It was in a dusty library in the southernmost town, the very first time that I ever felt free.

I sat there watching the kids earnestly listening to the story of genesis. I had some business with the librarian but she seemed quite engrossed in the story herself so I simply waited for her to finish. Sitting in that chair with nothing on my mind I listened to her voice, slowly painting a clear picture with her words and the way she narrated the story was almost theater worthy, but I knew more than anyone that not every capable person seeks such ambitions. I wondered why things turned out the way they did and the metal under my leather mask served as a grave reminder of everything. I wore snow fox leather that ran vertically across my face covering one of my eyes and everything on the left side.

If only I had died…

Wild thoughts often ran through my head but the one thing that prevented me from ending myself was just another part of my wrenchful fate.

Be free. Those words from my masters rang in my ears still to this day.

I never would have guessed freedom was something so hard to achieve until finally he drew his last breath.

"OH! I'm sorry. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long." the librarian finally finished with the story called out to me.

As I looked up I still felt as if I was in a daze.

She had pretty blue eyes and golden brown hair and with a sweet smile she appeared much like a doting mother. But there was something else that caught my eye. Hanging from her neck was a white necklace, it appeared to be an angel with wings as well as horns.

"umh…no, don't worry about it." I stood up and moved a step back.

My head felt as if it was about to explode and instinctively my hand started caressing my head.

"Are you alright?" she moved in closer, now holding my hand.

"maybe you should sit down, you don't have to force yourself to stand." I did as she told and sat back down.

she went off to fetch me a glass of water, I could hear concern in her rushed steps.

I probably need a replacement for the ore soon.

"But wherever would I find another one."

my face was barely holding on, I need to get adamantine as soon as possible. Perhaps the merchants in this town would know something about it.

The lady came back with a greenish liquid in a cup, it wasn't water and it didn't appear to be pleasant either.

Will I really have to drink this?

She handed me the glass and told me to gulp it down.

Surprisingly it didn't taste as bad as it looked but as I suspected it wasn't pleasant either.

"You'll feel better soon." she said.

I didn't have much time to spend here. I need to get everything done before sunset.

"I was actually wondering if there's any material for translation, I would like to commission that work." She seemed a bit surprised at my proposal.

She rested her thumb under her chin and took a brief moment before responding.

"You must be the traveling merchant that everyone's talking about." she asked, perhaps she found it hard to believe for a lone girl to be running a business. I met many people who felt that way.

"The very same.'' Unlike when she talked at first she seemed much more serious now her brows were furrowed and her eyes were sharp.

But suddenly her face dropped those expressions and wore a light smile again.

" Sorry, I didn't think you were the merchant coming for the commission. They did tell me about you heading here but I didn't expect you to be dressed so dollish." she pinned a frill on my shoulder and started rubbing it, feeling the material.

"I sell clothes and grooming accessories, this is the best way to show them off." she still seemed enchanted by the dress.

"I could make you one." her eyes lit up as I mentioned it, but she quickly hid her emotions.

Worrying about the price huh?

"Don't worry I won't charge you too much but can you get me the books for translation I need to be heading into the merchants district before sunset." I'm cutting the time a bit too close and now I just need to get the work and leave.

she gave me a nod and headed back for the receptionist desk. The receptionist seemed a bit concerned as she looked in my direction.

I often got weird looks but somehow the way she stared at me annoyed me to the very core.

She too had a necklace hanging from her neck but instead of the white angel it appeared more like a black devil.

Mistress Erica? A faint voice in my head called out to me.

"what is it Dandelion?" I asked. I could see the receptionist pointing at me from the peripherals but I simply decided to ignore it.

Should I ready the carriage Mistress Erica?

Her voice grew fainter.

"Sure I'm coming out in a few minutes." I replied.

Dandelion was one of the marionettes in my possession, they were hard working puppets made from wood,metal or any other inanimate objects. She was the only one I created, the others were simply passed on to me from my master. Unlike her, who resided in a small doll-like wooden body, the others lived inside the rings I wore on my left hand. Each had their own individual uses, in fact the translation of texts was done by one such marionette called 'Frey'.

Soon the librarian came back with some documents tied with a string, I took them from her.

"Sorry but those documents are the only things I could give you." her eyes moved to the side in the direction of the receptionist.

she was obviously holding work but didn't want me to do it.

"She seemed fine working with someone from the opposing sect, so why?" I questioned, I honestly didn't expect an answer but I got one.

"She doesn't mind the white demon sect, it's just."

She gave me eyes that said 'you know the answer'.

"The red eyes." I sighed.

"I'm sorry for her behavior." she clasped her hand.

I simply made my way to the exit.

"My mother didn't accept me so I don't expect others to." I looked back, She still seemed a bit concerned.

"Don't worry I'll get these documents translated by tomorrow." with those words I left 'the library of the creators'.

Once outside I saw Dandelion caressing the heads of the horses.

Her clothes seemed dirtier than when I went inside, was she messing around again.

"DANDELION!!" I yelled, surprising her as well as the horses.

She seemed to have realized why I was angry as she tried hiding the dirty spots on her dress with her thin hands.

"Mi-Mistress Erica...I'm sorry." she seemed to be trying to pout but even with her movable cheeks it didn't gain her any sympathy from me.

"Every time I have to tell you, don't get your clothes dirty, but you just won't listen!" I made my way to the carriage cabin, at this point trying to correct her actions were of no use. She seemed to be incapable of any growth or discipline.

"I'm sorry." She apologized, then got on the carriage to rein the horses.

I also climbed into the cabin, it was one of the very few places that made me feel safe. Isolated from the outside world, it's walls were padded with comfortable sponge splendidly decorated by bright red cloth and golden pins to mark the depression in the square designs. The seat is made from shiny oak wood with just as comfortable songe bed. The only outside interaction there was from a small wooden window in front. The carriage was just as lavish from the outside bright red color and golden lines running from the front to the very back.

After putting the documents in a drawer under the seat I finally sat down.

"Dandelion, we should go now." Surprisingly, I got no response.

Did I go too harsh on her?

"Dandelion?" this time I asked softly.

I heard a sudden sound on the other end of the window and then it suddenly opened up.

"I-I'm sorry, M-Mistress…" she started to sob, being a marionette she didn't actually shed a tear but her glass eyes turned red.

No room for growth and this is the first time I've ever seen her cry. As an alchemist I'm a complete failure then.

"I'm sorry Dandy, I was just directing my anger at you." her sobbing stopped.

"I just met a really unpleasant person inside and I redirected my anger at you." in a second her expressions went from happy to anger, it was almost frightening.

"Who made Mistress Erica angry?" she clenched her fist and seemed quite determined.

With her body just half the size of me and her dollish clothes it was quite funny, much like a kid's anger it was somewhat charming.

I even let out a little laugh.

She seemed confused but she looked much better now.

"Dandelion, to the merchants district." I said chuckling all the while.

"Of course Mistress Erica!" That day for the first time I felt a bit free and perhaps Dandelion did too.