strangetrip | [GP / EP] Welcome to the Madonna Inn Expanded Public Library

Freedom from her bonds had given Illyana more than freedom of movement. It had returned to her the use of her magik and her ability to teleport. These abilities had, in turn, allowed her to finish making ready the library for public use. It was less about collecting books and media from around the premises (and some from Limbo, or donated collections harvested from the Otherworlds) and arranging shelving and seating, most of which had been relatively easily done. It was more a matter of laying the appropriate wards, and negotiating the finer points of the old-fashioned catalog and check-out system, which included odd donated items such as sporting equipment and electronic devices available for rental. Xavin's espresso machine counter necessitated a mini-bar refrigerator, glass-domed cake stands for assorted pastries brought in from the kitchen, and various cafe sundries.

Repurposed from what had been the 'Garden Room,' the library space with its high wooden ceilings, chandeliers, and landscape murals over busy floral carpet still looked somewhat like a touristy banquet hall, yet the area was now also highly saturated with layered magic. The hodgepodge collection of random books and so on were fiercely protected by these magics. When needed and as possible, worn volumes had been restored. The books could not be damaged nor marred from here on out, at least not by coffee spills nor page-tearing or inconsiderate attempts at margin notation. Nor would they leave the boundaries of the library area without proper dispensation, simply stopping mid-air and dropping should the attempt be made at the threshold. Ask at the Desk for Assistance With These Items, prompted the signs on several glass display cases featuring certain perhaps unsettling curiosities within - books in arcane languages, skulls from indeterminate creatures, and artifacts such as a green glowing cube suspended on a chain. At said desk, a gleaming service bell sat waiting, should the staff be needed and not clearly present.

Illyana finished affixing the large engraved plaque to the wall beside the double-doors, and then returned to attend the newly opened library with little fanfare:

Madonna Inn Expanded Public Library

Established ~01.25.2018 Earthly Gregorian Calendar

Open All Hours

Volunteer Staff on Duty as Schedules Allow

Classes & Tutoring for Most Subjects Available Upon Request

Donations Encouraged

Disruptive Patrons Will Be Zealously Evicted

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Illyana made a skeptical sound as she peered at the small screen. "The images are crude," she pointed out.

"I know!" Abby was still giddy. "That's what's so great. I mean you can see how bad it is, but it also makes you use your imagination. Instead of the pixelated look of green, I see Link, the brave warrior that saved the world."

The blonde failed to look convinced by this follow-up argument, but the woman's excitement was genuine. Hand-eye coordination, hmm? Even if Illyana didn't see the appeal, she did appreciate that it was a novel distraction in a place where those were in limited supply. Particularly for some of their younger residents.

"Are there other games that you would recommend for the devices we have here?"

"Well, you can't go wrong with any Mario Brothers or Donkey Kong." Abby advised. "Oooh and then there's the classic Pokemon. Not like the Pokeman that was going around before I came here. Uh, in 2016."

"Many of those words you just said are gibberish to me," Illyana admitted. "But I would strongly encourage you to log those titles on the requested items list at the circulation desk before you leave."

"I'll definitely do that and if you need help with anything game related at the library, I'll be happy to volunteer. I'm Abby Sciuto, by the way." She offered.

"Illyana Rasputin," the other introduced herself similarly. "If the games we have on hand are conducive and the residents are amenable, perhaps you can organize one of those tournaments for competitive play."

"Oh man, that's a great idea. I mean the board game was fun that Harry and Sam organized but this will give people that aren't used to that kind of stuff something else to do with their imaginations." Abby smiled. "Thanks for the suggestion, Illyana."

The blonde stared at her for a moment, scrutinizing Abby's level of sincerity. She decided that it appeared the cheer was genuine.

"Welcome to the library," Illyana told her, and turned to go.

[GP / EP] Welcome to the Madonna Inn Expanded Public Library

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