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

[wiggleon]

You'd be welcomed to, of course! It isn't that big of a collection right now though. It took centuries to build the one I had back home, and even though I hope I won't be here for that long it'll still take a while.

But I am not to back away from a challenge. Especially not if it involves books.

[gunsmithed]

Books do have a tendency to accumulate rapidly, I've noticed. What sort of collection do you have so far?

[wiggleon]

Recipes and cookbooks, mostly. [He admits, a little guiltily. He's got his priorities, and it's not like prophecy books are easy to find in this place.]

Some fun theater plays- it's really interesting to see where they differ from plays in my own world, and what's similar.

[gunsmithed]

Nothing wrong with that. Cooking is not all that dissimilar to magic, as I understand it.

[ Not that Percy has a huge amount of experience with either, but the thought stands. ]

Is there much different? Aside from the writers, I'm sure.

[wiggleon]

Oh, indeed! Every culture's writing is different really, even back home. It was easier for me to find works in English since I was located in London.

[Or at least his bookshop is there.]

But there's definitely many differences between books from different cultures. Their focus, the use of different metaphors, even the turns of phrase will be different. I was really excited to get to see what writing was like in this place when I was dropped of through the mirror like Alice.

[gunsmithed]

[ There's a whole lot there going right over Percy's head, but what else is new in this place. He's getting the gist anyway, or at least he thinks he is. ]

Amazing how much even the small things can change, isn't it. Even besides the native culture, there's what the Mirrorbound are bringing through with them.

[wiggleon]

Indeed! And we come from such different cultures, such different worlds, such different universes even! It's honestly fascinating. I don't- there is certainly times where I wouldn't wish this place on my worst enemy but I definitely enjoy getting to know all these amazing people from strange, strange worlds.

Where do you come from, by the way? If you don't mind me asking of course.

[gunsmithed]

Nowhere you'd recognize, I'm sure. [ Judging by Percy's lack of recognition on anything Aziraphale has said so far. But there's always a faint chance. ] It's called Whitestone.

[wiggleon]

I don't think I've heard of it, no, and I assume you haven't heard of London either.

[He looks, if anything, even more excited.] But that means you'll be able to tell me about the books in your world! Stories I've never heard about, that will be so interesting!

[gunsmithed]

I haven't, no. But I'd be happy to tell you about anything I can.

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale just grins to himself, barely stopping himself from clapping in excitement. Nothing makes him happier than having new books to read, and this feels like he’s discovered a whole new world full of books to read. He doesn’t, of course, expect Percy to dictate every book he’s ever read to him, but just knowing the style and how different it may be in his world is enough to make him feel oh so delighted.]

Perhaps over a nice cup of tea? Or coffee, if that’s your drink of preference. And I can show you the books I’ve gathered so far, if that would be of any interest to you.

[gunsmithed]

I do enjoy tea. That sounds like an excellent trade. Let me know when works for you.