[video]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[he stands in front of a window, winter light streaming in around him and highlighting his white wings. Clever people may notice he's added another ring, silver and black on the fourth finger of his left hand as he folds them in front of him and beams. More than his usual polite interest, his eyes are shining and he looks positively radiant and may, in fact, be glowing just a hair.

When he speaks, his voice is like warm honey]

Hello, I'd like to take the time to welcome all the newcomers to our lovely little situation. It may seem odd and even frightening to be so far from home. You may feel overwhelmed by the task ahead of you and that you may not be able to accomplish healing the corruption that has blighted this land. But I can assure you, it's possible. Some of it has already been cleansed and purified.

How, you may ask?

Why, through our efforts. As a unit. As a group. A team even. Everyone has value and worth here. We are all able to contribute. And there are many here who would help you and guide you to settling in. Finding your way. I'd call upon Lydia if you needed a ready mind and an open ear. Or Eleanor or Richie if you wanted someone to drink and commiserate with. Michael is always splendid to talk to. If there are any children among you, Webby [goodness, what a name] and Leia are wonderful playmates. [so he assumes]

And there are plenty of others here to help.

As for me, I am your local librarian. [his grin widens as this is very new and not even Crowley knows it yet] The selection here is rather small and limited at the moment,but feel free to come in and browse and check out [his wings twitch a little at that] at your leisure. But do see the books are returned in a timely manner. After all, I know where you live. [a smile as if it's a joke]

To that end, I am offering a slight commission for any one who can bring me a book that they find in the wilds or wherever. If you're interested, please take stock of what the library already offers. I'm not interested in copies of mundane things here, but other sorts of books. They don't necessarily have to be non-fiction, but any sort of spell work, spell craft or magic theory that you can find I will pay top dollar for. And also limited or first editions.

[he is not sure where he'll get the top dollar, but nevermind]

Aside from that, welcome to all who have come.

If you have any questions or wish to seek the personal attentions of the head librarian, my consultation hours are posted on the office door.

Comments

[strangeandunusual]

[he's found his Thing. she is so happy for him, and it's more than just because he's learning to let other people help him do the helping. and a lot more than just the fact that she got name-dropped and is blushing like crazy about it. really. she's genuinely happy for him, and that is the absolute first thing that needs to be addressed.]

A librarian? Aziraphale, that's great! I'll keep my eyes out for you. I got a book about astrology for a Christmas present ... once I've finished it and taken notes, I'd be happy to donate it so other people can enjoy it.

[she has a feeling Missy won't mind as long as she makes it clear that she's reading it and getting her gift's worth first]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Mm! Yes, it is a bit exciting isn't it. It's all part of the plan. [and he is happy to have the first step done]

Oh well, I wouldn't take it from you, my dear. But perhaps we can copy it somehow! And of course some reimbursement is in the offing. [if not top dollar at least some dollar]

[strangeandunusual]

You have a plan, even. Well, good luck! I won't ask, I'd rather be surprised. Unless there's something else I can do to help, of course.

[she glances across the room, where the book is lying open on her nightstand to a bit about quantum theory]

As for the book ... copying it might work. I can even ask Mal if she knows any duplication spells.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh well. [he flushed] Thank you, my dear. But no. Aside from keeping an eye out for interesting books.

[he smiled a bit]

That should do nicely. How is your roommate by the way? Recovering nicely I hope?

[trashylittlesecret]

Commiseration, huh? You should probably warn them that I'm more likely to call it "bitching".

[really, he's not safe for work, new friends. not in the least]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Isn't that the same thing?

By the way, I'm dearly looking forward to your loaf. I hope you can find the time soon.

[trashylittlesecret]

Yeah, but some people get all uppity and shit about swearing. Y'know.

[like you do sometimes? aaaaaaanywaaaaaaaaay]

Funny you should mention that. I think I finally figured out how it goes. I wanted to give you one for Christmas but it came out as kind of a brick, so I had to mess with it a little more. I'll go get another can of coffee from the Emporium today and give it another shot.

[Sarah Jane was going to really start wondering why they had so many Tupperware containers of coffee in the cupboards at this point.]

[video]

[serpentinthegarden]

You're doing the whole glowing in front of the window thing again. [ The demon observed while brushing at his muttonchops. The new/old look had lingered on after the party as the locals did seem to take to it. A well dressed guy with a fancy foreign accent was afforded more respect than the oddly dressed fellow who insisted everyone else was out of step with fashion. Most never suspected he worked as a simple cashier and occasional dessert cook at the local candy shop. Without that white apron he was like a totally different person. ] You as a Librarian! That fits... Some how I can't see you happy anywhere if you weren't surrounded by books. Ever checked the castle for magic books? There are a lot of rooms there and no one to say 'boo' if some of them ended up in your collection.

[video]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh! [it was quite a shock to the system to see Crowley with his old fashioned mutton chops and dressed in a well tailored coat with that hat. Well, everything Crowley wore was well tailored. But the nostalgia of it and the way he was all put together in those dark colors! Aziraphale could only imagine burying his hands under that coat and leaning against his vest as he murmured in his ear, feeling the brush of those mutton chops on his cheek.

Even back then he used to...well not hope....but he did have one very particular daydream--

That Crowley certainly didn't need to know about.

What was the conversation again?]

Glowing? [he put his hands to his heated cheeks, trying to contain himself even as his feathers fluffed everywhere.] Oh dear. Yes I suppose I am.

Oh dear.

I suppose I could go castle spelunking. It might be fun. Though honestly I feel like I've been through every room. Of course... [he gives Crowley a look] I couldn't possibly do it alone.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ It wasn't like he could read the angel's thoughts exactly but Crowley did allow himself a wistful moment of imagining what Aziraphale could be thinking. From the glowing, to the blush, that absolutely adorable 'oh dear'... repeated even... to the wings fluffed out like they were just waiting for him to fall into them. Mm, that was what he imagined anyway and with one of those overly pleased with himself sneers. ] Always up for a bit of breaking and entering. [ Even if that wasn't entirely what they were doing. ] Meet you at the castle gates?

text only

[takeitsleazy]

[he won't say anything over the network, but someone is still absolutely tickled pink that he got called 'splendid'. he does, however, send Aziraphale a text]

I have The Book of Dougs. But I'm not sure if it would be of much use to anyone here.

ext only

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Well, you never know! Anyway books don't need use to be considered precious. I'd like to see it if ever you've a mind.

[takeitsleazy]

You're right, they don't. I guess I never thought of it that way. I'll bring it by during your office hours sometime, then. Or maybe we can have brunch. I've still never actually had a brunch. Just breakfast. Or lunch. Never anything that was both. It sounds like such a fun concept, and I thought: 'if anyone knows how to have brunch, it's probably Aziraphale'.

[creepyoldguy]

Hi.

Do you want a book only dead people can open?

Because, otherwise, I’m probably just gonna do a puppet show with it.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Perhaps. [his wings shift a bit] In order for any payment to be transferred I'd have to ascertain the authenticity of it. Or that it is, in fact, a book-- and not some pages you've glued together.

[as he wasn't born yesterday. Or at all really]

[creepyoldguy]

[Holds up his copy of The Handbook for the Recently Deceased
]

The rule book for newly-deads. It has helpful diagrams and everything. And it smells all musty and old book like.

[video]

[az_shrimp_horny]

[... she'd feel offended if this was anyone else.]

From training help to drinks and an ear. Yeah that sounds about right.

[She chuckles, shaking her head.]

Librarian, huh? That sounds perfect for you. It'll be the best organized library ever.

[video]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

It's but a step on the road, my dear. And yes it could do with a great deal of organization. Dewey Decimal is far overrated in my opinion and it could do with a good overhaul. [one that would involve shifting several more valuable volumes into shadowy uncomfortable recesses]

I expect you'll pop round now and again?

[az_shrimp_horny]

Yeah you lost me. Gotta say, I don't think I've ever voluntarily walked into a library. You don't wanna know what happens in Arizona libraries after hours. But I'd make an exception for you.

[He's never sounded more like Chidi than that moment. It's eerie.]

[rathersophistical]

Refusing to use that ridiculous mirror, Mary will instead endeavor to visit Aziraphale in the library during his posted consultation hours. When she arrived she knocked politely on the door.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Who in the world could it be at this hour. It was nearly teatime and Aziraphale was just getting ready for a nice jasmine and a plate of hot buttered scones which he would have to share. Bother. He did hide the very expensive chocolates and said:

"Come in." Hoping that whomever it was was just stopping by for a quick message and then to be on their way.

[rathersophistical]

When one has posted office hours it's reasonable to expect them to be there during those times. It's hardly her fault that he decided to take a break for tea and neglected to put up a sign.

The door opened and a lovely Victorian woman stepped through. Her hat was angled fashionably over one eye, her bright blue coat buttoned against the chill of the January air. Her fingers lightly held the neck of an umbrella with an intricately carved parrot head topping the handle. When she spotted the well dressed man she smiled brightly.

"Hello. Would you happen to be the librarian?"

[sitt_hakim]

[The winged fellow's speech consumed so many minutes that it was on the verge of surpassing one of Ramses's lectures though it was not quite as pedantic. Although, she supposed that he had the best of intentions she admittedly disregarded most of what was said. In time she would find those that she could consider among her friends and companions but it would have to come from her own interactions with them and not solely based on someone else's recommendations.

The hours that were listed reminded her of the director of the antiquities department in Egypt. The inconsistencies ideally would not bleed into his bookkeeping as Maspero's did into the manner in which he stored and cataloged the very objects he was trying to protect. It might have been more prudent to make a personal call on the librarian however he had addressed them via the mirror network, so she would return the gesture in kind]

Good afternoon. I would like to thank you for the sentiments and suggestions you have expressed- however I would also like to reassure you that as one of the new arrivals, as it were, I am not personally one who is susceptible to falling into hysterics or being overcome by vapors. [Ie. some of the feminine examples of her time did seem to be more prone to fainting..... possibly due to the constraining nature of the corset]

Forgive me if I somehow missed it, but you seem to have mentioned your position but not your name. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh, of course not, my dear. Quite old fashioned notions, I must say. Though I am overcome by the vapors from time to time myself. Usually in steam baths. [he chuckles to himself, appreciative of his own pun]

But no, I am quite confident of your strength of character and will. Otherwise you'd not be here.

My name is Aziraphale. But you may call me Mr. Fell. And you are?

[sitt_hakim]

[As colorful as that imagery was- Amelia didn't really think that a steam bath was an appropriate source for conversation in mixed company. Rather than pointing this out however she just let that thread of the conversation end on it's own. As harmless as the attempt at humor was, it would not have been as well-received by certain parties were they here. At least he did not contribute to the further denigration usually directed towards those of her gender even going so far as to call such assumptions old-fashioned. That elevated the man in her opinion.]

So it is your belief that that contraption is capable of discerning whom it draws through it? [Questioning how he could know with such certainty but also genuinely curious whether that were even possible]

I am Mrs. Amelia Peabody Emerson. [Although her name was not hyphenated there was someone who regularly referred to her by her maiden name. That was why she was making a point of including it, in case Emerson ever showed up and sought her out. It would make it so much easier for others to direct him to her if they had at least heard the name before] A pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Fell. [His full name was a bit of a mouthful so she appreciated the shortening thereof. The longer version however seemed to compliment his..... snowy white wings? Did this man truly have wings?]