[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]

[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]

[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.

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.

[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.

[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.

[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]

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]

[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.

[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.

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.

[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]

[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?

[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]

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.

[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?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[he sees that sneer! Honestly! He refuses to give into it! He gives Crowley a big enough head as it is.

Aziraphale clicks his tongue]

It's hardly breaking and entering as we've been kidnapped.

I'll be there in a few moments.

[can you see he's not at all impressed despite the flush and the fluff?]

[serpentinthegarden]

Seems like sound logic to me. [ Oh yeah, not a bit impressed! Well done, angel! Your true feelings have been perfectly masked but from some odd reason Crowley only smiles all the brighter before clicking the mirror off. The currently Victorian demon was standing by the side of the walkway just looking over that short lip of a wall that prevented anyone from stepping off the prescribed pathway and entering the garden. He was looking at the plants which were still all dormant for winter, expect for the evergreens of course, but he was thinking of all those long corridors and imagining what all might be findable up there. ]

[blessedarethebookmakers]

[another click of the tongue.

Really!

He would show him.

But how?

Should he change clothes too? Dress up? Dress down? No. No need going overboard, he thought with a shudder. Anyway, the vest was alright. Still of the time period! The coat too that he'd had forever. All he needed were mutton chops and--

--And Crowley would be sure and have his way.

No, he should just go as he was.

But how would he... go about things with Crowley looking so ...well...devilishly handsome? How would he not want to pull him into a shadowy corridor and undo those buttons by feel to touch and kiss and caress the heated flesh underneath as he smelled the wonderful scent of wool. And that daydream slowly becoming a reality that at the time he had never dared

No!]

You keep a hold on yourself! [said firmly] After all! You mustn't give him all the power. You'll simply have to resist, won't you? No matter what he throws at you.

Especially if you're alone together in the dark. Mercy.

[but he would be strong! He would be resilient.

...and actually he had an idea that might help.]

[after about half an hour, he will be wandering, hands out in front of him, toward the castle]

Crowley? Are you around?

[how did he manage to see in these things, Aziraphale had no idea. But sun...spectacles were fashionable and it certainly kept him from seeing...largely anything. The Emporiom worker had looked at him a bit askance when he'd asked for the darker the better and these were as dark as they came. Probably in the gag gift section. He didn't mind so long as he cut out that one temptation.]

[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?

[serpentinthegarden]

Azirapha...! [ Crowley spoke cheerily but stopped short when he caught a glimpse at the awkward way the angel was walking. He looked like the mummy from those old black and whites. Arms stretched out in front of him and lumbering forward like he was almost mechanical in nature. The curious sight drew the demon in to circle around the angel a few times just so he could work out what was causing this. ] You got a new pair of glasses! [ He leaned a little closer, a demon staring through dark shades to attempt to see a lover's eyes through even darker shades. It couldn't be done. Not even with his demonic night vision eyes.] Can you even see out of those?

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Absolutely! [a sniff. He could hear him circling around and feel him close, his breath brushing over his face. He could also see his vague silhouette. But nothing else. No temptation there. What a splendid idea]

And I imagine I look rather dashing. [not that he could pull off dashing well admittedly]

Shall we?

[he took a few steps forward and immediately fell over the low wall which separated the upper path from the lower and faceplanted into thankfully soft dirt.]

...Not a single word.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Oh he wanted to say a word. He wanted to say several words actually but there was that tone in Aziraphale's voice that stopped all but the relieved he hadn't really cracked his head open snicker. ] If you are going to carry on wearing those I... probably should hold your hand. [ For safety reasons and not because the silly fellow was entirely too precious not to be drawn closer to his side in some way. ] There is a lot of stairs in the castle.

[blessedarethebookmakers]

Oh, nevermind. [he knew when he was making a fool of himself.]

Help me up. [he takes Crowley's hand to lever himself up to his feet. Tutting at the stains on his clothes but not having the nerve to wish them away. The last thing he wanted to be was naked. He took off the blessed spectacles, wincing in the sun-- then looked at Crowley and away, huffing as he folded his wings behind him smartly]

Why are you dressed like that anyway.

[serpentinthegarden]

[ Too helpfully for a demon he did assist Aziraphale to his feet but may have pulled him a touch closer than needed to accomplish the task. It didn't hurt anything at all, to be near enough to brush a few stray leaves off his lapel or to examine those stains with a pitying eye. The demon had been engaged in several rounds of misuse of power this week and therefore his energy meter was running a little dry... but maybe one more couldn't hurt. His fingers snapped transforming those stains into harmless dust that could easily be blown away with a quick puff of air from his lungs. If afterwards he did rely a bit more heavily on leaning on the angel's arm or his cobra headed cane it wasn't a terrible price to pay. ] It's a new year, thought I should try to fit in with the locals better... their modern fashion. [ His nose crinkled making those muttonchops bristle. ] Feels like a step back in time really. Like we ought to be standing by a pond full of ducks instead of outside this castle.