video; Open

[wiggleon]

Name: Aziraphale
Date: Octeuril 24th
Format: Voice

[Aziraphale has practiced... A Lot before actually making this post, so the camera is only a little bit shaky instead of the complete and messy failure that would be expected of him. It's not that he can't learn how to use new technologies! He just would rather not have to when older technologies suit him just fine.

Apparently, he's realized there really isn't another way to go in this place. Considering he has a small collection of discarded gifted smartphones that he's never used back home, that is no small feat.]

So, I've been- that is to say-

[...Once an awkward angel, always an awkward angel. But also a fairly determined, stubborn one, so:]

I've been thinking I'd like to open a bookshop in this place. I had one back home, you see, curated the books for centuries- but I can't just sit around and mope about it, can I? So I figured I could start my own collection here.

[If it sounds like he's talking about a private collection instead of what's supposed to be a bookshop it's because he kind of is.]

But then I thought- or rather, it was suggested to me- that perhaps some sort of library where people could happily peruse the books would be better. And then I started thinking about things people could do while they read the books, and I figured- who doesn't enjoy a cup of tea and a nice pastry?

[A bright smile! And the little wiggle of happiness that Aziraphale always does when he's talking about his favorite foods.]

But even though I can make a nice cup of tea, thanks to years of practice... I'm no baker! And I'm a bit messy in the kitchen, so that's out of the question. So I was wondering if anyone would like to collaborate in this endeavor? Perhaps you've got some books you've got no use for anymore, or experience shelving them, or know how to bake?

Any help would be welcome, really. [He's not used to taking such big risks without miracles to back him up.]

Comments

[towards_okeanos]

[Witness a seven-foot giant with flaming red hair getting excited like a child.]

Ha! A bookstore?!! What a brilliant idea! Sadly, I don't have any books I can part with. I do move around the city a lot though. I can ask around.

[Iskandar is right there with you on the book collecting habit, angel. And that actually makes him think about one more thing...]

I am no baker but you know, I... think I could probably recite any play of Aristophanes from memory. I am absolutely sure I can do that with Homer.

A place to come and discuss books with others would be most delightful!

[wiggleon]

[That's an option Aziraphale hadn't considered... his memory won't be able to perfectly replicate some of the classics, for sure, but perhaps it would be close enough?]

That's- that's a brilliant idea actually! It wouldn't be the same, not exactly, but it'd be a wonderful way to share books with others. I'm sure I could do the same with religious texts, as well, and some of Shakespeare's plays-

[Which makes him pause for a second.]

If you know those names you must come from a similar world as mine, then.

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar has no complaints about his own memory. He's quite proud of it actually. None of his tutors ever complained about it either. They did however about his willingness to learn anything he considered boring.]

I never heard of Shakespeare. Who was he? Even if he was a tragedian I'm interested. I did read some Euripides, mainly because Aristophanes applauded him but [He pauses looking for a sufficiently inoffensive word.] I found him a bit too gloomy for my tastes.

[See, Iskandar has opinions about theatre.]

[wiggleon]

Oh, you'd enjoy Shakespeare's 'funny ones', then, as my friend would call them.

[Those would be the romances. He always found interesting that Crowley, demon as he was, was willing to admit that he liked the love stories the most. Or maybe he just simply disliked the gloomy ones all that much.]

If you found yourself in Aristophanes' time then I guess he'd be from your future. [Angel as he is, he's perfectly fine accepting the fact that Iskandar met Aristophanes and actually watching Euripides' plays.]

Did you ever get a chance to see Lysistrata? That was my friend's favorite.

[towards_okeanos]

His times? No, sadly not. A little later but I really liked all his works. I’d very much appreciate to read that Shakespeare when and if you happen to have anything transcribed.

[Iskandar laughs. Scathing social commentary guaranteed to irritate absolutely everyone? He loved it. Much to disgust of his venerable tutor. True shame his friends did not appreciate the play as much as he did.]

Yes, I did! Twice actually! I must applaud your friend on his choice then! It’s one of my favourites too!

[wiggleon]

I always believed it to be a little... crass, for its times but people seemed to enjoy it quite a bit.

Would you care to recite the works you remember for them to be transcribed, then? It was a wonderful idea and I shall make sure it doesn't go to waste.

[towards_okeanos]

Oh, the language is indeed a little vulgar but it's supposed to be. Get people irritated by the words so the true message slips by unnoticed. If that's not pure genius then I don't know what is.

I can write them down myself. Unless you'd rather...

[What is the language they are using here exactly? Iskandar is so used to having Grail imparted knowledge that he barely noticed the lack of language barrier. He is it's not Greek.]

Well, it would be in Greek if I do this on my own.

[wiggleon]

Oh... [That's something he hadn't considered, and he hums to himself as he thinks about it.]

Well, I do know spells that could help with that if you wish to transcribe them yourself. I lean more towards abjuration when it comes to spells but I should manage to have a few deciphering spells handy for people who want to read books in other languages.