Books! In every cranny and all the nooks.

[animated]

[ Bookstores are always interesting places, though this one is perhaps a bit moreso than most. Large, towering bookshelves stuffed with well-worn paperbacks, stacks of books in corners when they simply won't fit anywhere else. The forefront of the store actually features a pretty decent comic book section, making it an ideal place for crowds of teenage boys after school lets out. (The wouldn't dare visit during school hours if they were ditching, since the owner's been known to rat them out.)

Speaking of the owner, he's a little on the scrawny side, but not uneasy on the eyes. Making this a spot for teenaged girls as well, if only so they can giggle amongst each other and steal glances at the blond behind the counter.

But, being as it's the middle of the day on a weekday no less, said blond is tidying things up. He's got a rag and some Windex, and he's cleaning a large glass case in one corner of the shop. ]

Comments

[animated]

I don't envy you.

[recluserose]

Good answer. Witches tend to cause great headaches anyways.

[animated]

Yet here you are. You go hopping often?

[imperviously]

Better change my lodgings too.

[It's easy to tell he's done this several times before. Goddammit Ella.]

[animated]

... You gonna be in town a for a while?

[imperviously]

Depends. If she's in the same area as I'm in, I usually try to leave as quickly as possible.

Or at least find a place where she can't unlock the doors.

[recluserose]

Not very much before, but as of late yes. [She's been spending lots of friend time with Madigan after all.]

[animated]

Isn't this where your case is?

[animated]

Well, any friend of the Detective's is a friend of mine. If you want to swap books, we can swap books.

[recluserose]

[And that makes her light up]

Thank you! I... I didn't come here with a clear idea of what book I would like to read though, but perhaps one about different rune specializations?

[imperviously]

I do quick work.

[Still a conundrum nonetheless]

[animated]

I have a spare room.

[ and a very well-warded house ]

[animated]

You're familiar with our magic, I see. I'm sure I've got something.

[imperviously]

Will she find it?

[animated]

Probably not. She already discovered I'm able to resist her, and I gave her free books. I can't see why she'd want to follow me home.

[recluserose]

I'll trust your judgment then. I look forward to seeing what you have.

[imperviously]

Probably to try harder.

But the free books might keep her away for a while.

[animated]

She's in for a nasty surprise if she wanders into my apartment anyway.

[animated]

Let's take a look.

[ He heads for the counter, aaand again, a little whistle and here comes the step stool, following at his heels ]

[imperviously]

... You know what? You're definitely alright.

[He approves :|a]

[recluserose]

[... that's kinda cute]

Animation?

[animated]

I like to think so.

[animated]

Yep. That's my specialization.

[recluserose]

I see. A very handy one too I bet.

Thanks again for letting me borrow a book. I couldn't resist a visit once I heard about this place.

[animated]

It has its uses.

[ he begins rummaging through books, though her last statement does give him pause ] Who did you hear about it from?