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.