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[ingrantitude]

[Ward isn't making himself known without good reason. His device is on and there's a grim sort of looking man. He's been sticking close to Kara and thinking about what Tony said. He's got a book under his hands and he sits.]

So we're in a library. I was wondering. What's your favorite book?

I found a couple of mine. You know, when I was a kid. [He nods at them] Treasure island for one. Jim Hawkins was always kind of my hero when I was a kid.

[He reaches for another] I've got 100 years of solitude too. And the Giver.


I'd really like to read them but I don't want to open them and accidentally unleash Long John Silver or anything like that. Is there...a way to turn them off?

Comments

[enlightenedfeline]

[The Cat use one of the bookmarks but the devices really aren't feline-friendly so when he hears Ward's question, he decides to answer in person. Or in cat, depending on a being's definition of 'person'.

Letting out a trilling 'merp' to announce his presence, he pads toward the man, making sure to give Ward enough time to realize that he's someone familiar.]

The books you asked about are safe for you to read. It takes more than just opening them for something to escape.

[ingrantitude]

[Ward's got Kara's books in his hands too, staring at them and running his hands over the cover Ward looks up - visibly relieved. But he nods.]

That's good to know.

....I'd swear this is my grandmother's copy, it feels just like it.

[enlightenedfeline]

If one of them looks unusual, it's best to ask us. Some of them are unstable and those might cause problems. Ones that are undamaged are safe but your imagination may seem more vivid while you read.

[An interesting quirk to the Library but one that isn't dangerous for the patrons.

Sauntering closer, the Cat looks up at Ward, purring thoughtfully.]

The Library's reality is not the same as the one that you left behind. [Which isn't quite an answer but what fun is there in giving information directly?] You were meant to find that copy and it was meant to be yours.

[ingrantitude]

...It's mine?

[He traces over the cover] I can - what? Keep it? Return it when I' mdone with it?

[enlightenedfeline]

Yes, it is yours. You may keep it permanently, if you wish. There is another copy of that book in the Library so there is no repercussions if it remains in your care.

[ingrantitude]

[Ward traces over the book again and squeezes it with his fingers.]

...Thanks.

...This'd be the part where I'd try to pet you but you'd probably turn me into a toad or something.

[enlightenedfeline]

You're welcome.

[For a few moments, he's silent, considering whether he should make that sort of threat. Ward hadn't demanded and he didn't expect him to say yes, so of course he had to.

Cats are supposed to be contrary, even ones who aren't quite feline.]

If you wish to pet me, you may.

[ingrantitude]

[Ward extends his fingers and smiles - a slow gentle smile. Then he gets an expert touch behind the ear, slow strokes.]

....If I wanted to get my fiancee a pet somehow....if we promised to keep it and train it. Like a dog.

Could we?

[enlightenedfeline]

[The Cat lets out a faint hum of approval that becomes a low, steady purr.]

A dog?

[Despite Ward finding the right spot on his ear, the Cat wrinkles his nose. How could something that drools so much be an ideal pet?]

It will be a small measure of time before we can bring them into the Library but there is no reason why a well mannered pet could not stay here.

[ingrantitude]

I had a dog. I miss him.

[Silence. Touching an animal again felt good.] Kara would like something too.

That's another thing I want to ask you about. I want to marry her. She's -

[Dead, back home. Still though.]

[enlightenedfeline]

If he will behave then he could be in the Library.

[He really wouldn't mind a dog as long as it didn't try to eat the books or chase him. It would be difficult to look respectable while trying to evade a dog.

The purr faltered for a moment before he moved his head slightly so that the scritches were focused on another spot.]

We would never stop anyone from marrying if that is what they wished. We want our patrons to be happy. What would you need for a wedding?

[ingrantitude]

I don't know.

Her to be happy.

Cactuses. Presents. Someone to marry us.

[enlightenedfeline]

I will help as best I can. I know the facts about weddings but for each couple it is different. I'm sure that there are others here who would be willing to help.

[Cacti weren't something that the Cat had assumed were part of marriage ceremonies but human traditions were strange to him.]

There are cactus in Non-Fiction that could be part of the ceremony.

If there isn't a specific type of holy person that you need, the Head Librarian might be persuaded to perform the ceremony.

[Yes, that would be good for his friend. Something positive to look forward to instead of constantly draining his energy for the Library.]

Actually I think he would be honored if you asked.

[ingrantitude]

...Kara's close to him. [ward withdraws his hand] She wants this to be her second chance. I'll ask him.

It doesn't...It doesn't have to be right away but...we've been - she died. And...

[He breathes deep] SHIELD killed her.

[enlightenedfeline]

And he enjoys helping our patrons. This would be something he would appreciate.

[His tail curled thoughtfully as he analyzed this tricky group of data.]

Ward, I cannot promise that terrible things won't happen here. This place can be dangerous and no matter how much the Head Librarian and I try to protect our patrons, someone may be hurt. But it is temporary.

Death does not work the same here as it does other places. Even when it visits it is not permanent unless one wishes it to be.

[Some may want to find the peace of the Afterlife and no Librarian would interfere with that.]

SHIELD and HYDRA mean nothing inside the Library. It is our patrons intentions that matter.

[ingrantitude]

[One deep breath and then another. His hands clench at his sides]

And what happens when the library's fixed?

[What happens to her?]

[enlightenedfeline]

That depends on what the patrons wish. Even when the Library is fixed we will need help maintaining it or it will fall into disrepair again.