Fantasy The Library Enactment

[kiscokids123]

"It's nice to meet you too," he said. "It's not often that I meet someone who shares my love of reading. Especially great literature. Most people, even in this library, only enjoy the bestsellers and not classics." In truth, Rowan had a special place in his heart for classic books, but enjoyed bestsellers when he was looking for a fresh perspective.


"My Pop and I were working on a room filled with book pages," he said excitedly. "All our favorite books, and then on the floors he let me write some of my favorite quotes. I used it for my reading room, but now I have the library, so it doesn't get used as much. I don't know about Mary Stewart, though. I've always been a fan of Mary Shelley myself."


He smiled and held up his copy of Alice in Wonderland. "Have you ever thought of a book club?" he asked, his cheeks turning pink. He had once started a book club, but it hadn't turned out well. The stereotype for book clubs were middle-aged women sipping tea in their gardens, gossiping, but Rowan knew if only he could just find others who loved books as much as he did they could start a book club for teenagers. Of course, his genre of reading would have to be tweaked to fit their interests, but the thought of making friends with other 'kids' who enjoyed reading was worth it.

 

[Chiryoshi]

Zoey had finished her basketball competition, and she needs someplace quiet and peaceful. The Library. She smiled as she entered the library, seeing that more people are here today than others. She walked over to the bookshelf to find a book and continue what she was reading yesterday. Found it! She thought, taking 'The Book Thief' from itself and head to the table.


((Sorry just woke up))

 

[Elle Joyner]

(( @Sea ))


Her reaction and her response surprised Alex, to put it mildly. He was so accustomed to people either ignoring him entirely, or taking offense to his smart Alec statements, that when she offered such a snarky retort he was thrown. And it was fantastic. Classically, girls who came to the library were shy, reserved and delicate... the type Alex enjoyed messing with... but she seemed none of those things and it was, honestly, refreshing.


"Ho, ho... Touché." A grin spread to his lips and he closed his book, looking over at her, "That'll teach me to offer free reviews."


With a wink, he shoved the Lee Child book across the table, "Try this... The writing isn't half bad and the action is killer. If you like it, you can have that copy... It's my old man's, but I haven't seen him read anything longer than a Shampoo bottle label in my life, so he won't miss it."





~~


(( @kiscokids123 ))





Wrinkling her nose, the spattering of freckles scrunched into a constellation, she shook her head, "I'll never understand the books that are popular these days. It's like people have completely forgotten what good literature is."


Reaching into her book bag, she carefully produced her hardback copy of This Rough Magic, rising from her chair and walking it over, "Here. Check it out. Some people think she's a little fluffy, but I feel like she's a female Hitchcock. And the way she ties everything in with The Tempest... It's brilliant."


She sank down on the edge of the window seat, "That room sounds incredible. If I had a room like that, I would live there..."


With a chuckle, she nodded, continuing on, "I've been in a few clubs, actually... but I couldn't take the books people were suggesting. There was no imagination."

 

[kiscokids123]

He took the book from her eagerly and put it in his backpack, setting it back down on the ground. "It sounds wonderful. I'm not familiar with her work, but I'll definitely give it a try."


When she sat down next to him he moved a bit so she could have more room. "It's nice, but the curtains have to remain drawn to keep the paper in perfect condition. I do admit I have slept in there more than once," he said with a smile. He thought back to those wonderful summer days when his father had to drag Rowan out of the Book Room, as they called it.


"Exactly the problem I was having. With the people who did show up, they brought comic books and magazines." He smirked. "One girl brought a cooking book. No, I think you have to really be interested and willing to take the time to understand the book to really enjoy it. Since then I haven't thought of making a new book club until a few minutes ago. Do you perhaps know of anyone else like us?" At the word us he couldn't help but smile. It seemed silly but that two-letter word made his heart skip a beat. Finally he had something in common with another person. Someone his age! It almost seemed too good to be true.

 

[Sea]

((@Elle Joyner ))


Daisy was surprised at his response to her rather rude comment; normal people usually took offence when insulted, but perhaps he was one of those people that had thick skin. "Book reviews do only belong on websites like goodreads.com or reviewthisbook.org," she replied coolly, making up websites as she went along. From her experience in book stores or book review forums, she had noticed that people didn't like reviews unless they either haven't read the book or...well, unless they haven't read the book. Unless one happened to trip over someone who had the same opinions and literature taste, it was highly unlikely that the review was going to be taken lightly. Either the person would start debating or aggressively agreeing. This was why she usually kept out of book wars; she didn't have enough time or energy to waste arguing about the plot line's increasingly alarming decline in development in the fourth book of a twelve book series.


She was even more surprised when he slid over a book. Looking at him skeptically, she closed her book in a graceful flourish and gingerly reached for the Lee Child book. She had read a Lee Child book once and it didn't really suit her. However, she was willing to give it another shot. She didn't want to take this book, but...she bit her lip, obviously conflicted. Finally, she gave him a cautious glance mixed with what could be perceived as gratitude and responded with: "Fine. But I've read Lee Child, and he's disappointed me before." She silently vowed to give him back his book, whether it be today or the next time she saw him if she saw him again. She couldn't exactly offer him her book in compensation, not with the way she regarded the Hunger Games series. Besides, her name was written in bold, black letters on the inside cover: Delilah Scott. She didn't really know his name, but she wasn't one of those that flaunted her fancy first name around.

 

[Jokerwolfblade]

Justin was silently skimming through World War Z in the corner watching the commotion going on around him. After a few more pages of broken reading he closed the book and walked over to the group. He lifted the cowboy hat up so that his blue eyes shone brightly in the dimly lit library. Ya'll don't ever really read here do ya? Justin chuckled to himself.

 

[Elle Joyner]

(( @kiscokids123 ))


"Ah, yeah... sort of like museums. Gotta have the right lighting and such. Still, it sounds amazing. Maybe I'll do that, someday. My sister's getting married... her room should be free." She chuckled softly, leaning back against the warm glass panes of the window.


"Don't get me wrong... I'll read anything once, even if it's just so I have an excuse to cut it up, but there are just some fads I really don't understand. And don't even get me started on those e-readers. They break my heart.... I can't imagine not having a book in my hands when I'm reading... the feel of the old leather covers, the smell... ugh... the rustle of the pages. Uh uh... You can keep your electronics. I want the good old fashioned corporeal sensation."


She grinned suddenly, looking up at him, "Sorry... Gosh, I sound like an activist, or something. I just love books....I love this place. It's like home to me, and I can't stand the thought of it not being here, some day, when everything goes techno..."


~~


((@Sea ))





Sitting back, Alex smirked. She was full of it, but then, so was he, and really... who wasn't now a days. People were made of lies, even if they didn't realize it... little exaggerations or misinformation... even a person's perceptions of you. So rarely was someone's character entirely truthful, in front of others. He put on a show... but he wasn't the only one. She seemed the type who wanted people's respect, but went about it entirely the wrong way, in order to get it. She was snappish and icy, and all in all, did little more than give Alex the impression of a cat with it's fur stuck up on end. In the weirdest way, it was kinda cute.


"Duly noted, Princess." He continued, with a flourishing, mock bow, "I'll be sure to pass the word on to Mister Child himself, and inform him her royal majesty will not be disappointed by his work again. Shall I suggest execution, should he fail to impress?"


He was sure he'd be slapped... maybe he deserved it, but even if she stormed off in a tizzy, it had been devilishly entertaining while it lasted.

 

[kiscokids123]

He smiled. "I have to admit I do enjoy a good comic book once in a while, but it doesn't do as a very good replacement for a nice thick book."


The late afternoon sunshine shone into the library and warmed the back of his shirt. If Rowan had to choose his favorite thing about reading at the library, it would be the window seat. Rain or shine, there was always a good view. Rain was good for deep thinking, as Rowan often did, and sunshine added a little extra something to the book, and when he opened up that particular book again, Rowan could always feel the sunshine once more.


"You really think the new technology is a fad like Twilight was?" He shook his head grimly. "I fear it's going to fancy our generation and push solid books out into extinction." He looked at her and smiled warmly. "Don't apologize for having an opinion. I feel the same way. You remember that little bookshop in town where everyone used to hang out? The one with the coffee shop in back? It used to be my favorite place to hang out besides here, until it closed because of the e-readers."

 

[Elle Joyner]

With a sigh, she lay her head back again, letting her eyes fall closed, "I get that advancements have to happen... but there's just nothing that can take the place of the real thing. Books transport you... no matter what they're about. They give you a world to escape into, to visit, when this world is particularly sucky... I feel like the e-readers are a war on the printed word, and it kills me that no one seems to be fighting it."


Opening her eyes again she looked over at him with a chuckle, "I thought you looked familiar. You used to snag the seat by the fireplace in the winter. I was always a little jealous, cause I had track practice after school and got there too late. But I never really minded, cause you always looked so engrossed in whatever you were reading."


Biting her lip, a terrible habit, but a habit nonetheless, she curled her knees up to her chest, leaning her chin on them, "I don't know what I'll do, if this place goes."

 

[Sea]

((@Elle Joyner ))


Daisy was now getting the grasp of his characteristics. He seemed cocky, and mocking, and sarcastic. He seemed to have some traits in common with her and it gave her a small sense of comfort. She turned her attention to the book, eyeing the cover and skimming over the summary on the back. Of course, the summaries on the covers were used to grab a potential reader's attention, but it was still better than not knowing the plot at all. She paused at his response, realizing that he might've stepped over the I-just-met-you bounds. Then again, so did she with her snarky response. Besides she was too tired to try to act nice and normal and polite and offended. In truth, only personal things could truly touch her and offend her. He seemed harmless and completely arrogant in the best way possible, and now that she wasn't caught off guard by him talking to her, she could handle it better. Bewilderment was horrid, especially the way it stayed until one got used to a situation.


"As according to article ten paragraph two of The Literature Author-Reader Binding Agreement of 1921," she finally said after a few seconds, matching his mocking tone as she flipped through the book. She liked knowing the number of chapters and pages the book had so that she could pace herself in case the book was good. In this case, she expected it to be good since it was technically recommended.

 

[kiscokids123]

He looked at her admiringly. "I never thought anyone else felt that way about books. I started a petition to mail to the e-reader companies, but no one really cared. I think you did sign it, though...at the bookstore." He smirked. "I did like that seat, and I only got it because I always walked there right after school. Maybe if it was still there we could've shared the table and read. Oh, I suppose it doesn't matter now."


As he gazed at the library around them he sighed quietly. "This place won't go," he said. "It can't. And I'm sure there's others like us; lots of others. Hopefully it'll never come to that, but hey, you never know."


Leaning back on the window glass he turned more toward her. "Do you have a book collection at home?"

 

[Elle Joyner]

(( @Sea ))


But Lord, if she wasn't quick. She didn't slap him, she didn't even seem phased, really, except for a very subtle shift in her posture that might have suggested surprise. And really, that wasn't shocking. He was sure, with how comfortably she seemed to play a diva, that she was used to being treated like one, and to have someone so blatantly defy that, well... it must have been scandalous


In truth, had she been offended he wouldn't have been even a little surprised, either, but he would have been disappointed. Instead, he found himself grinned like the Cheshire cat, extending a hand out to the girl as comfortably as he might an old friends.


"Alexander Murray. Alex. You got a name too, or does Princess work for ya?" 
(( @kiscokids123 ))


That bookstore had been another refuge for Ari, torn down only a few short months ago. It had been the first place she had discovered when her family had moved to town and it had been heartbreaking, watching them demolish it. She couldn't even fathom what she might do if they attempted to take the library... possibly chain herself to the front doors, even.


"Well, I'm not planning on letting it happen, that's for sure. This place... it's so full of memories, of wonder. It would be like genocide."


Her smile returned at his question and she nodded, enthusiastically, "Oh, do I. I've got a little library of my own... don't know where to keep half of them, so I carry a bunch around with me, but it's kind of great, because I've always got something to read."

 

[kiscokids123]

"It would be the end of an era," he agreed. "If they turned this library into...a mall, or something, I don't know what I'd do. Probably make my own library underground, an illegal library."


Already he could imagine this place being demolished and turned into who-knows-what. It made him sick to think about it, almost as sick as the thought of real books becoming extinct.


"My backpack's so full of a small part of my own library that there's almost no room for school things," he chuckled. "I keep buying more every time I visit a bookstore or an antique shop. Sometimes I fix up old ones, if they're salvageable." He looked down at his worn copy of Alice in Wonderland. "Well, sometimes." He looked up at the boy with the cowboy hat who had walked over to the group. "I wonder what he's reading," he murmured.

 

[Sea]

((@Elle Joyner ))


Daisy was pleasantly surprised as he extended his hand towards her. She smiled a sweetly charming smile, a smile others might wear when expectantly pleased or happy. However, it was the smile the girl wore when she was amused by something, as if her plan had gone exceedingly well. She extended her hand and shook his with a mocking, elegant flair. "Unfortunately, no," she replied to his princess question. 'Princess' was always a good term in her mind until she grew up and realized that it was moreso used as an insult than a compliment. Even her dad stopped called her princess by the time she was eight.


She noticed he had used his full name and felt it social protocol to match it in a similar fashion. Alexander Murray may not have even been his real name for all she knew. If it wasn't she wouldn't have been surprised. However, she wasn't quick enough to come up with a perfectly normal sounding substitute Delilah. Delilah was her great grandmother, a brilliant mind in their family business that left an incredibly bright legacy. She disliked being named after an ancestor and having expectations being set up because of a name, but Delilah was a pretty name. "Delilah Scott," she said. "Daisy for short, like the character from that thing." There were many characters named Daisy that ran through her mind, though none of them seemed particularly important or appropriate. "Some people call me Delly as well."

 

[Joeaikman]

Joe sighed as he was ignored. Again. He silently wondered why no one ever wanted to talk to him, wandering off into the shadows of the library to sit and think. As he sat down he saw a book left out on the table, the cover was a blue, shiny plastic so he concluded that the book must be new. He enjoyed it when the library got new books so walked over to check it out. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" he read aloud. He had a habit of doing that at inappropriate times, like during tests. It was one of the reasons he had to do important exams away from everyone else. Despite the new cover the book looked very old. Some of the paper inside was yellowing with age but the pictures were amazing. Hand drawn by the looks of it, the colours and shading almost bringing the drawing to life in his head. He couldn't keep his eyes off it so carried on reading as he walked. Unfortunately he couldn't see where he was going and he walked straight into a book shelf, knocking it over and sending it's contents everywhere, accompanied by loud noises. He quickly picked the old book up off the floor where he had dropped it and slipped away from the scene, not wanting to get himself in trouble.

 

[Elle Joyner]

(( @kiscokids123 ))


"Ah ! Don't even say that!" Ari laughed softly, shaking her head, "You say the word mall and next thing you know that's exactly what we get. It's like the NSA has that word on their watchlist or something. And if this place becomes a mall... I can't be held responsible for my actions. In fact, I'd probably have to blame you."


She followed his gaze to the boy in the hat and sat up a little straighter, about to reply when rather suddenly, the quiet of the library was interrupted by a startling crash. With a small yelp, she jumped, spinning in the direction of the noise to see a boy hurrying away from a downed bookcase. Blushing at her own reaction, as well as in embarrassment for the boy, she shook her head.


"...It's not usually so eventful, here..."


~~


(( @Sea ))


He could see her attitude slowly shifting and for a moment, Alex was proud of himself. He wasn't a jerk... He could be arrogant, sure, and he certainly wasn't afraid to speak his mind or offer his opinion, but he wasn't mean, and couldn't stand bullies. He had been afraid for a little while that she was all snob and nothing else and that would have been terribly disappointing. But when she took his proffered hand and shook it, then offered her own name he saw the faintest crack in the icy shell she wore and it was encouraging, to say the least.


"The character from that thing... Well, at least you weren't vague." Alex smirked and shrugged, "What's wrong with Delilah? I like it... Not something you hear all the time. Delilah is a proper name for a princess. Daisy? Sounds like a duck to me. Oh! Is that the thing?"


He chuckled and shook his head, leaning back in his chair, balancing it on two legs, "Anyhow, it's nice to meet you, Delilah, Daisy, Delly-Duck."

 

[kiscokids123]

"Well, if this place does turn into...you-know-what...I'll do everything I can to bring back the library."


Rowan squinted to see the title of the book the boy in the cowboy hat was holding. He took off his glasses, put them in their case then stuffed the case in his backpack with his books. Before he could ask Arizona if she had gotten a glimpse of the title, a loud crash caused him to jump slightly. He grabbed his pack and stood up, turning to Arizona.


"Do you think we should go check it out? It isn't often something exciting happens here."

 

[Elle Joyner]

In reality, there was too much of a chance that what they were joking about might actually come to be, some day... that the books and libraries she loved so much might just become obsolete in a world of data and metal and machines. It was frustrating to think about and even more frustrating to endure.


"Good to know I won't be the only one fighting the oppression." Ari grinned and raised a fist into the air in mock revolt, "Stand strong, my library brother!"


Rising to her feet in the direction of the book stacks, she nodded and the smile faded into a frown, "We'd better go check, then. I'd hate if anyone got hurt, and it can't be good for the books, a crumpled up like that."

 

[Daniel Gryffin]

Jake watched her hand and the elegant movement she made to straiten her hair. He always found Hayley to be a good friend and positive influence on the quality of his day. It always seemed to brighten up when he saw her, talked to her, or even had the pleasure of being able to sarcastically joke with her. A girl who was more conservative then most. He found himself oddly attracted to girls of that caliber. Although, he never really got the impulse to make a "move" as it was called. Their interactions were usually about the books they were reading or information about their lives. He saw them being very good friends, and they were, but it was hard to see them as anything else at that time. He was about to ask how she was, and why she was in the library today, but the huge smack of the bookshelf broke him from their light back and forth. He turned his attention to find that one of the shelves was completely knocked over.


He smiled to Hayley and said, "One moment." Jake was particularly strong, and he knew it wasn't good for the shelf to be crushing books like that. He walked over to the shelf and lifted it back up to its normal stance. It was actually rather difficult; more-so then he thought anyway. It was lucky that the section the shelf fell in was one that he knew very well. The fantasy/science fiction section; The middle shelf where the two genres met. He knew most of the lay out and memorized where each book generally sat.


He knelt down and began to return the books to their rightful place among the literature. He picked up classics as well as best sellers. Book by book, returning the shelf to how it was before. He even kept a few of the books on the side for himself as he came across the ones that perked his interest. Most people were starring at him, however, he really didn't pay them much mind. All he cared about at this moment was getting these books back to where they belonged.

 

[Joeaikman]

Josef watched Jake work, deciding it was too risky to offer him help. He didn't want to be connected to the accident and have to pay for damages, or even worse be banned from the library. His eyes wandered from Jake to Hayley, now sat all alone. He bit his lip, sighed deeply and walked over, sitting on the table next to her "hey" he put on his best smile, hiding the nerves that he felt inside very effectively

 

[Daniel Gryffin]

John was standing in the near by vicinity of the disaster when the shelf crashed. In fact, it was one section away from crushing him completely. One would think this would scare a teenager, such as himself, but it really didn't have to great an affect on him. He just casually looked over to the shelf that had fallen beside him before returning to look through the books in an attempt find the book he was searching for. A rare find, especially in a children's library. Even when he skimmed through the more adult sections, he still couldn't find his favorite series. He almost gave up hope on finding it and just left to the larger library up north.


They had every book you could dream of. But, he decided to stay. Partly because of the specific liveliness of the Library today, and partly because he didn't want to make more work for himself then necessary. He wanted to make sure he searched every crevasse. That way if he did miss it the first few searches, he wouldn't have to travel all the way to Crystalis just to get his book. He would do it though; he enjoyed the series that much. Even though it was a newer series, he had gone through almost 3 copies of each book already.


When he finished one book, there was no hesitation on reading the next. Once the series was done, he started it over. He was an exceptionally quick reader at that. He could almost finish the entire series in 3/4 of a day. But, even as avid a reader as he was, sometimes he wanted a small break. At least, enough to sleep a few hours in preparation for school the next day. He caught Jake from the corner of his eye make his way over and begin to fix this wrong. He appreciated the drive Jake had offered and gave him previously.


It made him feel like he could be friends with one of the popular guys for once. It was rare he found one that he actually enjoyed being around. Jake was different then the other preppy high school jocks. He was nice and he cared for everyone around him, just as much as the books that littered the many shelves. He was funny and just a really approachable guy. He would need to make more an effort, but not now. He was busy and so was John.

 

[Chiryoshi]

Zoey jumped a little when she heard the crashing sound. She walked over to it quickly and saw a guy putting the shelf up and put all the np books back. She was going to offer him some help but he had finished before she could ask him. She sighed and walk over to another shelf, searching for another book to read.


This library has got a lot more noisy, she thought.

 

[Daniel Gryffin]

After he was all finished, Jake rubbed his hands together in admiration of how well he remembered the book placements. His memory was god-awful, and he knew that. Really didn't make sense to him how, even despite his memory, he still managed to put the books where they belonged; in their rightful spot. He was proud of the service he preformed for the Library. Although, the librarian didn't look any happier. She looked madder then he had ever seen someone be. The fire in her eyes showed that they were all going to be in trouble for this, not just the guy who caused this. He just gave an, almost embarrassed smile to her before returning to look at the shelf.


There wasn't really a time you could give back to the Library, even if you wanted to. Not that the regulars took it for granted by any means, but, the only thing you could usually do here was read. You couldn't do anything to give back to the place. I guess that is what the Library is for. A place for commoners to go about and read until their hearts are content. Even hit up a quiet conversation or two. But still, Jake always wanted to do more for his favorite place to date. He realized now that all he could do was offer his help when and where he could. Not that it mattered today. With the anger emanating from the Librarian off in the far corner, he rushed to the thought that they would be kicked out of the Library.


By they, he meant himself of course, and all the Library's other inhabitants. It was for a short moment that he saw a lower classman approach. She looked like she wanted to help him out, but was thwarted by his early finish. He smiled out of gratitude because he knew her intentions. Wasn't quite sure if she saw his smile before turning to a different shelf, but it was there. He would need to talk to her at some point. He hadn't particularly seen her here or in school. She seemed rather new. But right now, he wanted to get on the Librarians good side while he could, and he didn't think talking would get him there. Instead, he gathered up all of his books and double checked that he put everything in the right place.

 

[Sea]

((@Elle Joyner ))


Daisy was about to respond with another sarcastic comment when a surprisingly loud crash caught her attention. She quickly found the source of the noise and was amused to find some books knocked over. A slinking shadow was quietly leaving the scene as a few people rushed over and tried to unscramble the mess back onto the shelves. Although it may have seemed merciless of her to look upon the situation humorously and find it entertaining, she didn't mean it that way. She was always up for some sort of distraction or entertainment and she certainly did not expect to find it in the quiet library. She shifted in her seat, the slightest movement that may have suggested that she was going to get up and help, but seeing how the others had already fixed the situation, she stayed put. Seven people rushing to a giant crash would be very distracting indeed and would probably only catch the librarian's attention even further. She could have even giggled or laughed at the awkwardness of the resounding crash through the library, but one glance at the librarian's heated expression quickly sobered her. She was never one to submit under authority, but the librarian's expression was certainly frightening to her.


"I hope no one is hurt," she said quietly, looking at the books. She truly didn't wish for anyone to harm themselves in a library, though she was actually hoping that the librarian wouldn't hurt anyone judging from her expression. She quickly added with another glance at the librarian: "Or gets hurt." She paused before looking at Alex. "You think we should go over there?" She sort of wanted to see the situation over there, but also didn't want to get involved too deeply. A fallen shelf wasn't exactly something to cry and mourn over, though it wasn't to be ignored either.

 

[Elle Joyner]

(( @Sea ))


Alex jumped at the sounds, turning in the direction of the fallen shelves, a frown crossing his face. So much for the quiet of the library... and he was just beginning to enjoy his conversation with Delilah, without feeling the need to tease or mortify her... well, much, anyways. Watching the boy lift the shelf, he thought to help but caught sight of the librarians scowl and reconsidered. As Delilah went on, he shrugged.


"Looks like there's already a crowd, but hey... why not."


Rising to his feet, he slung his book bag over his shoulder, gesturing for Delilah to go ahead of him, "After you, Delly-Duck."