[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

[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?

[strangeandunusual]

I will, absolutely. ... And she's okay! Still working at the hairdresser and looking for anyone who might want her to paint something for them.

Actually, you reminded me: is there anything that used to affect you, before you came here, that doesn't anymore? Or the other way around? Sleep spells used to not work on Mal at all, I guess. She was really surprised when she found out she'd been under one, and it got us thinking that people should probably ... know that things might have changed.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

If I hear of anyone I shall pass it along.

Oh... What hasn't. [he rolls his eyes in an exasperated at the universe way]

I am an angel, my dear. I'm not used to being so limited here. Needing to sleep and eat and all of those things. [he did like to eat but...] I would imagine that, by now, most would know. But not the new arrivals perhaps. You could speak to them?

[strangeandunusual]

Definitely. [she nods at his suggestion.]

I guess I didn't know angels didn't need to sleep, usually. [no wonder he always acted like people were wasting his time. from his perspective he had half as much of it]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

We're above such things of course. After all, only the Almighty has more power than we. Mind you, it is a vast gulf. Compared to her we are raindrops to her mighty ocean. [a fact more angels could stand to recognize]

Anyway, I do see the appeal in a sense. It's wonderful to wake up in the morning and know you don't have to.

[strangeandunusual]

Sometimes it's nice, yeah. My favorite mornings are just when it starts to be fall, and it's just cold enough that staying under the blankets is a little bit warmer. This time of year, though? I never want to get up unless I leave my slippers and my bathrobe right by the bed. It's so cold.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh yes, those are quite lovely. I've been enjoying this winter quite honestly. Especially when... [he clears his throat and flushes] You have an especially warm blanket. [with long gangly limbs and sweet breath]

It's a pity that these rooms don't come with large fireplaces as well. Nothing says cheer like a good old fashioned fireplace.

[strangeandunusual]

[gross. she's not touching that one.]

Our house had a great big fireplace. I loved it, until Delia remodeled the living room and made the mantel look like it should have, I don't know, human sacrifices done on it. It had this gorgeous old wooden frame like you see in picture books, with a mirror over it ... and she tore it all down and changed it.

[she makes a face] If you get a fireplace, you should get one of the really nice ones. Not something like what she did.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh certainly it will be one with taste and class. I may just wish it up myself and save the trouble. Though it seems out of keeping with these...rooms. I cannot wait to find somewhere new to lodge.

[he doesn't honestly wish to know about the human sacrifices so will tactfully not mention it]

[strangeandunusual]

I didn't even realize we could live anywhere else. I don't blame you for wanting someplace different, though. You've always been a pretty private person.

[in respect for that particular detail, she won't even ask him where he's looking, though she IS very curious about where else Apprentices could even live]

I hope you and Crowley find someplace that you both really like.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh I'm sure there must be somewhere. Certainly not here or the jungle. But there are other places which seem sorely tempting. I'm sure we'll find something absolutely perfect. [and if not, they shall build it]

[strangeandunusual]

Good luck! Let me know when you find it, and you two can come pick out a couple of pieces from the gallery as a housewarming present. Whichever ones you like.

[which is to say, Crowley can have his weird close-up and Aziraphale can pick something more to his tastes.]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh, how very considerate of you! [he might not like them, but Crowley did]

It won't be for a while, my dear, but thank you. In the meantime, feel free to come to me if you have need of any books. Within the posted hours, of course.

[strangeandunusual]

[she didn't even really think anything of the offer. they were her friends, and it was what older friends did for each other. besides, the very concept of giving someone a housewarming gift made her feel like an adult in that tiny, thrilling sort of way]

Of course. I'll see you when I see you, Aziraphale. Happy book hunting!