I didn't know what to do now. I stood dumbfounded in the midst of the preparations. I couldn't stay in this area though, I was nothing but a heavy burden here. With a silent sigh, I walked to the Library and quietly prayed that I wouldn't stumbled upon anyone else that had a 'few words to say.' 
                          
~*~
                          
I lost my way to the Library. This damned mountain is so large, I don't know how anyone could find their ways. I guess I need more time to get used to Erebor. Thankfully, I ran into Gloin and Bifur and they kindly showed me where it was. I felt so stupid because I had happened to pass by there. Twice. I thanked them with a quick nod and proceeded into the rather large library. Oversized, tall Walnut bookcases were lined up against the exquisite walls of the mountain, which Dwarven tapestries were also hung at every corner. 
I noticed most books were out of place and scattered on the floor, with an immense amount of dust on them. There was one that caught my eye. Carefully, I picked it up and wiped some dust off of it. I flipped through the first few pages, immediately recognizing the book. When I had nothing to do at my time in Rivendell, I liked to have my back against a tree and cozy up to a good book. And this one was one of those books. A small smile formed on my lips as I reminisced, just like a mother would as she remembered the times she shared with her young child. 
                          
"That is an excellent book," a kind voice spoke from behind, startling me back into reality. The book slipped from my hands and landed on the floor with a loud thud. Oh for goodness sake, Eleanor, you clumsy fool!
                          
I picked it back up and faced another Dwarf woman. Anyone with eyes could see she was a very beautiful Dwarf. She looked as if she was around my age. Her honey-blonde curls cascaded down her shoulders as her bright, hazel eyes stared into mine, pulling her full lips into a polite smile. Oh I hope this won't be what I think it is, I said to myself. Here we go again.
                          
"My apologies, I did not mean to startled you." Her soft voice spoke as she let out a small chuckle. Shock took over me for a moment. I have never met anyone like her and yet she seems so comfortable around me. She does not have that hatred in her eyes, the curling disgust of her lips, the acid that she spits in her words like what I have gotten a few times lately.
No.
Instead, a bright smile shines on her features as she continues.
                          
"Oh do not act like you don't know me! It is I. Zaryn? Your long-lost cousin?" She questioned outgoing-ly. 
                          
Zaryn. Her appearances don't seem familiar. Her voice, her attitude, her name. Nothing rings a bell. 
                          
"I-I think you have me confused for someone else. I do not remember anyone named Zaryn." I answered her. I figured this is the only solution. I had no clue what she was talking about.
"And I certainly think you do not remember me, cousin Eleanor. Hence the term, long-lost. But I do. My parents did not let me visit you often because of well, what you are. I never cared what you were though. I just wished we could have spent more time together." 
                          
That is understandable. No wonder I did not recognize her. She knew about me but I just couldn't remember who she was. In a way, I felt the feeling that I know her somehow but it's not all the way there. Some things seemed too clouded and unclear. Missing gaps that need to be filled in. But nonetheless, I felt a sense of comfort and ease, like a cat curling up on your lap on a bitter, frigid evening. Relief washed over me in a refreshing way. 
                          
"And since we never got the chance to do so, how about we start now? We can go back to my chamber and I'll make us some tea..?" Zaryn asked 
"That sounds lovely." I smiled at her. 
                          
"Well then, let's get out of this dusty library." She chuckled as I put the book back in its spot in the bookcase from where I grabbed it and we walked out. 
"Ever since this mountain was reclaimed, I was given a job as the librarian. Not that I'm complaining but," she stopped briefly, "I expected more." 
"What did you have in mind, then?" I questioned Zaryn.