This thread is for all RP taking place in the library. It is a very large room spanning two floors. It's well lit by skylights above and has rows of books towering on dark wood shelves. Study tables are neatly arranged in rows as well, each adorned with large, comfortable looking leather chairs and a gaslight to read by. There does not seem to be a librarian present, however there is a crystal ball on a pedestal in the center of the room. It sits on a red, velvet cushion with white, iridescent mist swirling within.

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 1):

As Gisela makes her way into the library, her breath catching in her throat as she can't help but look around wide-eyed at the hundreds or thousands of books.  One of the few on the island to value books and learning, her collection back home had been tiny, patched together by her mother's desires and her mentor's personal books.  So many books to read here!  So much knowledge and -

No, Gi needs to focus.  She has limited time to get the information she needs and formulate a plan.  She glances behind her to see if her co-conspirator follows along or if she is rightly scared off by the terrifying volumes?  Straightening, and letting AJ do as she chooses, she she makes her way towards the crystal ball, assuming maybe it took the place of the librarian?

But how do you activate it?  She touches it gently, trying figure out just how to make it work and feeling a hundred years behind the children who had once been her peers.

The undulating swirls in the crystal ball begin to take a shape. They become the head of a severe looking woman with curly hair, hued in an eerie blue light. "Can I help you?" she asks in a misty voice, eyes locked on Gi.

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 3):

Gisela pauses, her eyes going wide, too shocked to be afraid.  Still, she steps back a couple steps, as a face has literally appeared in the ball before her.  "Uhm, I apologize.  I didn't realize you were," she pauses, preventing herself from babbling.  A good impression was needed.  "I was actually trying to locate the archives. I have questions about the parole decree and some crimes from twelve years ago."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 12:32, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

"I know what you seek, Gisela O'Cuinn," the disembodied head says in a strangely foreboding way. "I am Madame Leota and I have overseen this library for centuries. The information you seek is... that way." She pointed with her eyes toward a row of book where further down the row she sees books seemingly floating off of a book cart and putting themselves back of their respective shelves.

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 5):

So, so many questions.  How did a floating head know her name or what she sought?  Why was she a floating head in a crystal orb?  How were those books shelving themselves?

"Thank you, Madame Leota," she states after a moment, giving a small curtsy, not quite sure of the protocol of addressing the orb-person.  She heads over to the shelf in question, or the row at least, and begins seeking books, scrolls, or anything that could give her the information she needs.  She can't help keeping looking back at the orb every so often, though, still trying to sort this mystery.

As Go reaches the end of the aisle, a cold chill falls over her. At the same time, a whispery voice echoes from seemingly no where. "Thissss wayyyyy" it hisses as the wall she stands near opens up like a secret door to reveal another room of books and desks in dim, flickering candlelight.

Suddenly a voice speaks from behind her. "Heading to the archives?" The voice belongs to a young man with long blonde hair. It hangs to frame his thin, angular face and purple eyes. His clothing is extremely bespoke and announces he likely has some importance, though he seems to have an easygoing smile and lack the haught you'd expect from someone noble and fairly blessed with good looks.

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 7):

Gisela starts to move towards the new room, not sure if it was going to be what she needed... or her tomb, but standing still would do her no good.  However, she pauses at the new voice, turning to see the speaker.  "Yes, I am.  At least, I assume that is what is in that room."  She tilts her head as she studies him a moment.  "I'm sorry, but you look very familiar.  I am Gisella, by the way."

He chuckles and shakes his head. "Sorry, I suppose I should introduce myself. Though no one around here seems surprised when I forget my manners. Everyone calls me Reese. It's... Maurice actually. I'm named for my grandfather but, while I appreciate the sentiment, that name has been a walking 'kick me' sign so, Reese, please." He bows slightly. "I like to hide in the library in between classes. It's quiet here because most kids are creeped out."

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 9):

Gisela instinctively gives a small curtsy in kind, a lesson learned the hard way.  "It is my first time here, but I can see why they'd be concerned.  Madame Leota certainly has a way..."  She offers a friendly smile as she glances at the books reshelving themselves and the doors randomly opening. "I would consider it worth the book access alone, however.  We only had a handful back home, half of that on etiquette.  Which is probably why AJ would be concerned whenever I forget my manners.  As much of a pleasure it is to meet you," Gisela says, surprised that the man isn't acting like the other males so far, but smart enough not to address it, "I have some research to do."

He chuckles and gestures her to go ahead. "I'm researching a paper as well so I'll join you if you don't mind." He looked behind himself in the direction of the mysterious head in the crystal ball. "Madam Leota is an odd one but she's not so bad. She usually doesn't allow new students into the archive so she must like you." He shrugged. "It's the ghosts that keep most students away."

Ilsa entered the library quietly, slipping through the bookstacks gracefully as she busied herself to look busy inspecting the books and certainly not keeping an eye on anyone who may or may not be in the library.

In reply to Isla (msg # 12):

"Ghosts?  Is that what's shelving the books?  I guess it makes more sense than magic."  Gi's eyes flit to Leota as she's mentioned, pausing on Isla a moment as she's spotted.  "And I shall have to thank Madame Leota later, in that case.  And, yes, you can join me of course.  I wouldn't stop you from doing research."  She doesn't really have issue with him following her into the room, but she does hope they have separate topics to research.  Hers involves her mother's crimes and trial, the decree, and the 'Lost Princess' information regarding her mother and Snow White.  "In fact, I think it's a great place for anyone from the Island to go if they have questions or need answers."  Her eyes are on Isla once more, offering to let the other join if she chooses, but leaves that up to her as she moves into the new room.

After a few seconds looking around, she turns to face Reese once more.  "At the risk of sounding foolish, we had less than a dozen books, so I have absolutely no idea how the organization system would work here.  Could you possibly explain it to me?"

Reese looked around and shrugged. "You just ask." He outstretched a hand and cleared his throat. "Volume 7 of Advanced Astrological Interpretation, if you'd be so kind?" A chill fell on the room that caused the hair to bristle on Gi's arms. But as though on command, a book levitated down from a high shelf and landed in his open palm. "See? Books that appear on command. Heaven," he explained with a chuckle.

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 14):

Gisela smiles politely as she shifts gears to figure out exactly what she needs to focus on.  Her current list of need-to-know is quite large, but she most likely has only one day to prepare.  To shorten the list, she needs information on the decree, the prophecy, the state of both parent's lands politically, physically, and economically, her crimes and her mother's crimes, as well as information on the lost princess of Buchholz, and current fashion.  The latter is to make a strong impression at the meal the next day.  So, where to start?

"May I please have a copy of the parole decree, all related documentation, and information on the prophecy that caused it?" she asks, faking certainty.  She doesn't know what all is available here, or if it has to be specific books, but it is at least a start?

Reese seats himself in a large wingback chair by the window and starts reading, seemingly giving Gi her privacy. Meanwhile, a large, heavy book floats down from a high shelf and drops onto the table in front of Gi with a loud thump. The cover if black leather and embossed in gold lettering that declares it 'Malus Reliqua: A Comprehensive History'. That's about the same time she hears muffled grumbling in her bag that sounds suspiciously like "let me out!".

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 16):

"Thank you," she states, not quite sure how to respond to a ghost.  She takes a seat, gingerly placing her backpack upon the table as she does.  She opens it to pull out Lex, the spellbook.  "Not a good time," she states softly, looking about and hoping upon hope no one else is paying attention to the talking book.

Moving it aside just a bit, not sure what the book would want next, she pulls the history book in front of her.  She opens it to see if there's a list of contents to make it simpler.  However, if there isn't, she'll flip it over and start from the back.  If it's a full history, then the events would be some of the most recent ones, theoretically.  As she does so, she speaks to her mother's book.

"Do you have any old entries from when Mother was tried or convicted?  We might need to be able to compare the two listings if you do."

There's a muffled huff of indignance as he tries to keep his voice low. "Not to put too fine a point on it, but you're barking up the wrong trees. If you think there are dishonest dealings afoot, why trust the archives? It's THEIR account of things."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:33, Tue 24 Aug 2021.

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 18):

Gisela keeps her voice low, both due to being in a library and not being alone.  There are ghosts and Reese about at the very least. "And where would you suggest I look?" Gisela asks, still flipping through the book, either based on index or from the back trying to find the right spot. "Firstly, I asked for your records as well and all you gave me was attitude.  I was there as well, but they're not going to take the word of an Islander who was six years old when she left."  She takes a deep breath and lets it out.  "I am fully aware these are their records.  It's their laws, their rules, their titles, written by the victors and likely heavily biased in their favor.  So, if I am to find a loophole, I have to do it within their framework.  And I can't poke holes in their lies and reasoning, if I don't know what it is.  And as I've only got until, at best, the welcome breakfast tomorrow, this is the only idea I have and I'm running out of time.  So, if you have a better suggestion, I'm listening."

Lexicon scoffs in his usual superior sounding fashion. "If I were usurping someone's throne, I'd try not to be obvious. Subterfuge is something house of White excels at. I'd bet my binding there's more to it than you'll find in these books."

He hems and haws for a moment, clearly thinking. "But I think you can stall the coronation. There's a quite archaic law that was invoked to attempt to keep the child Pendragon from taking the throne. A blooded regent may raise a call for a test of competency, of sorts. I recall it well and I highly doubt that blustering baboon could pass any of them. I doubt it would be upheld this day in age, but it would buy time. And it would be very satisfying to watch him fail."

In reply to Lexicon (msg # 20):

Gisela smirks at the though, despite herself. Remembering who she is, however, she shifts back to a more focused demeanor.  "I'm fully aware there's more than what is in these books.  I figure they suffice as a starting point and a basis to form a beginning defense.  And I'm sure it's an attempt at more, as they are in the process uniting three kingdoms, at least one of which has some of the largest tracts of land and innate magic."  She purses her lips and furrows her brows as she considers his thoughts.

"Okay, so tell me more about this law and how to enact it?  Because, if it's a regent, then I can't invoke it, can I?  I'd have to find some way to get my father or another person to enact it?  And how does that clear my name and title?"  She sounds very much like she intends to keep him off the thrown, but is also determined to have her own way as well with titles and such.

Lexicon made the humming sound of someone browsing through information. "Tomorrow at breakfast, you can challenge him, technically. Until he takes the throne, you're still a legitimate heir. Nothing is binding until AFTER his coronation. Though... if you're worried, your friend Dawn might second the challenge..." He added in a musing tone.

In reply to Lexicon (msg # 22):

Gisela takes in all the information she can find in the library book, her face paling further and further as she quickly begins putting two and two together.  "No, no no," she mutters to herself, dread growing in the pit of her stomach.  Her fears seem to be confirmed the more she reads.  There is no way around it, House of White is making a land grab, possibly consolidating power.  But the royal family of Buccholz is missing.  The entire royal family?  How could that be?  The king had run off the queen and princess, but remained with Snow White... who was now creepily married to Gisela's father.  That can't be a coincidence, especially since no one seems to know of the marriage? 


So, if it's the same Snow White, she'd be ancient.  So why would Father marry her?  And why turn the power over to the House of White when he had seven perfectly good heirs of his own?  It has to be magic.  But, there is absolutely no way she is letting that pompous brat take her homeland from her... or his family pull both countries to which she belonged.  No idea what the plan is long run, but it can't be allowed.  She even pushes away the thought of giving the prince the throne, and watching the land of Kintore destroy him itself - it knew its own - for his own safety.

"Perhaps she will.  I need allies.  This is wrong, so very wrong.  I found more than I needed here, and you thought it a waste of time.  You don't happen to have the prophecy in your records, do you?"  She continues, hands shaking as she continues delving into the worrisome thoughts.

She flips through the book once more, trying to locate the prophecy.    If she can, she'll look it over.  If not, she has to move on.  After all, she has, at best, twenty-four hours to get situated.  She closes the book eventually, before grabbing Lex and putting him gently back in her bag.

"Have a wonderful day," Gisela says politely to Reese, regaining composure, though still much paler than normal.  She absently wonders if he'd be of use in the situation, but is also uncertain whom to trust on the mainland.  AJ was the only one back home she'd fully trust, Wolf a close second.  Thinking of Wolf, she suddenly wonders if she can arrange a few minutes of quality time with Wolf's companion and her step-brother.... No, that was too long on the island talking.

Trying to center herself as she does, she makes her way from the archives and back into the main library looking for Isla.  Having already spotted her, she beelines for the other woman.  "Perfect, just the person I needed to see.  I am sorry to do this, but I was wondering if there is any possibility of scheduling a meeting with Quentin?"  Her words are even and calm, but her mind is racing and her hands still shaking slightly.

And then, she notices yet another newcomer in the library - Jack, the rabbit, and she starts doing mental calculations.

Jack strolled down the hall, hands in his pockets.  A restlessness had taken hold of him in the late hour, and he found himself in the hallways.  The threat loomed over his head, but he could not shake the events of the past few days.  Rest seemed to elude him - the moment he closed his eyes, he was awake again.  The night seemed to drag on interminably, as if to belay the horror that awaited the next morning.

He didn't fear being caught.  Quenten was on the loose, after all, it was only a matter of time before the infirmary was the center of attention on the campus.

He glanced down the side hallway, seeing the faint illumination spilling out of the library.  His thoughts wandered to Gisela, who had seemed to be one of the few not determined to get thrown back onto the ship home.  She had seemed determined to prove - something at least.

He turned down the corridor before he'd made the decision to at least look in on her.  He wasn't sure what help he could offer, but, well...

snap.  click.

... she had been at it awhile.

He slunk into the library, following the sounds of ruffling pages and the dim light at the reading tables.  He turned the corner of the stacks, caught short by the manic plea, the sight of Ilsa, and the sense that he had stumbled onto a vulnerable moment.  As her eyes locked onto him, he felt the fur on the back of his neck bristle.  Maybe this had been a bad idea.

"Mmh... I see... I am interrupting something..."

"Your favorite pastime Master Jack," Ilsa comments with kind smile and polite chuckle.

Turning her attention back to Gi she nods gracefully. "Oh I can't see that being a problem.  He's out galivanting at the moment but we can arrange something.  What, pray-tell, do you wish to discuss with him," the young woman asks innocently.

In reply to Isla (msg # 25):

"No, it's fine, Jack," Gisela states with a tight smile.  She isn't lying, just worried and processing everything she's figured out thus far.  She looks around the room otherwise

"As for Quentin, I wish to speak on a couple of things.  First, I'd like permission to borrow you, or at least your services for a short while.  I'd ask you directly, but politics and such."  She doesn't want to risk stepping on his toes by poaching his right-hand girl.  "And for him, I would like to discuss one of his favorite activities - the possibility of causing just enough chaos to see what happens and annoy the pretty boys at the same time."

She glances over at the rabbit, certain Jack wouldn't like the sound of that, but it can't be helped for now. "And finally, we need to see how to go about legally getting funds for a shopping trip before we are presented to a large council about to determine our fate."

"Borrow?  Am I just a tool to be passed around then," Isla teases as a brow crests over her left eye.  "Or maybe I'm a pet," she continues, mostly in good humor, before she let's up.  "I don't see that being a problem, and it shouldn't' be that hard to find him.  He said he was going to look for what passed as a challenge field on the mainland," she offered while her eyes flitted to Jack.  Everyone knew that Quinn had maintained a square in his gang's turf where anyone and everyone could be called out in challenge, and those usually didn't involve pie eating or trivia.

"As for funds, why don't you ask Arthur?  I think he was sweet on you," she teased again.

In reply to Isla (msg # 27):

"How about friend whose time is valuable and who could possibly be the source of contention if I don't run pulling you away by your leader first?  I really don't have time to be at odds with him currently."

At the mention of Arthur, however, her expression becomes more guarded.  She has no liking for the king, even if he seems nice enough.  "I believe you are mistaken.  He was polite, at best, but I do not recall anything more than civil protocol."  Her tone is still light, but there is concern as well.  Then again, she's been vaguely nervous the entire interaction.

"Besides, my father has funds, as I'm sure Q does and - by proxy - you, given he takes an interest in your well-being.  At least, I do until Pretty Princess Emeric has his way."  Maybe a little venom, but who could rightly blame her?

There was a sputtering laugh that quickly turned into a coughing fit to mask the fact that he'd been laughing. Reese leaned back in his chair. "Sorry, did you just call him pretty princess Emeric? Not that it's wrong but... harsh." He grinned as he got up, giving a half bow to Ilsa. "Mademoiselle." He quirked an eyebrow at Jack. "It talks... Not that I'm shocked. Where I'm from, even the candlesticks talk. The real trick is shutting him up."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:29, Sun 19 Sept 2021.

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 29):

Gisela can't help the smirk that crosses her face as Reese laughs.  Luckily, she's facing Isla and Jack rather than Reese, so only they get to see it before she schools her expression into one far more appropriate for dealing with a ranking noble.  She shifts to stand in a way she can see everyone before continuing.  "Isla, this is Reese, son of King Adam and Queen Belle."  She doesn't bother with last names, as she isn't sure how much nobility names they had, but hopes that they could pick out who Belle would relate to.  As they've been told that titles don't matter her, she doesn't include the 'Prince' before Reese.  "Reese, these are my friends, Isla and Jack."  Okay, so maybe they aren't all friends, but better a united show for the Islanders than anything divisive.

"And yes, I did.  If he insists on taking my title, I shall make full use of it."  She sincerely hopes that Lex is right, that she can delay and even prevent Emeric from taking the throne.  She'd die before he was her king.  Not that she expects to live long here on the mainland, especially as she intends to be making waves and her family hates her, but still means little to her for now.

"However, if you've heard that, you must have been listening in.  And may I ask how long you've been eavesdropping?"  She is less concerned about manners, or lack thereof in this case, and more so that he might tip off Her Royal Highness before the call can be made.

He ran a hand through his hair nervously. "Sorry, I just caught a bit. I was curious about why you were so interested in the laws. I am notoriously nosy. I hear I get it from my mother." He grinned. "Did you find everything you were looking for?"

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 31):

Gisela raises an eyebrow at him, confused.  She'd asked for a book on the parole decree and the prophecy around it.  Why would that be so interesting?  Of course, if he had been eavesdropping, he could have heard more of what Lex has to say, of course.  "You were surprised I'd want to know about the decree and prophecy that apparently control my life?  Or is it the fact I'd try to find out how and why I'm being stripped of my birthright, and my father of his kingdom?"  Nosy was one thing, but they were strangers to each other, except perhaps in passing as young children.  While she'd like to believe he's on the level, she can't trust anyone on the mainland.

"Regardless, no, I didn't find everything I need.  Just, perhaps, a way to buy some time and maybe save Emeric's life.  However, nothing is published about the prophecy, or any prophecy really."  She tries to not to sound too irritable, and she usually does a good job.  However, there is a million things to do, less than twenty-four hours to do them, and she may have just found a person in her way.

Her reputation on island isn't a big one.  She tries to stay off the radar and spends most of her time alone or with AJ.  She doesn't tend to pick fights.  That doesn't mean she's weak or one to be messed with, so the fact she seems to be willing to is perhaps a bit disconcerting.

He raised his gaze to Reese, the brow above his brown furred eye crawling up just a fraction of an inch, one ear canting slightly to the side, a nonplussed expression that matched the subtly bitter twist he put on his single word introduction.

"Charmed."

He tugged at his lapels, bowing his head politely, as befit the informality of the occasion.  His curved lips had pursed as he had listened to the conversation, one ear canting slightly to the side, before turning his gaze back to Gisela.

"If that's your aim, you had best hope the prophecy is both somewhere in print and particularly grisly.  Buying time is about the best you can hope for merely on paper, I would hazard."

Reese's brow creased with concern. "Books missing from the library? Mortal sin. Madame Leota wouldn't hear of it. They can't be missing." He looked at the far shelf and cleared his throat. "Prophecy of the Ancients, volume 7, please." There was a rush of cold air but as before, no book appeared. "Now THAT is worrying."

He looked at Jack and shook his head. "Grisly no. I can recite it from memory, if you trust it. Steel trap up there," he said with a chuckle as he tapped his temple. "When the skies turn to ash and the sea gives up her dead, fourteen pillars rise. Upon the great stone, writ with blood, a king there idly lies. Kingdoms lost will bend the knee and answer to the call. As evil rise up from the mount, Grimmaria shall fall."

He sighs and looks over at Gisella. "It foretells the end of Grimmaria. People are upset you're here. There's fourteen of you and... more than a few people think your return to the mainland heralds the death of us all." He threw his hands up. "Not me, of course. That's ridiculous."

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 34):

Gisela is visibly insulted as Reese questions what she's already discovered.  Say what you want, but she isn't the kind to go in half-cocked, as he'd already seen.  "I couldn't find any written prophecy in there."  She frowns as she considers, committing the prophecy to memory.  "Not necessarily the death of all.  Could represent change.  Grimmaria is a name, but only a name, made up of more names.  Even a small change could keep the people, but reinvent the land.  Hmm....  Kingdoms lost... Atlantis?  No, not the time."  Realizing she'd gone down a metaphoric rabbit hole, she reels back in a bit.

She shifts her attention to the rabbit.  "I only need to buy time to prove my suspicions.  Which means,"  She looks to Reese, "I may need some help at the banquet tomorrow.  I don't need someone to act on my behalf, I may need someone to second something for me.  Would you be willing?"

Isla pauses, frowning.  She counts silently on her fingers once, then again before shaking her head silently.  "I should go," she states finally, "if you are looking to speak with Quinn I should find him."

In reply to Isla (msg # 36):

Gi pauses, not having intended to run the girl off.  Sure, she has time-sensitive plans, but she doesn't want to alienate a friend.  She lets out a small sigh, not sure yet how to make this right.  "Oh.  Well, okay.  Care to find me after?  I stand by friendly shopping trip."  She does hope the other knows that she does see her as at least a good acquaintance, if not friend.

"Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't count, but that does leave one loose end unaccounted for." He gave Isla a bit of a side-eye, a faintly self-deprecating smirk pulling up half of his hare-lip.  "Besides, I'm sure we'll find out where Quentin is..."

click

He glanced at his watch, and his brow furrowed quizzically.  He reached up to wind it but found it tightly sprung, clicking quietly in its inexorable mechanical interval.

In a moment he caught himself trailing.

snap

"Any minute now.  Just listen for the stampede of gawkers.  And unwary disciplinarians."

Reese lit up with a lop-sided grin. "Are you kidding? I'm always up for a bit of mischief. One can't simply read about adventure all the time, eh?" he said, looking down at the rabbit. "Met many of the locals, have you? I have to say I'm a bit surprised. So many of them are scared of you lot I supposed they'd try to steer as clear of you as possible."

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 39):

"I don't usually seek out mischief.  That's usually my friend's job.  It always seems to find me, however."  And reading about adventure?  Who needed to with AJ as a bestie?  Things are always an adventure with her.  She hoped her friend is okay, though.  And she'd need to fill AJ in on the plan, too.  And get her invited shopping as well.

"They have no reason to be scared of us unless they give us a reason.  Well most of us.
 But then again, they created the so-called threat.  They have no one else to blame."
This message was last updated by the player at 04:28, Tue 19 Oct 2021.

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 40):

AJ enters the library like someone stepping into a church with some concerns of not so random lightning bolts occurring from the sky. For all that she had gone through tactical doctrine books and books on seafaring all her life she had spent as little time as possible actually in places where books were collected. If she stayed too long, someone might expect her to read other things.

And by someone she usually meant her abominable father or Gi...who both wanted her to learn more things for entirely different reasons.

A couple rows of printed torture into the library Aj smelled something strange...roasted chicken. It made her think of someone

"Drizz...is that you somewhere?"

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 41):

Drizz poked his head out from the top of a nearby shelf with a half eaten baked chicken in his mouth. A food in his face hole muffled meow later the large black cat was ducking back out of sight again to continue feasting on the treasure he stole from the kitchens just now.

In reply to Drizz (Cat) (msg # 42):

Aj chuckles. Of course that cursed cat was someplace close to Gi. He always seemed to be.

The pirate princess continues on looking around for either her friend or this Thatch guy among the shelves.

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 43):

"Speaking of my friend," Gisela states, catching AJ as she passed into the cross between shelves.  "Reese, this is my friend, AJ.  AJ, this is Reese.  We were just discussing the lack of prophecy and causing mischief.  Care to join?"

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 44):

AJ was feeling herself go down the rabbit hole a bit, and considering they had a descendent of the white rabbit with them that was an actual experience, as she walked the rows of books. She hated reading but that didn't mean she didn't know how to do it. In fact as a smaller child she had been forced to for large portions of her days as her father force fed her military history, doctrine and theory. She had always been drawn to the naval material but her dad was a hardened ground pounder type...

"Oh hey. Yeah sure, the Doc here is a total quack just like on the island. What do you mean a lack of prophecy though? I thought that was part of why were were here in the first place?"

A look of horrified nostalgia as she had been flicking looks around the books changed instantly to one of mystification.

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 45):

"Most of them are," Gisela says, unsurprised.  "And yes, the prophecy is exactly why we're here.  Which is why it is so interesting that all remnants of it have been removed from the library.  In fact, as far as I saw, all had been removed, not just this one. Reese here shared the prophecy with us, however, so I guess Sanderson's 'need to know' is now moot.  I can share with you over a shopping trip later, if you're so inclined?  After you've finished reeking havoc, of course.  But, dare I ask why you ventured into the library?"

"Knowing a few words, as communicated by hearsay, is not the same as having it in a written record, and the analysis of what it might mean by those who have had the need to study it."  One gloved thumb gently stroked over his chin as he rested one elbow on a folded arm.  "And the library staff being unwilling or unable to produce a text is not the same as that text not being in the library."

His upturned hand flicked out as he gave a halfhearted shrug.  He certainly did not have his chips placed on her table, but for someone who wanted to get to the bottom of what seemed like a curious circumstance, he didn't exactly want to see her outplayed because of her incuriosity.  A little productive distrust would be necessary until all the cards were revealed, after all.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Thu 04 Nov 2021.

In reply to Jack White (msg # 47):

AJ hedged a little but was basically telling the truth when she replies, "To find you...hopefully done with books...but I guess I didn't luck out."

Then to change the subject away from anything that might indicate she was looking for this mainland boy and the reasons she felt she was going crazy....

"From the sounds of it this prophecy is being kept a secret for a reason, probably because they don't like what it actually says. There are three basic ways to hide things from your enemies. Bury it someplace hidden and protected, disguise it in plain sight, or destroy it. The island existing suggests these snobs lean towards the hide it or destroy it methods. So it probably isn't in here."

AND if it wasn't in here maybe she could avoid looking through every book in this massive library to find it.

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 48):

"I assume they'd hide it away.  That's what they tend to do with anything they don't like.  Even so, there are other important things to consider and I am working under the assumption that we don't need to figure that out tonight.  I do, however, have more time sensitive issues I need to discuss with you.  I actually was on my way out when I spoke with Ilsa.  And now here we are.  I stand by the idea of a shopping trip to make sure we're prepared for the luncheon tomorrow."  Assuming, of course, she isn't murdered in her sleep before she is forced into the same room as her family.  On second thought, maybe that was preferable?  "Unless you have some other reason for being in here?  Or some overwhelming need to research?"

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 49):

AJ shakes her head violently at that suggestion, all thought of meeting this Thatch Kid gone, "Oh hell no! Let's blow this fish stand and get our shopping on! That's the fun part of having treasure right!"

She reaches out in fact and grabs her bestie by the clothes and practically starts to drag her out of the library!