The Palace of the Cursed discussion

Found on the second floor, this is a huge room filled with as many books as you could possibly imagine. The quiet atmosphere brings those looking for peace and tranquillity and thus, a few Cursed have even starting doing yoga there!

The twins sighed and followed the snake in. "I don't understand brother what is so interesting here?" Aelin asked staying close to Rowan this was a room where they did not go since Rowan couldn't read and Aelin was going to learn any time soon.

"Books, shelves, chairs. Nothing to note here. Careful there is a chair infront of you." He responded and she noted before sitting down in the chair

Aelic had already sprinted off into the maze of shelfs before the twins had even stepped into the room. He was amazed, astounded even at the sheer amount of books present. He had a library now! A library!! Aelic couldn't help it, he laughed softly out loud as he grabbed a few books and ran back to the twins, a massive grin on his face. 'Look!! Books! Isn't this wonderful!' He told them excitedly as he placed his stack carefully on the table. 'See! This one is a fictional story, this one a biography, this one...another fiction I think!! Here, 'Jane', feel the pages, can't you just sense the knowledge!' Aelic said quickly yet softly, as he gently picked up 'Jane's' hand and slid an open book under her fingers. Aelic thought that he hadn't talked that much in over 2 years, but he just couldn't help it.

Aelin could smell the books and feel something beneath her gloves. "I don't understand what is so exciting about a book?" She asked with a frown on her face closing the book and resting it on her lap.

"I don't know sister but these chairs are comfortable." Rowan said laying down on a couch with and arm behind his head.

"You are right brother these chairs are comfortable and the smell in here is rather pleasant. It's almost smells like a forest but it smells dry like a lumber yard at the same time."

Aelic stood there staring at the twins, mouth hanging open. 'Wha...uh...but....' He stuttered, completely horrified that neither twin seemed to understand or even care about the wealth of knowledge surrounding them. He took a deep breath, snapping out of his frozen state. 'Ok....ok...I can understand that 'Jane' can't read, that's obvious, unless we get some braille for her...' Aelic said quietly, mind wandering for a second before snapping back into focus. 'But you!' He said pointing at 'John'. 'What, don't you like reading!?!? Why not?!? This place is the centre for all knowledge, somewhere one can come to learn and understand more of the world they live in.....I don't understand.' Aelic finished, sitting down on the nearby chair with a thud, completely confused how someone could not understand his love for books.

Rowan shrugged. "Braille won't work the gloves have metal tips so she couldn't read anyway. Books never really meant anything to us when we were outside though we did get our names from a book." He mused watching Aelin shift in her chair swinging her legs over the armrest and her back against the other.

'You got your names...from a book?' Aelic said both confused and sad. Didn't their parents at least give them a name before they were carted off (its a sad world that Cursed now-a-days live in). The twins obviously had never had a chance to sit down and truly read. They didn't know that books were a type of magic and could take you away from whatever prison you lived in to someplace extraordinary. Not just something for names. Then suddenly, a thought so horrifyingly sad crossed Aelic's mind and he just had to ask. ''John', you at least, can read, right?' Aelic said quietly, his heart rate slowing and his breath going shallow at the thought of his answer.

"If you could brother I would be truly shocked." Aelin yawned resting her head on her shoulder as she started to fall asleep.

"With trying to stay alive, keep you alive and keep us away from the snatchers I never got the chance to read till that book hit you in the head though I don't understand why it is so important." Rowan shrugged. "Sister don't sleep here wait till we get back to our room."

Aelic sighed and closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose. It was completely understandable, but still so sad. Not to mention that they probably just chose a word from a book and decided it was a name! What if their real names are something like 'Comprehend' or, maybe, 'Irony' even!! Straightening up, he quickly walked off into the maze of shelfs before coming back a couple of minutes later with a few more books. 'We can take these to our rooms yes?' Aelic asked as he grabbed a few still on the table, creating an unbalanced tower in his arms. 'Come on.' He said with a smile on his face before walking off slowly (balancing the books).
((to the west wing))

The smell of old books and new hit Aelin like a tonne of bricks. She did love the smell of the library but rarely came here since neither twin could read so there was little point in it. "Lead me to a chair or couch snake then pass me a book that you know well and tell me the story line of it so if someone asks I can repeat everything you told me passing it off as one of my favoured books." She whispered her tone cold and unyielding. "Sorry Aelic habit." She barely whispered so quiet that even if a bat was standing next to them they could not here her but Aelic could.

Aelic had flinched a little at her cold tone as they walked into the quiet library but then quickly relaxed/softened at her apology. He understood completely and would never hold it against her. 'It's okay.' He whispered to her just as quietly before leading her to one of the large couches before quickly skipping off to find a few new books and one he knew to give to Aelin. After 10-15 minutes, Aelic came back and sat down beside Aelin, putting his newly gathered stack on the floor. Picking up the first one, he opened it to a random page, gave it a quick scan then handed it to Aelin the right way up (no one was around so it was okay). 'This book is one I read a few years ago.' He whispered quietly before giving a brief explanation of the books main points, mentioning one or two parts that he really liked in case anyone asked for specifics. 'Got it all?' He asked, picking up one of his new books and opening it to the first page as he heard footsteps.

"Yeah thanks she whispered back drawing her knees up leaning them against the armrest with the book perched on her knees as she 'scanned' the page slowly. She truly looked like she was reading as she turned the page and started again when in reality she was just quietly sitting there with her thoughts enjoying the aromas around her. Her furry ears twisting to the approaching footsteps got closer and closer she could feel the weight in them as they started to get their winter coat.

Aelic himself was already immersed in his book, completely oblivious to the world. He didn't even notice as Owl and a little mouse girl walked past, Owl looking at them curiously and slightly suspiciously before continuing on her way. And thus the time passed in companionable silence, Aelic having the time of his life.

Ale in sat there next to Aelic and listened to the world around her as she continued to 'read' the book that she was given. She could hear Aelic breathing and even his heartbeat slow and clam it relaxed her more than Rowan's which was surprising to her. She slowly zoned out completely and fell into a very light sleep with her eyes open staring blankly at the page infront of her. She had a small smile on her face from the simple joy that she took from being in the library with Aelic and she had no doubt that Rowan would enjoy it too.

Aelic also was in a world of his own, the simple joy putting an identical smile on his face. However, the sun began to set and he finished his book, pulling his attention to his surroundings for the first time in a while. With a light sigh, he stretched and looked around, eyes lighting on the lightly sleeping girl beside him. She looked so pretty and relaxed like this, that he was loathe to wake her. However, they needed to eat, and so he reached over and gave the girl a light shake. 'Aelin. Dinner time.' He said softly, a gentle smile on his face.

Aelin jumped when she heard Aelics voice and he shook her shoulder it was so nice and cool. "Yes dinner sound good." She said getting up only just dodging the snake and running into the table beside her. Her ears dropped and tail sagged in defeat. "Aelic help." She pleaded feeling around for the edge of the table.

Aelic jumped forward, gently placing one hand on her shoulder and the other on her wandering hand, steering her away from the table edge. He hadn't meant to startle her so much and he could see she was feeling dejected at having to ask for help. 'Hey, its ok.' He said softly, rubbing behind her right ear briefly to calm her. 'I didn't mean to startle you. Thought you might be hungry.' He said with a light laugh as his own stomach growled, hoping to cheer Aelin up a little.

The twins entered the libary with Aelic before Rowan led his sister to a couch where she got comfortable. "Aelic what am I reading today?" She asked as Rowan grabbed a book for himself. It was a childrens book that was easy to read but he still found reading very difficult and the book looked more complex than it was.

Aelic smiled joyfully as Rowan took up a book to read. He was so happy that the twins were beginning to enjoy books (it was nice when you introduced people to something that brought you joy and they too enjoyed it) and felt proud of Rowan for attempting to read a book by himself. He couldn't help but giggle a little in happiness before whispering 'Back in a bit' and bounding off to find some books to read. He came back a few minutes later with a couple of options and carefully set them on the table before falling onto the couch beside Aelin. 'I found a couple that sounded interesting. This one is about geology, precious stones and metals and their creation, use and surrounding beliefs. Never read about that before.' He hummed the last bit to himself before grabbing another. 'This one is a biography by one of the old Venin painters. Kato, his name was. And this one is a fiction about pirates! Not based on Keras of course, but some other mythical planet the author has created. What do you think?' He asked her whilst reviewing which one he would want to read himself. He felt sad that Aelin would never be able to read herself and that they had to pretend she could see out in public. He would just have to bring these books back to their room then and see if she wants him to read one out loud.

"You forget things easily don't you?" She asked and Rowan passed her a book.

"This is the one I have been reading aloud." Rowan said opening the book for her and placing it in her hands. "Don't go past half way since that is where I'm up to and we don't know what's happening yet." Rowan advised and Aelin nodded.

"Let the fake reading begin." She smirked before blankly staring at the pages in front of her, her eyes sliding across and down the page slowly before she turned the page. She did look like she was reading properly when in fact Aelin was planning her fights in her head.

Aelic giggled again and shook his head. 'No I don't!' He said before leaning over and looking at the book Rowan had just given Aelin. He then smiled at Rowan as he grabbed his own book, whispered 'Let me know if you need any help', and then settled into the plush couch with the geology book, soon losing himself in the interesting new information.

"Sister I still don't understand the witchcraft." Rowan whispered to his sister.

"What don't you understand?" She asked tilting her head to the side.

"Why it is important to read. What is the point of it?" He asked back frowning making her smirk a mere attempt at a smile.

"Apparently squiggle reading is important. 88 told us.. Well you to try and understand it more so just try please." She said looking at her brother before leaning against him and he melted.

"Fine but you have to promise that you will try your own witchcraft when the time comes." Rowan sighed and Aelin nodded.

"I'm not sure they have the dot books here or the Braille that John speaks of. Besides when do we ever get our gloves removed?" She asked.

Aelic was immersed in his book but the sounds of whispering from the twins were distracting. Eventually, he gave up on ignoring them and listened in, only hearing the last thing Aelin said, about Braille and their gloves. The last bit especially perked his interest. 'You get your gloves removed?' He asked the twins in a whisper, 'I thought you kept them on all the time.'

"They sometimes clip our claws because the grow too long and it is really painful for us to have long class in these. If we have no claws we aren't as dangerous and well can't claw your eyes out so we don't need the gloves so we go without for a while." Rowan answered before pinching the bridge of his nose. "Damn these squiggles." He growled and Aelin offered her hand palm up beside his hand as he started tracing the letters on her hand trying to figure it out. "I hate squiggles."

'I see.' Aelic hummed. He didn't like that they clipped the twins claws (that was just like taking away his venom!) but he was pleased that they didn't have to wear the gloves all the time. Aelin would finally be able to feel the paper in a book, or the softness of a blanket. Aelic rolled his eyes as Rowan complained. 'First off, they're not squiggles, they're words. And secondly, whilst learning them is frustrating, it is an important skill to have. You will have to bear with it for now.' He said simply before turning back to his book. 'My offer still stands.'

"I'm getting there." Rowan growled.

"All I can say is they feel like squiggles." Aelin yawned closing the book and her eyes.

"Yeah they look like squiggles to." Rowan said. "Mag... Nus. Magnus is that a name cause it doesn't sound like one." Rowan said after sounding the word out slowly. "Magnus Bane." He frowned. "What's a cactus?"

"Spiky plant. I ran into one when we were four." Aelin grumbled.

Aelic giggled as his attention was once again captured by the twins. They certainly had interesting conversations, that's for sure. 'As Aelin said, a cactus is a spiky plant commonly found in desert edge regions. Plural, Cacti. Family, Cactaceae. They have the handy ability to store water.' Aelic said smiling, bringing up the image in his head. 'I wonder what they're like.' He said absently, as a strong wave of wanderlust came over him. He had never had the chance to see any of these things he had read about, but sorely wished to.

"Also very painful don't walk into them." She mumbled slipping into a light sleep making Rowan smirk at her.

"Sleep now sister you will need it." He whispered before looking back at his book which had had been signed off by someone making him frown. "Now that is a squiggle and you can not convince me otherwise." He said showing the signature to Aelic.

Aelic had to cover his mouth with his hands to stop himself from bursting out laughing. As it was, his shoulders were shaking and he was doubled over with tears in his eyes. It took him a minute but he finally got himself under control and looked up at Rowan, wiping away the tears with a grin wide enough to hurt. 'That certainly is a squiggle, I will not deny. Some people's signatures are atrocious!' He said trying to smother his laughter again.

"What's the squiggle for?" He asked looking at it with a frown shifting slightly to be more comfortable with his sister on him.

Aelic smiled and flipped to the front of his own book where a couple of signatures graced the page. 'Its the authors signature - a fancy version of their name. It basically shows you that this book was indeed written by this person, since each individuals signatures differ.' He said, pointing at the difference in signatures between the two books, moving so Rowan could see without disturbing Aelin.

"So if you write your name it's a squiggle?" He asked frowning. "My name doesn't look anything like that. Why isn't it squiggly?"

Aelic frowned, slightly confused at what Rowan meant. 'You're asking what the difference is between your name written normally and your name written as a signature yes?' He asked hesitantly as Rowan nodded. 'There isn't much difference. Your name is still the same, same letters and order and everything. Its just that signatures are a fancy version. They are used to identify you in a way. Say.....ok, say we had two people who were called Jane. And you know both Janes. If one day you got a letter and at the bottom it just had Jane written normally then you wouldn't know which one it was. Signatures are specific to each person and so, they solve this problem. Looking at the signature would immediately tell you which Jane it was. Signatures are used for things that need proper identification. Do you understand?' Aelic asked, unsure if he had explained that well.

"So different people use different squiggles even if they have the same name?" Rowan asked to confirm his thoughts. "How would Aelin sign her name?"

Aelic smiled, pleased Rowan had understood. 'Yeah, exactly. To identify themselves as an individual, different from the other person even if they have the same name. And unfortunately, Aelin wouldn't be able to sign her name.' He said simply.

"Isn't there something she could do for us to know? I would always know the difference between my sister and another Aelin but for someone who didn't know." He asked looking at the snake putting his book down for the time being.

Aelic thought about it for a second before ruefully shaking his head. 'No sorry. She obviously can't write and thus, cant make a signature. And Braille is only for reading, so that's no use either. She wouldn't even be able to send us a letter in the first place unless she had someone else write out what she wanted to say. Though...if she did have someone write out a letter from her and wanted to make sure we knew it was her then she could have a code word or something. A word that she used instead of a signature so we know its definitely her.' He said with a thoughtful expression.

"Is Braille something for the blind because we know of the dot books mp but that's about it." Rowan asked. "We can figure out something for Aelin later we just need to last the games first."

'Yes, Braille is the dots. It was created for those who are blind, so they would be able to read. Quite ingenious actually.' Aelic said with a smile, before Rowan's last sentence wiped that from his face. He nodded in agreement and absently wrung his hands in worry before shaking his head and pushing the thoughts/emotions to the side, grabbing his book once more.

"She used to be able to read the alphabet long ago." Rowan smirked a simple fail attempt at a smile as he swepped away a stray piece of hair from his sisters face. "I know that I had to bring her here but I still wonder what would have happened if we never came here."

Aelic smiled softly, sadness clear in his green eyes. 'You would both be dead.' He said simply. A flicker of hesitation flashed before he began speaking again. 'And you know...for what its worth...I'm glad you're here. I mean, not glad you're in this prison obviously. I would do anything to get you both out of here but.....If you weren't here you would be dead. And you guys, you're my best friends...the world would be a darker place without you. And the fact that, had you guys not come, we would never have met. I for one, am glad I'm not alone anymore. I'm glad we met.' Aelic said softly, shyly, a rawness in his tone not often heard. He wasn't good at things like this, but hoped Rowan understood he was serious. He was staring at his hands, thumbs twirling and shoulders tense, absently trying to find another topic of conversation should his revelation be unwanted, whilst he waited for the other boy to respond.

Rowan nodded as he watched his sister before sighing an opening his book seeing pictures. "Why are there pictures without words?" He asked

Aelic felt a flash of annoyance quickly followed by resignation tinted with amusement. Yeah, there was no way Rowan would know how to respond to that speech, Aelic thought to himself with an amused sigh and an eye roll. He smiled at the other boys question and looked at the picture, formulating a response. 'The picture is to help you visualise the story. Some things are hard to explain with words, so they use pictures instead. As the saying goes, 'A picture's worth a thousand words''. Aelic said with a smile, opening his own book and showing Rowan the multiple pictures.

"Your book is full of rocks. Mine has people standing looking pretty." He frowned. "Why is your book showing you rocks? What is so special about a rock. They are heavy and hurt so why do they need a book?"

Aelic laughed softly, amused by Rowans question and the wording. 'The pursuit of intellectual knowledge.' Aelic said simply, a gleam coming into his eye. 'Rocks are quite interesting. Each of them forms under different conditions, have different properties and uses. Even look different. The person who wrote this book wanted to show others that rocks are much more complex than one would initially think. The pictures help to illustrate that. Help to show us the difference, not just tell us.' He said before flipping through a few chapters. 'Look.' He said showing Rowan an entire page filled with beautiful pictures of gemstones. 'These are rocks too.'

"Sparkly rocks is that one hot? Because it looks like the sun." He asked pointing to a large round yellow/orange stone. "Rocks are still hard and hurt."

Aelic laughed again, surprised at that strange connection. 'No, it's not hot, its just the same colour. And yeah, all rocks are hard, so I guess you're right!' He said grinning. Rowan made some of the strangest connections and explaining stuff to him was difficult, but Aelic loved it. He loved stretching his mind like that and loved seeing the way someone else's mind worked. It was fun!

"All this work is making my head hurt. You should go get your injection whilst I take Aelin to bed and I might join her." Rowan said waking Aelin up who groaned and mumbled something making Rowan nod and whisper back. "Can you take this book for me and tell me how to say this word." Rowan asked pointing to the word chronicles on the cover

Aelic nodded and then marked his place in his own book, smiling a little as Aelin woke up. He quickly looked at the word Rowan pointed out, told him it was 'Chronicles', then grabbed all the books they had and hefted them into his arms. He stood up, making sure he didn't topple the stack in his arms and gave the twins a smile. 'You want me to bring you something for dinner?' He asked, with a tilt of his head.

"Anything that doesn't need to be eaten straight away that we can eat in the morning because we may be asleep when you get back." Rowan answered and Aelin nodded slowly.

"To bed." She mumbled waiting for Rowan to lead her away. Rowan nodded in agreement and took his sisters hand and took them back to the west wing.