Chapter 7: UWI

She hoped she didn't sound suspicious. She hoped it because of the sudden silence that enveloped the room. She didn't know what she would do if she got caught. But then who could possibly guess that all of a sudden some long time forgotten myth could be in her possession. It was simply impossible, at least that was what she thought before meeting him herself. "That's quite a...", he trailed as if looking for the right word "... specific request. Is there anything you would need it for?".

" Nothing at all. I just thought I'd try something different and extraordinary once in a while", she lied. The old man gave her an odd look and she hoped he wasn't he wasn't the least bit suspicious.

"I don't think I have much on those. The villagers here would rather spend their time chasing loose cows than come here to read those kind of things. But you have always been an odd duck. Let me take a look at what you have there", he pointed to the small book in her hand and she gave it to him. "Interesting", he muttered. The title of the book read 'Forbidden creatures'.

"Do you know what it is about?", she asked. She had seen the lone book at the farthest corner of the large shelf and thought it to be strange that it was the only copy in the whole place.

"No dear. I don't know if I've even seen this one here before. But I have something similar to this", he said for her pointy ears to perk up at his statement.

"Really? Is it on our origins?", she asked and the old man didn't fail to notice the eagerness in her eyes.

"Yes. But it had to be taken away because no one believes that legend anymore", he shrugged then a thought came to him. "Would you like to have it?"

She answered with a simple reply of "Yes" and he began rummaging for something in his desk. Finally finding whatever it is he was looking for, he dropped a large book on the desk that made her zero her eyes on the length. Wasn't this a little too big to be only on the origins? she asked herself in her mind.

"This is it. Everything you need to know about creation," he dusted his hands looked up at her. "Nabica, I know you love anything to read but I feel there's a deeper reason for you to be suddenly interested in these things. Whatever it is, don't get yourself into trouble, okay?", the old man didn't know why but he felt like something was wrong with the young hupard in front of him. He liked her like she was his own daughter.

Bica gave him an encouraging smile, "don't worry. I'm not getting myself into anything wrong", she bluntly lied. Keeping something known to be a killer was beyond wrong. It was completely unimaginable but she did it anyway, the village of Manfo was mostly filled with illiterate peasant tin heads who did nothing but gossip and she was always their target for some reason. She brought out her personal woven purse to pay the man for borrowing books when he said, "You can take them for free."

"Really?"

"Yes, it's not like I need them in this old library anymore. Very few people come here lately. They are yours. Take it as a gift for helping me clean up this place", he smiled.

"I don't think-"

"Refusing isn't nice". She looked back at the books in her hand now.

" Thank you sir. You are very kind".

"Don't mention it", he smiled at her. His grey eyes trailed her as she left the library. She was very much like her mother in both looks and character, he thought to himself. But it was strange though, when her mother was alive she was interested in similar things. Deciding not to think too much about it, he went back to shuffling the parchments on his table.

Bica took her time to look at the decorations that was being set up in the market squares. Beautiful white flowers dangled above her on thin ropes. Guess it's that time of year already, she thought. The market was filled to the brim with all types of goods and the entertainment dancers where already setting up their stages for the upcoming carnival.

The village of Tincia felt so alive that she doubted it was the same boring village filled with gossiping folks who had nothing better to do than while their time away like chickens. Every once a year, the village of Tincia always had this festival and it was a time were everyone was merry. Walking around without a particular destination, her eyes landed on a familiar lady dressed in pink, her lips painted with a light shade of red and her blonde hair done.

"Uwi!", she called out. The lady named Uwi whipped her head around at the mention of her name.

"Bica!", she called back, almost running to where she was which she couldn't because of the dress she was wearing. She hugged Bica and Bica hugged her back.

"Where have you been all this time?", said Bica, pulling out of the hug. Taking a look at her rather revealing attire that showcased her curves and hugged her body nicely, she narrowed her eyes at her friend.

"My mom and I had to travel out to some event held by a relative but we're back now", noticing the look on her friend's face Uwi turned confused before it finally hit her and she gave her a nervous laugh which made Bica narrow her eyes the more.

"You are going to see him again, aren't you?"

Uwi turned her face to the side knowing exactly who she was talking about. "Actually I just came back from seeing him. You know my house isn't far from here. We can go there if you want".

Bica gave Uwi a small nod and they walked through the rather noisy market but none spoke. It seems Uwi felt bad about meeting up with that guy. The man she was meeting with was named Balem and known for his looks and money but aside that, he was also known for his flimsy flings with the ladies. That didn't bother Uwi at all, she had still been meeting him saying that he was changing and didn't mind his spoilt reputation and that she was truly in love with him and Bica couldn't help but worry for her friend.