[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

[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?"

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Well honestly he expected people to be civilized. Regardless of the posted hours, tea time is tea time and despite this being America, he assumed that most people would know that at this time, a constitutional was in order for the weary laborer and one shouldn't just knock whenever they felt like.

Still he is a professional and so smiles at the interruption.

"I am. Please have a seat. I was just about to start my tea." He let that linger for a moment. "But I certainly wouldn't mind company." And if she were proper English she would apologize and say she couldn't possibly and relate her message or request and be on her way.

[rathersophistical]

As any civilized person knows, tea is taken at an approximate time, not a set time during the day. Also, since the vast majority of people in this town were not English she wasn't going to assume that he would follow traditional English habits.

Besides. He did say to visit during his consultation hours, which she certainly was doing.

Also. Don't say you'd like company of you don't want one to say. Why people couldn't just say what they meant and mean what they said was beyond her.

"Thank you, that's very kind."

She smiled, shutting the door behind her. Resting her umbrella against the wall, the parrot's beak pointed towards the rest of the room, she removed her hat, gloves, and coat and hung them properly on the hat rack. Finally, she crossed the room towards the offered chair.

"Allow me to start by introducing myself. I'm Mary Poppins. I'm afraid I didn't catch your name."

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Because he had adopted a polite society with certain social mores where one said what was appropriate for the situation. And ones inner thoughts, however irritated they might be, must never come to the surface and disrupt anyone else's peace of mind. So while he would like to snap his fingers and send her wheeling doorward, he instead gestured to the chair and brought the tea tray over with two wonderful hot yeasty buttery scones which was now obligated to share with company he didn't care for.

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Poppins." He shook her hand and settled in his chair. "I am the Principality Aziraphale. One lump or two?"

Now that he thought of it though the name was vaguely familiar. But it was probably nothing important so he dismissed it.

[rathersophistical]

She perched on the edge of the seat, back perfectly straight as a proper lady should sit.

"One, thank you."

Regarding him for a moment, she ruminated over his title.

"Principality, hmm? I take that to mean you're an angel? Since I've never addressed an angel before I'm afraid I don't know the proper way to do so. Perhaps you could be so kind as to educate me?"

[blessedarethebookmakers]

"I am indeed." Have a single sugar cube. For his own part he will take fou-- three. And a half. "Mr. Fell would be just fine. It's my human title anyway. Now." He settled back with a cup and saucer. "Tell me, how may I be of service?"

[rathersophistical]

She gently stirred her tea, her spoon never touching the sides of the cup. Once the sugar has properly melted, she ever so gingerly tapped the spoon on the edge of the cup before settling it on the saucer.

"Well, Mr. Fell, as you may have already realized, I am new to this place. If I am to stay here for an extended period of time, as seems to be the case, I would very much like to know more about it. In my experience, if one needs information it is in one's best interest to speak to a librarian."

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh...dear. He hadn't realized. He had thought to recommend a book and send people on their way, but it seemed he would be the font of information for many a wayward traveler. Oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound.

"You've come to the right place, my dear. I am at your disposal." However unfortunately. "There is a great deal of information to be imparted. So I suppose the best way to start off is by asking what you wish to know."

[rathersophistical]

Well it's not her fault he hadn't thought things all the way through.

She smiled happily. "Excellent!" It was always wonderful to hear that someone was willing to help. Especially someone with such wonderful manners. "I've read the manual, of course, but I find it lacking in information about this world. Not the geography, although that would be helpful as well, but more its history and customs."

She lifts her cup, blowing carefully on it before taking a small sip. Closing her eyes, she smiles, "Oh that is absolutely delightful."

[blessedarethebookmakers]

He did have fantastic manners, thank you. He had developed them very carefully through the centuries. It was always easier to be polite and not mean it than fake being sincere.

"Isn't it?" His feathers fluff. "A bit of the good old fashioned English Tea. I am a cocoa man usually myself. But sometimes one ought to just go back to the basics." He took a sip of the tea himself.

"As for that, well, the education is a little lacking I'm afraid. Most of the Kingdoms have been corrupted and are fairly unknown to us. Though you may talk to the citizens of Main Street, or perhaps even Dreamfinder or Merlin or the Tiki Birds for more. Main Street is certainly what we know the most of."

He leaned forward a bit and pitched his voice low.

"Which is to say the most egregious example of late nineteenth century early twentieth Americana that I've ever seen. The poor dears." He clicked his tongue. "But this is their library and you can find everything you wish to know about Main Street and more. Though there's little enough of interest.

There certainly is a feeling of nostalgia about the place and I wonder if it means anything." He shrugged. It was not his to reason why. It was his to compile information and parcel it out.

"The Jungle is the land we just purified and a bit of a different beast. I don't know much about it. I've not seen nor found any literature of the place. Perhaps I could commission someone to write a study, just so the information is present-- but I've no idea what we'll find. So in that area I can't be too much help."

[rathersophistical]

She smiles warmly, "Yes. Thank you ever so much for sharing. It's wonderful how much a cup of good English tea can lift one's spirits."

He is certainly the font of information she'd hoped he'd be. She listens closely, taking in every word and filing it away. She also notes the one name he did not mention as a potential source of more information. Interesting.

When he confirms her suspicions of the current setting she winces, "Oh! Egregious is right. It's dreadfully garish. But of course that's not our place to judge them too harshly, it is their home, after all. We're only just visitors."

She takes another sip of her tea and thinks for a moment. "I'd like to peruse the books, if I may, and borrow a few. But before I do," She gently sets her cup back into its saucer, "What is this corruption I keep hearing about? It's all been terribly vague."

[blessedarethebookmakers]

"Hm. Yes. Suppose you're right." Though, honestly, he always felt like a visitor. Like someone just outside of things. Even in Heaven-- well one certainly couldn't make a home there, could one? It was work work work all the time. Still he was pleased she had some taste after all, aside from her horrid visiting hours. Perhaps he could grow to like her.

"Feel free, my dear. So long as they are returned promptly. We run a strict system here." Because he didn't trust anyone not to go off willy nilly with them. "That is a bit harder of a question to answer, I'm afraid. I'm not entirely sure myself. I know that it's certainly not good. But nor is it evil. Per se. It doesn't seem a malevolent force because that implies intention. Perhaps it is more like some sort of sickness or absence of something. I do know that we, well, the Prince and Princess Class can purify it from creatures and lands alike. Though, Goodness, that is a trial. And having a Kingdom Spirit does help matters. Keeps things stable, I suppose.

Honestly, I don't ask questions, I'm afraid. I just do what I'm told."

[rathersophistical]

She looks slightly offended. And did the umbrella just scoff and roll its eyes? "I'll have you know that I am always prompt. Especially when library books are concerned. And I always insist that the children are the same."

At that moment another question came to her and she tilted her head curiously. "On that subject: I've been lead to believe there are children here. It's there any semblance of order for them or are they allowed to run about like savages?"

[blessedarethebookmakers]

"Well that's wonderful to hear, my dear. But you know it's quite rare." He sipped his tea. "Oh yes, actually. Webby and Leia...and Ivy too I believe. Several teenagers but..." he waved a hand. Goodness knew if they counted or not.

"Don't ask me. I avoid them when I can. I'm of the firm opinion that, barring crises situations of course, one of my station should let the little children come...to someone else." He grinned at his own little joke.

"Though I did sort of raise one for a time. Sort of. In a sense. Taught him a bit about animals and all sorts of things. It's too bad he turned out a bit of a git. But perhaps that's what all humans are deep down."

[rathersophistical]

"Hmm." She hummed disapprovingly. The thought that punctuality and respect for library books was rare was a rather disappointing one. While she was certainly a rare individual, it was not for how she treated books that were not her own.

"Webby, Leia, and Ivy." She repeated with a nod. What odd names... But that wasn't for her to judge. They couldn't help what nonsense their parents named them.

"It is a popular opinion that children should be seen and not heard. Of course, not everyone is suited to caring for children. That's why Nannys are important, after all." Her lips curled in a small smile at that. She was quite proud of what she did. Of course that smile disappeared as quickly as it came.

"Well. i never expected an angel to use such language. And I can assure you that is certainly not the case."

[blessedarethebookmakers]

"Oh I have no problem with them being heard, I just prefer not to have the responsibility of hearing them." He wasn't sure if Nannies were suitable for children or not. Though they certainly were useful so parents didn't have to spend time with them--or so it seemed to him.

He winced a little at the rebuke, but managed a tiny smile.

"I'm a bit of a rubbish angel I'm afraid. I'm a bit of an embarrassment to the force, if I'll be honest. But you seem to be a keen observer of human nature."

[rathersophistical]

"Hmm. You sound very much like Mr. Banks. Although not everyone is meant to be parents, or guardians as it were." Don't you dare talk bad about her passion, Aziraphale.

She smiled warmly at him, picking up her cup to take a sip of tea.

"Thank you very much, that's very kind of you. I'm sure you're a fine angel. Of course I have little basis for comparison."

[blessedarethebookmakers]

"I will agree to that." Though he resents sounding like anyone called Banks, just on principle.

"Hmh I appreciate your confidence, my dear." As misplaced as it was. "And I'm sure you're a very fine Nanny. Though I do wonder if the children will bow to your will. They're rather free around here and not precisely bound to any higher authority."

[rathersophistical]

Well he turned out fairly well in the end. Flying a kite with Michael and all that.

She smiled, giving him a nod. "Thank you. And I wouldn't expect them to bow to my will. Children do need some amount of freedom, of course, but how else will they learn to be independent adults? But there still must be order. One can be independent and still dress and behave properly, after all."

[blessedarethebookmakers]

"I suppose you're correct. It's not exactly my area of expertise." But he couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor creatures.

"Was there anything else you wished to know? Not that I'm trying to hurry you out." And he wasn't, she had already invaded tea time and there was no going back. "But I do like to get things done in one go."

[rathersophistical]

She gave him a firm nod, "Yes, well it is mine. We can't all be experts in all things, after all. I'm hardly an expert in angelic matters so I'll leave that to you."

His efficiency brought a smile to her face. She decided that she did like him, then, and resolved to come to the library more often. If he was the one in charge she had no doubt it would be run quite well.

"I quite agree. Better to do things properly before moving on than have to make several trips. Such a waste of time. I'd like to borrow some books on the history of this place and, perhaps, something on the magic here, assuming there's more to be learned than is available in the manual."

[blessedarethebookmakers]

"Well one can't exactly help being an expert when one is born that way. That is what I admire about humans most, you know, the ability to become self-taught, self defined. We generally exist on a binary." Either up or down and very little movement between unless it was plummeting.

"My thoughts exactly." A smile. "The history, unfortunately, begins and ends with Main Street and the environs. Almost nothing on magic other than the manual, and what there is merely talks about it as part of the history. For example, on this day the full moon caused thus and so. Which is why I'm looking for other volumes of interest. Especially from the jungle as, well, that is the only other place in which to procure such items at the moment. Though I imagine there is precious little."

[rathersophistical]

She smiled, inclining her head slightly. "In my experience, one can always learn. A tiger may not be able to change its stripes but it can learn to dance."

There was a sly twinkle in her eye as she stood, moving to retrieve her umbrella.

"Thank you for the tea and the information. This has been a wonderful conversation. Perhaps we could do this again. For now I think I'll take a look at the volumes available and select one or two to borrow."