Library [29.02]

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Unlike the last time Karal had opened the library during a school break, this time he actually knew it was a break.

But he was beyond sick of sitting in his room, and there was still a lot of work to be done. So, after feeding Trenor, Karal gathered up a stack of notes and scrolls, and Altra Jumped them to the library.

He wasn't expecting anyone to stop by, but the library was open, with a very engrossed Karal occupying one of the tables.

[ooc: No OCD, but it is totally open]

Comments

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

Liir didn't know it wasn't usually open. He only knew that Karal was here on Fif-Fridays and that it was his job (and yes, he saw it as one) to bring lunch for his big brother and his "professor".

Today it was just a simple lamb chop with some vegetables and a fresh roll added on Karal's plate, but he hoped it would serve. He really did have to make sure he bought some recipe books while he was at work today.

"Good morning," he said as he walked in. He looked as he usually did, well dressed for work, though the wide strap of his bag had a small addition in the sense of a pocket. Inside the pocket was another addition: a tiny fluffy baby rabbit.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Altra oozed off the table and twined around Liir's legs, looking at the rabbit with distinctly predatory interest. :You brought lunch.:

Karal took a few moments to surface from his notes, and he blinked in surprise at Liir. "Liir, you didn't go to Mexico?" he asked, brain not quite here enough to realise it was an incredibly stupid question. "And you have a pet?"

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"I had no reason to," he told Karal rather stiffly, "as I did quite enough traveling and Altra can tell you how much work I have before me."

He looked down at Altra.

"And that had better be interest in the bag of food I'm holding."

His tone was perhaps harder than Karal had ever heard it, including when he'd first come to Fandom. Liir's hand was over the rabbit, stroking his little head with two fingers.

"The rabbit happens to be Andrew. Quote 'Fandom Weirdness' unquote."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

Cable's presence was a quiet one. With his hands now untied by the business until the next week - in as far as they were ever tied by them - and no longer having to deal with anyone's eyes on his back, he had every freedom in the world to study.

Most of it was pretty hands-on, but he'd broken away from the causeway for an hour or two to pour through the library's supply of books on a variety of topics. And maybe some files, documents and other things that he could dig up.

So he settled, books and all, at a table. Casting a glance at Karal as he sat down.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Altra flicked an ear and started grooming his whiskers. :He's very fuzzy.:

Karal just kept blinking at Liir, trying to shake off a head full of magical theory and storm patterns and endless failed experiments. "Did I do something to offend you?" he finally asked.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He relaxed, almost to the point of collapse, and leaned on the counter as he shook his head. The food was placed there as well.

"No. I'm just a bit nervous with Andrew as he is. And, I will admit, a touch, well, cranky as well. You've been wonderful, as always."

His hand stayed on the rabbit.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal was deeply engrossed.

However, this was one presence that could not go unnoticed.

He tentatively said, "Hello," and added, "I didn't think anyone else would be here today." Karal looked at his table filled with material, then half-stood. "Do you need anything I can help you with?"

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad I didn't upset you," he said, shaking his head at the compliment. "Andrew..." It finally registered and he stood, stepping around Altra who chose to roll onto his side, looking very amused as he watched the rabbit, for a closer look. "That is Andrew?"

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He nodded, not pulling the rabbit from his pouch but moving his hand away.

"Yes, it's Andrew. I found him like this the other night.

"I'm only glad I know how to care for rabbits," he said with a faint, wry smile. He was trying to be good. "Though it is him in there, of course. He's very well behaved."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

"It's quiet." Cable's tone was mild. Bordering on dry. "Which is new." And, right now, exactly what he needed. He shot a look towards the bookcases. "If you've got something on the island I haven't read yet."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"Glory!" He leaned back on the table. "I've never known someone who turned into a rabbit, but in this place that kind of weirdness is not uncommon. It will pass."

Karal made an effort and pushed everything he'd been reading to the back of his mind, turning his attention fully on Liir. "He will be all right, Liir. These things pass in time."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"I would need to know everything you've read before I could find you something you haven't," he replied, just a touch of amusement colouring his voice. "I'd happily give you something of mine, but none of it is in English, and it's not very entertaining, so it probably would not help."

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"So I've heard," he said, though there was something uncomforted to his tone. "That doesn't mean I like it right this moment, as adorable as he is."

The little rabbit cooed and Liir reached down to scritch him under the chin.

He would have commented on how he was having trouble sleeping, but he didn't want either Karal to worry or Andrew to feel badly and he knew he would. Those comments would be for when the bunny was asleep or he'd keep them to himself.

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"No, it is not easy. Fandom weirdness can be unkind while it lasts." He flashed back on a particular memory, one that involved Andrew - not as a rabbit - and he winced. And changed the subject. "Thank you for bringing me lunch."

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

"I was being rhetorical," Cable deadpanned, a touch of his own amusement manifesting in a smirk. "What would your books cover?"

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He smiled then, a bit of sunlight on a cloudy expression.

"Of course."

He walked over and slipped towards Karal for a careful hug.

"I have to make sure you're both well fed for work today."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"Too much," he replied, sinking back into his chair with a sigh. "Magical theory from more schools than I knew existed, treatises on lists of idea that didn't work, maps of areas damaged by storms, weather patterns." As he spoke, he touched different things on the desk - a book, a sheaf of parchment, a scroll, and he kept his voice light. "I could run back to my room and fetch more. I actually have books for fun there."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

Karal was grateful for the hug and he returned it, just as carefully.

It was something he needed right then, but he was careful not to show it. Liir carried enough burdens as it was; he wouldn't add his to them. "You take very good care of me," he said lightly.

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

Cable digested the information for all of an instant, and came to a single conclusion--. "You're preparing for a disaster." A storm of some kind, by the sound of it.

It wasn't going to help him with his current issue, but his interest was piqued.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"From what I've been taught," he said, a look at Karal indicating that most of Liir's 'lessons' had come from him, "we're supposed to care for each other. Though"

He smiled.

"not as any kind of commerce. My notes are very specific on that."

[nottheoperative.livejournal.com]

The librarian certainly hadn't expected anyone to be there this week.

"Karal." A beat. "Altra. Shouldn't you be on vacation with everyone else?"

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

"My world is in the middle of one," he said quietly. "And there is not enough time." He stared at his hands, resting on the cover of Master Levy's notebook, very far away for a moment, and then he was back.

Looking up at Cable, he managed a small smile. "Forgive me. You said you wanted quiet and here I am talking at you."

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

He looked up from his work almost guiltily. "There was work from home that needed to be done," he explained, nodding at the crowded table. "My room was starting to feel very small." He bit his lip. "I didn't think anyone would mind. I can go."

Altra yawned and watched the librarian out of half-lidded eyes.

[spring-lost.livejournal.com]

"There's rarely 'enough time'." Karal got a thoughtful look for his troubles. "You work with what you've got." And then to Karal's materials, just briefly, before Cable glanced up at him again. "A storm?"

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

And Karal started to laugh, giving Liir a quick bow. "And so I am told!" he said, shaking his head again. "I am still permitted to thank you, though. That is allowed."