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

[st_opsummoningme]

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

Comments

Re: Illyana & Vex

[st_opsummoningme]

"It isn't counting pinecones in the forest, but I manage," Illyana parried dryly.

Re: Illyana & Vex

[st_ubby]

Vex raised an eyebrow. "Not accustomed to people acknowledging your abilities? That's a shame."

Re: Illyana & Vex

[st_opsummoningme]

That was a strange leap to make, but Illyana just tipped a shoulder to shrug. She was starting to feel that she was being baited, and that grew tiresome. "I know their worth. It's more convenient if others come to appreciate their value, but actions are more likely to prove themselves to strangers than words." She gestured at the library around them.

Re: Illyana & Vex

[st_ubby]

Not baiting, well, possibly Vex's last response. Slightly. And probably when she called her 'voluntary archivist'. Mostly she'd been attempting to speak in a manner the librarian would appreciate, but perhaps the woman was harder to read than she appeared. Either way, Vex gave a small shrug of her own.

"Actions and words both have their place, but I know a centralized library will be appreciated by many. Including me, if there are resources of interest, but perhaps it's better I explore for myself, and let you get back to your work. Librarians are the same in many worlds, it seems." Jealous with their books and knowledge.

Re: Illyana & Vex

[st_opsummoningme]

"I take that to mean that librarians across the various worlds are inquisitive, knowledgeable, industrious," Illyana proposed. "And in possession of a book that would offer you some insight regarding rakshasas."

Re: Illyana & Vex

[st_ubby]

"Something like that." Being in possession of such a book and being willing to direct Vex to it were very different things, and from Illyana's behavior Vex still wasn't sure of the first part. Let alone the second. Being direct had had mixed results, but she could make a last attempt.

"If you are in possession of such a book and would direct me to it, that would be appreciated. If not, it's probably better for both of us if I explore the collection for myself." She could also ask Trinket to help. Wonder what the Sorceress Supreme would think about that.