The Archive

The Archives are only for scholars or those previously approved by the Cirice...But maybe I can make an exception, provided you're not going to make too much noise. Okay?

[aitheinarchives]

You are rather handsome, librarian.

     “Handsome? Pertaining to which beauty standard? I know by Lipareinic standard I am not handsome. I know by Caltan standard, I may not be. What do you base your preference on?”

[aitheinarchives]

(The man is bright red with fury by this point). You are a TERRIBLE librarian! No manners!

“You can’t judge my ability as a librarian. I haven’t given you any book recommendations, referred you to any pieces that you have expressed interest in, nor told you to be quiet. Now, person, on the other hand. I might have to agree with you.”

[aitheinarchives]

Oh! Umm... Do you have a book on etiquette and social behavior in Nobiltiia?

“Yes, but between people to people, people to animals, people who are travelling to Nobilitia, or people from Nobilitia travelling to another country? These questions help you better than they do me. I’d not like for you to dally with a book that will not give you the correct information.”

[aitheinarchives]

I-! I swear to-! Is this really happening? Tell me. Your name. /Please!/

“Perhaps this is all a dream! Imagine! Me! In your dreams! I’m flattered! Though, not hugely flattered, as you don’t know my name. That’s unfortunate. Ah well, names in dreams don’t tend to stick anyway, do they?”

He wondered how long he could keep going before the person decided to explode.

[aitheinarchives]

... A book on basic conversation, please...

“Conversation varies not only from person to person, but from person to animal, person to plant, country to country. I can help you narrow down if you explain to me who it is you want to communicate to.”

He drummed his fingers on the desk, patient and waiting.

[aitheinarchives]

Oh for the love of- tell me your damned name, librarian!

“...No. You didn’t ask me very nicely.”

He was about to cackle.

[aitheinarchives]

Good Sophos, you are picky. Very well. May I ask for your name?

“You may ask. But I may not tell you. And that answer may be good enough for you, or it may not be. You’re not very talented at this whole ‘introductory question’ business, are you?”

He was admittedly starting to have fun.

[aitheinarchives]

My apologies, what was your name now again?

“Implying you asked. How can there be an ‘again’ when there was not a ‘first’? Perhaps what you need is a book on basic conversation.”

[aitheinarchives]

Listen, uh... (leans in, whispers) Do y'have any books on some common... Sweets? The... not legal type of sweet, if y'get what I mean... and how to, uh, make them. Yeah... F-for research! Haa...

“For...research.”

The librarian repeated, as if listening to a joke, letting the words wash over him.

“...Right.”

The librarian complied, fetching a book and setting it down on the counter in front of the stranger, eyes half lidded with disinterest.

“Do not remove this book, do not walk around with it. Sit, and read it by that table over there. Here.”

[aitheinarchives]

‘THE GODS AND THEIR DIVINE STORIES’ Translated by Aelius Bronst, 100:Crow

Sit and read?

[aitheinarchives]

‘THE CALTAN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICINAL DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS’ by Larelius Crudanil, 400:Crown.

Sit and read?