funnygirl | 002 | Video/Action

[To say the past couple of weeks have been strange would be an understatement. Even though Belle had been forewarned about the kinds of things that happen around the time of new arrivals, nothing could quite prepare her for losing all her memories so suddenly, or getting them back just as fast. At least during that week she hadn't been aware of the mistakes she made and now that it was all over she felt too embarrassed to talk to anyone...besides Beast. But in that she really had no choice since she lived with him. But even so she's been careful to keep the subject of that strange week out of their conversations and-hopefully-out of Beast's thoughts as well.

So in the following week she takes to cleaning up there house, just as she told Beast she would. She wipes down every inch of it, clearing away the dust and the grime. And one day in the middle of the week she leaves the house to pick up some food to stock the kitchen. And she also makes a quick trip to the library to pick out a few new books to read and to return the others.

But this afternoon finds Belle once again at the library. She's standing in front of one of many bookshelves, scanning the spines of the books. There's just so many to choose from, she doesn't know where to start. She's mostly been reading stories she recognized from her own world, but she can only re-read those so many times before she's in the for something new. Finally she flips open her journal for the first time since the Shift and addresses the network.]

Good afternoon Luceti. For those who don't know, my name is Belle. And I was just wondering if any of you would be so kind as to recommend some books to me. There are so many I'm unfamiliar with in the library and it's a little bit daunting. I really would appreciate your recommendations. I enjoy reading fairy tales, if that helps. But really, I'm sure I would enjoy anything.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Belle follows him over to the aisle and scans the bookcases, looking for something either familiar or eye-catching. There is just just so much to choose from.

She perks up even more when he mentions liking fairy tales as well. She's never had anyone to discuss them with before, yet here they seem to have many fans.]

Really? Which are your favorites?

Oh yes. I study folklore and folktales for...well almost as a second job. [ Helios smiles as he goes over to the shelf and pulls out a bunch of books. ]

There's lots of writers in my world, a-actually I think a lot of the books here are from Earth. There's the darker versions of stories by the brother's Grimm. Also, ah, Hans Christian Anderson has written quite a few. As for other cultures, Yei Theodora Ozaki a Japanese translator, has a few books out on Japanese fairy tales. There's, ah, lots of different stories though. Some of them happy, some of them sad.

That's a job? [She looks quite amazed by this information. She's used to fairy tales being seen as silly and childish. Nothing worthy of study.]

I can't say that I'm familiar with Japanese folklore, but I do know of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson.

Beings a folklorist? Oh yes! It certainly is. Not...not a very well known job, I admit, but it definitely has its perks. Meeting new people, seeing so many amazing cultures and places. Fairytales often tell loads of things about a culture and a place in general. How children are brought up, how people back in older times connected and interacted. It might not seem like much, but studying things like that opens up a new view on other places and their cultures.

[ Helios sounds like he enjoys it quite a bit. ]

Ah, well, the stories are rather different from English and A-American fairytales. If you wanted to take a look at it? [ He'll go over to the stacks and rummage through them. ]

One of the beneficial things about having so many books, is you never really run out of things to read here. [ He laughs. ]

[Belle listens intently, her expression almost wistful.]

You must enjoy it quite a bit. It sounds very interesting. I was just surprised because people where I'm from don't think very highly of fairy tales or stories at all. They see them simply as children's tales.

[She nods at his offer.]

I would like that, thank you.

Well, even if that were the case, I'd just read the ones I enjoyed the most again and again.

Ah, well, most usually are. But they always have a motif to them, a lesson learned really. But I can understand why people would think of them that way.

[ He did too when he was growing up. But having a different outlook on things certainly changed his mind quite a bit though. ]

It's not trouble. [ And here he'll hand her a few fairytale anthologies from different countries. ]

I-I've seen you in here quite a bit. I was wondering if you, um, would like to help out around the library? We could always use more hands a-and it's just shelving and fixing odds and ends.

[She accepts the books with a smile and immediately skims the pages of the top book. But when he speaks again she closes the book and listens instead. Her expression flickers with a hint of surprise before her smile returns and she nods enthusiastically.]

I would love to! I mean I don't have any real experience, but I know how to sort and organize books. And I'm a quick learner.

I figured you'd like to. But I, ah, w-wasn't exactly sure. [ But he's glad he ask. The library could always use a bit more help. ]

It's rather simple to do. I'm sure being around books as much as you have it p-probably isn't too much of a stretch to learn. But, whenever you're ready to help and things like that. There's no rush after all. I suppose now is a good time to mention that there's also a book club that meets once every month too.

Well I don't have anything to do that would keep me from starting immediately. And I tend to spend a lot of time here already. [In fact it wouldn't change her usual routine very much, if at all.]

[The news of a book club comes as a surprise.]

Oh? It's funny that you mention it because my friend Saori and I were just talking about starting one. But it seems that's unnecessary now.

Then we'll get started right away! Ah, whenever you'd like. The system of cataloging everything is pretty simple. We just use the Dewy Decimal system, along with putting things in their respective categories.

[ Helios looks at Belle with some surprise. ] You know Saori? A-And you wanted to start up a book club? Well, by all means, I certainly have no problems with that. I've been meaning to set up an initial meeting for anyone who expressed interest. But, ah, things keep happening around here...

[ A huff. ] Never a dull moment in Luceti.

The Dewey Decimal system? I don't believe I'm familiar with it. How does it work? [Of course she's noticed the numbers and letters on the spines of all the books, but mostly she ignores them. It hadn't occurred to her that they might be an ordering system.]

I don't see why we should need to start a club that already exists. But if you're too busy to manage it on your own, perhaps we could help.

Basically it works on the principal of books being catalogued in ascending numerical order. When two or more books have the same classification number, the system sub-divides them alphabetically. We use a call number, which is usually the first letter, or letters, of the author's last name. Or we use the title if there is no identifiable author. And that's the basics of how it works!

[ Helios smiles and nods. ] I'd like that actually. I do tend to get a bit busy at times. S-So having others take up the book club isn't such a bad idea.

[She nods along as he explains. It sounds simple enough.] So the books all go go in numerical and alphabetical order based on the...call number on the spine. [Belle picks up one of the books and points towards the spine.] Am I understanding that correctly?

Okay. I'll let Saori know when I next speak with her. Would it be alright to have the meetings here? I wouldn't want to disturb your work.

[ Helios smiles back and nods. ] Yes that's correct! And we have a few books over by the reception desk that has everything in order. Also, ah, that's where people go and take books out, as you probably know.

[ Helios nods. ] And that would be fine. I-I had the idea of recreating book scenes and locations by using the Battle Dome too. But, ah, I'm not sure if you or Saori would like to give that try.

[Her smile brightens at the idea before shifting into a thoughtful expression.]

That does sound very interesting, but I would have to speak to Saori about it first. And...I have yet to visit the Battle Dome, but I've heard its technology is far more advanced than what I'm used to. But it's simply another thing I have to learn about.

Oh yes of course. The Battle dome is quite something I admit. Even coming from the modern day and age, with all the technological advancements and such. It's...rather fascinating to experience something like that firsthand.

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