The Snow Queen

Book Advice

hurricane-vida‌:

“That would be great. Any idea how soon they should be in?” She listened carefully as Elissa spoke about taking the shop over, grateful for any little crumb she could offer. She felt bolstered by Elissa’s support and decided to proceed as soon as she could. Vida nodded. Of course. Why hadn’t she thought of that? “Thanks. That’s actually a really good idea.” Remembering something else, she reached into her bag again and pulled out a form. “One more thing and I completely understand if you don’t want to do this. But, there’s a program at school and it’s very elite and requires a million things. Is there any way you could write a recommendation letter for me?” She placed the form on the counter between them.

“It should only take a couple of weeks.” Elissa said cheerfully. “I hope that’s soon enough. Unfortunately they’re a little rare.” She took the letter from Vida and looked it over. “Wow. Vida, this is very impressive.” She smiled. “I’m glad you’re going out for it, and I’m happy to write you the letter, though I doubt my opinion will carry much weight. I think you might have a better chance of mentioning this to the mayor as well. After all, what program could turn you down with a letter of recommendation from the mayor herself?”

#para #vida

glasswallmayor‌:

“Oh lost sounds perfect, should I have my way, we’ll never see that wretched book again.“ If she was being honest with herself, Regina wasn’t entirely sure why she hated the book so much. Sure it seemed to be making Henry dislike her, but there was something deeper, something that made her blood boil. She knew it was just a simple storybook, and honestly she could probably just burn it, but hiding it was the thought that kept persisting. “So we have a deal then?“

Elissa nodded. “Of course.” Now that Elissa had agreed, she was eager to have a look at this book. Maybe it was her love of literature or how it seemed to be affected Regina so strongly. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but there seemed to be a magnetic pull to this book, as if it held something..... No, no she would just have to put it out o her mind. The book would be in her shop soon enough and she could satisfy her curiosity then. “I’ll see you again soon, Madame-.....Regina.”

#para #regina #Elissa does not know what to do with this book lol

glasswallmayor‌:

Regina nodded curtly and pulled a twenty out. She handed it over while glancing around the store properly, it was quite nice, she should visit it more often. Well, she was going to if it meant Henry was properly distracted. “Keep the change dear, I dislike loose change.” She chuckled. “Tell me, where were you thinking of hiding the book? I anticipate I’ll be able to get it to you in a few days time.”

Elissa was shuffling through the bills in her drawers when Regina waved her hand to dismiss it. “Oh, thank you.” Elissa said, smiling. It didn’t seem like a large gesture, but every little bit helped. Her smile quickly faltered when Regina brought up the book again. “Oh, ehm....” She cleared her throat and thought about nooks and crannies in the shop where she could stow a book that she wanted to keep safely hidden. “Well, I have a storage closet, but I’m worried it would get lost in the stacks of books back there.”

Book Advice

“I actually came in for a couple of reasons. I need a couple of books for one of my business classes.” She rifled through her bag until she found the list that she’d made the night before. “And I was hoping that you might have something on taking over a business. I mean, I think I know generally what it entails, but I am mostly clueless about the legalities and all that.” She tucked a loose strand behind her ear before continuing. “I’ve been kinda playing around with the idea of buying the bar. I know that probably seems crazy, but I want to at least look into it before I abandon the idea.”

Elissa took the list from her and looked it over. “Sure, I can get you most of these. There are a couple I don’t have in stock, but I can order them.” She said, already walking over to the computer to search the books. When Vida mentioned taking over the bar, she looked up from the computer screen. “Vida, that’s wonderful. I’m all for women running businesses, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very much help in taking a business over from a current owner. It’s been quite a few years since I took over the bookstore, and I didn’t understand most of it when it was fresh.” She said. Thinking back, she was surprised to find she remembered hardly anything about taking over the shop. It felt almost like she had always run the shop. Her mind must be going more than she thought. “The only person I know who might be more familiar with the process is Mayor Mills. She’s sure to handle that sort of paperwork all of the time, and I imagine she could find a bit of time to help you navigate it all.”

#para #vida #how's that?

Book Advice

Vida opened the door and stepped into the book shop. The comforting smell of ink and pages drifted to her and made her sigh. She looked around but didn’t see anyone around. She rang the bell lightly on the desk.

Elissa heard the bell ring from the front of the shop, though she hadn’t heard anyone come in. The sound startled her out of her reverie. She’d been sorting books in the back, but had been taken in by one of the covers and had started to leaf through the pages. Leafing through became skimming and now she was three and a half chapters in. She tucked a bit of paper in between the pages and turned to face the front of the store. “I’m back here!” She said, hurrying to the front until she saw who it was that needed her. “Oh, Vida! How lovely! What brings you by today?”

#para #vida

glasswallmayor

elissa-aaron‌:

Elissa wasn’t sure it was the best idea to get involved in anyone’s business. Certainly not the mayor’s and her son’s. But after all, Regina had done so much for her. Elissa hardly felt that she could say no at this point. And really, what was holding on to one little book going to do in the long run? She nodded. “No, no, I’m sure you’re right. I’ll be happy to hold onto it for a little while.”

Regina flashed the woman a bright smile. “How kind of you, thank you Ms. Aaron.” She began moving back towards the register. “Now how much do I owe you for these?” She fished through her purse and pulled out her wallet, smiling at the blonde expectantly. The sooner she got Henry to walk away from this little obsession of his, the better.

#para #regina #no gif cuz mobile #also no cut bc mobile

Elissa scanned each of the comic books in turn, still unsure of her agreement to keep the book. Though she couldn't put her finger on it, something about the book made her nervous, like it was much more important that it seemed. But that was ridiculous. It was nothing more than a child's book of fairy stories. Elissa made her living on stories, always had. But they were just that. She totaled out the transaction on her register. "It comes to eighteen, forty one."

glasswallmayor‌:

Regina smiled and tucked the comics under her arm. “These will do nicely, and I shall definitely purchase more when he needs it. I’d rather him read comics than play video games.” She raised an eyebrow slowly. “It’s slowly poisoning my son against me, I think removing it from him is one of the best options. If you don’t want to keep it here I can find somewhere else to put it.”

Elissa wasn’t sure it was the best idea to get involved in anyone’s business. Certainly not the mayor’s and her son’s. But after all, Regina had done so much for her. Elissa hardly felt that she could say no at this point. And really, what was holding on to one little book going to do in the long run? She nodded. “No, no, I’m sure you’re right. I’ll be happy to hold onto it for a little while.”

glasswallmayor‌:

Regina watched the blonde as she sorted through the comics, tapping her food without thinking. When the store owner passed the comic up, Regina pulled it out of it’s sleeve and flipped through, seemed ok. “This will be fine, do you have any others like this?” She figured she’d buy him a few, that way he had plenty to distract him. A sudden thought popped into her head and she looked back down at Elissa. “If I get his book from him, will you hide it here?”

Elissa smiled. “Of course.” She bent back down and pulled out four more Thor comics before standing to face Regina. “This should keep him occupied for now, but I always have more if he’s interested.” She said. At Regina’s comment, she faltered. “Hide it? I, uh...” She laughed nervously. “Do you really think that will be necessary?”

#para #regina #oh dear #does my lack of comic knowledge show too badly?

glasswallmayor‌:

Regina put her hand out indicating for the blonde to lead. She couldn’t help but laugh at the other woman’s comments. “I’m starting to like you more and more Ms. Aaron. I completely agree, it isn’t her place and yet she insists and butting in where she doesn’t belong. I’ve debated taking him out of the school entirely and just hiring a private tutor, but his therapists insists school is good for him.”

When they reached the comic section, Elissa knelt down, leafing through the small selection of brightly colored stories until she found one that looked suitable. Thor: The Mighty Avenger. Standing back up, she handed Regina the glossy comic to inspect. “I don’t know much about comics myself, but I’ve read quite a bit about Thor in the original Norse Mythology. He’s a decent role model, though I trust that most of the drinking has been removed from the comic version.” She smiled, hoping that Regina would be happy with the choice.”

alice-day-dreamer:

“Oh, I could write you a list right now of things I’m looking for. I’d be careful with me.” Alice warned playfully. Bookworm was an understated title when it came to Alice if she had the money she might actually have enough bookshelf space for her books. “Wait, I’m not the only one?” Alice actually hadn’t heard anyone else complain before so this was very much a surprise. But she wasn’t always hanging out with her fellow students. “You have no idea how vindicated I feel right now.” she said smiling, “That man is a bore, I’d say it to his face if I wasn’t desperately after this education I’m so hell-bent on.”

“I’d happily take a list.” Elissa said, smiling. She was liking this girl more and more. “I can compile whatever books you want and you can come by to get them when you have time between classes.” She smiled and looked down at her lap, not wanting to seem overeager. “No, you’re certainly not the only one. I’ve heard several students complain about his teaching methods. I’ve never met him, but surely so many people with the same opinion can’t be wrong.” Elissa finally remembered the lunch in her lap and took a bite, giving herself time to think. “What do you plan on doing with your education once you finish?”

#para #alice

“Oh, hello. I, uhm...I wasn’t expecting visitors this late.... Are you okay?”

#convo #glasswall starter #glasswall open starter

glasswallmayor:

Regina placed her hand on her hip and tapped her foot in thought. “Hm, comics might be the way to win him back. Something with a good bit of action I’m sure, but still age appropriate. Do you have anything that matches that description in your shop?” When the blonde mentioned Henry’s teacher, Regina couldn’t help but scoff. “She’s part of the problem, Ms. Blanchard keeps encouraging him to explore his relationship with Ms. Swan.”

“I’m sure I can find something. Would you like to come back and look with me? I’m sure you know what he would like better than me.” She said, turning towards the shelves behind her. “We can pick out a few that he would like.” At Regina’s comment about Henry’s teacher, Elissa spun around. “Have you spoken to her about it? Forgive me for saying so, but it doesn’t seem like her place to encourage that kind of thing against your wishes.”

#para #regina #it's going well #a lot better than my last job :)#I imagine things are getting crazy for you with fall getting close

glasswallmayor:

Regina nodded slowly. “So if I find something new for him to fixate on, he’ll stop being so attached and fascinated with Ms. Swan?” She mulled the thought over for a moment. In truth she hadn’t been paying as much attention to him lately as she should have been so she was sure that didn’t help. Looking up at the other woman she gave a half smile. “Tell me Ms. Aaron, do you know what young boys are interested in lately? I don’t really let him watch much television, perhaps comics? I’ve given him money for some in the past.”

Elissa sighed, at a loss for what to say. “I’m not sure. I don’t have many young boys in the shop nowadays. They’ve moved onto bigger and better things, I suppose. Maybe video games? Something age appropriate, of course.” She shook her head. “I really do wish I could help you. I’m happy to show you some comics if you think he might be interested.” Elissa’s features softened as she had an idea. “What about Henry’s teacher. I’m sure she could be of more help than I could. She’s around Henry all day at school, after all.”

#para #regina #glad to have you back!#how's work been?

chesterpurr:

“See?“ he grinned, “There’s the ember of adventure within you after all.“ Almost everyone had some small blaze within them that yearned for something new, something different. “Hmm… Let me think.” he smiled, “I scaled Mount Kilimanjaro some years ago with my college friends. That was quite the adventure. It was so hot at the bottom yet freezing at the top.” he chuckled.

Elissa came very close to blushing at his comment. No one had ever told her that she was adventurous. She had done everything in her power to make sure she wasn’t seen that way. She turned and looked into his eyes as he described the memory. She could almost see him going back in time, watching the story unfold before his mind’s eye. She wished she had memories to go back to that weren’t accompanied by waves of panic and pain. “That sounds incredible. I’ve always wanted to go to Paris.” She confessed. “I know it’s cliche, but I hear it’s just so beautiful.”

#para #chester

chesterpurr:

“Ahh, but the paths we walk in life are very long and incredibly winding; it’s never wholly too late to step off to where the Gods and Monsters prowl.” he informed her with a small chuckle, keeping the matter light despite the topic, “You may surprise yourself. I try to shock myself as often as I can.” Though, sadly, it seemed he rarely did. “Hmm, well that’s a very large question.” He’d been quite a few places in his life, “Today it led me up a tree, and then it led me to you.” he said easily as they moved through the park, “Now it’s on another little adventure.”

“Perhaps.” Was all she said. “I do find that it’s nice to occasionally wander off the beaten path.” She turned to look at him. “Oh, well I know that much. Tell me about the most exciting place you’ve been. I think I’d quite like to hear an adventure story today before I go back to my quiet little shop. You’ll humor me, won’t you, Chester?” She grinned at him.

#para #flat chest

glasswallmayor:

She barely glanced at the books before turning her attention back to the blonde. “These better be damn riveting Ms. Aaron.” Her words were icy and sharp as she stared the blonde down. “That…nuisance has taken him to Granny’s for dinner. And without asking either. I just get a text from Henry saying she’s already picked him up, but I was working so I couldn’t get to him first.” It was almost visible the moment the air went out of her sales, the brunette practically deflated. “If I try to use the legal system against her she’ll find a way to paint me as the bad guy. I just want my son back.”

Elissa knew she needed to tread lightly. She could tell that Regina certainly wasn’t in the mood to be disagreed with, but she wasn’t sure what she could say that would make it better. “I’m sure he’s only interested in his birth mother right now because she’s new to him. He’ll realize soon that you’re the one who’s always been there for him.” In truth, Elissa didn’t know if this was the case. She had seen Henry around with this woman and seen the way he looked at her. Like some kind of savior. But uncertainty was the last thing the mayor needed now. “You won’t lose him.”