RP:Health Parade

Summary - Soraya and Noah visit the library in Cenril for a bit of solitude, as neither of them wishes to engage in the parade that’s happening at the center of the city. Soraya recommends a few books to Noah as he wishes to learn more about the culture and geography of Lithrydel.

Location - The Great Library of Cenril

Of course a part-time librarian would spend her days off in another library. Granted, this isn't her library. That didn't mean she didn't have a fairly decent understanding on how the place functioned. Smaller and cozier to the point she had to tuck her dove-white wings in and so much more quaint by comparison, but Cenril's Great Library felt so very much like a home away from home. A colleague at the Healing House who not only looked as immaculately put together and absolutely sterile as Soraya, but truthfully was put together instead of her carefully composed facade, clued her in to some authors of self-help books that she should stick her nose in. Preferring history and a smattering of poetry or myth, she peers down at the cream-colored slip of paper in her hands at hastily scrawled authors names and titles of books with an expression that screams, “This does not spark joy.” Whatsoever. But one of these authors is droning on and on about the concept in the few pages she's skimmed of one leather-bound book, and the avian decides that perhaps this particular author's method isn't for her. For now. Perhaps it'll be worth doubling back to read later. ...Perhaps all of these would be worth doubling back to read later. A history section is only a few shelves away, and goodness does a retreat into shoes of historical figures sound so much more comforting than this. Pocketing her to-be-read list, Soraya drifts right on over to her refuge, her solace. History. But whose shoes to delve into for the day, and if the book happened to be good, the next few days once she brings it home? Kuronii again? Too barbaric, though their familial, tribal nature tugged at some part of her heartstrings that longed for something similar from her own family. Enchantment's fae offered a bit of escapist whimsy that she desperately craved for some hint of a smile to appear on blush pink lips. Sage provided a timeless elegance of elves and a similar sort of pride that ran hot through her veins... Enchantment it is, she finally decides, reaching for a book bound in leather dyed plum in color, embossed with silver script: A Compendium of Courts: Tales Of the Oldest Houses by one Gustaf Lillyfern, with beautiful lithographed illustrations printed on a a few pages by an artist's name she recognized that went by the mononym Tick. She always wondered if perhaps that single name was a combination of first and last for the pixie printmaker, and her gloved fingertips practically itch to get her hands on another book about the artist to delve into their history as well. The librarian and healer will resist for now. She had a thick enough book to sink her teeth into first, and a free few days to read it from cover to cover.

On the one week marker of moving to Lithrydel, Noah ventures outside of the comfort of the manor he’s been renting in Rynvale. He figures it’s about time that he travels to Cenril and makes sure everything is in order at the office, as he will begin seeing patients in just a few days. However, as luck would have it, there is some sort of parade happening at the center of town and getting there is impossible. If only he knew the area better, he could have tried cutting through some alleys, but no, it’s his own fault as he should have boarded the morning ferry rather than the busiest time of day. Noah sighs in agitation and runs a hand through his hair, not desiring to speak to any of the strangers that loiter in the street. It’s the first continent he’s visited that has more than one race; human. Can the others be trusted? Did they even speak Common? Leading the life of a loner that has little passion for anything save the power of the mind, it’s no wonder that Noah turns from the social scene and flees toward the northeast section of Cenril. Is it fate or his scuffed loafers that have him standing before the doors to a magnificent library? “Hmph. Guess I can brush up on some history of these lands…” He enters the library and after a few minutes, he finds himself in the medical section, hazel eyes breezing over the spines in a fantastic fashion. A hand reaches out to tug a book from the shelf, Id Versus Ego, and he scoffs in distaste, “This fool forgot to mention the superego in the title!” Few things anger the man, but if one is to write their medical findings and have them published, surely they shouldn’t leave out such a vital piece! Nevertheless, Noah tucks the book beneath his arm, vowing to read it when using the chamber pot for a couple of laughs. He turns the corner and browses a few more sections, until he finds the history area. Eyes widen in surprise as he sees Soraya checking out a tome, as he thought he had the entire building to himself. The majority of Cenril seems to be at the parade! He feels compelled to comment on their chance meeting, “Guess people in costumes, loud music, and disturbing the peace isn’t your thing, huh?” The left side of his mouth lifts in a half smile, because it’s been awhile since he’s spoken to anyone aside from his housekeeper and dog. Even if this woman isn’t exactly human, she seems harmless and is all by her lonesome, choosing some books to take home.

Refuge in the library just got even better. Her pointed ears managed to pick up a ruckus going on in Cenril's streets just outside, and Soraya could do without all of that noise. Now she had an excuse to cozy up in some nook and read, though her ears pick up another voice just a few shelves away. The corners of her lips quirk into a bemused smile at the man's words. Apparently knowledgeable and particular, isn't he? Well, hopefully he finds what he's looking for and goes on his merry way. With her book opened to its prologue, balanced carefully with one gloved, stark white hand while the other is just about to turn the page, the avian woman's entirely white appearance leans potentially too far into the uncanny. As if she were a statue frozen in place, save for her fingers turning book page and subtle movement of her eyes, she's already started reading her chosen book. The sound of Noah's voice is what jolts her from her stillness, momentarily wide-eyed and confused by the interruption as she snaps her book shut with a soft thunk. There might have been a subtle rustle of white feathers as well, but they settle quickly. Thinking his comment on costumes might be a dig at her all-white attire that matched her equally white flesh, wings, and meticulously braided hair, her gaze almost turns cool. But there's a parade outside, so it's entirely reasonable to assume this man is referring to the nonsense outside. Recomposing herself, she replies with a slight shake of her head. Besides, noting the book tucked under his arm and catching a glimpse of the title and the author, she absolutely can't pass up an opportunity to chat with a fellow reader, and offer some advice. “Finding a quiet nook to settle down and read with a cup of tea is more my speed,” is her reply. “I'm partial to Larketian Grey if I can get my hands on it...But!” Not the smoothest of transitions, but her chin dips just a hair toward the book he totes. “Might want to shelve that. He's a known fool.” This isn't necessarily talk about work, but it is definitely work-adjacent, which Soraya sort of wanted to avoid. She'll dip her toe into that pool, however, at least to keep the conversation going and sate her urge to be helpful to some degree. “You might want to try...” A beat, in which her gloved fingertip taps just below her lips in thought. “Olveria Jakti. She was one of Alithrya's finest authors and healers when it comes to the head and all its workings.” Did naga call their healers doctors? Something worth looking up. “She was absolutely sublime in her time. Her research on the mind was, even if my professors swear up and down that her work belongs in footnotes alone, was incredible. She laid the groundwork for a lot of what we know about the mind in Lithrydel today.” In a rare, hopefully amused tone, she twists an old metaphor. “Jakti...slithered, so we could all fly.”

It doesn’t even dawn on Noah that the woman may think he’s insulting her appearance, because at first glance he hadn’t truly ogled the woman’s attire or race. Now that she’s actually speaking to him, there’s a pregnant pause, as he gives her a good long look. She’s pale, winged, and entirely dressed in white, from her head to her toes, she’s a vision of ivory. Noah is highly educated, but he’s not familiar with all the races of those in these lands, so for a moment he blatantly stares at Soraya. Is he making her uncomfortable with this visual assessment? The male eventually composes himself enough to form a reply to the presumed angel, “Trust me, I -know- not to buy anything this guy says, it holds more comedic value to me.” She mentions that the parade isn’t her speed and he concurs, bobbing his head in agreement, “Same. My idea of a good time is researching before the hearth, a tumbler of scotch in my hand, in the privacy of my own home.” Rarely does he venture outside of his home or the office, as he’s an intellect that’s married to his work. As Soraya’s gloved fingers tap against her chin, Noah grins, thinking that she’s a bit of a germaphobe. It’s a phobia that he’s treated many for over the years, but he’s not here to meet with a patient. “Olveria Jakti… I’ve heard of her, but I don’t believe we have any copies of her work where I’m from.” He abruptly pauses, expecting the white woman to inquire where he hails from, because he’s unsure how to answer. Or -if- he will answer, truthfully. Noah appreciates his isolation and rarely does he form attachments to any person, place, or thing, since his past is rather difficult to discuss. This is usually the point in a conversation where he will close the curtain and vanish backstage, but there is a parade blocking the way and so he is forced to remain. “Hm… Perhaps you could recommend a book to me about the geography of Lithrydel? As well as one that goes over the customs and races of those in each region?”

(1-3) That stare wasn't an unfamiliar occurrence that she catches Noah make. A bit of a caged bird, Soraya rarely visits the towns and cities on the ground, and her...unfortunately pristine appearance had a knack for drawing eyes. The blatancy of his stare in that pause is enough for her to level her stormy-eyed gaze on him in a similar fashion, at his wave in his brown hair, his hazel eyes, that near enviable, distinct lack of wings... but the nagging voices of Mother and Father both imagined in her pointed ears having her averting her eyes before he completes his stare. 'It's inappropriate to stare', Father might say. 'Unladylike', from Mother. 'If you decide to put your feet on the ground all the time with that wingless riff-raff, you must be a -perfect- representation of how we once we-' Her face twists into a subtle grimace, but it resettles back to a neutral expression once Noah continues. So he possesses some higher intelligence, she guesses, and sounds to be a bookworm. Delightful. “Can't say I've ever tried scotch before, but to each their own. That sounds just as lovely. And -” In another pause, Soraya considers leading Noah to the exact shelf some of Jakti's works are, but that treads so close into work again. It probably didn't help that she had one of her golden name plates that reads “Soraya-Sian” pinned to her breast, she realizes. Why did she forget to take it off again? That must explain this man's sudden approach to her, apart from escaping the parade. Tucking her book beneath her arm, she works to unfasten the name plate and pocket it. “Silly me,” she murmurs to herself, but her attention is on Noah while she continues. A foreigner? How intriguing! But she won't pry, just yet.

(2-3) “I'd be happy to show you where to find her works here, though if they don't have a title that you're looking for, I suggest leaving a request with one of the librarians since we, er, my library back home, may have it. We have a book sharing network. Schezerade's library is difficult for some to visit, so we lend what we have by request.” So much for removing her name plate and insisting on not being in 'work mode' during her first day off from either job. This is exactly what Soraya might do if she were on the clock, going so far as to shift her voice into its higher pitch. Retail voice, one of her coworkers cleverly called it. Something about the geography and customs of Lithrydel... Turning into an about face toward the shelf she happened to be perusing before Noah's arrival, the avian knows just where to look. Plucking a surprisingly thin book from the shelf after she sets hers down upon it as well Soraya presents it to him, held carefully in both gloved hands. “This covers from Chartsend out west to Rynvale out east, and everything in between with plenty of maps. Fortunately it's an updated edition, but it is a little vague on Gamorg in Rynvale, however....Ogres keep more of an oral tradition and don't put ink to paper often. Same with the orc tribes in Gualon. Might be worth the trip to visit if you're curious, though. The swamps in Gualon, I mean.” Definitely not Gamorg, unless this man knew his way around ferocious ogres. "If you're after something a little more in depth instead of a quick glossing over, this whole row is immensely helpful."

(3-3) She usually isn't this much of a conversationalist, but if Noah is new to Lithrydel, she figures sprinkling in details here and there might be more informative than overly wordy. “They had their Spring Festival recently and it looked so lovely from home. There was some lantern making contest.” She couldn't go, herself. Work that night, but the glimpse of their multitude of lanterns from her apartment window when she returned home from work was something out of a dream. “It looked as if they loosed extra stars into the sky...” She trails off, expression briefly turning distant. Pay attention, Aya. Blinking, she casts a glance at Noah, whether he's taken the book from her hands or not. “Personally, I wouldn't choose myself as a part of a welcoming committee, but...Welcome to Lithrydel.”

(1-2) Noah notices that Soraya is equally as studious in the staring department, but she quickly diverts her gaze, as though she has just become aware of her behavior. It’s a bold move and the male isn’t used to having his appearance scrutinized, and he wonders if the winged woman thinks he’s some sort of simpleton. He doesn’t know the lands or the races, and he’s wandering around a library to avoid being social in public. Surely, she must feel strange now that he’s interrupted her moment of privacy with a good book. He’s about to politely depart and let her return to perusing books at her leisure, when she lifts her hands to unpin a nametag, and realization coats his gaze, “I’m sorry! I didn’t realize that you were on break… Are you a librarian?” The name ‘Soraya-Sian’ is committed to memory, in case they should bump into one another in the future. She knows an awful lot about books, and as she carries on and mentions Schezerade, he nods as if he has any idea what she’s talking about. He never heard of Schezerade, nor does he have any idea how to get to such a place, let alone their library. The offered book is accepted and as he holds the thin tome in his hand, he imagines that he can study it with ease, being a bit of a speed reader. “I’m a quick study. This is great. Truly!” He pauses, “If it’s not too much trouble, I -would- like to see where Jakti’s collection is located.” He offers Soraya a wry grin, “I just may check out all of them, as it’s been some time since I’ve researched her work.”

(2-2) As Soraya speaks of lantern festivals, ogres, and swampland, Noah finds himself hanging on bated breath for every next line. This woman knows the lands so well, she’s clearly educated, and so far the few things he’s learned about Lithrydel are fascinating. He’s never been in such a fantastical environment and he ponders if he should pinch himself from time to time, because surely he’s not borrowing books from a library under the recommendation of a white winged angel?! Noah nods, “The lantern festival sounds interesting. I’ve never been to anything like that, either. So… You live in Gualon?” She mentioned seeing the lanterns from her window, and it makes sense that she would want to be covered in gloves, especially if she lives in a dirty swamp infested area. At the welcome, Noah chuckles, “Thank you… You are the first to welcome me to the lands.” Probably the last, he thinks, as his office will be opening soon. Once you’re established the newness wears off. “I’m Dr. Noah Atwood, in the field of psychiatry.” He goes to offer a hand to make her acquaintance, but they both are holding books and it makes it rather difficult, so he offers, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Soraya.”

(1-2) Losing a staring contest of sorts didn't phase her in the slightest, but his exclamation and apology certainly did. “O-oh! No, you're fine,” she dismisses the apology with a wave of her hand, accompanied with a soft, amused laugh. “I am on break, actually. First day off in a few weeks...” That's a bit vague, Soraya realizes, so she clarifies. “I'm a part time librarian for The Imperial Library in Schezerade. Full time healer for The Imperial Healing House just down the way from it.” Her occupations are sources of pride for the woman, judging by the slight, upward turn of her lips, but yet again, the avian realizes that she's being just a hair too vague for a foreigner. “Schezerade is the only remaining floating city for the avians, just over the Xalious Range further out west. It was designed and hoisted into the sky by Cerinii-Raan herself, and named after a lover of hers, I believe...” Information with a bit of flavor text was her bread and butter when it came to describing things, “ One could say it's the last bastion for the Empire, though mostly stuffy, older folk back home and older families tend cling onto all of that bunk.” And if he skimmed through the pages of that book on Schezerade and the avian race as a whole, he might see that she epitomized a lot of that bunk, at least visually. An unfortunate position, but she shouldered the weight well enough. “In that edition, I think the sky city is discussed in chapter six or seven, along with our ranks.” Picking up her book on Enchantment from the shelf once more to tuck it under an arm, Soraya cheerily beckons Noah to follow her down the aisles to the right bookshelf where Jakti's works were stored. “Of course! I'll lead the way.” Once there, she gives the shelf where a line of the naga author's books are sitting, waiting to be checked out. “Well aren't you in luck,” she murmurs with a quick glance down the shelf. “Everything Cenril has for her is available.” Now that brought a genuine smile to her lips. It was always such a disappointment when a book she wanted was unavailable.

(2-2) “And the lantern festival looked lovely. It's a shame we don't have them back home. I suppose it makes some sense, given how close we are to the stars.” The notion of living in Gualon has her shaking her head, with some disappointment. What a thrill it must be, living somewhere that isn't so pristine and instead full of life and risk and...normalcy, she might go so far to say. A distinct lack of grandeur and opulence, the opposite of what she spent most of her time around. But these were thoughts best left contained to her head or spilled into one of her journals, not dropped at the feet of a stranger. ...A doctor, apparently. Her eyes widen with some surprise at this. If only he had spoken up sooner! “I don't live in Gualon, but it's easy to see a decent amount of what goes on down here from our city in the sky... Sharp eyes and all that. A telescope helps as well. Most point theirs to the sky and the stars but I tend to point my nose to the ground,” her tone goes sheepish at this admission, but there isn't time for that with introductions now. “A doctor? And a psychiatrist. Why, I don't believe we have many in your field around here. A pleasure, Doctor Atwood.” And with the two of them toting books creating some difficulty for a handshake, she opts for the salute avians that served in the Empire's military used, considering she is part of that very military. Instead of the clenched fist rapped against her chest that most Khars or Shars used, the salute of a healer is gentler, merely a flattened palm of her right hand crossing over to the left side of her chest to rest there, accompanied by a sort of half-bow. It felt a bit silly repeating her name, considering he clearly already read it on her name plate and spoke it, but she does it all the same.“Soraya-Sian. Sian is the healer rank in our military. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm a doctor such as yourself.” She's over explaining, isn't she? Now Soraya just feels silly., but she presses on all the same.“My family name is Hasani, so...Soraya Hasani.”

(1-2) Noah seems surprised that Soraya is so candid about where she lives and her professions, and he notes the obvious pride in her voice. He’s equally passionate about his line of work, so he can relate, but he’s not as talkative. Still, people pay him by the hour to listen about their feelings, so it’s no great stretch for him to give attention to the pristine woman. She seems friendly enough and she’s been extremely helpful in recommending books. Plus, she’s much better company than those that are attending the parade, he’s certain! “So, you’re a librarian that is spending her first day off in weeks… At a library?” He laughs, for the first time in a long while, because he would likely do the same thing. “Is Schezerade closeby?” He will delve into the books as soon as time allows, but he cannot recall seeing a floating city on his way over from Rynvale. It’s not like he was glancing upwards the entire time, but surely, someone would have pointed or commented on the ferry. “So… Avian. You are an Avian?” He guessed that she was some sort of angel, or perhaps a winged elf. He’s heard of elves in fairy tales, but he’s never met one face to face. “Forgive me. I’m not used to all of, well, all of -everything- that I’m discovering since I’ve arrived in Lithrydel.” His words fade off as he bends to pull a few of Jakti’s works from the shelves, carefully balancing the books in his arms, “Thank you for everything, Soraya.”

(2-2) The strange salute is responded to with a curt nod, because Noah isn’t one to bow and he’s unfamiliar with avian customs. Heck. He didn’t even -know- of the avian race until a few minutes ago! Soraya chats about where she’s from and her fondness for Gualon, even admitting that she uses a telescope to eye those that dwell in places that don’t float. She’s so animated and passionate about life and Noah appreciates her enthusiasm, imagining that she must be a wonderful librarian and healer. It’s obvious that children will be taken with her descriptive personality, as she’s both entertaining and informative. The man casually leans with his back against the shelf, “Healers come in all shapes and sizes, and my expertise with psychological issues may be equal to yours with tending to injuries and illnesses.” He shrugs, trying to be modest, but he is rather flattered by Soraya’s commentary about being one of the few specialists in the lands. He’s nearly two hundred years old, a far cry from the appearance of a man in his thirties, but it gives one great pause to see how such a young man can achieve so much experience and research in one field. Noah knows that he probably doesn’t have to worry about his immortality in these parts, but he’s still not ready to offer up personal tidbits to anyone. “Well, Soraya Hasani, it’s been a pleasure.” An easy smile is given to the avian, as he dips his head, “So, where do I check these out?”

(1-2) “Yes, absolutely...A break from work doesn't ever mean a break from books. It just means more time to read them,” Soraya grins. “Besides, I don't get to visit other libraries as often as I'd like and I have to say, Cenril's library rivals The Imperial Library back home easily.” Specifically since the bulk of the literature housed here doesn't have some slant toward avian pride and The Good Old Days that has grown far too exhausting for her to deal with. “Schezerade is out west,” to answer his question. “Close by the Xalious Range, but not hovering over the village over there, thank Sven. The Mage's Guild and their tower are a chaotic bunch.” Though she's a magic user herself, she tended to avoid the arcane. Her healing hands and penchant for toying with the air were more druidic in nature. “And yes, I am an avian. We're...a flock of elves with wings,” she adds, amused. “I'd caution you on saying that to others of my ilk. Our older birds tend to lean a bit racist, frankly. On par with the gods...And that hubris was our downfall.” Her shoulders rise and fall at that overly brief history of her people, if one could even call it that, but he had a book in his hands and a wealth of knowledge to delve into on these library shelves if he wanted to know more. She tried to put herself in Noah's shoes. What a wild and wondrous world it must be to him, stepping foot in another land from wherever he hailed from. In a way, it reminded her of her first steps on land once she finally touched down on the ground. “Not to worry! Most folk around here are friendly..Particularly in Kelay and the Sage Forest. That's just west of here. Try the tavern there. Mesthak'll talk your ear off and Nancy is a sweetheart and deserves the world with how much she has put up with in that tavern after all these years.”

(2-2) His thanks isn't dismissed, but she isn't really sure how to respond to it. Being helpful is her calling, isn't it? No need for thanks there. Noah's expertise is something that she'll have to spread word about, at least in the Healing House. The compliment he gives isn't missed, but she can't help shaking her head a little. “I got my position with my skills and a wee bit of nepotism on my family's part. I come from a line of healers. I'm merely carrying the torch that was handed to me.” Soraya had no real way of determining just how old Noah happened to be, but by looks alone he looked to be about her age, and a clearly very accomplished and intelligent human man. “Likewise,” she replies, and afterward she'll lead him to the front desk where one of Cenril's librarians can take care of him and his books. “Do you have an office?” She asks. “Or perhaps a card I could take home with me? I must notify the Healing House that we have a psychiatrist in our midst now.” Just in case he might be afraid of heights, she adds, hopefully reassuringly, “They'll come to you. No need to figure out how to fly up to our city.”

Noah looks a bit lost when Soraya mentions Guild’s and locations that he has yet to learn exist, but he tries to maintain a polite smile and nods, feigning recognition. The avian is a box full of knowledge and he doesn’t regret stepping into this library and meeting her, because she has been very helpful. She seems not to want to take a compliment or be thanked for her efforts, and Noah doesn’t press the matter, but it’s his time to turn humble as she asks for one of his business cards. He hasn’t seen this coming and it’s rare that he’s caught off guard, given his past and all the training he endured as a mercenary. They walk over to the desk where the librarian writes down each of the books that are to be checked out, along with his contact information, and Noah reaches into his pocket and procures a business card. “The address of my office is on there, too, in case you ever want to drop in or recommend anyone to me. I really appreciate it.” He smiles, revealing a mouth of straight, white teeth, “I’m also relieved I don’t have to learn to fly to visit Scare-zez-erade.” He fumbles over the foreign name of the avian city, but his smile is genuine, “I best be on my way. I have to brave the parade to get to my office. I’m having carpet installed and want to check on the progress.” He signs a piece of parchment and the librarian slides the books across the counter for him to take home, “Be seeing you, Soraya.” And with that, he rests the books beneath his arm and exits the library.