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

[thisisamazing]

Not- not really, honestly. Toothless, he, uh, sheds scales like crazy when he's growing, and blacksmiths will pay a lot for them to use in armor and weapons. [He feels the need to tack on that last part, after the insanity with the mist - just to put out there that he knows where Toothless's scales are going, and it's not to shady Goblin Market vendors.]

I don't want to- no, it's your book shop. Just- consider it a donation of, of books? For everyone to enjoy. Without me having to actually go shop around for the books because I really, uh, don't have time, with lessons and my forge and Toothless...

[wiggleon]

[That... does make him grin, rather widely.]

You know what? If you don't mind, I will take you up on that offer then. I'd love to see my little collection grow so it can be an actual library people can enjoy, but then you have to promise you'd visit me often at the shop and enjoy the books I've gotten in your name.

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup's face brightens immediately with boyish delight.] Great! I'll bring it by next time in town. You should really be the one buying books anyway, I'm- I'd read anything. [So he wouldn't know what other people might enjoy more.]

Of course! I mean, I'd love to. I'm excited to see what kinds of things you get for the collection.

[wiggleon]

Of course.

[Aziraphale’s smile reaches from ear to ear. He’s been happy before, of course has- but they were stolen moment of happiness between missions, moments where he had to either hide what he was doing from Her, or pretend that he wasn’t enjoying it as much as he actually was. But not here, not in this place, not where Heaven can’t get to him.

In here, if he’s absolutely delighted by the chance of talking with someone who enjoys books as much as he does, then he is and he doesn’t have to hide it.]

Some people have suggested transcribing the books from their world, would you be interested in telling me about the legends you talked about, and telling me about your dragons?

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup is just always a bit encouraged when someone appreciates books instead of combat prowess. You don't get that much on Berk, though things have changed somewhat since he was fifteen and a too-smart-for-his-own-good disappointment.

He brightens even more when Aziraphale asks about tales and knowledge from Berk.] Really? I'd love to! I've practically memorized the Book of Dragons and the Bork Papers, and I could take a swing at writing down all the stories my father used to tell me when I was little.

[wiggleon]

Really, I would love that, and I'm sure a lot of people would be interested in reading about a world with dragons in it, as well. Some people have already offered to transcribe, as well, so you wouldn't have to write yourself if that would seem too tedious.

You could just come and tell us your wonderful stories on your free time, if you wish. You're doing so much for me already, Hiccup, I'd hate to end up asking for even more and not offering anything in return.

[thisisamazing]

Enchanted pencils. I can just dictate while I'm working in the forge. [He sounds a little excited about this. Sharing knowledge is definitely one of those things he's into.] It's, you know, it's probably more sane-sounding than talking to Toothless while I'm working anyway.

Oh, no, this isn't even really a favor- I'm, I'm happy to share a piece of my world. It... [His voice falls a little quieter.] I've been homesick lately. This is a good way to, to remind myself of home.

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale's smile turns... a little smaller, a little sadder, though not any less honest.]

I haven't been here as long as you have, and I already feel rather homesick. I can't even imagine what you must be going through. Feel free to come by and just... talk, about your world and your people if you need it.

I'll be all ears.

[thisisamazing]

Ah, right, it's been... Oh, it's been half a year already. [At least. Maybe slightly longer than that. Hiccup hasn't exactly been counting the days - that's a sure way to drive yourself crazy when you physically can't get home anyway.] I'm sure other people have more interesting stories than mine, but- but I wouldn't mind coming by sometimes.