Jun 10 22:06:28 106 PA
From Chronicles
The current game time is: Fri Jun 10 22:06:28 106 PA.
The Kingsdale Library is a simply massive affair. It is one of the largest facilities of its kind in North America and continually draws the ire of the Coalition States for that very reason. It is the size of an entire city block and contains row after row and row after row after row of books, data disks and all sorts of information. Literally anything can be found here, from simple recepies on how to make food on up to the plans to Glitter Boy Power Armor. Magical knowledge abounds here too and it is not an exxageration to say that with time, one can find out just about anything. The actual structure of the 'room' is a giant square, with bookshelves reaching from floor to about ten feet. Librarians and other staff scuttle about to help people find things. Of note is the fact that nothing is permitted to leave the library and both electronic and magical wards make sure that this doesn't happen. Within this huge place are all shapes, sizes and colors. From operators pouring over technical manuals to mages studying spells to children researching for a school project. Rumors abound also of a secret sub level where the truly rare books and items are kept. These rumors are true, but unless someone has been invited to the sub-level by a few specific people.... magical wards prevent the entrance from being found.
Afternoon becomes evening, and the Library's as busy as ever. The media center's packed with individuals wearing headsets, watching screens that read them their stories, and elsewhere a group of young magi in bright silk glower at any who stray too close. Near the back, a small family is huddled, a lone young mother crouched to read her sleepy children stories from a book while looking up nervously any time a librarian wanders by. Maybe she doesn't have anywhere else to be. At one end of the media section, shrouded in darkness, Ahriman stands vaguely aloof. He holds a thick, hand-written book of local history, though he doesn't seem to be reading it now. Instead his eyes sweep, focused mainly on the magi without. Something about them have gathered is attention. The darkling is wrapped in ancient clothes, rough-spun brown cotton leggings and a simple shirt buttoned with small wooden dowels. They all look to be hand-woven, and belted together. What's most odd is the olden circle about his head, laid flat like a medieval depiction of a halo that completely encircles him. No matter which direction he turns, it always seems two dimensional, the film of a soap bubble.
Maya is looking for a book in particular and so has made her way to the best place for that. Her cheerful smile is bright and happy as she speaks to the librarian, turning towards the section she needs, until her gaze is caught by the dark media section. She hesitations, a moments choice where she stands torn before she straightens her shoulders moving towards him. "Mr Ahriman." She pauses just outside of the darkness, instinct having a good hold on her where this man is concerned.
The creature presses his book closed between flat hands, standing straight and bowing his head faintly as he greets, "Miss Maya." He looks for a brief moment the picture of a medieval angel. Well, except for the obsidian skin and questionable morals. He pauses there, head remaining ducked, silvered eyes peering at the scientist from under hooded brow. "Come closer," he beckons, waving at the space before him. "How does your expression go? I do not bite."
"Don't you?" She replies quietly before she does move forward, her hands on her hips, hazel eyes studying him thoughtfully. "I am sorry I didn't get to examine you." Her voice is steady, but there is a hint of nervousness in her movements. "What are you looking for?" She glances at the book, questioningly.
"Sometimes," Ahriman admits in an even rumble. "I have approached your police without the aid of your organization and am, for the moment, free. It seems I do not need to bargain after all." He flashes a brief smile that never reaches his eyes. It looks calculated. "Which allows me to not be spread beneath your many instruments after all." His gaze flickers down at the book, then back up, and Ahriman just smiles again. This time, with some measure of genuine humor. Though he reveals nothing.
Maya's face stiffens, before she shakes her head. "It does allow you to do so. It means if you come in and need help I have no idea how to treat you." Her hands move to her waist, resting on the back of her hips. "I'm glad the police didn't keep you..." She offers quietly, stepping forward again, glancing down at the book he holds.
Ahriman turns the book in his hands. The hands are, on closer inspection, sheathed in thin rubberized gloves, that aren't quite as black as him. But then what is? He presents it to Maya, eyebrows lifting. "What I do now is not so different from what I have always done. Just as wars, earthquakes, flooding grinds down the works of Man, so has your apocalypse done this to so many human works. Sometimes valuables persist. And, with some research and luck, sometimes they may even be found."
Maya reaches for the book, taking it with a gentleness that had been shown in her work before. "Things change slowly." She comments, bending her head over the book, her hazel eyes narrowing before she glances up, "So I guess I'll see you around." She offers him the book, her eyes resting steadily on his face. "I hope there is no bad blood between us."
"No blood at all," Ahriman confirms, taking that book from her. He pauses a moment, watching her, his bulk a stoic presence in the library. As she turns, he finally adds, "Take me to a ley line." The dark creature nods, one hand easily holding that book as he lets it swing at his side. "If I am ever injured, just take me to a ley line. I will heal instantly."
Maya's smile returns, warmth entering in her eyes. "I'll write it down." She promises softly, the words holding something else, a current beneath. "Thank you." Her mouth curves into the broad grin and she turns, leaving him to his book.
