, yes! Hopefully, it'll help me put some sense into this store of mine. To be quite frank, our system of organization has seen better days, oho!"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcHHYQ7XYI
Gajeel deadpanned, glancing at the chaotic disaster of books around him. 'Seen better days' was a bit of an understatement. "You don't say?" He asked in a monotone, the doubt clear in his voice. The old man didn't seem to notice, replying in a jovial way.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4ZHhLXV6C
"Quite so, and so far it's been relatively smooth sailing!" He placed a hand on his chin in thought. "Though, I've had to start over a few times because I've lost count myself! Oho! Oho!"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡwosV32f86t
The old man chuckled, oblivious to the questionable expression of the two younger mages. Levy and Gajeel glanced between each other, silently exchanging their own shock and confusion as to who exactly this man was.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG5JDsHfgN
His chortles grew quieter, and he cleared his throat. "But enough about that! You must be Levy McGarden, correct?" He peered at the script mage to inspect her, and she straightened up, the smile returning to her face.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡI23KkskXwy
"That would be me! And you are Mr. Russo?"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUkybM3232
"Indeed I am. And who might this imposing young man be?" He peered behind her to the dragon slayer, who raised a brow with crossed arms. Levy cocked her head, gesturing to her companion.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41JGnoW3EW
"This is Gajeel, he'll be helping me translate the book. Speaking of which, what exactly will I be working on?"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lukwW3Tya
"Hmm? What book?" He questioned, peering squinted eyes into hers. She stilled, a baffled expression on her face. Gajeel deadpanned behind her, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. The old man looked between them cluelessly, wondering what they were talking about.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyHoTjI3E4
"U-uh…the one you posted the ad for?" She supplied, digging in her bag for the poster again. She showed him the ad and suddenly his eyes took on a much clearer look.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDSPPYSJNQ
"Ah yes! I'd completely forgotten! My mistake, oho!" He tugged on his beard over and over, laughing to himself for having that fact slip his mind. Levy let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of her head in confusion. Perhaps this job would be a bit harder than she though.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN6YXTnZUk
"Oho, forgive me, forgive me…ah, but what was your name again?" He wiped away a nonexistent tear of amusement, peering up at her again.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVk7AmgFAx
"Levy." She stated with a sweatdrop, hoping that they could get back to the matter at hand. "You were going to show me this book?" She pointed to the poster again, just to jog his memory in case he'd forgotten. Yet again. Thankfully, he clapped his hands together and nodded.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeWtp6DxSL
"This way, come this way!" He gestured for the two to follow him deeper into the store, through the stray books and stacks up above their heads.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf3g40aUAS
"This guy's a fucking nut…" The dragon slayer muttered to his companion, who sighed deeply. She could only agree, though she felt rude for thinking it. He seemed to be a very kind individual. Regardless, they followed him deeper into the messy shop.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9ZniUYShJ
Gajeel's frame, much bigger than that of Levy or the old man, had trouble maneuvering his way through the stacks, and more than once, he accidentally knocked down a tower or two of books as they traversed the store.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡhndwsyJG07
"Oh, think nothing of it! No problem at all!" The old man would cry. "I myself send a stack or two tumbling to the ground every day!"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9pMJXLpSv
They came upon a counter, with a register surrounded by more books. The whole top of the surface was covered in novels of varying sizes and thicknesses. Most of these, Mr. Russo swept aside with a chortle, knocking them to the floor. Gajeel saw Levy wince as the spines hit the floor, and he grinned, wondering how the mage was holding up to the mistreatment of her precious books.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiHkxInAuv
The old man gestured for them to wait there, and he disappeared behind the counter, but they could hear him sorting through books as he looked for the right one. "I had it here somewhere, oho. Now, where did I put it?"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ojPKuPhy0
After some time, his hand shot up above the counter, clutching an old leather-bound book. "Aha!" He cried, making his way back around to their side with the book in hand. "Here it is!"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsUAt6PbzS
Now that they seemed to be more on track with the reason for their visit, Levy gave a small smile, setting eyes on the dark-colored book cover.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhZjmywEEQ
"Hmm. Let's see here…" Levy reached for the book, and Mr. Russo placed it gently in her hands. She moved to set it on the now-cleared counter, inspecting the cover closely. "It looks to have Eastern origin…the leather is worn and cracked…at least a few centuries old, I would think…" She muttered, flipping open the cover to view the first page.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJqOIvX9us
Gajeel leaned over her shoulder, trying to see what she was doing. "So, what is it?" He asked her, and she gave him an exasperated glance.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCHa5jMaBn
"I don't know yet. I need to analyze the language used first, and then compare it to others to get the best sense of what the author is trying to say." She paused, flipping through a few of the pages curiously. Frowning, she hummed. "It looks like this is made up of two different variations of Taiyō to tsuki, by first glance."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtETvJ4HPV
"Hmm? What's that?" Gajeel asked, unfamiliar with the term. Levy gave him a smile, knowing that he'd probably be very confused for the duration of her having to translate the text. She closed the book, holding it gingerly in her hands.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Yjqu7Dffj
"Roughly translated, it means 'Tongue of the Sun and Moon.' It's an ancient language long considered dead that was used in the northern-most part of the country of Enca. This book was probably written there or written by someone from there hundreds of years ago." She explained, turning to the bookkeeper. "This may take a few days, so would it be alright if I bring it back to the hotel with me and work on it there?"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpu7DLJ7Tl
"Oho, of course! I trust that you'll treat it with utmost respect! Take all the time and resources you need. If there's something else you need that I may have, feel free to ask!" He encouraged, bowing to her deeply.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡd11y1ZMTj4
"Thank you. I'd actually like to get working on this right away." She turned to Gajeel. "Should we check into the hotel and drop off our stuff?"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSs28hukcD
He shrugged. "We ain't got anything else better to do at this point." It honestly didn't matter to him. It wasn't like he was expecting any fighting when he took this job with Levy, and it was a chance for him to relax and be in her company again. He'd been prepared for a lot of down time anyways.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡucu4gQRwTi
"Thank you, Mr. Russo. I hope to have this finished for you soon!"copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPhbo5Z9fw
"I look forward to seeing you again…ah…" He paused, frowning thoughtfully with a hand on his chin. "Now, what was your name again?" He muttered to himself.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ5wMP1pCV
Levy began walking away before the old man could begin asking her the same questions for a third time. She waved a goodbye and began making her way back to the entrance of the bookstore, with Gajeel following behind her.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqz22xnbhy
After a bit of maneuvering between the books on the floor and those stacked up high again, this time luckily without any of them falling over, they left the bookstore and headed towards another street where an inn was located.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CFJRGft4j
Levy flicked through the book idly as she walked, glancing over random pages and trying to make sense of even a few words. She'd only come across the language a few times before, translating old manuscripts and examples of the ancient civilization's culture, so most of it was foreign to her. She still had no idea what subject the book pertained to at this point.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡawdHgm3XZ7
"I still don't understand how you can figure out what these things say." Gajeel commented, grabbing the book from her hands and inspecting it for himself.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfrKSHq7rn
"Hey! Be careful with that. It's probably several hundred years old, like I said. And if you damage it, I won't get paid." She tried snatching it out of his grasp, but he moved it out of reach, raising his brow.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhrtDkb7DM
"Relax, shrimp. I ain't gonna break your precious book." He thumbed through a few pages too, making no sense out of the strange inscriptions that filled it. As his eyes skimmed over the unfamiliar symbols and shapes, his admiration for the small mage grew just a little bit. He'd known how resourceful and smart she could be, but it was during times like this when he really was reminded of that fact. "Honestly, it's incredible what you can do with words. It really is something."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡENaU6xdsuF
Predictably, a blush crept over the bluenette's face, and she looked away in an attempt to hide it. She recalled him saying similar things when Laxus had attacked the guild so long ago. "T-thanks…but don't think that I can figure it out in one day. It's still gonna take some time to get through every page."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡniyTgSy6bB
"You worry too much, gihee." Gajeel chuckled and placed his hand on her head reassuringly. "Just concentrate on figuring out what it says. Take your time."copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkq6XgTdVr
"Ok." She smiled widely, her confidence boosted by the faith that Gajeel placed in her. She was glad that he seemed to recognize what was undoubtedly her biggest strength. Levy beamed, that swell of pride never leaving as they found a hotel to stay in for their time in Birchwood.copyright protection397ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vdz4Whnja
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