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Bibliophiles Unite!

Started by Zero, January 28, 2016, 07:49:39 AM

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Zero

"Good afternoon, Lyssa. I trust the day finds you well?" It was always polite to ask after someone's day and wellness, especially when one was remotely acquainted with them. Keiran gave a pleasant smile as he set the book on the desk before her. "As promised I am returning this book. My paper is complete thanks to your diligent care. I expect my professor will be quite pleased with the content."

His papers were always well-received, because he was a dedicated student and never turned in less than stellar and highly insightful studies on whatever has caught his interest at the time.

DragonSong

Lyssa took the book and slipped it into the "returns" cart to be put back in its proper place later. "I'm glad," she said with a small smile, meaning it, as she noted the return in her log book.

Chucking softly, she replied, "The day finds me very well, thank you." Her eyes sort of crinkled at the corners as she smiled at him. "And you? Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

Zero

"I am quite well, thank you. For now I have no research to conduct for a paper, but I was hoping you had a few book suggestions. Paper or not it is always good to read and take notes." Learning was a never-ending endeavor, Keiran hoped that in all his life he would never stop learning new things. There was certainly enough knowledge in the world to occupy a man for a lifetime or fifty, even one as studious as him.

There was also the fact that he was genuinely curious to see what Lyssa would recommend. He had rather high hopes that any tomes suggested would be of very high intellectual quality - and hopefully very interesting.


DragonSong

She positively beamed. "Actually," she began, reaching into the cart again and pulling out the book she'd been reading the day before. "I found this to be fascinating. It's a compilation of journal entries, so it's a bit different from traditional scholarly works, but there's some really interesting anecdotes about the wildlife she encountered."

She tilted her head then, pondering. "Have you read any of Dmitri Teve's work? He mostly works with dragons, but he has some interesting things to say about their cousins- basilisks and sea serpents and the like."

Zero

Keiran perked up with curiosity as she pulled out the compilation of journal entries. Scholarly texts were not usually so disjointed, but a book in this format was certainly not to be dismissed! "How delightful! It would be so exciting to be out in the world taking notes from first-hand experiences while all the information was fresh in your mind."

Not that a young lord should be out braving the wilds on such an expedition, but he thought it would be great fun to do it someday. Even if only once, just so he could have and treasure such an experience.

"I believe the college library has a couple of Dmitri Teve books on the shelves. Books on dragons, of course. Not to say that there is anything wrong with the study of dragons or the works of those that study them, but there are simply so very many books on them. Libraries become saturated with such books and leave no room on their shelves for books on less glorified beasts." There was a slightly sad lit to his voice when speaking of it.

DragonSong

Lyssa smiled at his reaction. If she were just a bit more daring, to be out in the world on such scholarly adventures would probably be her dream. It certainly sounded exciting.

She tilted her head slightly when he bemoaned the attitude of libraries toward works on dragons and nodded in understanding. It was true, even this library was a little dragon-centric as far as their magical beasts category went.

"Well, I believe we have all of Teve's books except for his most recent title- something about cockatrices. If you're still interested in basilisks, he has some interesting things to say. I'd recommend his works on sea serpents though, simply because they aren't many out there." She offered a small smile. "Would you like me to show you? We're having a slow day, and honestly I'm dying to get out from behind this desk."

Zero

"Cockatrices, you say? I hope you will be getting that book soon. When you do, you simply must tell me. The college library will undoubtedly neglect to pick it up since it has nothing to do with dragons and it would be so very interesting to read." Nothing excited him more than a new book to absorb. Especially a new book on a fantastical beast that was severely lacking in captivating field studies recorded.

"Well I think I remember the way, but if it gives you an excuse to get up and stretch your legs, then by all means, I would greatly enjoy the personal escort. You are a marvelous conversationalist. I must admit I was delightfully surprised to find such a learned librarian here." Keiran paused, considering what he had just said, then shook his head. "My apologies, I did not mean to imply that you would not be well-educated simply because you work at a non-college library."

DragonSong

"Oh." Lyssa flushed slightly as she stood. Moving around from behind the desk, she shook her head and gave him a quick smile. "No, that's alright, I'm not offended. I think I know what you mean." she shrug as she started off toward the proper section of shelves.

"I think a lot of people work here because it's quiet, and honestly not too strenuous. Even among my fellow librarians it's rare to find someone who enjoys talking about books as much as you seem to." She turned her head a bit to give him another small smile.

Zero

"That is sad, but far too common. Even at the college libraries the librarians and workers seem to only be there because they find the work easy and want to be paid. Not to say that there is something wrong with desiring compensation for their time, but they could at least have librarians that were passionate about books and knowledge. Sadly they do not." Keiran sighed ruefully, it was terribly droll to be complaining like this to the poor girl. She didn't need to hear all his woes on his less than satisfying experiences with librarians.

"At any rate, it was so nice to meet you yesterday. I am so happy to have found a librarian that genuinely takes an interest in the books they keep. The college libraries have served me well enough the past six years, but I think I will be coming here more often now. Not only is your selection astoundingly more complete, but the service is much better." Come to think of it, the walk off of campus was kind of nice.

DragonSong

Coming to a stop next to the shelf with Teve's works, Lyssa gave him a friendly smile. "Well, I'm sorry your experiences at the college libraries have been less than satisfactory, but I suppose their loss is our gain. It'll be nice to have another regular." Particularly one who actually enjoyed discussing books. Most of the students were too busy studying to make conversation.

"Anyway, Teve's books are on the center shelf here." She tapped the appropriate book shelf, reaching up to adjust her glasses with her other hand.

Zero

"Yes, it would seem that way. Lucky for me that they did not have the book I needed yesterday. I might have taken much longer to find this place." If he would have ever found it. After all, Keiran rarely ventured beyond the grounds of the different colleges. He didn't have a need to venture beyond the comfortable, cushy world of the upper class usually, although he would never have thought of it like that.

They came to the same section as the night before, and he let his eyes move over the shelf that Lyssa tapped. He brought his hands up to lightly run over the spines of Teve's books, a smile tugging at his lips. Finding the book on sea serpents, he pulled it from the shelf carefully.

"I think I will take your advice. After all, my paper on the basilisk is finished. Perhaps I will make sea serpents the focus of my next one." Keiran offered a delighted smile as he turned back to the helpful little librarian that really sold him on this public library experience. More than just the books themselves, which were impressive, it was how friendly and knowledgeable Lyssa was that would keep him coming back.

DragonSong

Lyssa smiled at his choice. "I'd love to read your research when you've written that paper. If you'd let me, of course," she added quickly, cheeks darkening a bit.

Shifting her weight from foot to foot, she glanced up at him and asked, perhaps a little hopefully, "Is there anything else I can help you with today?" She knew he was probably busy, but she couldn't help wanting him to stay a bit longer. It was so rare she got the chance to actually talk to someone like this.

Zero

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Peer review is very important and I am sure you will have some valuable feedback and insight to provide before I submit it to my professors." Keiran could have one of his fellow students read his work, and in the past he had, but he was interested in hearing what Lyssa would think of his research. Too bad he didn't have original research to show her.

Unfortunately that would require him to actually go out on his own research expedition. As tempting an idea as that was, Keiran just couldn't see his father permitting a potentially hazardous venture. It really was a shame.

"Actually you can. I am sure this book is very well-written and informative, but when conducting a research paper it is good to have multiple sources. Do you know of any other quality books on sea serpents?" Lyssa had said books on the creatures were rare, but hopefully there was at least one more that she could direct his attention to.

DragonSong

"Oh." Her face fell slightly and she bit her lip. "I'm afraid we don't anything that will offer more information than what that will offer you out here," she said, nodding to the book he already held.

then an idea struck her and her expression brightened a bit, eyes going thoughtful. "But... Actually, maybe I can help you with that. Follow me." She made her way back to her desk and rummaged around underneath it for a few moments until she emerged with an old key ring, a smile on her face.

"There are some rooms upstairs," she said, turning to Keiran. "Usually you need special permission to go in, but we're just looking for a book on sea serpents, nothing too magical or dangerous." Her smile widened and she nodded toward the stairs. "If you'll follow me?"

Zero

Keiran didn't let his small pang of disappointment show. Well, she had mentioned that it was a rare subject, and it certainly wasn't Lyssa's fault that there just wasn't a selection to choose from. It wasn't ideal, but he could probably write a paper with only a single reference book. Too bad he couldn't go out to do his own research. That would lend even more credibility to a paper.

Lyssa distracted him from his academic thoughts, bringing him back to the present. How could she help him with research without more books? Feeling curious, Keiran kept his ambiguous smile as he followed the petite librarian.

"Forbidden rooms? How very intriguing." He had no idea that the library had rooms ordinary visitors were not permitted in. As far as he knew, the college library had no such rooms. His curiosity was suddenly flared to life. Even so, he hesitated slightly, still clutching his current book protectively against his chest. "Are you certain that would be alright? I would hate for you to get in trouble on my account."

DragonSong

Lyssa smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure it'll be alright. The books that are...unconventional are marked, as long as we leave those alone everything will be fine."

Shaking her head, she added, "And it's no trouble, really. Honestly, I'm grateful for the excuse to get out from behind that desk."

Zero

"Well if you are quite sure, I have to admit that I am very curious to see these rooms." Books were little adventures without having to leave the safety of the library or one's home, but this was like a real mini-expedition.

Perhaps not as dangerous as venturing out to the wilds to study rare and savage beasts, but still fairly exciting for a nobleman that never left the comfort of civilization.

DragonSong

She grinned. "Follow me then." Swinging the keys idly from a hand that dangled by her hip, she led him up the stairs to the second level of the library, which was mostly a wrap around, indoor balcony lined with shelves, the occasional door visible through them.

Lyssa brought them to a door on the west end of the building and fiddled with the keys, trying to find the right one. Chuckling softly, she looked up at him and said wryly, "Is it embarrassing that I'm a little excited about this?"

Zero

With such curiosity and feeling a small thrill of adventure, how could Keiran do anything except follow Lyssa up the stairs to the second floor? Even as they made their way to the door she was looking for, he let his eyes drift over the books upon the shelves, scanning titles and breathing deeply of the unique smell of wonderfully old books.

"Not at all. I am a little excited myself. How thrilling to be going places we are not really supposed to go! I feel like I did as a little boy sneaking into the kitchen to filch pastries from Cookie." Ah, even a studious and good child could have his bad habits! Plus it was always Conrad's idea.

DragonSong

Lyssa giggled, raising a hand to cover her mouth. "Sorry, it's just- I would have imagined you as the obedient child, not the rebellious one," she murmured, eyes glinting a little playfully.

Finding the correct key, she drew in a soft breath and unlocked the door, pushing it open and then slipping into the room, standing aside so he could follow after her. "Well, here we are." Right where they weren't supposed to be.

It wasn't exactly a large room, but every single one of the walls was covered floor to ceiling with shelves upon shelves of books, with a long, rectangular table set in the center of the space. There were no chairs, and a few strange symbols scratched into the wood.

The librarian looked around curiously. She'd only really gotten a brief glance at the room before when she'd first been hired and her employer was showing her the ropes. She'd never had an excuse to come poking around again. With interest, she noticed that some of the books seemed to be chained to the shelves, as though taking caution against thieves.

It didn't occur to her the chains might be to subdue the books themselves.

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