(no subject)

[celestial_mongoose]

Oh what a lovely day this has been. I've just received a wonderful gift of books that I thought would be lost to me forever. Oh, happy day! I've only just finished re-reading my favourite Wilde novel, and have already locked it away in a safe environment with the other book that was found for me. So imagine my surprise when I happen upon another set of books in my flat. Unfamiliar to me, however. They appear to be encyclopedias of some sort, of some far off fantasy land. Wonderful read, I must say, very curious. They contain some fascinating articles that would be marvelous for a story of some kind.

Philosopher's stones and alchemy, and the thrilling war of Ishval. I've been reading it for hours, though I don't believe these books are mine. I apologise to whomever these lovely things belong to, but if you don't mind, I should like to read a little more before returning them

Comments

[librariansheart]

Ah! An encyclopedia set? 32 volumes, bound in worn, red leather? I think those are mine!

There's one way to know... Check for me, inside the cover of the "S" volume, is there a hand-written note? It should be addressed to "My best student".

[celestial_mongoose]

Oh, my dear I do believe these are just as you describe. Heavens, I do apologise for thumbing through your things. I assure you that my intentions were of no ill.

[librariansheart]

Oh, no, that's quite all right! I'm just glad that you found them! Or that they're here at all, really. If you'd like to continue reading through them, I certainly don't mind. I was just going to look up some things about the sorts of plants and animals that are usually found in this sort of climate. I think I can find that much at the local library, as remiss as it is on more fantastic topics.

[celestial_mongoose]

It is quite a shame, isn't it? But oh, to have found someone with an enthusiasm for literature! My associate thinks it silly that I'm so attached to these silly old things.

[librariansheart]

It's really very sad. They don't seem to have any relaxation stories at all, let alone deconstructions, or utopias... They don't even have their own creation myths written down, as far as I can tell.

No, I don't find it silly at all! These are our lives, our histories... You can discover so much about a person or a culture by reading their books! Let alone, of course, that they're a wonderful way to enjoy your free time.

[celestial_mongoose]

Well, one of the better ways, perhaps. I often find that some of the facts are horribly skewed and completely inaccurate in the history books. They do make for an interesting introspective into the minds of the generations who wrote them.

I would love to lend you my copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray, but I'm afraid that it's... um.. it's quite old and getting to be very fragile. I do hope that you'll forgive me.

[librariansheart]

Mm, yes, it wouldn't surprise me to find that histories changed to fit the victors. I imagine that the Ishvalans would have a very different view of the Ishvalan Civil War.

I don't believe I've read that one before! But no, of course, I completely understand. I'd hate to be responsible for anything happening to it. I don't suppose there's another copy on the island.

[celestial_mongoose]

No, I'm afraid not. Believe me, it was the first thing I looked for when I arrived and found myself rather without my collection of tomes and novels. You can only imagine my dismay when I discovered that my vast collection of ages old books had gone missing.

[librariansheart]

Mm. It does make you feel a little... well, a little naked, doesn't it? Or at the very least, lonely. All those friends, suddenly gone. I find I'm really missing the smell of them. Isn't that silly? I didn't realize how much my apartment smelled of books until suddenly I had to live without them. It's not really home without it.

[celestial_mongoose]

Why, yes it rather does feel that way, I suppose.

My apologies if I sound as though I'm being somewhat forward, but if you would like to pick up your books, I would certainly like to put on some tea and discuss such things further. I believe we may have a common interest, and, if I may say so, it has been far too long since I've met someone so enthusiastic about my favourite hobby.

[librariansheart]

Oh! That sounds very enjoyable, thank you! I'd love to come. Shall I bring something to eat?

[celestial_mongoose]

Only if you choose to. Although... some pastries might be good.

[librariansheart]

I did find a lovely little bakery the other day... Donuts, or turnovers? Filled or not?

[celestial_mongoose]

Oh... a turnover would be simply lovely! Filled, if you wouldn't mind, my dear.

[librariansheart]

I think I saw cherry, apple and chocolate. Maybe I'll get a little selection.

When would you like to meet, and where?

[celestial_mongoose]

Ah. South. 402 if you please. I've just put the kettle to boil, so the tea should be well and ready by the time you arrive.

[librariansheart]

I'll just run down and pick up those turnovers, then, and I'll be right there!

[celestial_mongoose]

Splendid. I find myself rather excited!

[Action]

[librariansheart]

[Standing in front of the proper door, Sheska shifted the be-ribboned box of pastries to her other arm. Hopefully she wasn't running too late... She was a little out of breath from running up the stairs, but a few deep breaths should cure that. Putting on a bright smile, and belatedly wondering if she shouldn't have changed her jeans for a skirt, she knocked.]

[Action]

[celestial_mongoose]

[Aziraphale answered promptly, a warm, polite smile on his face.]

Ah, there you are. Come in, come in, please.

[He stepped aside for her, opening the door wide and ushering her in with a gesture.]

Forgive my rudeness, but I don't believe that I asked your name, Madam.

[Action]

[librariansheart]

[Madam? Sheska blushed an alarming shade of pink. Madam. How sweet. And ridiculous! She was really no one special. And for goodness' sake, why hadn't she introduced herself earlier? Appalling, her lack of manners. She bowed quickly, just remembering to keep the box right-side up.]

Ah! I'm Sheska, Sir. I'm so sorry, how rude of me!

[She nervously slipped inside, bobbing another little apologetic bow.]

Ah, may I ask your name, Sir? I really should have asked earlier.

[Action]

[celestial_mongoose]

[ Oh how delightfully polite she was! And such a dear. ]

Yes, of course. You may call me Mr. Fell, if you please. My apologies for not offering it sooner.

[ He swept a hand back behind him toward the dining room table where a stack of books lay organised by volume. ]

Please, make yourself comfortable. These are yours, yes?

[Action]

[librariansheart]

[He spoke just like some of those nobles in her novels! Should she maybe have been a little less informal? Too late now...]

Oh, it's no trouble, really. I-- Oh, my encyclopedia!

[She lit up like it was Christmas morning, moving quickly over to the table and setting down her box well away from her precious books. They were all there, in their well-loved, wonderful familiarity. It was almost enough to make her cry. She beamed at them, carefully lifting her favorite volume and caressing the spine. She shot a somewhat guilty look at her host, but still raised the book near her nose, closing her eyes as she inhaled deeply. Oh heaven. She knew everything about these books. From the dog-ears left by the previous owner, to the marginalia in the neat hand of her school teacher, adding to the facts from the older printing.]

Oh yes... These are definitely mine. Thank you so much for finding them. And for keeping them!

Re: [Action]

[celestial_mongoose]

[ Aziraphale smiled at Sheska, watching her fawn and care for her books, just as he might have, and indeed did when he found them in Crowley's flat. But there's something incredibly endearing and charming about her reaction and the way she touches, looks at, and even smells the things. It would warm his heart, had he one to warm. What a dear. ]

Absolutely. It was my greatest honour. I'm only glad that you did not mind sharing them with me. They are fascinating volumes, to be sure, and you are a very lucky girl to have them.

[Action]

[librariansheart]

I really am.

[It was the tone of voice one might here from a besotted newlywed speaking of their new spouse, and the same warm, soft smile directed at the object of her affection.]

I never expected I'd see them again, given that we're so cut off from everything we knew before. Or, at least, I am. Really, these turning up just makes everything more confusing, but I'm still very grateful for them.