InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "BEES!"

Elisabeth Vincent (bibliothecaire) wrote in la_vie_rpg,
@ 2008-06-11 18:28:00

Who: Elisabeth, open to whomever
When: Late Morning-ish
Where: American Library

The past few weeks had been interesting at the library, not that anyone else besides the staff would have noticed. Director Reeder's departure had left a vacuum that the Countess de Chambrun had stepped into; in Elisabeth's opinion, she would never actually fill it. So had begun yet another period of uncertainty at the library, with everyone wondering if they could keep their subscription number high enough to have the funds to continue - assuming the Germans even let them. After all, Dr. Fuchs could only do so much for them.

Elisabeth pondered all of this as she sat in her place behind the Circulations Desk, idly thumbing through a recently returned book in between checking the cards of the entering patrons.

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germansoldier
2008-06-12 01:53 am UTC (link)

Anton stepped into the library, feeling a bit nervous and out of place in his German uniform. Still, if there was one place in the city he could hope to get books that were in English-not-French, the American library was it.

He walked over to the Circulation Desk, figuring that he should inquire about a card before even thinking of checking things out. "Hello Miss," he said in perfect English - a bit surprising perhaps, considering- "Could you help me? I'd like to see about getting a library membership."

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bibliothecaire
2008-06-12 02:04 am UTC (link)

It would have been difficult to miss the young German when he entered. Elisabeth tried not to be too suspicious of him as he approached the desk; after all, he didn't look like someone who could shut them down.

"For how long?" she inquired, directing his attention to the sign with the listed prices and terms. "As you can see, we have a wide range of options available, depending on your preference."

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germansoldier
2008-06-12 02:11 am UTC (link)

Anton read the sign carefully, pondering which would be the better option. "Short term individual, please. Do you take Reichsmarks?"

He certainly hoped they did. Considering the current exchange rate, it was hardly worth the bother to convert to Francs. He thought perhaps it sounded arrogant to insist on using the currency of the occupation, but it was a standard enough practice. Still, he didn't want to make a bad impression. "That is all I have on hand," he added, looking apologetic.

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bibliothecaire
2008-06-12 02:23 am UTC (link)

"Yes, we do accept them," Elisabeth answered politely. "A short-term subscription will be one Reichsmark."

The exchange rate pained her. But what could she do? Such is the way of a presumptive occupational regime, she thought wearily as she procured the proper card from one of the desk drawers. After filling in the date, she looked up at the young soldier.

"Your name, birth date, and address, s'il vous plait."

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	germansoldier 2008-06-12 02:29 am UTC (link)
	"Anton von Reiker, born 24th April 1921," he replied. "Currently I'm living at the barracks with my unit - do you want that address, or my proper address in Göttingen?" He wasn't sure how long he would be stationed in Paris. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	bibliothecaire 2008-06-12 02:38 am UTC (link)
	1921? He's just barely an adult, she thought as she copied his information down on the card and in the library's record book. "Either will suffice," she answered. "If you should be transferred away from Paris, but expect to be able to return, your permanent address would best." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

germansoldier
2008-06-12 03:01 am UTC (link)

Anton gave his parents' address, as that was the place he was most likely to return to. The uncertain nature of the war, he felt more comfortable giving that than the barracks address anyhow.

"I was pleased to find this place," Anton offered, by means of making a bit of conversation while she filled out his library form. "I read a lot of English books at home, and I miss them. I know I should likely be reading more French books to practice - my French is still fairly bad."

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bibliothecaire
2008-06-12 03:19 am UTC (link)

Elisabeth finished copying down the address and handed him the card.

"Well, I hope you will be happy with what you find here," Elisabeth told him, with something that was almost a smile. "We do have a selection of books in French instruction. If you like, I can show you to them."

She liked that he was making an effort. That was more than could be said for a lot of the Germans she'd met.

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germansoldier
2008-06-14 03:31 am UTC (link)

"Thank you," he said, pocketing the card. "I would appreciate that."

He smiled a bit sheepishly. "The army provided a phrasebook- but there are few things I want to say contained within. As I'm fluent in English, I'd much rather have a less... military... phrasebook to work with."

Anton was careful not to be critical, but really, the book provided was fairly hostile and biased.

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	bibliothecaire 2008-06-14 05:42 am UTC (link)
	"It must be fairly sparse," Elisabeth said, rising from her seat behind the desk. "I know that the soldiers we sent language books to were grateful to have something with more than 'Hello' and 'Where is the train'." With a slight nod, she motioned for him to follow her to a spacious hallway to the left of the desk. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	germansoldier 2008-06-14 05:57 am UTC (link)
	"Also, my mother would be appalled at my behavior if I said half the things in that book," Anton said, with a wry smile. He went on to explain. "She's English - from Manchester. My father met her while he was studying there - so at home, we spoke both German and English growing up. And she always impressed upon us the importance of having good manners." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

bibliothecaire
2008-06-14 06:12 am UTC (link)

"You're very lucky," Elisabeth said. "To be fluent in two languages is most beneficial."

She wasn't going to ask if the Germans had him spying yet. He seemed too ... nice.

"You should have little trouble with French, I imagine," she added, motioning through a doorway on the right. The room's walls were covered in books, floor to ceiling, with three more cases surrounding two armchairs in the center. "Our language collection."

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germansoldier
2008-06-14 06:22 am UTC (link)

Anton smiled, pleased at the sight. It reminded him of the university where he'd been a student before getting drafted into the army. "Wonderful," he said, clearly delighted with all the books.

He backed up to stand in the center of the room so he could have a good look around. Just to be in such a place made him feel a lot better about a good many things. He felt the odd urge to hug the librarian, but that would have been untoward so he just gave her a big grin. "Thank you! Have you a particular recommendation?"

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bibliothecaire
2008-06-14 06:37 am UTC (link)

Elisabeth allowed a small smile to cross her lips, pleased to see someone so enthusiastic about something other than escapist literature.

"A recommendation?" She paused a moment, remembering the book Director Reeder had pointed out as her favorite. Moving to the wall on the far side, she scanned the books until she found the right one - a worn green fabric cover, the gold embossing all but completely worn off. Gently, she pulled it from the shelf and handed to the young soldier.

"I've heard this one is most helpful for novices," she told him.

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	germansoldier 2008-06-14 06:42 am UTC (link)
	Anton took it from her carefully, holding it as though it was a precious gift. "Thank you," he said. He eyed the comfortable chairs - they looked like a much better place to read than back at the barracks. "Might I stay a while and read it here?" he asked. "I promise to be quiet." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	bibliothecaire 2008-06-14 06:55 am UTC (link)
	Elisabeth almost laughed. "I'm sure you will be," she said, smiling a bit more. "You're welcome to stay until we close at 5 in the evening. If you wish to borrow the book, bring it to the Circulations Desk at least fifteen minutes prior." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	germansoldier 2008-06-14 07:01 am UTC (link)
	"I will," Anton promised, settling into a chair. Ahhh, comfort. "And should I need a book recommendation again - may I ask for you at that desk? What is your name?" She already knew his, after all. It seemed only fair. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

bibliothecaire
2008-06-14 07:10 am UTC (link)

"You may ask for Ms. Vincent," she said politely. "Or Elisabeth, if you prefer."

Most people preferred the formality, but some of the Americans she worked with liked the friendlier nature of first names. In this climate, she couldn't really fault them.

"If I'm not at the desk, feel free to ask one of the other librarians. They should be able to assist you just as well."

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	germansoldier 2008-06-14 07:31 am UTC (link)
	Anton smiled as he looked inside the book. "This is perfect. Thank you, Ms. Vincent." He settled in to read. (Reply to this) (Parent)