Video Post || 001

[the_head_librarian]

[All bookmarks expand into a screen tablet as the communication goes live.]

Welcome to the Central Library. I know that many of you are confused and do not understand why you are here... so I will briefly greet you and give the answers I can for this point in time.

[The accented tone is even, but most of his face is covered by the dark fabric of his hood. However, he gives pause, allowing his audience to orient themselves.]

What you see around you, is the most extensive and thorough collection you have ever seen... or will ever again. Do not simply see them as books. They are far greater than that. As some of you may have noticed, it has fallen into disrepair and slowly it is dying.

[He lets the word linger a moment, his own voice drifting with a note of sadness.]

You have been brought here, because the Central Library needs your help to survive. Things will never be as they seem here... and you will encounter much strangeness during your stay. Be wary... the deeper you go into the decay, the higher the risk is. I will say no more on this for now. There are rooms to the end of the main hall on either side of the main door. Those smaller doors have some living space to accommodate you until the Library can slowly be revived. The center door... will lead you to a market place should you need food or supply. It is beyond logic or understanding... but you will find you will always have the correct currency when it is needed as the portal will change from time to time.

[Shaking his head, he bows it slowly in a silent thank you.]

Time always reveals itself as it flows. Please believe that you are needed here. Remember... do not harm the books.

Comments

[theraptorsquad]

I wasn't planning on it. I may not be a fan of all of this but even I'm not so much of an asshole that I'd burn books.

[Owen stares for a moment, eyebrow lifting.]

Wait so...we can eat the things that come out of the books? So it's more than just some strange..magic nightmare going on?

[the_head_librarian]

I thank you for that.

[Yes, he looks like he is sighing in relief. But at that last part, he can't help but let the slightest smile escape in pride at the other catching on to that.]

It is not in actuality magic... and I apologize, but you are correct, this is not just a nightmare. This...[He hesitates. He did not like to reveal too much too fast, but he let's it slide this time.] This is the place that exists outside of the reality we know... A way station between... worlds.

[theraptorsquad]

[Going quiet for a moment, Owen tries to make sense of that. It's a lot to take in and a little more sci-fi than he'd been expecting but considering he's from a place where people run theme parks with dinosaurs?

It's a little easier to take in. For the most part.]

This library..exists between all worlds then?

[Is he getting that right?]

So reality plays by different rules here?

[the_head_librarian]

You are very intuitive, Owen.

[There is a note of pride in his accented tone.]

The rules here are very different from any reality you know. But that is what makes you, possibly, safer here than in any of the worlds the books take you to.

[theraptorsquad]

I'm just good at putting two and two together.

[Why in the hell would this guy be proud of him? He's not sure how to take that.]

...The books can take us to different worlds?

[the_head_librarian]

Indeed. [He nods to that and angles his head just a little at that question.

Pushing the hood back, he looks tired and almost sick as he runs a hand through his hair.] Yes, but... think bigger and you will understand why burning books here is a terrible idea...

[theraptorsquad]

[He can't help but snort some even as he studies the other a bit closely.]

I can't imagine they'd like it very much.

[the_head_librarian]

Not all is bad, even if only the bad slips through.

[His eyes lower sadly.] I find more often than not, that the cruelty has more drive to survive.

[theraptorsquad]

That's a bit foreboding.

[A soft frown touches his lips.]

So what can we do to keep the bad at bay?

[the_head_librarian]

Be the light.

[He answered that without thought then ducked his head.]

Things will happen. And as different challenges arise and are overcome, the light will grow as well.

[theraptorsquad]

The light.

[For some reason, that seemed extremely heavy.]

Well, whatever needs to be done, I'll help do it.

[the_head_librarian]

Forgive me. Not many see things as I do.

[He takes a deep breath and fixes his eyes on the younger.]

I know that you will and I give you my most profound gratitude.

[theraptorsquad]

Nothing to forgive. I get what you mean, for the most part.

[Owen smiles a bit.]

Thank me once we've got this place fixed, alright?

[the_head_librarian]

You are kind.

[Pausing a moment, he finally gives him a nod.]

Very well then. I shall keep that in mind. Hopefully the Library will be kind to all of you brought here. Well... as kind as it can be in its current condition.

[theraptorsquad]

I don't really see a reason not to be.

[He gives the other an unsure look.]

That's...you know what? I hope so too. The kind bit.