Love Between a Lunar Vampire and a Luna Witch

All Souls College, Oxford, 2009

As the group continued their tour around Oxford University, the tour guide led them toward the magnificent Codrington Library, a hidden gem within All Souls College.

"Welcome to Codrington Library," the guide announced, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "This library, completed in 1751, was named after the generous benefactor, Christopher Codrington, who donated funds for its construction. It stands as a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture, designed by the renowned architect James Gibbs."

The group gazed up at the library's grand exterior, its tall columns and ornate details capturing their attention. "The library is home to an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts," the guide continued. "It houses over 180,000 volumes, some of which date back to the 16th century. Scholars from around the world come to study these invaluable texts."

As they entered the library, the warm, wooden interiors and the scent of aged paper enveloped them.

Lauren turned to the guide, her skepticism increasing. "What kind of books are in the Codrington Library?" she asked.

The guide smiled, clearly excited to share more. "The library boasts a diverse range of materials, including rare first editions, historical manuscripts, and unique collections on various subjects such as literature, history, and science. You'll find works by notable authors and scholars, many of whom have shaped the academic landscape. Additionally, there are special collections that focus on specific themes, such as travel literature and early printed books."

As they wandered deeper into the library, the group marveled at the sight of ancient texts displayed in glass cases, each telling its story of the past.

Lauren turned to her companions and asked, "Are the Ashmole books in the Codrington Library?"

Her question hung in the air, sparking curiosity among the group. "I believe some of them are," replied the tour guide.

"Let's continue on with the tour," the tour guide said, gesturing for the group to follow. They moved past rows of bookshelves, the smell of aged paper filling the air. "As you can see, many of these early printed books played a crucial role in the development of travel literature. They not only provided information but also inspired wanderlust in readers long before the age of modern travel."

The group paused to admire a particularly ornate volume, its cover adorned with intricate designs. "This book," the guide continued, "is one of the earliest examples of travel writing, detailing journeys through uncharted territories. It's fascinating to think about how different the world was back then and how these stories shaped perceptions of distant lands."

Lauren listened intently, her interest growing once again. She took a moment to absorb the guide's words before asking, "What other themes do you explore in this library?"

The guide smiled and replied, "We discuss the themes of exploration, cultural exchange, and the impact of storytelling on society. Each section of the library provides a different viewpoint, inviting visitors to reflect on how these narratives have influenced our understanding of the world today."

Then they continued on the tour. As they walked through the grand halls filled with books and artifacts, Lauren felt a sense of wonder. The guide led them to a section dedicated to exploration, where maps and journals from famous travelers adorned the walls. Lauren marveled at the stories behind each piece.

"Do you have a favorite story from this section?" She inquired, her mind racing.

The guide chuckled softly and said, "It's hard to choose just one, but I often find myself captivated by the journeys of early explorers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta. Their accounts tell of their travels and highlight the cultures they encountered, which ties back to our theme of cultural exchange."

Lauren nodded, absorbing the guide's passion for the subject. She felt grateful for the opportunity to learn in such an inspiring environment. As they moved to the next section, she couldn't help but wonder what other narratives awaited her in this treasure trove of knowledge.

As they departed the library, the group made their way toward New College Chapel. The guide continued to share fascinating stories about the chapel's history and architectural significance. Lauren listened intently, captivated by the intricate details of the building and the various cultural influences that shaped its design.

Upon arriving at the chapel, she marveled at the stunning stained glass windows that depicted scenes from both local and international history, a true testament to the theme of cultural exchange. The guide pointed out how the chapel served not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering space for diverse communities throughout the years.

Lauren felt a sense of connection to the stories being shared, realizing that each element of the chapel was a reflection of the myriad cultures that had intersected in this space. As she explored the chapel's serene interior, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was part of a larger narrative, one that spanned generations and geographical boundaries. The experience was not just educational; it was transformative, deepening her spiritual bond to it.

As they entered New College Chapel, Lauren sensed something profound in the air with her witch magic. The years of history enveloped her, and she felt an undeniable connection to the stories being shared. Each element of the chapel reflected the myriad cultures that had intersected in this sacred space. As she explored the serene interior, the feeling that she was part of a larger narrative took hold of her—a narrative that spanned generations and crossed geographical boundaries. This experience was not only educational; it was transformative, deepening her spiritual bond to the chapel and its rich history, as well as to an aspect of herself that she is not yet aware of. But she has no idea what it is.