Dec 23 11:11:01 107 PA - Bound by Cookies

From Chronicles

Dec 23 11:11:01 107 PA.

KINGSDALE LIBRARY

Rasputin is sitting at a large table surrounded by large stacks of books. He works over several books at a time, taking several notes down in his own large notebook. He mutters to himself softly in Russian.

The older fellow from around town strolls slowly but purposefully into the Library, his boots very unfortunately continuing to shed snow, and thus slush, onto the floor. Can't really be helped these days, in a late Missouri December. Gabriel's eyes manage to scan the area, but as he doesn't come into this part of the building - or the building at all, really - he's still taken in by the masses of books and the decorative ceiling and walls. Thus, he doesn't yet quite notice anyone around as someone specific whom he might actually know.

Rasputin closes another group of books, and places it on the 'done' stack. Then he pulls down a few more, and opens them up. He mutters to himself in Russian again, and then continues to do research. He is of course dressed in a smart suit, though his jacket is laid nicely over another chair. His short stature is propped up on, well a large cushion in his chair. He reviews the books, and begins to take down additional notes almost immediately. Of course it is Saturday just before noon. So there aren't many others in the library at the moment.

The touch of the Russian language that floats past his ears is quite enough to grab Gabriel's attention. Only one man he's yet to meet here who spoke the language. No one else, not even broken Russian. After pausing to scan the room, that one particular man is spotted: Rasputin, and his books. As it would be quite impolite to just start shouting a greeting, he changes direction and heads off toward the fellow who manages to be even shorter than he is.

Rasputin continues working on his notes and reading the books. All of the book spines are written in either Euro, or Russian, some are in this very fancy script which appears to be Dragonese. Rasputin, keeps writing and flipping pages. He stops a moment, tugs his beard, pauses a bit longer then flips back a few pages. He mutters something in Russian about writers and horrible book index's. He continues his work.

"Rasputin, dobryj dyen'," Gabriel says as he approaches the other man. "Horoshaya kniga?" Good books? Then, in an English, Kentucky drawl, "Never seen anyone reading that many books at once. Must be something really interesting, huh?"

Rasputin looks up from his work, calmly sets down the pen he is using. "Da, da. Dis dery interestink, da." He smiles a bit, "Dis cross referencink, a few of the books together. Net really readink all at once." He smiles, "What dis brinkink you to da library? Net manies on Saturdays, da." He adjusts himself on the large pillow in his chair so he can see a little better, then nods to a chair at his table to indicated Gabriel is welcome to join him.

It's midday, it's late December, and it's cold outside and covered in snow, which may explain the series of wet footprints that lead to Gabriel's shoes as he seats himself near the dwarf of a man. He makes an obvious move to prop his feet up on a nearby table, but then apparently thinks better of it, as they are instead politely set upon the floor. "Sorry, old habits. Spent a lot of time hob-nobbing with wealthy idiots, but not in libraries." The Kentuckian looks around, taking in the scenery before commenting, "Well, you want the long version of why I'm here in the Library, or the short version." Then a chin to indicate the other man's books. "Cross referencing?"

Rasputin grins and smiles, "Dwell, da long version is goodink. Always more details in long versions, da?" He smiles a bit and tugs his beard, "Mink researchink a few pieces of information on da creatures which are doink harm here and dhere. Always goodink to be doink research."

With the field trip upcoming Sage has decided to come to the library and approached one of the librarians for a helpful point in the right direction. She takes her time to stroll in the direction specified. Once she arrives, she shifts the bag that she carries over one shoulder a little bit before she considers the books around her. Selecting one, she begins to wander in search of a table to sit down.

The older man leans toward his burgeoning friend, extending his left arm, and pulling the sleeve up with his right as it moves. It exposes a watch made of metal covered with a dark Parkerized finish, and rubber on all the edges. If nothing else, Gabriel's wristwatch definitely looks sturdy. Like you could drive a tank over it without causing harm. The man clears his throat quietly and points to a specific part of the analog dial. The date. Which reads, "September 27, 1959." After possibly allowing that to sink in (if it does), he asks simply, "Do you see a problem here?"

Rasputin tugs his beard as he leans back in his chair. He thinks about this a few moments, "Da, your watch is broken?" He grins a bit and chuckles, waving his hand to fend off any annoyance, knowing he shouldn't tease. "Da, da. Dis you are beink a great deal out of time, da? I am net familar with old calendar, buttink dis very long times ago, da?"

Seemingly familiar voices draw Sage along until she finds the remains of wet footprints that lead to the table where the two men sit. "I see someone doesn't know what the mats inside the doors are for..." She comments with a teasing tone as she looks to where the prints lead.

The words from another familiar voice catch Gabriel's attention. His head rotates toward the source of the sound, and then his face brightens more. After all, there's a lady present. "Hello, Miss Sage. Coming in to do a little reading?" He squints a little ironic eye. "Shouldn't you be shining armor and checking eclips?" His arm remains extended as he is temporarily distracted from the other man's comment.

Rasputin looks to Sage and nods, "Da, greetinks teacher." He grins, "Mink havink a few pouches to be showink you laters, da?" He grins and smiles. he looks to Gabriel and then back to Sage. He flips another page in one of the books, his hand almost taking up the pen then stopping and waiting.

Sage's lips curl faintly as she looks between the two men. She settles on answering Gabriel first with a shrug, "My armor was recently repaired... so not sure it'll be getting any shinier and I keep my clips organized enough." She comments, "But, I'm mainly here to look at the pictures." She gestures the map book, before she looks to Rasputin. She grins in return, "Sure, I look forward to what my student has produced." She comments before placing the bag onto the table and the book beside it. She opens the bag to begin rummaging through it.

With a nod of his head toward Rasputin, Gabriel returns briefly to the previous statement. "Yes, it's the past. What I want to know, is just how *far* in the past?" His arm is retracted and waved around to indicate the city, the world. "This could be ten years later. A hundred years later. A thousand years? Ten-thousand years? I dunno. I just want to know what happened." Then, with a happier-yet-serious expression toward the young woman, "Ah, good. Maps. You did say you could get us there, right?" There's a little knowing smile. It wasn't a question, just some good-natured ribbing. "I'll tell you about some changes I made to my armor if you're interested. But later."

Rasputin nod slowly, "Da, da. I am dhinkink you could be findink a timeline somewheres in dhere." He looks to Gabriel regarding the acual year. "I am knowink dis 107 PA, dhough what dhat dis translatink to, mink net knowink." He shrugs and looks to Sage and just grins and nods.

"In the wilderness, it's more about knowing where you have to go than having a map to tell you were to go... maps are better for cities where everything doesn't look the same like a forest." Sage comments before she pulls out two tins tied shut with a red ribbon. She offers one to each man, "Presents." She explains.

Gabriel shakes his head at Sage. "No, I agree. I generally navigate by landmarks, not coordinates. Coordinates are for bombers and the artillery, not the infantry." Then at Rasputin, "Yeah, well, so I've been told. But comparing one calendar against another calendar without knowing the conversion doesn't really help much. Like when they switched from Julian to Gregorian. If they hadn't gotten together and agreed on what the change was, there would have been confusion." A small shrug. "Well, most people at the time only took their dates from the Church, so I guess it wouldn't have mattered to most of them. Still..." Gabriel's head nods off, and his speech trails off in agreement.

Rasputin nods slowly, "Da, da." He tugs his beard a bit and doesn't seem to have much to add to the conversation. He thinks a few minutes to himself and flips another page in one of his book. He looks to both of you then closes one of the books. He, "I am thinkink, dhere should beink a history book, or somethink." he thinks a few moments. He tugs his beard and is a little self-reflective on things.

Sage's gaze shifts between the men before she simply sets them down on the table. Perhaps their presence might inspire some curiosity. If not, she's fairly sure there's other people that might find them to their liking. She fastens the bag back up before placing it off to the side. The book is cracked open before she begins to flip through the pages. She keeps an ear on the conversation but she isn't sure what prompted it yet.

Sure, the man is often dense nowadays. He wasn't always that way, no. But strange new worlds are strange new worlds, and no matter how many times Captain Kirk may have banged a strange new girl, it likely didn't help him any more than a history book would help Gabriel out now. So it is that the pretty red bow does grab his attention, and brings a bright smile to his face. He picks it up and turns to Sage with a questioning look and one of those surprised nods. "Something for me?"

Rasputin blinks and tugs his beard a bit. He looks to you, and ponders, "Da? What dis this?" He thinks to himself for a moment, his brow lifts as he eyes the bow and tin. "Dis it a present?" He thinks a few moments and looks at the book Sage has brought out and is reading. He thinks a few moments and shakes his head, "Present, da?" He is apparently returning to the tin.

The map book is likely more sketchy on the details of further away places, but the nearby area is a little easier for Sage to judge with her various outings. When the men begin to pay attention to the items produced, she looks up with a faint look of amusement. "Perhaps this is a historic moment in itself." She muses before nodding faintly. "You may take one container each." She comments, "I made them myself... well, what's inside, anyway." She comments, having made batches of different types of cookies.

With the invitation officially given, Gabriel puts the little box in his lap and expertly unties the bow - not sliding it off or pulling it in half, but undoing it. "Mmm," he states as the subtle aromas begin to drift out. "Oh, thank you, Miss Sage. My mother, when I was little, she made the shortbread cookies, because, well, quite frankly they were cheap." One of the chocolate chip cookies is raised and severed in half by a mouth of healthy teeth. "Mmm," he says again. "And Natasha always loved chocolate." Last statement brings both happiness and sadness to his face. "Thanks," he says once more, with Rasputin momentarily on the edge of attention.

Rasputin carefully takes off the bow, and folds it over. He then opens the tin and inspects the cookies. He lifts his brow and ponders a moment. He takes out one of the gingerbread cookies and carefully takes a small bite. He then chews it slowly, then he takes another bite. He smiles and nods, "Da, da. Goodink." He smiles a bit, "Dhank you dery much, da," he closes the tin and smiles, "Why?"

Sage considers both men as they react to her gift with a small smile on her lips. She nods faintly to Gabriel's thanks, "You're welcome." She replies before looking to Rasputin with another nod. "And you as well." She comments before offering a faint shrug. "Something he said recently." She gestures to the man, "Unless you would prefer to consider this a random good deed in the middle of winter."

The older man carefully finishes his chocolate chip cookie, then closes the little package - and re-ties the bow, expertly. Gabriel's eyes turn to both an attendance. "Many kids meant lots of Christmas presents to tie up," is his apparent explanation for a possible odd behavior in a military man. He then pats the pocket on his jacket that by now, his friends should all know contains his small remaining heirlooms from the early 20th century. "Thanks." Then, after looking between man and woman, apparently to choose a target.. he lands on the young woman, as that's the polite thing to do. "Can you show me where we're going?" A finger points to the map book.

Rasputin looks over and smiles at Sage's reply and nods, "Da, dank you." He tugs his beard a little bit and then flips open one of his books again as the other two are looking at Sage's map. He slides the tin off to the side a little, and begins to review his books again. He doesn't seem to want to bother the individuals as they do their own research. Though, he does lift an eye every now and then, quasi paying attention.

Sage hms softly as she glances to the map book when the man asks the question before she begins to flip through the pages. When she finally comes to the right page, she places her finger on Kingsdale. She traces her finger along as if recalling a previous trip. When her finger comes to a pause, she gives a mild frown at the less than stellar detail on the map. "Around here." She comments.

The Kentuckian smirks and chuckles a bit. "Yeah, the assholes in cartography never were worth their salt. Better to just tell you what you're looking for and set you loose. Find your way be landmarks and the locals - plus, that way your path is random, harder for the enemy to track ya," Gabriel concludes with a hard nod. He then sweeps a hand across the open chairs. "Care to join us, Miss Sage? I myself have just arrived to annoy our mutual friend here."

Rasputin sits at a large table with a few stacks of books around him. Also at the table are Gabriel and Sage, who are looking over their own book. Rasputin is reviewing a few books, and taking notes from them down in his own notebook. Rasputin looks up and grins at Gabriel, "Net, net. I can be ignorink even da most annoyink apprentice chief." He grins, "Please be joinink us Sage."

Sage glances over to Gabriel with a raised brow at the man's comments about cartographers. "Well, fortunately I know my way around the wilderness well enough." She comments before pursing her lips as she considers the offer. "And yes, Rasputin does have a talent at that... but he better not choose to use it when I'm teaching him." She says with a teasing tone before pauses briefly, "I'm not sure that I was planning on digging around much."

"The two of you, master and apprentice? I just learned a little bit myself." Gabriel then says in a very grumpy tone, "Cost me an absurd amount of money just to wave around a stick."

"You are a hard man to find," Sebastien calls out, slipping between the stacks. He carries with him a green duffel bag that rustles as he moves, fitting loosely around some long object. He steps carefully around a magazine rack and approaches the bunch of familiar faces, eyes turning towards Gabriel. "You leave soon, non?"

Rasputin looks over to the new arrival and grins then looks to Sage, "Net, net. I am a goodink," he pauses a moment, "Dwell, mink gettink better student, da Sage? Sage dis teachink me how to be workink on leathers. I am knowkink how to skin,but net knowink how to turnink dhem into useful dhinks." He looks back to Sebastien and tugs his beard as he thinks about the question then back to Sage.

"Perhaps." Sage replies to Gabriel's comment before offering a faint shrug, before giving the man a look that combines amusement with sympathy. "Well, I'll look forward to you waving around a stick with proficiency... I hear there are plenty in the wilderness." She adds with a brief chuckle, then she glances over towards Sebastien as the man calls out. "A day or two." She comments simply.

Perhaps surprised by the number of people whom he knows being found in a library, Gabriel's attention is pulled three ways. Rasputin gets a grunting acknowledgment: "Hmm." To the young woman, a smile and, "Really, I much prefer to never be seen than have to use pointy sticks. In fact, the gear that I'll be bringing along should pretty much guarantee it, even if something goes very wrong." He seems pleased with the own work that he alluded to with which he's apparently attacked his armor, and apparently shelling out cash or trading goods. Then, Sebastien. "Hey, Sebastien," he says, rising to his feet to shake the man's hand. "I'm only hard to find because I don't like living inside the walls of a city. Didn't think I'd see you before our 'day or two' excursion."

Sebastien reaches to shake that hand, and then dips to set the green canvas duffel beside Gabriel. He notes, "There are two in there, with sheaths. The more conventional one is an alien design -- the grip is a little uncomfortable, but it has a rocker switch and a button. Slide the rocker and the crossbar jets plasma streams down along the blade. Press the button then, and it will launch a plasma ball down the blade. Aiming it is rough, so close range. The other has a chainsaw blade. I hope you are strong enough to swing it. The teeth are coated in silver. Between the two, you are well-prepared with fire and silver against most supernatural enemies." He waits a beat, nodding, and mentions, "Merry Christmas to all of you, by the way!"

Rasputin looks to Sebastien and nods to him then to the other two. He gains a puzzled look upon his face, "Are da dhree of you goink out into da wilderness?" He ponders a few moments and thinks a bit. He tugs his beard, "Dis dhat da map abouts? Dhere will you beink goink out in da wilderness?"

When Gabriel seems to possibly misinterpret her comment, Sage doesn't seem inclined to correct him. She considers the equipment that Sebastien plans to offer. It seems strange that the man is offering such equipment, yet she certainly won't complain. Instead, she digs into her bag and produces a small wrapping containing three cookies - instead of the tins offered to Gabriel and Rasputin. "Catch, Sebastien." She comments simply before tossing the package to the man with an easy lob trajectory.

Midday in late December isn't usually a big time for library attendance. But apparently it is today. Rasputin is seated with a bunch of books, and Gabriel is just in the middle of standing - some drying footprints leading to the Kentuckian's boots. Sage is nearby, as is Sebastien. The four seem to be in the middle of possibly three different conversations melding together like a vendiagram. In a lighter drawl that normal, Gabriel's attention is focused on Sebastien. "Swords?" Brilliant question. "I'm honored, but they really don't sound like anything I should be swinging around. Probably cut by own arm off! Not that they wouldn't be handy, though." A hand rises to cup his chin in thought.

"Listen," Sebastien replies, before blinking at the lobbed cookies and catching them as they hit the center of his chest, cradling them there to peer momentarily at the small treasure. "Merci!" he speaks, and grins at Sage, before continuing to berate Gabriel. "You have learned to use swords, non? They're useful because, every now and again," he eyes Rasputin, "when you and your friends go on short scouting missions into the wilderness," and his eyes return to Gabriel, "you will shoot at something that does not particularly mind being bathed in plasma and laser light. The undead, a dragon, a mage, what have you. For you, the sword is not a primary weapon, but it is an invaluable resource for dealing with enemies that would otherwise be invulnerable to you." He reaches to pat Gabriel's shoulder, lightly. "Wear armor when you turn them on, and don't forget to put in e-clips. I'll want them back when you come home safe and sound."

Rasputin seems to not mind his question not being answered. He shrugs a bit and goes back to the books he has been reviewing. Apparently after a few moments he has worked his way through another book. He slides it onto the 'done' pile, and opens a new book and begins to cross reference it between the other books.

Leonard may resemble that remark, somehow. Also, December is as perfect a time for using the library as July, or any other month when the weather is hot, cold, or otherwise inclement. That's probably why he's just entered the library. Well, that and things like, you know... books. Rasputin has the right idea.

The gift is more of a potential peace offer, but Sage isn't intending it to be anything else. She glances over towards Rasputin. "Yes, a few of us will be heading into the wilderness to take a look at a particular body of water. Might be something there." She comments before offering a faint shrug. "You may have to excuse me, though, I have some other arrangements to make." She comments before she begins to head out. She'll likely intercept Leonard on her way out and confront him with a tin of cookies with a red ribbon holding it shut.

The oldest man in the group gives a shrug of acknowledgment. "Larger than my blades," Gabriel says, probably referring to the unusual metal between his handgun and thigh, and the little vibro-knife on his other hip. He begins to extend his arms to accept the sack. "Dziêkujê." Huh, nope, it's not Russia or English, or French for that matter. Being already semi-surrounded, and not in any situation to be on the watch for a hostile, Gabriel doesn't notice anyone else entering the room. It certainly appears as if he's about to ask more questions, but instead, he glances at his wrist as the military watch vibrates - not audibly, of course. "Oh," he looks up to Sebastien as a guarantee. "I need to be going. Thanks. I'll bring them back on my back, or me, on... uh, well, that doesn't really translate well to swords, does it?" He grins and starts to move away, acknowledging the others with only an exiting nod.

Sebastien shakes his head. "I understand the meaning," he assures, and shrugs. "But I came only for the delivery. Monsieur Rasputin, adieu!" he smiles at the man, and then cautiously looks at his plastic baggie of cookies. Untying the top, he meanders back towards the front of the library as he takes a small bite, mindful of crumbs.

Leonard smiles when he spots Sage, just in time to for her to leave, with cookies in her wake? He blinks a few times, but can't be too forlorn with the consolation prize. Gabriel gets a nod, though that looks to be in passing, also. Leonard can't not notice Sebastien, even if he might want to, but it's Rasputin, or maybe his choice of books, that draws his attention. "Hello. I see you've snuck out of the kitchen."

Rasputin looks to Sebastien and watches both Gabriel and Sage leave. He tugs his beard thinking about Sage's last words, "Did she sayink body of waters in da wilderness?" He shakes his head, "I am hopink dhey are safing." He sigs softly and then looks to Leonard, "Da, da. Takink some times to be doink some research, how is goink with you both?"

"Hi, Leonard, bye, Leonard," Gabriel says as he passes the man on his way out the door, carrying a large bag that he hadn't come in with. His feet keep moving, but he turns enough to call in a stage whisper (after all, it's the Library), "Yest horoshii'den', kogda ya uvizhu tebya skoro, Rasputin." The short version: "Bye, see ya'." Then he's whisked away and out.

"I didn't hear," Leonard shrugs and glances back towards the exit, "but she may have. There's a little excursion planned. She has a hunch, or ...woman's intuition?" He chuckles. "She may be on to something." Leonard follows that with a small parting wave to Gabriel.