It had been yet another day at the library. Of course, as with the previous times, Ives was worried sick abut Rook and the others during the time of the plant hunt. Praying for their safety to the gods and goddesses, making no exception in his worship this time. He had gone to bed, then awoke in the morning. Unbeknownst to him it was the night after the plant had been successfully killed. It was over however he did not yet receive word. Doing his usual tasks within the library, getting everything set up in the morning as he placed the books onto the shelves, tidying up the place, trying to pretend that everything was fine when it was not. Ever since the elves made their hunt well known, the Grand Library had been quiet. Most of the elves had gone off in the venture to defeat the creature. Though the Lore Keeper had to stay behind, and take care of the lore as usual. Of course he could have gone and fought with the others, but he was unsuited for battle. All he could do was hope that they returned safely and had felt that he provided all the knowledge he could. It seemed like this business with the plant had gone on for a long time now. And only now it was discovered. And perhaps defeated. He had warned the previous commander, who had not taken his notes more seriously. Discarded them as their small battalion had gone out in search of the plant. And now he was dead. His death was the only thing that led the elves to believe that this danger was a menace worth defeating. How Ives knew about the fact that he had discarded the notes, was when he inspected the exterior of the library, he found them all bunched up in a bush near the entrance. It was quite saddening really. His hours worth of devotion to getting the words onto the paper were all smudged and watered down from the rain, and tattered from being there for a while. Withered and worn, Ives had attempted dusting it off to get the remains to at least show. But alas, it wouldn't have been helpful at all now, when they already had headed out. All he could do was wait.

Within the library, as he was doing his morning routine, stacking the few remaining books onto the bookshelves, he picked them up one by one as he continued his work. Suddenly he spied a peculiar title of the current book he held. It was about the Royal Elven Family. It took him a moment to register, but he found himself shaking. His eyes widened as he unknowingly dropped the book. No. His fearful widened eyes looked downward as his hands reached for his head. The pulsating thoughts coming back to him in waves of terror. What happened the other day. When Rook was gone. Morighan. As the scene played out again in his head, he immediately tried to remove the thoughts from his mind. No, he had to concentrate on getting the library ready for the day. Gaining his resolve, Ives stood a little bit more tall then, eyes resuming to their normal state as he then bent over slightly, picking up the very book before placing it onto the shelf. But it was then it hit. Groaning as a hand went to his forehead, his eyes twitched as his vision began to fade. He found himself collapsing to his knees. No, not this. Gaping upward at the sky, Ives became lost within his sight. Vision traversing through many swirls of color. It was an endless cycle before finally, he saw something. A forest ever so green. Brightly lit colors, a light green forest of trees. A leaf in front of him dripped the fresh morning dew as it sparkled in the sun's light. This part of the forest seemed... unfamiliar. But from the plant's perspective, he tried to look around. His line of sight was hazy at first, but he could see a patch of fresh grass in the distance. It sharpened as his sight focused, gaining a better view from where he was standing. Footprints. Well, a pair of boots it seemed, had imprinted along the grass. This meant that it was the near the library, wasn't it? However at closer inspection, there was another set walking along side them. Where...? No, when was this...? But as his wandering thoughts continued, he was being pulled back into reality. The footprints fading away as the swirls of light filled his vision once more. Returning to his senses, Ives found himself breathing heavily. Was that... another vision? But how? How could he have another vision? Did that mean... the plant... was it gone? That was the only connection that he could make. He noticed that when the plant had infected him, his visions had stopped. But now, that was certainly a vision. So, that meant that it was dead, right? Well, it was either that or the fact that he just hadn't had any visions until now. But that wouldn't make any sense. Though as he was collecting his thoughts, he then stood, resuming his work that was yet unfinished within the library as he continued his preparations.

The next day later, it was another day at the library as usual. The previous day, he in fact heard the news. That the plant had been defeated. So that explained his vision after all. Though he couldn't figure out whose footprints those were, or why there were two of them. If it was near the library, then it must be behind the building, or off the beaten path. But even though he wouldn't care for less important visions such as that, it still made him wonder. It seemed like they were walking away from the library. But it seemed so odd. So colorful in the fact that the forest was typically normal surrounding the place. Was it in the future? He could only wonder. But the lore keeper indeed was at his desk, scribbling away the vision that he saw. That and other important information. It was his duty to record anything he saw within the visions, and although he only wrote the ones he typically deemed necessary, perhaps it was because he was curious about it. Or maybe it was because he felt that his time as lore keeper was going to come to an end. If only Larkin had been found. If only someone took notice to any of the flyers that he had sent out, to the word that he had tried to spread. His apprentice was missing. She needed to be found. Not just as his apprentice but an elf of Aelfmenn. That alone was enough to give reason to discover her whereabouts. Had she been kidnapped? But what about her name at the ball? That needed some explanation. But as he wrote away at his desk, he couldn't help but think. Why was he such in a rush to leave his position to her? Was it because he knew that Rook would return? Were those their footprints in the grass? Would there really be a bright future for them from now on? But what about his magic? Had it truly returned? Was it even gone in the first place? But this now meant that he was going to die... but didn't they say that they were going to try and find a cure together? Whatever that might be. Or was it the fact that he wanted to escape. Escape the darkness of the possibility that the prince may return. He could see the darkness, shrouding the tan-skinned man as his devilish eyes gazed upon him with a sneer.

His thoughts were broken as his head peered upward, at the sound of stumbling footsteps. The fallen warrior hardly having himself together. Eyes widening, seeing that Rook had returned he immediately followed him to the bedroom, closing the door gently behind him. The library had indeed been busier this day than the last during the hunt. But as many had returned home, Rook was late. Though he barely looked alive. But Ives was so glad that he was. Approaching him closely, he wondered if he needed any help, any tending to. But Rook knew by now that Ives was no healer. He could help the best he can but in the end a healer could do better than him. But vise versa as well, Rook was a stubborn elf. One that argued he needed no healing, but his wounds would heal all the same. He didn't doubt that they would, but didn't the healers heal the elves after the hunt? Why was Rook injured? Giving him a look of worry, Ives neared closer. But he was so glad... now... now they can finally have their future together. Standing above him, Ives drew him into an embrace, his arms wrapping around his shoulders and pulling him close as his head rested on top of his. "Rook... you're safe..." the words he spoke were full of happiness. He felt that he could almost cry. That was the one thing that mattered. That he was alive and safe. He had lost all hope, and perhaps it wasn't ver, but certainly this was their beginning. No more plant to worry about. Finally, perhaps they can start now. Withdrawing from the embrace, Ives looked at him in the eye as his face met his. "How do you feel?" he asked. Though it was meant about his physical wellbeing, something seemed... off about him. As if he had fallen into despair. No matter how it seemed, he seemed upset. But, wasn't the plant defeated? If so, then, why...? He wondered. Perhaps something took place more than he knew. Though now the question had changed in meaning perhaps.

Ives didn't know what to say. He looked at him confusedly but before he could speak he was then surprised with a kiss. One that was easily returned, closing his eyes as he let Rook lead. But... what he said was confusing. He felt that he needed to give him an answer, to give him reassurance. Then he pulled back away, feeling the warmth from his lips drift apart. Looking at him his blue eyes met his. He tried to look confident, however within he was bewildered. "The plant was most likely lying," he told him. Yet, what if it was true? What if the cure for his magic was within his reach all along? That damned plant that they were trying to defeat for ages. Heck, had it not even been for his vision they wouldn't have known about it as they did. But, how? How could it prevent his magic from draining his life? All of it was so confusing, yet, somehow it made sense. The lack of visions he had whilst infected, though how can that be when Rook's own magic wasn't canceled? Maybe it had a connection with nature magic? He didn't know but now they had no way of finding out. And that's how he preferred it. Were he to sacrifice himself, his own life, for many others, he would do so in a heartbeat. What selfishness that would be, were he to take their lives away from them just so that he could have hope. To live a little longer. Though, Rook... if the plant tempted him with such a lie, or even if it was the truth, he felt... something strange in his chest. Unlike anything he ever felt before. Was it... warmth? How could he do something like that? Did Rook really sacrifice himself? For him? It was an odd concept to consider. Though not that he doubted his love, it's just that, no one had really done anything like that for him. Yet Rook had always been like that. Even when he had first told him about the plant, it was he who hugged him and went away to defeat it anyway. It felt like his heart was melting within that moment of realization. He couldn't blame him for taking the plant's side, if that's what he did. Though that would have meant that he would have fought against the other elves, and Ives had not heard of such a thing. He only knew that the plant was defeated. But, did this mean that he was cast away now? He thought that the elven society would not do such a thing, even though he sided with the creature, he was still an elf all the same. Was it the new commander? Was he cruel enough to do such a thing? Or the royalty? Ives couldn't comprehend how or why they would outlaw him. Though were it the case, it made his wish ever seem more clear than ever... they both had to run away. From all of this. Rook's words solidified the fact. In fact, Ives thought the opposite, that were he to propose the very idea, that Rook would have been turned off by it. Though, it seems that they were like-minded. But one thing was for certain though, about Rook's statement. Ives belonged here. No, more so of the fact that he was needed. But just for how much longer though, was not determined. And, perhaps Rook wasn't officially outlawed yet. He wouldn't believe it otherwise.

He looked at him professionally. "I will come with you," he told him, looking at him directly with determination. "However, my assistant is still missing. You are correct about the fact that I am needed here, however as much as I like the place, I feel that..." His professionalism was broken. His tone became much more emotional, and shamefully he averted his eyes solemnly. "I know we can find a... cure," he spoke, not being able to look at him in the eye. "If the plant was possible of such a thing, then, it might not be the only way." It was then he looked back up at him. "You promised me." He didn't want Rook to blame himself. To feel like he failed. Instead, he just didn't want him to give up. Ives would not give up either. This was their fight against fate, and theirs alone. The plant, the elves, all of it can go to hell. He didn't care anymore. Even if he died, as long as he was happy with his lover, he wouldn't care about anything else. "I... was thinking about running away, as well, Rook," he said in broken parts. He wondered if Rook had considered that Ives thought of such a thing. He wished to tell him at the ball, but... so many things happened. And besides, he couldn't leave his duty like that. Not without purpose. Though now, things were different. "But... Larkin... The library... I just need to wait a little longer," he looked off to the side again, ashamed. That was when he was going to tell him. Not now, not when, all of this was going on. Now Rook felt that he needed to get away. But Ives didn't know if that was for certain. He looked at him again. "Until I know I can pass my role to someone, that is when I can move on. Though, are you certain that they won't want you here? In Aelfmenn?" He gazed at him suspiciously, however it was not out of contempt, but rather just a reaffirmation about what he said was true. Rook almost always felt like the outcast, even when they were just as friends the lore keeper saw him keeping to himself. It would be no wonder why he felt like this now. "If that is the case, I can hide you here until then. However..." Moving over to the desk on the side of the room, he briefly leaned onto the surface, sitting on it slightly as he still faced him. A small white piece of paper sat on the top which Ives took in one hand, sliding it between his index and middle finger as he held it up. "Conveniently my parents decided to send me a letter, asking me to come visit them," he explained, a little bit of hinting disgust and hatred in his words. He despised his parents and indeed he almost ignored the letter when it was received. But eventually he couldn't deny seeing them otherwise it would be a bad reputation. Them coming to the Grand Library would be the worst case scenario. "I will have to make my leave for a few days or so, which the library shall be closed then. It would give you the perfect opportunity to come with me. They didn't know what happened at the plant hunt, and where I live is secluded for the most part." Certainly he wouldn't be ostracized there. In the mountains away from the center of Aelfmenn Kingdom. It would take time for word to spread. And hopefully Rook would take him up on it. Though, were he to leave him, and the library, again, Ives couldn't bare it.

"What do you say?" He truly hoped that he would agree. He didn't know the severity of what happened back there, but, it would probably be another conversation for another day. He probably didn't want to talk about it now since he just came back as well.

His old buddy? Ives didn't know what he meant as he listened him speak, with partially worry as Rook began to drink the wine that was apparently under the bed. That was just... he didn't know what to think. Apart of him was appalled that Rook wouldn't want to stay in Aelfmenn, but yet, he understood. But he didn't want to stay in the library. He didn't want to wait. He wouldn't wait for him. But where would Rook go otherwise? He looked down painfully, with a solemn look on his face but that was before Rook bean to speak about him coming to meet his parents. Ives looked back up at him, knowing the answer to his question as he then placed the letter back down on the desk gently. Standing from the desk, he neared toward the bed, standing just before him. "No, they do not know of us," he shook his head grimly. However that may in fact be a good thing, as his parents would most likely shun him, abandon him, make a fool out of him, then disown him. But he didn't care about that anyway. Though the owed them the visit, and he owed Rook something more than cooping him up here where he didn't want to be. Perhaps he should have considered how he felt about staying in the library, though, did he really hate it here that much? But maybe he just meant the fact that he didn't need Ives to hide him away, but he shouldn't have to feel alone. "Though... they really don't know much about anything about me," he then said, a softer tone than before, sitting on the bed as well as he slid next to him. He didn't want him to think that he was going to abandon him for the library or his parents, he would never. Even still, he hadn't really discussed about his parents with Rook, or with anyone for that matter. To him they were something of privacy, something he did not wish to discuss. He disliked bringing up his past, reliving the moments of then. Looking downward, he continued to speak, although his hand unknowingly slid toward him. "I think... this will be the last time I will be visiting them," he said, quite seriously. However this was a decision that he would make. This wasn't about because the fact that they were running away. This was because of the fact that he wished to never see them again. It was a cruel wish, but one might understand if they knew what he went through. Though were it not for them, not for his strict upbringing, he wouldn't be Lore Keeper. He wouldn't have met Rook, which is the only thing he could thank them for. Looking back up at Rook, his blue eyes gazed up at him.

"I would like for it to be with you," he then said, making his statement clear. His parents could guess what they were, they could guess that their Lore Keeper son was going to move on. That he was actually going to live his life how he dictated it, not them. "If you come with me, I will be certain to make many detours," he then smiled. "That way hopefully we can... spend more time together... not just here in the library." For wasn't that was Rook wished? Didn't he wish to be outdoors, maybe that was why he left so often. But if it was the fact that it was Ives... that it was because of him... why? But as he continued to look at him, he decided to let him know how he felt, not just as Lore Keeper, but as Ives Beaumont. He looked at him seriously. "But no matter what happens. Even if the whole world, the royalty, the elves, my parents, anyone, if they are against you, I will always love you." He hoped that he would understand. He wanted him, no he needed him. Were it up to him he would run away with him, right at this moment. But alas, the world did not work that way. And Rook had been correct, the life of the library was indeed apart of him. He wouldn't just pass his role to anybody. He would have to make sure that it was in good hands, first.

"Though who is this old friend that you mentioned?" he then asked, wondering who in the world it could be. Ives didn't have many friends, nevertheless those that were fighters. Unless...

No, it wasn't that. He didn't feel as though he was going to die by taking his last visit with them again, but it was a final goodbye. A goodbye to his life, goodbye to being lore keeper, a goodbye to everything. It was his old life that he was abandoning, one for happiness, hope. His eyes shimmered with hope as Rook spoke those words. He was fortunate, glad that he would come along, that he liked it. Eyes softening he continued to look at him, smiling as he returned his affections, feeling the warmth of his scarred hands curling around his. But it wasn't until he said that next statement, that hit him. Orin. Ives' eyes widened immediately, both in shock and surprise, yet somehow he expected the name to come. It made all sense in his mind. Such a man who knew about the plant, that had given them hints, Ives having visions of him, it all made sense. Desperately, Ives looked at him as his eyes continued to remain that way. "Orin," he repeated again, almost in disbelief as he then suddenly came just a bit closer. "What happened? Did you get to speak to him? Where did he leave to?" his eyes peered at him continuously, looking for some sort of answer. Rook hardly gave any details, and perhaps he didn't want to discuss the hunt now but to Ives Orin meant more than beneath the eye. He didn't know where Orin had gone to, for so long, even unbeknownst to Rook before the whole ordeal with the plant. Orin had hidden himself from plain eye, disappearing into thin air. Now... now Rook had seen him. Now he remembered what he said before. Fought against him. But why? Saddened, Ives sat back up straight, head turned slightly away however his eyes continued to gaze at him, although this time in a different manner. He looked down almost dejectedly, pondering about what even he should say. They were probably questions that Rook wasn't going to answer. If he fought against him, that meant... No, he had a right not to talk about him if he didn't wish to. But all those questions, what if... Ives wasn't going to push it. Instead, he sighed, and slid up from his position on the bed.

Standing, he looked down at Rook. "Walk with me," he said, then looking toward the door that was closed. There were elves still in there, sure, but for the most part it was empty, well, the upper levels at least. He didn't want them to be cooped up, not like this anyway. Probably, the other man would be fine enough to stand, if he could. He needed resting of course, but there were benches on the upper levels as well. He just didn't want them to remain hidden, not like this, shut away from society as though they were outcast. Rook didn't deserve that especially. The word about him probably hasn't reached the elves here yet. But were there to be a problem, the lore keeper would take care of it. They shouldn't be kept locked in here, especially when he... wouldn't see much of the library again. Not if...

Ives held out a hand to him, in case Rook wanted to come with him. The poor man probably wanted to sleep, but without fresh air, maybe after he would be able to rest. He already felt ashamed enough, locking him up in here like he was some sort of monster, or even that's how Rook saw himself as. With or without the dark vines protruding out of him, maybe that's how he saw himself. He didn't deserve that. Hopefully he would take his hand, however there was the chance that he wished not to. Nevertheless, he awaited in hope.

The fact that he hadn't talked, that he hadn't seen where he had gone after the battle, was a little disappointing. Even Orin had disappeared after fighting against the danger. It was rather saddening to him... But he supposed that it was to be expected. After all, he didn't know exactly what happened at the hunt, so who was he to question it? Ives watched as his offered hand wasn't taken, instead he watched as the soldier laid back, staring up at the ceiling. Of course, this was also to be expected. Smiling slightly, he dropped his own hand, moving closer to the bed as he sat on its edge once more. "Of course," he said, then looked back to see the laying man. Being seen as a traitor? Was that the true reason he didn't want to go outside? Shifting from his place on the bed, he moved closer, closer and closer until he himself was also laying on the bed as well, resting upon Rook's chest as he gently laid a hand upon it, right above where his chin rested as he looked at him. "I do not think they would see you as one," he said truthfully. "Not yet." Even if were true, there was time for word to spread. Rook should know that but, Ives thought that even still, he shouldn't see himself as a traitor. Even if all the elves thought that's what he was, the lore keeper would not stand for it. He would defend Rook until the end. But... would it really come to an end all so soon? As he leaned against him, he looked down at his chest. It's just been so long... why couldn't they have the time they wished together? Now that the plant was defeated. Why? Why was fate so cruel?

"We hardly..." he started, almost trailing off as he was nearly afraid to speak the rest, "had a chance to see the rest of the library together." Which was true, but was it what Rook wanted? It was something that Ives wished even if he didn't. Though the other elf was tired, there might not have been a chance today, but perhaps the next, that they would be able to. But more time gave more room for rumor to spread. Rumors that the so called traitor had betrayed everyone at the hunt, or so Rook had said. "I feel that there's hardly any time... for me to see the library again." A tinge of sadness plagued his words. Perhaps he had given up. But in his heart he had. He had to let go of the library, everything that he was and ever hoped to do, for him to be with the one he loved. It was a sacrifice he was wiling to make. He made his decision, but he just wished for the time he could see it once more. One more time to reminisce what he was going to leave behind. Perhaps that's not Rook would like, maybe that's something he would say was for the weak. Something along the lines of a soldier never being able to reminisce what war was like, what old friends that had died, anything like that. But he couldn't bring himself to think that way. They still had time now, but again he couldn't be so selfish. At the same time, if he's not going to see the library again, then he would be in grief. But maybe that was just the part of letting go, but he wanted to see the rest of it one final time. If Rook didn't go with him soon of course he would on his own when Rook was sleeping, but... he just prefer it was him. But if he didn't want to go then he wouldn't push him to. Especially not this day.

"I'm sorry..." he shouldn't be speaking of such things. "Do not mind my thoughts, it is just..." Maybe he was growing too emotional. It was something that he thought Rook wouldn't judge, but maybe he would. After all, he didn't know what to expect from his tired partner. Some sort of cranky remark most likely. But, in this moment, being here with him was better than anything else he could ask for. Closing his eyes, he continued to lay on his chest, unless he said it hurt him, of course.