Peony Min (blackmagicks) wrote in emillion, @ 2013-12-10 21:50:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, !log, hippolyta flynn, peony min |
Who: Peony and Flynn
What: Asleep in the library!
Where: Tower Library
When: Backdated: the evening of 12/4, before this.
Rating: PG-13 because Flynn?
Status: Complete
It had been another late day, though this did not shake Peony’s newly returned tranquility. They were busy, yes, and their lives were full of the unexpected, but the world was righting itself, people were healing, and the panic had abated somewhat. With the unexpected aspects of the cure being what they were, she thought she might take a look at some of the books Merrion had referenced. As she approached the proper section of the library, however, she realized she was clearly not the first to have this thought tonight. Hippolyta Flynn sat slumped over an old tome by the light of a single magicite lantern, her hair a splay of red over the yellowed pages, arms folded sloppily, clearly asleep. That she was exhausted was not something which shocked Peony; she had been in the lecture hall for the summonings earlier this week, and while they were not spells in the traditional sense, they had had the feel of magic about them, and something so large could not help but consume a great deal of magical energy. Looking at the young woman, who was clearly exhausted, she was not without a heavy measure of sympathy. But of course, some things couldn’t be helped. She placed her hand gently on the young woman’s shoulder and said, softly, “Hippolyta, wake up. Your bed would be more comfortable.” Something that should’ve come out as speech escaped the redhead and rumbled in her throat in a low groan. Not fully aware of who was attempting to wake her, Flynn, who had always been something of a light sleeper in public, nestled her cheek into her arm despite having started to stir. The day had been long and tiring and so clearly a nap in the middle of the library was a logical decision, right? Poring over tomes was an activity she equated to staring at walls, and so the exhaustion had hit quickly, forcing her to conk out before everything turned into a blur. At the very least, she was glad she didn’t snore. Seeing the blue mage beginning to show signs of wakefulness, Peony removed her hand and instead settled in the chair next to Hippolyta’s, folding her hands in her lap. “Even the most fascinating reading can hold attention only when one has the energy to process it.” While Peony could gladly spend an entire day in the library -- and had, on many occasions -- the signs of exhaustion were obvious. The sound of the older woman’s voice drilled into her brain, and much to her chagrin, her lashes fluttered and her eyes opened, a horizontal Peony coming into view. After blinking away the sleep, lids still heavy, she abruptly sat up. Oh, shit. Councilor Min. She rubbed at her numb cheek. “Sorry, Councilor. I, uh—” Found the subject to be immensely yawn-worthy? Didn’t find any of the topics remotely interesting because they offered few details on how the communication between hume and guardian was even possible? Was not amused by the lack of pictures? “Had a rough day today,” she finished lamely. “I can imagine,” Peony said kindly. She stroked a hand over the page of text, glad that the impromptu nap had not damaged the book. “It has not been an easy week for you, and it is only half over. I am sorry for it.” She did not say anything else -- sorry or not, this was the state of things for now. The alchemists were doing the best they could, but time was a necessity to make sure their work was done correctly. “Is there anything I can do to assist you?” she asked instead. A flicker of a glance was directed at the book, but it wasn’t out of interest. This reading business was incredibly tiring, especially when it was about a subject she barely understood. Flynn was about as knowledgeable about guardians or summons or whatever they should’ve been called as the next shmuck, but if this was permanent, there wasn’t anything to do but deal with it. She swallowed a sigh, out of rare politeness, and mostly respect for the woman next to her. “Nah, I should be fine. But, uh…” In her seat, she shifted, finally feeling the post-soreness of naptime sinking into her muscles. “Do you know how Councilor Priddy is doing?” Peony smiled before answering. “He is back from the Cathedral clinic now. His mother has arrived from his hometown, so I imagine she will nurse him to health in no time. He was among the first group you aided.” There had been a rather large number of people brought to her, so Peony was not surprised to know she had not distinguished each individual. “He is also the one who advised us which reading to recommend for you. I am glad you are taking advantage.” A moment of thought before she offered, “Perhaps you would like to take these books back with you? I will arrange it.” Some old books were restricted for checkout, but in this situation, she did not see the harm. “As long as you do not sleep on them, I think.” The younger mage nearly barked a laugh, but frankly felt too tired to do so. Sleeping on books wasn’t a particular custom of hers, but libraries did bring out the exhaustion in her. Not that tables were comfortable in the slightest, nor were the chairs pulled up to them. It made for an awful, but sometimes much needed, napping space. Smiling faintly, she rubbed sleep from an eye. “If you could, I’d be really grateful. Promise I won’t even dog-ear them.” “Please don’t,” Peony agreed. She gathered the books, adding, “If I might ask, can you bring them to me once you have finished? I must admit the topic is one which now interests me a great deal.” She reminded herself to ask Merrion, once he was better, exactly how he had come upon such unusual research. “I will walk with you,” she said, once the books were all in hand. It seemed unlikely that the young woman would fall asleep in a hallway or propped against a waystone, but it would do no harm to escort her all the same. Flynn looked a touch ridiculous with half of the books cradled in her arms, and felt as much, but she put on a smile anyway. Despite the fact that Councilor Min called her Hippolyta, a fate she had to suffer with Councilor Matsudaira as well, she liked her well enough. While their interactions could feel incredibly, horribly awkward at times, she was a good mage, a kind person, and someone she felt she could put her trust into. (Not that she would ever say this aloud.) “Thanks,” she managed, hefting the load in her arms. “And I’ll let you know once I’m done.” Whenever that would be. She sincerely doubted she’d read all of these cover to back. “Of course,” Peony said. “Take your time. My curiosity can wait.” As they left the library, their pace rather slow (due primarily to Hippolyta’s exhaustion, Peony had to assume), the councilor thought she might approach her colleagues about giving the young woman a vacation once the potion was complete. It only seemed fair. |