(Are we going to reach the library in this thread or make a new one?)

Tess had forgotten the mention of Crimson's family running the school, so she could have suspected the answer. Still, she nodded. She looked now where they were headed, noticing the change of scenery as they entered new hallways. The art remained impressive, and Tess began to wonder their origin.

How old was this castle exactly? Tess remembered how Crimson mentioned her age, and that her older brother was headmaster. That gave a slight answer to the massive history this academy had with all its inhabitants and their secrets. And stories. Thousand of stories walked through these corridors, and Tess had the opportunity to had hers.

(we can keep it here for now if you want)

"Not too much further now, we'll be at the library in a couple minutes at the most." It didn't really need to be said but she liked talking to the girl and she was good company so far. Eager to listen, to learn, not too selfish, which Crimson hoped she wasn't coming off as either, the girl was generally a sweet person. So far there wasn't a single reason not to like her, and she smiled a little as she realized they were still holding hands, not something many would have wanted to do this long or even in public.

(Kay, just making sure.)

At that moment, Tess also became aware of their lingering touch. She didn't want it to bother her, but she wondered if it bothered Crimson. Was it too much? Too soon? Was it intended by the other? She felt her ears get hot with uncertainty and embarrassment. Looking ahead, she saw two massive doors with intricate design obviously from a master craftsman. From afar, she was able to see the little, metal sign recognizing it as the library.

Very casually (or at least she hoped it was), she slipped her hand from Crimson and took a few nervous steps towards the library a few paces ahead of the dragon. Even though she was sincerely excited about the rows and rows of books, she wanted the excuse to pull away before Crimson thought of her weird. She just made a friend and didn't want to lose her just as quickly.

"Is this it?" She asked even though she was fully aware of the answer. Tess smoothed out her tie-dye shirt before locking her hands together in front of her. She wanted to smack herself for her awkwardness. How was this so hard again? Why couldn't she just let go of all insecurity?

Crimson let their hands slip but when they paused again she smiled and put hers reassuringly on Tess' shoulder. "Yep, that's it. I still feel like a little kid in a candy store every time I walk through those doors, a candy store of knowledge with so many different flavors to choose from." She grinned, taking a few steps ahead of Tess and opening the door for her, her tail swaying happily behind her. No, very few things were ever awkward for her anymore, and having a new friend was very hard to lose in her opinion. Even a few awkward moments if they did manage to come up wouldn't shake it up too much for her.

A wave of calm rushed over Tess as Crimson gently took hold of her shoulder. Such a simple gesture that reassured so much. She watched eagerly as Crimson pushed the doors open, which lead to an amazing sight. Tess gaped at what seemed like a million bookcases with even more books filling each shelf. Remembering Crimson's reference to a candy store, Tess agreed that the rows of color seemed to blend together almost like ribbon candy. And her sweet tooth was craving.

"This is amazing," she gasped. Not knowing where to even begin she just continued to stare in awe as she walked passed the shelves reading each title. She wasn't even sure which section she was in nor did she care. "It's almost too much to take in," she laughed.

"I know, that was my reaction. It's almost impossible to walk in here and not want to just pick some random book and see what it has to offer. Even if you come in for something very specific, there's just so many choices, you might as well grab something else and give it a try. I wonder how the poor librarian manages to put everything back when it's returned, must have some perfect memory on where everything belongs or something." Or maybe the librarian had just been here long enough to know what to look for and where to look for it, either way she still found it impressive.

Tess found herself in front of a bookshelf of older, fiction novels with one catching her eye in particular. She read the title over and over even saying it in a faint whisper, sounding it out. Finally, she took the book out of its home and held it in her hands, her eyes still fixed on the title. Tess of the D'Urbervilles...Being interested in a book just because your name was in it was as silly as picking it up simply for the cover being pretty, but Tess couldn't ignore that factor. It was like this book was calling out to her, and she didn't understand why.

"Looks like you're finding a few treasures already, hmm, can't say I've seen that one before but there's so many books here that's not hard to believe." Crimson stood beside her and glanced across the shelves looking for something eye catching. "Oh, there's a few books that some people consider interesting, the headmaster and an old dragoness have a copy of them. Basically everything you could possibly want to know about dragons of all different kinds, both anthro and "feral" I think they call it." she took another look around, admiring the nice quiet atmosphere around them. Maybe it was worth mentioning... maybe not. Well, might as well. "It's nice here, sometimes students like to find a nice quiet area and spend it kissing with a friend just to catch a few minutes alone. Can't say I blame them either with how big this place is."