Chapter 1: THE WET PAGES
Qaelemont Drauculoix: stirs from his silent stillness and gives Deryk a smile. "Euh... Pardon..." he murmurs.
Deryk O'hara: smiles softly, but it's shaky. The lack of dynamis in him, still recovering from.. things.. and then the day's events had left the man on edge and a bit out of it. He handed Qaelemont the box. "From Tril.. I think.. Ah.. Master.. t..there is something wrong.. with the ocean.. and.. with the books in the Study.."
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: bows to Majordome Sokhor.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: carefully accepts the box, spidery fingers tapping over it in a slow rhythm. He hums softly to himself then nods faintly. "Merci, mon petit."
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: walks over to the umbrella stand under Sokhor's watchful gaze. Ravena taps her hat with the handle of her umbrella, which causes her hat and mask to disappear in a flash of pale blue flame. Ravena then places her umbrella in the holder deliberately.
Devin Grey: grinned and wiggled his ears.
Devin Grey: "Hello, Miss Ravena!"
Deryk O'hara: nods and heads upstairs.
Devin Grey: wiggled his ears in greeting. "Vath! How are you doing?"
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: turns around when her name is spoken. "Hello Devin. Good to see you all again."
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: "Sadly, troubled tonight. Though I won't be getting into that just yet. I'll be waiting for a chance to have an audience with your Master tonight. I dislike visiting friends on business; but, it's better friends than strangers."
Devin Grey: smiled. "Good to see you, too. Hopefully it's nothing too serious."
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: "Not so serious that I can't enjoy a good book with good company."
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: "Deryk, you know me. If I knew for certain you or Devin could help me, I would be talking directly with you."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: taps her chin in thought.
Devin Grey: smiled at the person looking at the art. "It's really pretty, isn't it? Master likes to collect pretty things."
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: "For the moment, I'll see myself downstairs. I prefer the lighting and the seats are comfier."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: gives Qaelemont Drauculoix a pleasant wave.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: swivels an ear without looking over her shoulder. She nods and curls her fluffy tail around herself to wrap her arms loosely around it. "Y-yeah. I d-don't know this o-one, but... I r-recognized Urth's F-Font."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: spies a tray of sweets left out. Deciding to try the mystery cookie, Ravena floats one over to her hands then takes an experimental nibble. She always loved Deryk's candies.
Telural Noykin: Nimbleblade chitinous feet briefly clacked on the stone and wood before getting onto the carpet and said as they looked over at Deryk and said there mandibles clicking as they spoke " *click click* I do not need any, came here to read once again, i see you have redecorated a bit"
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Deryk! How good to see you!. I'm well. It's... been a moment, hasn't it?"
Telural Noykin: " *click click* Oh? Thats good, i do have to remember most arnt used to the cold."
Devin Grey: smiled and motioned to the landscape. "I think it's called the Royal Menagerie? I don't know why. There's no animals in it." He smiled, ears wiggling. "And I'm not sure who is royal enough to own it."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: bowed his head and walked off to where his friend already stood.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: glances over her shoulder and shrinks, ears laying flat. She hugs her tail tighter. "Um... I-I..." She opts to shrug.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung] gently pats Sofi Neillo [Malboro].
Guild [2026-01-07 20:14:46-06:00] Majordome Sokhor: Stahp clogging doorway
Derek Starris: "Good evening," he said softly - since they were in a building representing an archive, after all! - "Is there an aisle for aetherial or magical topics?", he asked softly with a polite smile.
Derek Starris: "Such as spellcasting," he clarified.
Telural Noykin: chitinous feet clacked against the tile floor as they made there way to the book case and started to look through the selection*
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Mon amis, I'll be out of pocket a moment. I need to use my tomestone briefly, if you might excuse me."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "Hmm, this place certainly has not changed much since my last visit." A small chuckle left her. "Good."
Derek Starris: "No need, thank you. Though, appreciate it," he gave a nod in gratitude.
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: looks up from her book to see Telural Noykin. "Seems today is going to be a very busy day."
Deryk O'hara: bows to Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin] and smiles warmly. "Welcome to Between the Lines. Was there something you were looking for in particular, or are you just looking to browse?"
Devin Grey: glanced at the newcomer, ears wiggling in greeting. "I'm glad you enjoy the art. I'll leave you to it, unless you need something? Oh, do you have a map of the library? It can help if you're looking for something specific, but a lot of people just wander where they like."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "Ah, greetings sir Deryk."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "And no no, I am simply browsing for the moment, but thank you~"*
Deryk O'hara: blinks and looks around.. nope. Nope.. he wasn't seeing that.. sea water.. what the hell..
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: looks around to find the source of an annoying drip. Was the fish tank leaking?
Deryk O'hara: blinks and nods at Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]. "If you need assistance, please let us know."
Deryk O'hara: runs downstairs.. real fast.
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "I will be certain to."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: sheepishly shakes her head and drags a fang over her lower lip. "I... Th-thank you. I, um... I think b-browsing would, uh, w-would be n-nice? Um... I... I don't h-have a m-map." She shies a bit closer to Shinto.
Deryk O'hara: looks around.. no.. water doesn't flow.. up... "I.. what?"
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: "Hrm. Curioser, and curioser."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: rested his hand silently on Sofi's left shoulder. Just a comforting gesture. Otherwise he remained silent as he stared at the picture with a blank expression.
Telural Noykin: Looked at the book swelling with water, there mandibles clicked as they watched it briefly before closeing it and looking back towards Q saying " One of your books has sprung a leak *click click*"
Devin Grey: nodded and reached into his vest pocket. The folded pamphlet was a little worn from being in said pocket, but he handed it over with a smile. "Here you go. Feel free to ask someone if you need help." He bowed politely and moved to leave the pair alone.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: shies just a bit closer, ears vanishing completely into her hair. She slowly nods, as she takes the map.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Ah, Devin?"
Qaelemont Drauculoix: 's head tracks over toward Nimbleblade and he arches one elegant brow. "Pardon?" he asks in a dumbfounded tone.
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Deryk, you'll want to check for me, but I didn't notice any cracks in the fish tank downstairs."
Devin Grey: stopped and looked back. "Miss Zygana! How are you?"
Deryk O'hara: "Did.. did you see it too?"
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: nods. "Unsure what that was."
Deryk O'hara: shakes his head. "It's.. up here.. too.. I don't.. understand.. I checked the pond.."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "But if you think you're hallucinating, we're sharing the same dream."
Deryk O'hara: smiles a bit. "Only Devin does that with me.. and Master.. not.. this isn't normal. I don't think we're dreaming. I can pinch you, if you like?"
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: chuckles, "I'd rather you didn't - no offense."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Your date not here?"
Telural Noykin: " *click click* The pages turned to water, with a smell of salt. Sea water, did you missplace an enchanted tome?"
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: taps her chin in thought again.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: N-no. I came a-alone.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: turned to Sofi with a death glare, not aimed at her- "Did he stand you up?"
Shinto Ittetsu: Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung] furrows her brow at Sofi Neillo [Malboro].
Devin Grey: wiggled his ears in greeting.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: shakes her head. "N-no. I just, um... I j-just decided to c-come alone, i-instead of asking."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Hm. Fair enough." Shinto returned to the painting. "It's not as fun when we can't spy on you two. Kiki's busy, too. Howzer and Miruna haven't returned from their camping, either."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "I'm well. I sorely missed you at Lady Blackrose's Starlight party, so I decided to bring you something."
Deryk O'hara: sighs, his eyes dim. "I.. am too tired for this.."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: holds out a paper box.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: rises gracefully to his feet and glides over to Nimbleblade. Delicate nostrils flare as the briny scent assaults him and his brows climb toward his hairline. "Quoi...?" he asks rhetorically, as if the books surrounding them might whisper an answer—yet they maintain their silence. His head twitches toward Fred's tank for a fraction of a second but then he purses his lips and gives a small shake of negation. "Non... he's a freshwater fish."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: S...sorry... I just th-thought it'd... be b-better to come a-alone, and I-- This is the f-first time I've b-been back in Shirogane i-in... a c-couple of moons...
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: smiles at Deryk O'hara, "that describes most of my work, Deryk. Still, at least tonight, you'll have me here to help with figuring things out."
Devin Grey: flicked his tail with curiosity as he took the box. "Thank you! I... I didn't get you anything. But you can have some of my cookies. Oh! What if I make you a bunch of cookies? What kind do you like?"
Deryk O'hara: nods. "Well.. it can't be the pond.. nor Fred's tank.. maybe the tanks in my room, but why would the water be up here?"
Telural Noykin: Nimbleblade turned to Q and would hand the now closed book over to him "*click click* I dont believe it was my imagination. "
Deryk O'hara: "Did.. you tell anyone else?"
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: giggles. "Best open the box first, dear."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Not yet. I was going to bring it up with Lord Qaelemont when I met with him."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Besides, if I tell you within earshot of Sokhor, somehow Q knows."
Deryk O'hara: nods. "I.. want to go with you, but I have to watch the door. What kind of library night can we have with this happening?..."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: | The box is full of a whole ponzecake, a dozen cookies, and a good heap of candies.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: rested a hand on Sofi's head, in between her ears. Pat pat pat. "Well, at least you can't get weird looks for being here alone, before I showed up. Seems nice, quiet."
Deryk O'hara: smirks. "Yeah.. somehow.. just like how..'somehow' Lady Blackthorn knows everything we talk about."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: browses the art section, very gently moving her claws over the spines of the books within, trying to find something.
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Can't imagine at all how that happens. She must be keeping a watchul eye on me.”
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: snickers.
Deryk O'hara: shakes his head knowingly. "Give me a moment."
Devin Grey: opened the box and beamed at Zyggy. "Woo! I love it!" His tail wagged happily as he picked out a candy and popped it into his mouth. "Mmm!" Obviously she had figured out the fastest way to become Devin's favorite person.
<<Deryk O'hara: "Master.. Ravena and I both see the water too. It smells like low tide in here.">>
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: shifts her gaze to the far gallery. She watches the other guests casually.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: It is p-pretty nice, but a-all I've done is l-look at these p-paintings, so f-far. Is th-there anything y-you want to l-look at?
Deryk O'hara: wants to ask.. to look.. but something is holding him back. He looks to Zygana. "Do you see it too?"
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Whatever you would like to, I suppose."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Pardon, mon amis?"
Deryk O'hara: looks around. "Sea water.."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: doesn't accept the book from Nimbleblade. His head tilts slowly to the left, then to the right, then back to the left. There's a small surge of aether, himself at its epicenter, like a rock dropped into a still pond, sending ripples forth which softly beckon. "Comme c'est interésant..." he murmurs.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "I did notice some condensation, but it is also quite balmy in here, and I assumed with the patrons coming in that the cold air must have caused it. Is it... salty?"
Deryk O'hara: nods. "I'd say so. I normally only smell this when I'm fishing at low tide.”
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: finally looks down at the map and lifts her ears to a more relaxed position, still hugging her tail to her chest.
Devin Grey: tilted his head. "Sea...water?" His gaze flicked toward movement, a drip of water that smelled like salt plopping from the nearby steps.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: shrugs. "A ward gone awry? I've no other guesses. We're far above the sea."
Devin Grey: lowered his ears and moved to the staircase. He reached for the water drops.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: She noticed, but is choosing to dismiss it as "Q's house is strange."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: It l-looks like... u-upstairs has fiction, l-literature, romance,p-periodicals, and science. D-downstairs has... general kn-knowledge, social sciences, l-languages, a-art, th-theology, psychology, t-technology... and... h-history.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: nods graciously over toward Iinalshia. "Bonsoir, mademoiselle," he greets her, but most of his attention seems to be on the waterlogged book in Nimbleblade's chitinous hands.
Telural Noykin: "*click click* It is interesting." *he said as she would then open the book up again*
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "You love your romance books. Why not start there? Maybe pick out some your date would like, too."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "Greetings sir Q. Mind not me, I am trying to find a reference to further my art skills."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Sorry, friend. I was about to say that I hope you enjoy the treats I've made for you. All by hand."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: I d-don't know what h-he'd like, th-though... or if I'd s-see him before I'd h-have to return th-the books.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "It feels... old." The way he says the final word has a sense of... dread? It's an unusual tone coming from him, his already deep voice dropping into an even lower register and holding a hollow note of fear.
Deryk O'hara: looks over to the stairs. The dread.. the fear. He growls and heads downstairs.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: shifts her weight. "B-besides, I'm... t-trying to talk m-myself out of w-wanting to see him." She flattens her ears, again. "B-because it's e-easier to not r-risk being hurt, a-again."
Devin Grey: blinked and turned back to Zyggy. "Oh! Thank you so much, Miss Zygana. I love them. I can't wait to eat them. They smell delicious." His gaze strayed toward the water drips again. In a moment of intrusive thoughts taking over, he reached out to touch the drop and see if it also tasted like sea water.
Deryk O'hara: is at Qaelemont's side. He can feel his Master's fear, and he heard it. "Master.."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Oui, mon petit?"
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: poked at Sofi's cheeks, "Then pick out books you like and tell him about them." Another poke. "It is easier, but that's boring. Enjoy your life, can't do that without some form of risk."
Deryk O'hara: shakes his head. "You.. you sounded.." He falters.. looking to Vath before looking back to his mate.
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: passes by Q with a smile and a nod. She sits down nearby and just listens.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "You're... going to drink the wall water?"
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Sounds like a good experiment is going on upstairs."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: drags a fang over her lower lip. "It's s-safer." She slowly nods and looks at Shinto. "W-we can go and l-look. Maybe, you'll f-find something t-to read with Kiki?"
Devin Grey: licked his finger, tasting the salty water. "Sea water..." He tilted his head, trying to figure out why the staircase was leaking sea water.
Deryk O'hara: grumbles as his brother doesn't do as he was told.. again.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: shakes his head, like a dog shaking water off its coat. He waves his gloved right hand in a languid motion of dimissal then nods his chin after Iinalshia as she disappears around the corner. "La dame is seeking books upon art education."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Maybe. Admittedly the only books I've come to enjoy have been violent ones, more or less...."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: takes out a notepad. Clearly whatever happened, it happened, and nobody is rushing off so Devin must be fine.
Deryk O'hara: furrows his brow. Qaelemont is hiding something.. and Deryk has pattern recognition.. he just.. walks away.
Telural Noykin: Nimbleblade looked down at the book he still held, his mandibles clicked as he thought, before he would sit it down face up on the ground and unsheathed his blade before suddenly stabbing it into waves to see what would happen*
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: Th-that can s-still be found i-in fiction novels, th-though.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Does it just taste salty, or is it fish-like too?"
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: looks up at the shelves. "I... d-don't know i-if I could r-reach those."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Ser, please refrain from drawing your weapon in the library. The wards do not reply kindly to violence."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Hah, get fucked Ishgard... This library has more." Shinto thought out loud, by mistake, as he looked around at the books in this ONE section. "I wonder where the other sections are...."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Stand on my shoulders? I could make barriers for you to step onto."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: tilts her head from side to side. "...No...not that one either..."
Devin Grey: shook his head in confusion. "Huh... Weird... That can't be good for the books." He hugged the box of treats to his chest. "Just salty... I mean, it's been a while since I went to Limsa, but it doesn't taste like fish." His gaze roamed around, noticing more water and his ears lowered. "Why is the library leaking?"
Deryk O'hara: smiles. "Forgive my strange greeting when you entered, my lady. I am.. distracted. I hope you've been well."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: studies the water carefully. She moves against the flow of the water, making an attempt to find an origin.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: looks at the map and points at the wall in front of her. "Th-this says it's f-fiction." She turns and points to another section, the middle of the room. "L-literature." Then, she points at the side furthest from her. "R-romance is... th-there. If th-this is right."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "I'm not sure, but I think that the paintings, too, will not fair well in such an environment. We should address your master, friend. Surely he has a plan?"
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "Tis quite fine, I can see that something rather pressing has been happening this evening." A small glance was made towards the conversation about books elsewhere.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Romance section, then? Maybe you'll pick yourself up with one or two of those to read."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: taps her chin in thought as she looks around. When she sees Shinto and Sofi, she gives a warm smile and a polite bow of her head.
Deryk O'hara: shrugs. "The library is leaking sea water, and we don't know why. Master might, but he's busy." He shrugs. "I'm sure it's nothing."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: nods in response with that same blank expression. He was back to looking at Sofi, after.
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: lightly rolled her neck. "Perhaps...either way, I can't seem to find what I am looking for, presently..."
Deryk O'hara: smiles. "Well, since I know this library like the back of my.. now wet hand.." He looks annoyed. "Maybe I can help?
Devin Grey: nodded and picked up a cookie to eat for comfort. "Let's go find him and let him know." He sniffed, but the smell of salt water kept distracting him. Instead, he headed for the last place he had seen the elezen.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: slowly nods. "M-maybe." She glances toward the door. "I w-wonder... what she w-was trying to f-find and d-didn't..." She moves across the room to look up at the shelves, hugging her tail a little tighter.
Devin Grey: called out as he reached the lower level. "Master, the library is leaking!"
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: followed along, "I'm unsure. But she was staring at me for a little while when we were downstairs. Nothing ill intent, I'm sure. Probably just browsing."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "Perhaps...?" She glanced up at the tall bookshelves, her spiky tail flicking behind her. "The name escapes me at present, but I am looking for a book on...traditional Hingan paintings, I believe...?"
Deryk O'hara: looks over to his brother. "He knows."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: is still and silent, slim, quiet, sharp as one of the blades he favors. But his composure is lost as he lets out a gasp when the book falls into a puddle on other side of the Vath's katana. The water splits cleanly, flows away, and reforms into the soggy book about a fulm away.
Devin Grey: was a little slow on the uptake as he got really distracted by the treats Zyggy gave him.
Deryk O'hara: nods. "Well.. this is where the cookbooks are. Art is behind me on the wall."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "...Oh."
Deryk O'hara: smiles warmly. "Maybe you'll find what you seek here?"
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "Well now, that's quite embarrassing..."
Devin Grey: lowered his ears as he ate through the cookies. "Oh..."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: M-maybe, she was l-looking because y-you're wearing a-armour?
Telural Noykin: "*click click* Now thats deffiently interesting, not just some portal thing."
Deryk O'hara: smiles warmly. "It's alright. When someone is zoned into searching, sometimes they miss their surroundings."
Telural Noykin: said as they would sheath there blade
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Probably. Or worried I'll cause trouble since i'm openly armed."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "I know that all too well...my lord seems keen on ignoring all but what he is focused on at the moment." The rather tall dragoness stands on her tiptoes / talons to reach and pull down a book she believes is what she's looking for.
Deryk O'hara: nods a bit. "Don't worry.. just.. be patient. He'll see what surrounds him again."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: shrugs her shoulders and looks back up at the shelves. She lets go of her tail, letting the mass of fluff fall to curl loosely around her leg.
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: a light smirk forms on her lips. "I am talking about the lord I am employed under, by the by, not sir Qaelemont~"
Deryk O'hara: blinks and tilts his head. "I.. I know? Why would I think you were talking about Master? He sees everything."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You nod to Telural Noykin.
Devin Grey: looked at Zygana. "I guess if Master isn't freaking out about the water...then it's not something to wory about?" He plucked candies out of the box and started eating them, giving a happy little wiggle.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Oui..." he murmurs, frowning at the not-so-innocent book on the floor.
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: blinks a few times. "...Because...?" She seemed confused on why she mentioned that as well. "...I thought you were talking of him...?"
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: didn't really know what to do... And so he turned around, looking intimidating! Which probably wasn't very much.
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: ponders if the source of the nuisance has already been found.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "It seems there are many strange things afoot ce soir..."
Deryk O'hara: shakes his head. "Non. You mentioned your lord is seeing only what he's working on. I was trying to comfort you. My apologies if I misunderstood."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You smile at Ravena Blackwind [Balmung].
Devin Grey: was clearly distracted by his snacks.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Dame Blackwind, might I ask your opinion?"
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Oh, do tell me if the candies are to your liking. It was my first time making hard candy, and I'm not sure if I got the flavors right. There should be lemon, rolanberry, orange, and banana."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "No, you are quite alright, good sir." She shook her head as well and gave a faint smile.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: slides aside so Ravena can come look at the soggy book on the floor.
Deryk O'hara: nods. "Well, you found what you wanted. If you need any help, just ask. I'll be upstairs, watching the door."
Iinalshia Ezerek [Maduin]: "Aye, do take care."
Devin Grey: glanced at Deryk with concern, and was about to go check on Qaelemont, when his attention was grabbed by Zyggy'z question. "Oh, they're really tasty! This one has a bit of a lime hint?" He held up one of the orange flavored ones before popping it into his mouth. "It's still good, though. Thank you, again."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: stretches up to pull a book off of the shelf to look at it. "Shin..." She swivels an ear toward him. "Wh-what should I d-do?" It's a vague question, but she seems to hope that he knows what she means without specifics.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Aye, I used a touch of lime for the citric acid. I hope it didn't take away the orange-ness."
<<Devin Grey: "Oh, are you okay, Master? The library is leaking. Should I get some towels? What about the artwork? It can't be good for the books, right? what's going on?">>
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Nothing worth fighting for is easy, Sofi. If you feel that the difficult path has a sense of comfort, happiness, or joy, then chase after it and don't look back."
Devin Grey: wiggled his ears. "It still mostly taste like orange. The lime gives it a little extra goodness."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: <<"Oui, ça va... mais... je ne sais pas..." There's a note of concern echoing through their bond.
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: walks over with genuine curiosity. She bends down to give the book a proper inspection. Ravena first gives the book a spark of aether to test it's reaction. If the book "seems" safe, Ravena will then touch it.
Deryk O'hara: bows to Neko Nyaa [Faerie] and smiles warmly. "Welcome to Between the Lines. Was there something you were looking for in particular, or are you just looking to browse?"
Neko Nyaa [Faerie]: "just looking to browse for now"
Deryk O'hara: nods. "If you need assistance, just let us know."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: A-and, if I j-just see... m-misfortune waiting f-for me? ...What if I'm w-wanting something I'm n-not meant to h-have?
Devin Grey: <<"If you say so... Miss Zygana made candies. Maybe I'll add orange flavor to the list for your candies. They're really tasty!">>
Qaelemont Drauculoix: <<"Trés bien, chaton," comes a quiet reply, somewhat distracted.>>
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "That's good to hear. I'll have to make them again for you in that case. Ah, I think I hear your master. Shall we see if he's found a reason everything is damp?"
Deryk O'hara: comes up ."Pardon me, ladies. None of the books up here are.. leaking sea water.. are they?"
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: can't help a giggle at Shinto being called a lady.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Fate isn't the gods to decide. You chase your own path, and damned what anyone or anything else thinks." Looking up, Shinto shook his head. "Not that I know of, sir."
Devin Grey: nodded, stuffing the last cookie into his mouth.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: Th-this one w-wasn't.
Deryk O'hara: thinks. "Ah, that's good. Forgive me.. the rest of the library seems to be.. leaking.."
Deryk O'hara: bows. "If you come across anything, please let me know?"
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: bowed his head in a nod. "We will, should we find any. If need be, I can use wind Aether to help dry any?"
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: tips her head and looks around, starting to look for... leaking books? "Um... Th-the library's... leaking? H-how does a l-library leak?"
Qaelemont Drauculoix: shivers as the book *devours* the spark of aether Ravena uses to test it. More sea water oozes from its pages. "You can feel it aussi, oui ?" he asks her quietly.
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Fascinating."
Deryk O'hara: pauses from his movement to turn away.. "You know.. I.. I don't know. It usually doesn't. There was this weird book downstairs.. I.. I've not gotten a chance to get close enough to look. It's crowded down there."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: has genuine joy and curiosity in her voice. "Well now, we'll need to isolate this tome from aether for now. It's devouring what aether it can, and my guess is your leaky shelves are a by-product."
Deryk O'hara: nods. "You could try, if you want. They are in the basement. I can take you to them.. and the strange book."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Also might want to do a search for other tomes by the same author or with the same theme just to make sure this is the only culprit.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: looked back to Sofi, as if waiting for her answer to that.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You nod to Ravena Blackwind [Balmung].
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Oui, an excellent idea, mon amie.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: glances toward Shinto. "Seeing if w-we can help m-might be more f-fun than... seeing if f-finding a new romance n-novel will, um, ch-change my... mood."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Very well."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "There should be more in this series there, Nimbleblade. Do you see any others, afflicted so?"
Deryk O'hara: smiles softly. "You're one for adventure, I see. Come on, let's see if you two can help."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "I'd need time to study the book if you wanted more. For now, I would rate that tome as mildly dangerous."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: W-worse case f-for me... I could f-freeze the books? ...Th-that might make a bigger mess, th-though.
Devin Grey: looked at the situation, to the book on the floor and the others around it. "What...?”
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You nod to Ravena Blackwind [Balmung].
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Do you have a means to collect it upon your person?"
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Else I'll see it properly stored et warded et send it over."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Oh, that tome is quite soaked."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Honestly? Deryk would likely handle that thing more safely than I would."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You nod to Ravena Blackwind [Balmung].
Deryk O'hara: approaches Ravena. "These two lovely ladies want to try to help.. dry.. the books?"
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You bow.
Deryk O'hara: "I what now??"
Telural Noykin: "*click click* There is a second part " *they said as they would pluck the second one from the shelf and open it up*
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: grins and puts a hand over her mouth.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "I am a-" he paused, it doesn't matter. "Through Aether, yes."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: turns to Deryk with a nod, then turns to the other two.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Bonsoir, mesdames."
Deryk O'hara: walks up to Zygana. "I'm lost."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: looked up at the tallest among them. "And this...soaked book?"
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "I'm happy to say the problem may be resolved shortly. Still, if you want to help dry the books, for now refrain from audacious displays of aether. For some reason, this book, or possibly books, is consuming aether around it and is creating the salty brine as a by-product."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: flicks a gaze toward the other two miqo'te, her ears drooping back in another nervous movement. She shifts close to Shinto, again; wanting to stay as close to him as she can without getting in his way.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Things are very.... wet, for some reason. Was there some kind of summoning or evocation here earlier?"
Deryk O'hara: shakes his head. "I don't have much aether to speak of.. but.. I don't see how I would handle it better."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "If we are not needed, I will step back, then. I was only going to try drying it with Wind, pulling the water out, or using Light to stagnate any Aetheric effects causing it."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Peut-être you might balance the aether?"
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: comments to Zygana Nightgale [Malboro], "I'm afraid you're learning information as we do."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: If i-it's... consuming a-aether, then... I-- I d-don't have e-enough cloth on m-me to do anything e-else.
Deryk O'hara: shakes his head. "Not that would cause this."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: "Deryk, the book is hungry for Aether. You're the last thing the book would want handling it."
Deryk O'hara: thinks. "Then.. shouldn't I not?"
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: shrugged a second time and stepped forward. "May I try? If anything averse happens, I can use barrier magics, too...."
Devin Grey: watched eating his candy treats like popcorn.
Telural Noykin: As the book swelled with the sea water Nimbleblade would watch it once again and said as there mandibles clicked "*click click* This one is effected as well." he said as he then closed it and sat it on the ground "*click click* Lets see what happens to a closed one." *he would draw his sword once again and attempted to stab it once again.
Ravens Blackwind [Balmung]: thinks for a moment. "Well, I've given my opinion on the matter. I mentioned you as I did not see Scarlett anywhere. If Scarlett were here, I'd work with her to quickly devise a storage device of some kind."
martial and strength bonuses.
Deryk O'hara: nods. "Kaasan is.. resting. I think I should make sure the rest of our patrons aren't experiencing any more.. water books."
Devin Grey: glanced at Ravena. "Maybe I can freeze the water?"
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: nods.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: knelt down to the book, holding his right hand over the book. The air around the book began to heat up slightly and swirl around it- only to be...eaten? "Huh.... Neat.... I can use Light next, to see how it reacts to that? If not, I will step back before I cause it to explode."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro] gazes upon Qaelemon Drauculoix in deep reflection.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: Wh-what if it's j-just aether and n-not a s-spell?
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: bites her lower lip. "M-mine is, um, u-unbalanced...toward ice, s-so-- I don't kn-know if that'd h-help at all."
Ravena Blackwind [Balmung]: looks across the shelves for a particular book. She finds a volume, opens it, and begins to read.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: looked back to Sofi, giving a light shrug as he stood up. "S'pose not." He returned to his spot with her.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: shakes his head, his expression troubled. "Je ne sais pas..."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: Sh-should I try?
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: leaned over ot whisper to Sofi.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "This is all passing strange... Oui, s'il vous plaît," he nods to Sofi.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "..... If you would like." he said while leaning back.
Devin Grey: looked at Sofi, ears wiggling. "You like ice too? Let's try together!" He was a little more focused as he had emptied the box of snacks. "Let's try to freeze the water."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: blinks at Shinto and shrugs. She nods and steps closer, stooping down to place her hand over the book. With a deep breath, she focuses her aether. The air around her swiftly drops in temperature, her aether spreading out without any actual control over which direction it spreads toward. At the mention of help, it flares more. Her ears pin flat to her head.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "It would be best to let her try alone, that it would."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: has zero control over her aether... not that it helped in the first place, since it's adding to the mess.
Devin Grey: glanced over and nodded. "I understand that. I had problems with my aether for a long time."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: seems nonplussed by the chill in the air, though he does frown at the frost spreading across the spines of the books near Sofi. Once again, the book simply seems to drink in the aether the woman sends toward it, devouring it like an endlessly hungry void.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: shifts back to her feet and stumbles back toward Shinto, her tail flicking to keep her balance. She rubs her hand and arm, closing her eyes tightly to try to get her flare-up to subside before she ends up on the floor.
Deryk O'hara: has no real aether sense to speak of, since his own aether is unnaturally low. He just minds the door and waits for a patron, happy to be of any help.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: rested his hand on SOfi's shoulder again. Pat pat. "We both didn't help much, but maybe it will help them understand it more so they could."
Devin Grey: set the empty snack box on the desk and tilted his head. "I think Miss Ravena had a point. Deryk might be the best option to handle this thing."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You nod to Devin Grey.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: leans against Shinto, as the frost begins to fade from around her. Her ears and tail both droop, and she frowns and murmurs an apology for the loss of control.
Devin Grey: "I don't know much about dynamics, but it's not aether so it shouldn't be eaten."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Oui, I belive so, chaton. I've not seen something eat aether like this in a while... aside from..." he gives Devin a wry smile and raising his hand toward the man, waving his gloved fingers gracefully. "Deryk will be the best person to handle its safe collection et transport to her for study."
Devin Grey: blushed. "I was young..." He turned to head upstairs. "I'll go get him."
Deryk O'hara: looks to Devin, a distrustful look in his eyes.
Deryk O'hara: "I have no aether power, brother.. how in the hells can I help?"
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You smile at Sofi Neillo [Malboro].
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Naught to apologize for, mademoiselle, bon monsieur. We've little idea what this is either."
Devin Grey: leaned in to kiss Deryk's cheek. "Master needs your help. I'll watch the door... You can't be eaten by the books trying to eat aether... Just be careful, okay?
Telural Noykin: As the book was pinned to the floor by his blade his mandibles would click as he then would start to twist the blade "Lets see what this does now."
Deryk O'hara: blinks. "Wait.. w..what do you mean eaten? What is the book doing?"
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Monsieur, if these tomes desire aether, then might we see what happens when we oblige them? Surely there is a limit to their appetite."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: I... I h-hope my a-aether didn't, um, d-damage any... n-normal books.
Devin Grey: lowered his ears. "It's eating aether from the looks of it."
Deryk O'hara: blinks. "I.. well.. it can't eat what I don't have.. between you and Master, I have very little that wasn't corrupted when Tril.." He pauses.. "You know.."
Majordome Sokhor: returns from having left the estate. "The sea is restless," he intones, his eerie glowing gaze unfixed into the distance.
Deryk O'hara: nods. "Oui, Brother.. we know.. it's in some of the books."
Deryk O'hara: sighs. "I will go.. but.. I don't think I'll be of any help.. I rarely am."
Devin Grey: "Exactly! Looks like there's more than one book, too..." He looked at Sokhor, head tilted. "Oh... I should've saved one of the fruit candies for you..."
Deryk O'hara: smiles. "You can get some of the wagashi I made for Sokhor when he's eating."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: gives Sofi a reassuring smile. "Naught that can't be fixed with some careful drying, mademoiselle." His head tracks toward Zygana and he arches one elegant brow.
Deryk O'hara: comes down.. and eyes the book..s? He looks to Qaelemont. "I was summoned, Master?"
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "I'm willing to feed a book, just to see where this takes us. It may prove enlightening."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: We sh-should get out of th-the way.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: sucks his teeth, considering Zygana's offer, then he gives a cautious nod.
Deryk O'hara: nods and steps back. "Let's see what you can do, Zyggy."
Deryk O'hara: smiles at Shinto and Sofi. "You helped plenty. We understand it better now."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "I'll need you to collect these after we close et put them in a warded case, mon petit. Dame Blackwind needs to study them."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: W-we did?
Deryk O'hara: nods. "Yes, Master."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: wordlessly followed Sofi to step back, keeping that blank expression as he stared straight ahead- with the occasional glance at each person around.
Deryk O'hara: nods. "You did. We understand that it's absorbing aether. That's.. new."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: takes another book from the shelf, wiping condensation from its cover and setting it on the floor. Standing over it she begins to softly intone, channeling her aether into the paper and leather.
Deryk O'hara: thinks. "If it's absorbing aether.. it's feeding something.. There is no way a bunch of water is just.. taking what it doesnt' need."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: nods, slowly. "I d-don't know of a-anything that... a-absorbs aether." She twitches her ears and tips her head. "E-except for m-maybe... crystals."
Deryk O'hara: nods. "And voidsent."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: Th-they don't c-come in book form, d-do they?
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: looks at Shinto in alarm. "D-do they?"
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Some do, yes."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro] looks at Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung] in shock!
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "Or- come out of books. Like a summon."
Deryk O'hara: chuckles a bit. "Non, I don't think so. I've never really heard of a book that is a voidsent on it's own. A teather, sure, but.." He looks to Shinto. "Really? Oh, I didn't know that1"
Qaelemont Drauculoix: 's attention is divided between Zygana's channeling and then the book Nimbleblade has pinned to the floor. He draws in a sharp breath when a pseudopod of water shoots forth from the book at the Vath, but it rebounds harmlessly from the creatures chiton.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: is quick to put herself behind Shinto... hopefully away from an evil book's potential aggro.
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: was now a human meat shield :D
Deryk O'hara: looks to Zygana, bracing for.. something.
Telural Noykin: "*click click* Some sort of slime?" he said as he twisted it some more
Devin Grey: paced a little and settled next to Sokhor. "I think I'll make Master some orange and lemon flavored candies. Miss Zyganna inspiried me. Woud you like some too?" He didn't wait for a reply from the stoic man. "You're right. It's probably too much. I have a long list of candy to make and make it something for Master to eat. But what about regular one? You'll like those, right?" He nodded. "Of course, I'll also make some taffy. I read about a recipe and I'd like to try it. Seems easy."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: reached back to pat Sofi on the head while still looking straight ahead- more so to the book now an anything or anyone else. "You will be fine, Sofi, do not worry. I will protect you."
Devin Grey: "I'll make you some. Don't worry."
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: R-right... I... I don't even kn-know how you'd s-start to fight a b-book. ...I'd feel b-bad for damaging the p-pages, even if it w-wants to eat me.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: offers Shinto an apologetic smile. "Désolée, we don't usually have such strange happenings about the premisis."
Deryk O'hara: looks back to Sofi. "I don't think these books can be damaged so easily, my lady. Don't worry about it."
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "There is no need to apologize. It is always something, I have grown used to it."
Deryk O'hara: motions to Vath. "Vath is over there stabbing them. Your ice did less damage than that."
Devin Grey: "I won't use the water leaking from the library though. It tastes fine, but who knows what it's doing. Especially because it's eating aether." He glanced over, not bothered by the lack of response.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: ceased her intonations, stepping backwards. "This tome... it's a bottomless pit. Whatever it is channeling the aether to seems... bigger than I'd expect would fit in a single volume. Something massive.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: You nod to Zygana Nightgale [Malboro].
Deryk O'hara: nods. "So that theory is correct. It's feeding something. Let's not let that happen."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Oui... you sense it too."
Deryk O'hara: gives Qaelemont a look. "I knew you sensed something."
Telural Noykin: "*click click* "Close the books it lets there gaurds down seems"
Devin Grey: smiled in greeting. "Hello! Welcome to Between the Lines!"
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "I tried visualizing it as it fed, but I got only dark and... pressure. So much pressure. A crushing amount from all around."
Deryk O'hara: nods at Vath. "That's a good idea." He then looks to Zygana. "Are you ok?"
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "Tired, but otherwise fine."
Deryk O'hara: nods. "You gave it a lot, I assume. That would make most tired."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: 's brow furrows and he nods slowly, looking between Zygana and Nimbleblade, both having tested the curiously waterlogged books in their own ways.
Devin Grey: reached for a crumpled pamphlet from his vest and handed it over. "Feel free to browse...though if you see a book that's leaking, let me know."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "There are things best not spoken of... best not *remembered* that yet dwell in this universe..."
Deryk O'hara: looks to Qaelemont. "I.. see why I'm the one to store them. I don't have enough aether to even be interesting. Just a snack.. they won't waste their time on me." He then blinks.. and shivers at the thought. "Something.. bigger than us.."
Kingfisher Sja-at: "oh. huh... yeah ill let ya know! thank you!"
Devin Grey: wiggled his ears happily.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: shakes his head with a long sigh then nods solemnly to Deryk.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Oui, your lack of aether will be a boon in this."
DerykO'hara: takes a soft breath. "I.. can bind them. I think.. I'm low but.. not out." His eyes take on a soft golden glow.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: drags a fang over her lower lip. "It s-sounds like w-we're out of our d-depth, Shin." She shifts her weight a bit. "I d-didn't even notice the p-person with the s-sword, honestly..."
Telural Noykin: *click click* " Now lets see if this will kill it, lets get it in 2." *he said as he would start to spiral the blade around slowly getting it to the edge, doing the most damage he could*
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: "I would say so. All I'd know how to do would be to destroy it somehow. I'm no scientist."
Deryk O'hara: just watches Vath stab it again. He wonders if it will do.. anything.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: 's chin lifts as he sees Sokhor come downstairs, the enigmatic Xaela approaching with quiet steps to bring Deryk a black laquered chest. "Store it in there, mon petit."
Deryk O'hara: looks up to his elder Brother and then takes the chest, looking to Qaelemont. "Oui, Master."
Telural Noykin: Looking at the now puddle of sea water Nimblebaldes mandibles clicked*" *click click* That seemed to have down the job."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: nods slowly, his refined features still clouded, not at all reassured when Nimbleblade destroys the second book.
Sofi Neillo [Malboro]: leans forward to lower her voice and whisper to Shinto.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Best get that one boxed up, mon petit," he instructs Deryk, nodding toward the first soaking wet book on the floor.
Deryk O'hara: nods and moves to start collecting the books into the black box Sokhor had handed him.
Deryk O'hara: places each book.. and somehow the puddle too, into the box. A soft golden light appears in his fingers as he touches the latch on the box, and then hands the whole thing to Qaelemont.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: draws a slow breath and lets out a relieved sigh once Deryk has the strange mess safely within the warded box. He holds his hands up defensively though when the Hyurzen offers it to him. "Non, Deryk, this is a mission pour toi," he informs the man solemnly.
Telural Noykin: *click click*
Shinto Ittetsu [Balmung]: nodded once to Sofi, and turned around.
Telural Noykin: "Seems like that is all you dont need any more books pulled out?"
Deryk O'hara: blinks.. and nods, holding the box against his chest. "Where should it go, then?"
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Dame Blackwind."
Deryk O'hara: nods. "I.. guess I'm heading to the Shroud tonight.. then.. or is it Ishgard.. I don't know where she lives now.."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "For the moment..." he drawls to Nimbleblade in wry tones.
Deryk O'hara: tilts his head. "G'lado will put it in Ravena's room.."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: shivers. "I feel... unclean...."
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: silently regards the books for a moment then mumbles to herself. "Monsieur, is it possible I could study one of these books?"
Devin Grey: wandered away rom his door duty as the bell chimed for closing. He moved to join those downstairs, but paused as he noticed the dripping water on the stairs. He thought a moment then went to retrieve a glass vial. Gathering some of the water into the vial, he headed to his room to put it aside for Mizuki.
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "Speak with Dame Blackwind, mon apprenti. You can learn much et more from her."
Telural Noykin: Nimbleblade would nod as he finaly sheathed his sword and said*" Then i should be off, if you have need of me, just send a mail." *he said as he started to make his way out, his chintinous feet clacking against the tile*
Deryk O'hara: nods. "I will.. be back.. hopefully tonight." He looks to Zygana. "I am not undoing this ward. I am sorry. It's too dangerous." He nods in agreement. "Ravena will happily take assistance."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: "I'm going to get a bath."
Qaelemont Drauculoix: ruffles Devin's hair and rubs his ears just for good measure.
Zygana Nightgale [Malboro]: "I may have a use for one, if others seem equally hungry. We need not even remove it from the library."