[Video Post 1] It would be so nice if something made sense for a change

[likeagerbil]

[Despite the Head Librarian's warnings, Steve had been exploring alone. Not the wisest decision but he didn't want anyone to get hurt while he was trying to get a general idea of the layout of the Library. As he moves deeper into the Fiction area, he notices something that seems a little strange. Telling himself that it's just trick of the light, he continues to move deeper into the stacks. Then the strange motion resolved itself into... Okay, that was weird even by 'aliens' and 'killer robot' standards.

Sliding his bookmark out of his pocket, he sets it to broadcast.]

Does anyone know if there's any wildlife that's native to the Library? I keep seeing weird insects.

[Something strange swoops by and Steve blinks in surprise.]

Or birds? It looked like a bird.

[Kind of.]

And there's a garden somewhere in the stacks.

Comments

[silverwaters]

[Have a dark-haired elf giving you a slightly curious look, Steve.]

A bird that is not a bird? From my limited understanding of how this Library works, it is merely the imagination of the pages that limits what escapes the pages.

[He's not done much exploring yet, considering he found himself almost literally attached at the hip to Glorfindel.]

Perhaps a bit more specific information on the location of the garden would be helpful, if you would be so kind.

[likeagerbil]

[An elf... at least Steve assumes that he's an elf. He looks like some of the images he's seen in fantasy novels. The Head Librarian had said that he'd see things that he assumed weren't possible.]

The bird didn't look like the ones from my reality so I'm not sure if it was bird.

[The more he thought about it, the more he wondered. He could've sworn he saw a bird that looked too reflective to be normal feathers but maybe he hadn't.]

I'm not sure if the area's safe yet. I don't think it's native to the Library.

[silverwaters]

[A friendly elf, at least? Ish. He's not entirely sure how he feels about most men yet. This one at least seems capable.

And the description of the birdlike thing was different, for sure. Ecthelion will just have to drag a certain blond elf out and about - and soon.]

The dangerous aspect of our new home is rather the whole point of us being here. We are to to fix it, if we can. Did you go searching on your own?

[likeagerbil]

It is, but I don't want too many people out here until I know it's safe. I'm used to dangerous situations at home so I figured I should be one of the ones scouting.

[It probably wasn't the best idea to go against the Head Librarian's orders before he'd even been in the Library for more than a few days but he couldn't sit idle.]

I wasn't sure who else here had gear that could protect them if something aggressive is hiding in the stacks.

[silverwaters]

Those who cannot fight should be defended, you have my agreement there. However, even scouts should not go alone when not even the known is not so known here.

[While he does not trust the Head Librarian, yet, he isn't foolish enough to discount warnings. Orders, he'd only obey from his king. And the Librarian was not he.]

Before my death, I was often sent off on scouting and guard duties, as was another from my home that has been brought here. While I do not have my armor and sword here, I am not defenceless. And my companion came just before a patrol.

[Yep. You're talking to an elf who died. Sorry?]

[likeagerbil]

[Steve knew that disobeying orders wasn’t the best idea. Not when he needed to prove that he was capable in this new situation but he hadn’t planned on ranging far from the ‘safe’ areas the Head Librarian had described. Just the outskirts to get an idea of what was out there but then he’d realized he’d gone farther than he should have.]

I’ll find someone to come with me next time I head out. I didn’t expect to get far away from the main area so quickly.

[Another odd detail that Steve almost comments on but reconsiders, trying to understand the sudden strangeness he felt since he entered the garden. It wasn’t the type of error he normally makes. So either the Library could play tricks on them or something else was off. Not a comforting thought.]

Before your death?

[Okay, that wasn’t a comment that Steve had expected. Maybe he meant something like Steve’s time in the ice not actual death.]


The Head Librarian mentioned something about a market. They might have armor or weapons if you want to continue on as a scout and guard. I'd appreciate having some help with keeping an eye on things.

[kappagirl]

[A garden? That sounds promising. But first thing's first--]

Wildlife..? Y-you don't think there'd be any bears or anything, do you?

[likeagerbil]

[Steve gives her a reassuring smile even as he tries to figure out what exactly he'd seen. At least he knew it wasn't what she was worried about.]

I haven't seen any bears. Everything in this area has been small and doesn't seem to want to leave the garden.

[kappagirl]

Oh, good... M-maybe they're more afraid of us than we are of them.

[Well, as far as she knows, she's the only afraid one here.]

Do you want any help with the animals? I don't know a lot about... um, well, any of them, but there were some birds where I lived.

[likeagerbil]

Most of them probably are. If they're supposed to be in books, then they probably don't know why they're here.

We could ask the Cat which ones are safe before we try to help them.

[He hopes that she won't try to get too close to any of the animals before the know if any of them are dangerous.]

In your world are any of the birds shiny?

[kappagirl]

[Safety first--she's more than happy to live with that. She nods.]

Shiny? Hmm... Maybe a hummingbird or a peacock? Peacocks are big and scary, though, I think.

[likeagerbil]

I don't think it was one of them. It was too big for normal hummingbirds. [But that didn't mean there couldn't be a couple the size of a goose or bigger in the Library.] This was almost metallic.

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[twicelived]

[Have another elf, this one glows brightly as he leans in closer, looking thoughtful.]

I haven't really seen any aside from the books. What kind of creatures have you seen?

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[likeagerbil]

[After the initial surprise of seeing an elf, Steve doesn't stare as much as he had at first. Well, he didn't until he notices the glowing. It's something he files away, not sure how to ask why one glows and the other doesn't without it sounding rude.]

I didn't think so, but I figured I should check so I don't try to put something in a book that doesn't belong there.

There's been some odd butterflies. [His eyes had to be playing tricks on him. The wings just had a strange pattern.] And a bird that had metallic feathers.

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[twicelived]

[Glorfindel wouldn't mind the questions, he's used to them after so long.]

Did any make aggressive moves? I haven't seen the bird but while I agree we should be wary, attacking things may not be the best move.

[A bird with metal feathers, that doesn't sound pleasant though. He looks thoughtful for a moment before speaking once more.] How big was it? And did it look ready to breathe fire?

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[likeagerbil]

It didn't seem aggressive. A little curious but it flew away before I could get a good look at it.

[Or that's what he keeps telling himself since birds did not have cages for stomachs.]

It was about two feet...

[Realizing that 'feet' isn't a unit of measurement that would exist in all realities, Steve gestures to show the approximate size of the bird.]

About this big and no breathing fire. Do birds do that where you're from?

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[twicelived]

Big ones that look like metal do. They are creatures of the Enemy who I will not name here.

[But Glorfindel relaxes slightly, smiling brightly then.]

Ah, I suppose I forgot to introduce myself! I am Glorfindel, I hope we are able to work together. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance, as I am always happy to help.

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[likeagerbil]

These were bigger than most birds from my world but not dangerous looking.

[More unsettling than dangerous and definitely not breathing fire. Steve wasn't exactly sure how they could breathe at all since they looked like they were made from spare parts.]

I'm Steve Rogers. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'd appreciate the help. I'm not sure what we can expect from this place but I'm hoping to find out who can help keep people safe if something dangerous gets loose.

[video]

[honest_axe]

[He's exploring as well, though he perhaps should not be, he can't help it. Still, he pauses as he hears something from his bookmark, which he takes out and puzzles at for a moment, before looking at it, upside down, with a raised brow]

How interesting... it works for other people as well. [This was said more to himself then anything, and he turned it right side up to talk to the man]

I've yet to run into birds, insects or gardens, though I would be interested to know if anything here was native or if it's all part of the mess they want us to clean up in the books.

[Video]

[likeagerbil]

What works for other people?

[Steve isn't sure if he was meant to hear that but he's curious and he knows that the differences in technology from the 40s to the present can be surprising.]

I think the Librarians are the only things really native but I'm not sure. The things I've run across so far don't seem like they'd live in most of our realities, but better to check before I put the wrong thing in a book.

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[legacyofiron]

[Oh. He answers. Quickly. In fact the unimpressed look on his face speaks volumes. Especially after he knew quite well that the Librarian told Steve not to wander off alone. If he could look anymore unimpressed, Tony wouldn't believe he could pull it off.]

If it has feathers it is a bird... or is it?

[Okay. What? What just came out of his mouth? Tony's brow furrowed at that.]

Steve... Where are you?

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[likeagerbil]

[Steve had hoped to avoid talking to Tony until after he'd gotten back but the things he'd seen were too unnerving for him to contact the other patrons. He expects his friend to throw accusations at him, not say that.]

What? I don't know. Tony, why did you ask that?

[Looking slightly guilty at the other question, he hesitates a few seconds before answering.]

Somewhere outside the area the Librarians said was safe. I didn't think I'd gone out that far. My - uh - I think my sense of direction and distance is messed up.

[legacyofiron]

The real question is... why do we ask any question?

[When Tony opened his mouth, he didn't expect that to come out. What was going on? This place seems to be messing with his head and he doesn't like it at all.]

Outside... Stop playing with danger and courting the darkness and ask for help where help is offered.

[His voice trailed off and he rubs at his face. What is wrong with him? Seriously.]

I'm coming to find you.

[likeagerbil]

[What? Okay... yelling Steve expected, not this odd double talk from his friend. When Tony was angry with him, he didn't try to cover it with word games. This is odd.]

Because we want answers?

[It shouldn't have come out as a question but considering how strange all of this is, he couldn't keep it from sounding that way. The comment about darkness and asking for help hits a little too close to home. Steve almost says something he'll regret and pushes aside that thought.]

Wait, Tony. You can't come out here. There's some kind of strange bird flying around. I don't know what it is.

[legacyofiron]

The uniformed must improve their deficit, but curiosity kills the cat.

[Tony scrunched his nose, the expression lasting a bare second before he grinned.]

Really, Steve... birds do tend to fly and strange is simply a relative term. Use the sources available to you.

[Pausing, he rubs his face as though he's trying to wipe the weird grin away and focus better. Finally he gives Steve a helpless look then waves in indicating fashion at the screen. He spoke slowly, making sure he said something normal this time.]

I will track you if necessary. [But his words kept going.] Or wander about until my feet take me somewhere I need to go.