"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKGe89p1WM
From the seat across from him, Levy sighed, lowering her book and cocking her head in sympathy at the state of her companion.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv1Dz1BuFe
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVZuh4lPis
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4crilBHmx
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW2vABwb6b
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK7peouAeM
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZQfr9A2QX
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkTCPtdmFk
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡy54Fvj4ZUj
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWiDcJMNMC
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmXEYN8c9N
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHTAmoUroO
"Thanks…" He muttered just loud enough for her to hear.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaL3NXNzLz
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwV9aTWj56
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BN0cao6BN
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmXFpLDckp
Levy looked at him funny. "Gajeel, it would take us over a week to travel on foot."copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxVHG6ADpG
He shrugged, grinning. "So? What about it?"copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwixwuHVAj
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvFGb4rOgL
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2j9JZgkDG
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nciUJNBFo
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnTz45EvUV
"I'm not the one moping." She swatted his hand away with a blush she couldn't contain.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8XAiHAy1d
"Gihee, you're too easy to tease, shorty."copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2Brlva86P
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1drBhwfNq
"How 'bout tiny, then?"copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4z8ERPfqR
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡtET45ezgnG
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VHkmiCSyp
"Solid Script: Quiet!"copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJtTR8KGoa
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRPrVUGvb3
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhYTClbedK
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxt7qkgb1E
"Better keep up, Gajeel, and don't get lost! I won't be able to hear you call out."copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzwb0s6GXh
He sighed silently, glaring at her back.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8zJ1c4dqi
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4PrbgMssN
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OmE0n6633
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNcYxeaBrB
And at least he had a good view.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpFJRRZDks
They arrived in Birchwood just before lunch, and Levy finally released Gajeel of her magic.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrhN5hacoe
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM2sLzGWa8
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3ycNp4N2o
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡftQwhWNs8b
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoYJQJiwFt
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdxdqkCu7F
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm9JTqFHSO
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzcRi2ABzg
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4euBrUW4p3
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiqS1kjH1c
"Why didn't Lily come with us?" The bluenette asked. Gajeel glanced up, halfway through chewing a crunch of iron.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTLIL3LmEk
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJz7l11h5r
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPJMIL61t7
Levy didn't realize how much time had passed while she inspected the town from the window.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ1ZHM2s8H
"Oi, you alright?" After awhile, Gajeel snapped his fingers together several times, finally gaining her attention away from the window. "Earth to shrimp!"copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLqmSLnU3t
Snapping her head around, she raised her brows in surprise. "H-huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry, I was just watching the people."copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡloi4a1Qg2j
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡngiof0bisj
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf4qCXc0Sf
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdDMiNN94Q
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr7LQnL1Fe
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFtq56oh7g
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBuanMYbV2
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ot99kwVmb
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IRD8WJweR
"Hello? Is anyone here?" Levy tried again, peeking her head around one of the shelves.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLshVP3T1Z
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3opdyKJt7
"My apologies! I'm afraid I was in the process of numbering the books, and I did not hear you enter!"copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCPMgXJ0uX
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhJjyF9Cza
"Numbering the books?" Levy asked curiously. The old man nodded enthusiastically, tugging at his long white beard that nearly reached the floor.copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡCue0UryFb1
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6ECSUACU4
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡALmj5VYeyx
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa2DaX5JDg
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqmp2fkCRe
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr04L5ZKjx
"That would be me! And you are Mr. Russo?"copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJIlmSisCW
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡInm5Mpk61c
"This is Gajeel, he'll be helping me translate the book. Speaking of which, what exactly will I be working on?"copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJElNprNaL
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡksu2NRV6jx
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21Vp6HOrOP
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡDazhwmHXaR
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡJujdx74tdo
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gpWFwEtYt
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBDSTafB8p
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRUM4rU9V7
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXnXT3uyws
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P4GHXQWzY
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2PgPUIJ4D
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCAfzui43O
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5EBLlzBi8
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEaqVZkDJp
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA1RPBm8Fp
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcuAOgWnRf
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsUGSPGdtp
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJZEBPfXXV
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU8SvW8rj0
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPsCwlrcyU
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbEBQgq5eo
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Bi8tN5Bfo
"Thank you, Mr. Russo. I hope to have this finished for you soon!"copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWe4yKp0WY
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyaA90QA64
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7Ggf94kLj
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmgXrOHQPE
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLcZll0bV6
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUdWbt6fOR
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxePvFEdvu
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlf3kAolMk
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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3fFZq86GW
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfub5ZQKcm
"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 protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Ht624vnR
ns34.228.42.25da2
