{Twenty-eight (56)} &diams I know the pieces fit / 'Cause I watched them fall away
This is becoming intolerable. I do not require padding to leave my house; nor do I require warnings for sharp objects, food, or beverages. If I am expected to put up with this for the remainder of this week, I may very well scream.
And to whomever is scribbling 'EXTERMINATE' everywhere, I would greatly appreciate it if you stopped. Immediately.
[ ( Read more... )
And to whomever is scribbling 'EXTERMINATE' everywhere, I would greatly appreciate it if you stopped. Immediately.
[ ( Read more... )
[But if she was fine... Gai took her hand again and lead her into the darkened building.] I know that it looks like it is going to collapse at any time, but I think that is just appearance. [The vines covering the crumbling building made the dim light inside rather greenish, and when they stepped in Fred would be able to see nearly endless rows of journals.]
This is the library. [His voice was a bit hushed.] Taking a journal out of here is very dangerous and not worth the risk. Showing someone this is also risky for them and you. It is undoubtedly watched because otherwise it would not matter if someone was holding your hand or not, you would be able to go in. And... do not write on the journals about it if you can help it. That is why Simon died.
Reply
She allowed herself to be led by Gai; he knew this place, and where to go, far better than she.
When they stepped into the building itself, Fred's eyes went wide.] ...there are so many. [Her tone was just as quiet as his had been. This was more like a cemetery than a library... every single book here had once belonged to someone who had died or disappeared.
She reached out to select one at random--it was one close to the door. She turned it over, and saw that it had the name 'Birch' scrawled across it.
Fred looked back up at Gai.]
I will be careful not to visit too often, then. I assume this is how you know when people have vanished? Rather than just being taken by the lift, or lost in the Wilderness?
Reply
Gai released her hand once they were inside and he watched her go to the shelves, nodding at the question.]
Exactly. Their journals show up here and there is no question. It is also how I was more able to bear when Bell or others I care about are taken by the elevator. I can know that they are not gone. It means a great deal.
But it is also hard saying when people are gone. I try to treat it as one of the things of the Sphere and people get upset or act like I am lying, and so I try to treat it like it is more serious and people do not like that either. I... I do not like when it is my turn.
Reply
[The words were said half-distractedly, as she ran her fingers over the spines of more books.
She glanced at him, wincing a little in sympathy. She had seen the reactions some people had... rarely were people happy to receive that sort of news, but only new people (or children, she supposed) really thought that the announcement was a lie. Most knew there were ways to find out such things, and, well... it seemed that she knew how to find out now, too.]
Perhaps I can do it next time. Or at some point, anyway; there must be more than one person who can reach this, I am certain I have seen other people than you announcing disappearances... that doctor, Simon. And others, though I cannot recall who just now.
Reply
[A very bleak comfort, here surrounded by the ghosts of Edensphere past. But it was better to know than to wonder, of that Gai was sure.
Gai offered her a half-smile.]
There is a rotation. Though we do not speak of the names, not here. I do not believe here is very safe. But if you are sure you are all right with the burden, your name can be added to it. I... It is not pleasant, and I would not blame you if you do not want to really do it.
Reply
[She turned away from the shelves, smiling at him, faintly, in return.] I would like that, yes. [She might not know everyone, but if she could help her friend...
She wanted to do that much, at least.] And I shall be most careful.
Reply
I would appreciate it, then, and I will let the others know with care. [His smile strengthened.] I would like to give you a hug, if you would not mind one!
Reply
Leave a comment