Act 6. Library Aid.

[lme_leadingman]

[Ren was busy reshelving. It was a daunting task, what with the neverending influx of new books. Not to mention the residents who actually made use of the building - those books that were returned needed reshelving, too, as well as any that got misplaced or left somewhere at random and forgotten

Comments

[frumpyface]

I wouldn't consider that a downside, personally, but then I enjoy what I do.

What would you prefer doing, then?

[lme_leadingman]

Hrm...

[Ren ponders this for a moment.]

I'm not entirely sure, though I must confess the idea of becoming a character from a piece of literature - as I just mentioned to Miss Yomiko - is somewhat appealing.

I have no real grasp of my own identity; borrowing someone else's might be interesting to try.

I suppose I enjoy the reading more than the shelving. The characters themselves are quite intriguing, the book covers not so much.

[frumpyface]

[Erk took another book off the cart, eyes glancing along the shelves to see where it would go.]

Borrowing someone else's identity without one of your own... maybe this island was perfect for you. I'm not sure I could manage something like that.

I've looked at the coliseum before. They have an acting troupe there; perhaps that might interest you more than shelving books.

[lme_leadingman]

[Ren resumed his work, sticking with shelving the books that belonged on the upper levels of the bookcases.]

Don't get me wrong, though. I'd much rather know who I am than not. I am just a little surprised that I'm not as concerned about it as I thought I would be. Maybe I've just been too distracted by this place. First it tries to freeze me, then it decides to make a day disappear. It's not a very conductive environment.

Acting, hrm? I'm not sure if I'm suited for something like that. I imagine it requires talent. Though... I do recall that guy posting those gaudy posters around town. I believe he was recruiting cast and crew for his play or what he called a play. It sounded ridiculous, but I did get the feeling that I didn't want the production to be a complete disgrace.

[frumpyface]

It certainly helps, doesn't it. It could also be that no one recognizes you. It seems that for every few people who show up with nothing, there are those who appear and several people are able to tell them at least something.

[One of the higher shelves. She glanced left and right for a ladder, but there wasn't one to be found. Finding one would likely take too long. Instead, Erk did the next logical step. No, not ask the person a foot taller to give a hand. She scaled the first three shelves and started to find the spot for it.]

Well, from what you were saying about taking a new identity, it sounded like acting to me. If nothing else, I'd suggest looking into it.

[lme_leadingman]

Hrm... [Ren falls silent.]
I suppose no one has recognized me. On the other hand, I don't recognize anyone, so I can't blame them for that.

[He watches this amazing feat in silence.]

You do realize... I would have been happy to help you. Climbing those things doesn't seem particularly safe. Who knows how sturdy they truly are, or how long they've been in place.

I guess it does sound like acting. I was going to show up for auditions on the 20th anyhow. Might as well put forth some real effort and see if I connect with it or not.

[frumpyface]

Hah, my apologies, milord. I was just thinking out loud, I suppose. Several people recognized me when I came here, so, well, having people recognize you both helps and hurts in their own- here we go!

[Erk puts the book away, but doesn't come down immediately. It's only then that she realizes that after her little climb, she wasn't that much taller than Ren.]

Ah... forgive me. It didn't exactly cross my mind until, er, right now.

[With a slightly sheepish smile and a slightly red face, she dropped back to the ground, squatting as soon as she hit the ground to recoil.]

Well, it wouldn't hurt. And if we're to be here on this island, it also doesn't hurt to try and find something we truly enjoy to pass the time.

[lme_leadingman]

I guess you're right. Actually, I had thought someone might have recognized me, since she behaved so oddly when I first bumped into her, but then she insisted that she had just forgotten something that she had to do. I don't know any different, so it's not like I can disagree with her. Stilll... it was rather peculiar, and there's just something off about her.

[Ren glances up at her, which was pretty easy since she was about at eye level.]

It's okay. I should have offered assistance sooner, although you seem to be quite used to scaling bookshelves.

[He waited for Erk to recover from landing before continuing.]

Yes, you have a good point. That's something I have yet to find... not that I mind tending things here, but I don't exactly get excited about it.

That reminds me of something I haven't remembered to ask until now... we supposedly regain our memories gradually. Has there ever been, to your knowledge, anyone who remembered everything they had forgotten?

[frumpyface]

There was a rather large library I was in quite frequently where I'm from. Sometimes, well, it was just quicker.

[She stops that train of thought and focused. Who was here the longest? Eliwood clearly didn't. Agrias didn't. Priscilla, Subaru, Soren didn't. Who was even here the longest?]

I'm pretty sure there isn't. Then again, I only personally know a handful of people who have been here longer than myself.

[lme_leadingman]

I imagine it would be quicker if the library was large and people were scarce.

Hrm. What terrible odds. Then I will definitely be in need of something else to occupy the rest of my time. I guess we'll see if acting gets me anywhere...

I wonder if getting off the island is even possible...