Belle

[Early in the morning Belle picks up her journal, ready to make an announcement she's been planning to give for awhile.]

Good morning Luceti. I hope everyone is well. I would also like to welcome all of the New Feathers. I know things may seem overwhelming at the moment, but I'm sure you'll settle in just fine. It was actually a year ago today that I arrived in Luceti myself and I couldn't let the day pass without expressing my appreciation for everyone here. We've all been through so much over the past year. Things I don't believe I would have been able to get through without the help and support of my friends. So I just wanted to let you all know how thankful I am.

[She pauses here for a brief moment, trying to figure out how to best say the next part.]

Last month, in particular, was hard on all of us. We all needed time afterward to feel like ourselves again. But now I believe it's time to truly put all of that behind us. And what better way to do that than with a party? A slumber party to be exact.

A good friend of mine told me about them not too long ago and it sounded so exciting. I have never experienced a slumber party for myself, but I would really like to correct that. For those who don't know what it is, it's a party that takes place overnight in someones home. And I would love it if everyone would come. I simply can't do it without everyone's help.

If you would like to come it would be wonderful if you could bring your own pillows and blankets and snacks of your choice. I will do my best to supply people who don't have these things, but I simply don't have enough for everyone.

And...oh my! I haven't told you where the party is being held, have I? It will take place in House 17. My home for those unaware. There's plenty of space. So please come. [With that said she closes her journal.]

[Belle goes about her normal day as usual. She does chores around town a little bit earlier than normal. Anyone who runs into her at the bakery or grocery shop is free to notice that she's picking up a lot of food. Clearly it can't all be for her. And somehow she'll get all of this food home, either by herself or with some help.

Later in the afternoon can find her in the library, working her shift. It's been a slow day so far, so anyone who comes in can find Belle leaning on the counter, engrossed in her latest book.]

((ooc: if you would like me to put up a long for this sometime over the weekend let me know! I won't do it if there's not enough interest to tag it.))

[Early in the morning Belle can be found going around the village and posting flyers where ever she sees an available spot. She'll post a majority of them up in heavily populated areas such as around the fountain and in the plaza area. But by the time she's done they can be seen in just about every part of the village. The flyer is white with large, black lettering advertising the first meeting of a Book Club. If you can catch up to her, Belle would be happy to answer any questions about it.]

[Later in the afternoon Belle flips open her journal in quite a rush. She's just learned some very important news.]

[Filtered away from Beast]

Good afternoon Luceti. I have some exciting news. My dear friend Beast has a birthday coming up this Thursday and I would feel awful if it went by without some kind of celebration. I would very much like to throw him a surprise party and I want to extend an invitation to everyone.

Now, I realize this is short notice, but I have only recently found out myself. And because of that I don't believe I will be able to give him a proper party on my own. If it's not too much trouble I would like to ask for some volunteers to help me decorate and prepare before the party.

Food is another concern of mine. While I can make certain dishes, I'm not quite sure what or how much to make. If anyone would like to leave some suggestions, or better yet, bring some of their own dishes, I would very much appreciate it.

And I just have one more question. Does anyone know how I should go about baking a birthday cake?

Excuse me? [The voice is feminine and starts off uncertain before continuing with a little more confidence.] Do you know the way back to the castle? I don't know how it happened, but I seem to be lost in the forest. [Her voice falls silent, as if she's listening for some kind of response. When nothing does she continues on talking, but with less certainty.]

I really need to go back. Everyone is probably worrying about me by now. I don't want to give any of them a fright if I don't return soon. [Again, she gets no response. What good is a talking book if it won't talk back?] You seemed to have no trouble speaking a few moments ago. Now isn't a good time to lose your ability to speak.

[Finally the journal's silence seems to be too much for her and she sighs loudly.] Fine. If you don't want to help me, I'll find the castle myself. I'm sure Beast is already out looking for me. [Which...might not be such a good thing if he's angry about her sudden disappearance.]

[For anyone who happens to be walking in the forest near the river, you might stumble across a young woman wondering around aimlessly and clearly lost. And a few lucky ones might come across her seemingly engaging in a one-sided argument with her journal. Who knew a magical book could be so stubborn?]