Work Text:
Jessamy dreamed of the library again.
It was no wonder. She’d yearned for books all her life, and now that she worked as a circulation assistant she was surrounded by them all day. The library in her dreams was far more peaceful though. It felt like home, moreso than anywhere in her waking life.
The librarian in purple was new, though. She hadn’t seen anyone here before.
“Can I help you?” the Librarian asked, hands folded before her.
“No, it’s just so peaceful here. I’m always glad when I get this dream.”
“Ah, yes. You are always welcome here, then,” the Librarian answered. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Jessamy didn’t see the Librarian often, but occasionally she would be restless and the Librarian would bring her just the right book, or even sit and have tea with her.
Eventually, Jessamy found out that her name was Lucienne.
Eventually, she found that Lucienne was her best friend and confidant.
Eventually, she found that she had fallen in love.
Jessamy closed her eyes and drew another shallow and painful breath. Her life had been long and hard, with many spots of bright joy. Her affairs were in order, and the doctors said it wouldn’t be much longer. She’d said goodbye to her friends, her children, her grandchildren, and the tiny baby that was her first great-grandchild. She just hoped she would dream of the Library one more time, so she could say goodbye to her beloved Lucienne as well. The darkness took her as she slipped into sleep. And then she slipped a little deeper.
A lovely dark-skinned woman held out a hand to her. Ah, so this was Death, Jessamy thought.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye to Lucienne,” she said sadly.
“You know,” Death said, “I usually can’t do much about people’s regrets. You get one lifetime. But this request. This is within my power to grant. My brother needs a new raven. How would you like to be Lucienne’s colleague?”
“A, a raven?” Jessamy asked.
“Yes, in the Dreaming. Lucienne is my brother’s Librarian, and he is in need of a new raven. I believe she supervises the ravens. What do you say?”
“I think I’d like to fly,” said Jessamy. And she would be so happy to see Lucienne again.