Almalexia. (arithmeticks) wrote in emillion, @ 2014-05-07 10:17:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, !log, almalexia lliryn, peony min |
Who: Almalexia Lliryn & Peony Min.
What: Discussing recent events.
Where: The monastery library.
When: Today.
Rating: Tame~
Status: Complete!
In many ways, the monastery was a haven. Peony was grateful for it, for though she was not of the church, she felt safe here, living temporarily on the charity of those who served Faram. As she had always given to them, they now sheltered her. It was an exchange for which she was profoundly grateful -- as grateful as she was for the shade of the garden and the undamaged halls of the library. Her own guild’s library and garden were in sad states, but when she had a few minutes to spare, she took advantage of the monastery’s offerings not just for relaxation, but for work. This afternoon, she had left the Tower to others’ hands; instead, she had settled in the monastery’s library with a tall stack of histories. The reading selections were in some ways limited here, but in other ways an improvement over what she might have had to work with in the guild library. Added to that, some books were rare enough not to be duplicated between the two collections. Regardless, though nothing of use had yet been found, she remained hopeful. She was slowly making her way through a particularly archaic tome when she heard footsteps and looked up, offering a pleasant smile to the person who had come to join her in her corner. “Good afternoon,” Lex said politely, book in hand. The library at the monastery was her natural territory, one that the younger mage inhabited in predictable frequency, and so it was not so unusual to find her there on this day. She had noticed the familiar woman without much difficulty, a clear divergence from the normal visitors here--though little now might be considered normal, she thought, with visitors now making residence in many of the common rooms. Lex looked down to consider what Peony was reading, but kept herself, as ever, at a polite distance should she be dismissed. “I hope I would not disturb you overmuch with my company, perhaps?” “Of course not.” Peony gestured for the other mage to take the seat opposite her, if she so wished. Her work would not be deterred by company, particularly not such potentially informative company. Such as she had done when Almalexia had visited the tower, Peony was certain the other mage would be willing to take some time to assist her in finding relevant literature. “I have rarely been to visit this library,” she added, once her invitation was accepted, “but I have found it to my liking.” A real boon, when their own library was a shambles and their librarian still too unwell to assist. “I see,” Lex said thoughtfully, taking the opportunity to sit herself in the chair opposite the older mage. A peculiar sensation, she noted once again, to be meeting in such a way at the monastery instead of the Tower’s library. She only considered now what a most unfortunate circumstance it was, to be without such useful resources as those provided by the Mages Guild (books she had only ever gained access to by way of accompaniment). “Do you require any assistance?” Settling her own book in front of her, Lex nevertheless took a moment to consider what Peony had been reviewing. The arithmetician was well-familiar with the collection afforded to the monastery and its people after all, and had spent countless hours reading and engaging with its many archaic tomes. “If you are offering such, I will not turn you away,” Peony responded. “I am not as familiar with this collection, and I am not fully certain what I am looking for, nor am I likely to be until I have found it.” It was too often the case with research into the old and forgotten. She gestured at her books, which were primarily histories, and said, “So often, answers -- or lessons -- for the present can be found in the past. I search for items that might shed light on our current circumstances. If you have suggestions, I would be pleased to review them.” “I do not believe you are currently very far from your prospective goal,” Lex said, carefully taking the book in question and moving quickly through its pages. Fortunately for the two mages, she had spent quite a long time researching the archaic and obscure mentions of summoning (if this was indeed the topic inferred), and knew well enough where to begin reading—amongst the current collection, at the very least. She turned to an illustrated page and a description alongside, much along the lines that a researcher might look to inspect, of a man and some unknown beast beside him. “This might suffice?” “Ah,” Peony said, sliding the book back across the table. It seemed she had indeed gained an eye for the sort of thing that might give her what she was searching for. “Yes, we have some books on this topic too, but there are many perspectives I have not yet perused.” She was quiet for a moment, reviewing the information on the page before her, before asking, “As you found this so quickly, can I assume that you have some interest in this topic as well?” It seemed a logical enough hypothesis to her mind. “If so, I would be interested to hear your thoughts. I search,” she said thoughtfully, “for the origins of these beasts, as well as for… variants. I suspect they are not all alike.” And as Hippolyta’s companion seemed to be of little help on these topics, there was no one but the records of the past to answer her questions. Lex nodded her head in consideration. “Of course, I have attempted to do my own manner of research,” she agreed, “and from the information I have thus far gathered, there have indeed been a number of varying historical accounts.” Historical was a term used rather loosely--many times she had reason to question the authenticity of the accounts she had found, although the outrageous subject matter itself perhaps did its part in raising questions as well. “If you would like me to lend you my personal notes, I shall be happy to do so. An exchange of information may become a benefit to us both.” There were certain other considerations she wished to share with the councillor as well, but for the moment Lex did not approach them. “I would appreciate it,” Peony said with a nod. “What information might I offer you in return?” she queried, adding, “Within the realm of what I am able to share, of course.” There were certain things which had to remain confidential to the Council, at least for now. Her beleaguered guild was wounded enough. Lex thought her response over carefully before replying. Considering all of what had recently transpired, the entire situation regarding the Mages Guild, and Peony’s involvement in them most assuredly, it all seemed to her rather delicate. However, the pressing needs of her own accumulated more and more as time went on, and the city continued to find itself under increasing amounts of duress. “We might continue to speak, perhaps,” and it was plain that she had given this quite a bit of thought, “on the Mages Guild, and its situation, or more specifically its resources.” Lex did not entirely feel satisfied with her own roundabout request, and she took a moment to reassess. “When you feel it appropriate to approach such topics, of course.” “Ah,” Peony said. “I wonder, which resources interest you particularly? Financially, we are of course quite wounded. When it comes to the knowledge contained within the Tower’s walls, I believe that we will recover more quickly than some suspect. There have been losses, of course, of people and of scrolls, but there are many of us still living to carry on with the pursuit of knowledge, and a great deal of knowledge survives with the members of the guild who remain. We still have the capacity to do great good,” she added, her voice certain despite its softness. “We must mitigate the great harm that came from us, but I think the guild will solve its resource problems and one day flourish again. I hope that my thoughts on this matter are more than just wishful.” “I see,” Lex said, feeling at once more confident on her own ideas--later, she would take time to reflect carefully on Peony’s words. “For now, I suspect that we might keep interest focused on the academic resources,” she said, noting all current and previous efforts in that direction. “In whatever capacity we find the most benefit.” After some contemplation, Lex looked around their current library surroundings. “If you would prefer, I believe there may be further reading materials here suited to your interests as well. Shall I collect them for you?” It seemed that Peony had answered the question adequately -- and if Almalexia regained some of her trust in the Mages’ Guild from this exchange, she felt that the conversation had had multiple benefits. “I would certainly appreciate your assistance in this matter, yes. Thank you.” As the younger mage set out among the stacks, Peony returned to her reading. Perhaps today would at last be the day that she found something of real use which could be used to aid her guild’s efforts. |