Late-Night Reading, ic: Aurelius iso: Rio

[x.vintage]

Spring 9
[7:34 pm]

The Ivyleaf Library was fast approaching as Aurelius strolled throughout the town. Well, it was a stroll to him. To a human it probably would've seemed more of a brisk walk. Some sunlight still lingered, but he kept to the ever-growing shadows of the buildings, darting across breaks, his skin luminous for only a split second. His hands were in his jeans pockets, his shirt sleeves rolled up, exposing his well-muscled forearm. A jolly tune escaped his pursed lips, his whistling foreshadowing a possible song that he would compose upon his panpipes. He nodded to the occasional passerby, his large grin exposing most of his perfectly white teeth. His spirits were lifted as the thought of a book in his hands ran incessantly through his mind.

He hadn't been able to read much during his travels, and now that he had finally found Mossleaf, what better a place to explore first than the local library? He paused momentarily as he placed his hands on the doorknob, savoring the moment. With his grin growing larger, he turned then pushed. He peered around, the thoughts of possibly the librarian, as they were the only ones in here, flickered at the edge of his barrier. He turned and closed the door, his footsteps echoing loudly on the wooden floor. Oh jeeze. It's probably closed. I hope she doesn't think I'm breaking in...

He cleared his throat, then called, "Ummm...Hello? Is anyone in here? If it's closed, I'm sorry! I'll just come back another time. I just wanted to read, since I haven't been able to for weeks..." His voice faded, echoing ever so slightly off the walls. He bit his lip, hoping that this was a valid excuse enough for him to come in so late.

[Lettuce]

Rio adjusted her glasses and bit her lip slightly in concentration. Earlier that day she had pulled down quite a number of gardening and wildlife books about Mossleaf - the spring air always brought her dream of gardening rushing back to her! A couple thick books later she had finally found a wonderful reference guide to propagating local flora. The book started out with easy plants, such as the beautiful pink cat flower that grew wild across the meadows. It would be so nice to line the back of the house with pink cat flowers! I could probably get them to grow in containers out from, too..

Rio jumped as a voice sounded out from below. Needles tingled in her legs, which had been tucked neatly under her on the large, comfortable reading chair she had been installed in for... goodness, was it really that late?! The sun had already set!

"Oh!" Rio flushed and lept to her feet, the book - Gardening With The Flora of Mossleaf - clutched in her hands. She hurried to the balcony and peered down - a man with wavy blond hair stood just inside the entrance. Rio flushed as her eyes caught on his rather stunning appearance - she wasn't usually one to pay attention to such superficial things, but this man was rather tall and nobly built.

"A-ah, hello! I, ah, that is..." Rio blushed a little brighter, at a loss for words. Nervously she headed for the stairs, descending with rapid little steps. "I - I'm the librarian, Rio Fujiike. It is very nice to meet you." She bowed slightly and clutched her book to her chest. "I-is there anything that I can do for you sir?"

[x.vintage]

He heard the young woman jump, then get to her feet. He looked up at the balcony and caught sight of the young woman. She flushed, bright roses blossoming on her cheeks. He grinned up at her, then waved. He watched her as she descended the steps, then bow. He bowed back, then gently kissed her hand. "It's truly a pleasure, Miss Fujike. I'm Aurelius Augustus." He then nodded with a slight sigh. "Yes, milady. I'm in desperate need of literature. I haven't been able to aquire a good book in quite some time. Actually, the only book I've been able to read is my own, and as it's not nearly as interesting as many other novels, I feel I've been quite deprived."

He gazed around at the library, ravishing all the books the shelves contained. "What to read, what to read? he murmured. With a grin, he turned to Rio. "What do you suggest, Miss Fujike? I'm not sure what to pick. A history, a biography, a mystery, or perhaps even a fantastic love story with starcrossed lovers, destined to failure though their bond is inseperable? Oh it's all so good!" He mocked a grimace of despair, then smiled, winking. "Seriously, though. What is one of your favorites? Do you have any on this particular city? I do believe I have never read anything about Mossleaf, and already I find this city quite intriguing." This was indeed true, as it had a quaint feeling, almost like a cozy cottage his family owned on the countryside back in Virranus.

[Lettuce]

Rio felt as though her entire body was suddenly as light as air - for a dizzying moment as Aurelius kissed her hand, she thought she was sure to faint away. Ironically it was her love of her books that brought her back - the plant guide began to slip from her suddenly weak limbs and she brought herself back down to earth to catch it. A... an actual a-author! Rio stared up at the fascinating eyes of her current patron, unable to think of a single thing to speak. This was simple so much so unexpectedly - so few people visited the library, and then here was this amazingly beautiful stranger who declared himself thirsty for books, an author even...

"Please, help yourself to anything." She gasped finally. Suddenly she realized that her hand still hung in the air where Aurelius had left it. She flushed and jerked her hand down behind her back, shaking a little with nerves. "T-there are several very nice books, M-Mr. Augustus. If you are interested in books on Mossleaf we have several. E-everything from local flora and fauna -" The book in her arm suddenly felt like a burning beacon. "T-to cultural traditions and the history of the God Wars, w-which is really quite fascinating, t-though if you're new in town the cultural traditions could be quite interesting, though the trilogy we have on historic figures of invention and research is so interesting, talking about the Palace of Mages just in the mountain range, or the magic of the Goddess Ponds." Rio stopped short, her face flushing brightly again. "Oh! I.. I apologize, I don't mean to babble so. T-there are quite a few books, M-Mr. Augustus. It is so difficult to pick which one is my favorite!" Rio gave a little laugh and looked up at him again - and prayed her knees wouldn't give in.

[x.vintage]

Aurelius smiled as Rio's dreamy look passed and she jerked her hand back. He didn't miss the shaking. Ah, these hunting skills work too well on people. I probably shouldn't have done that. He shook his head ever so slightly to himself, making a mental note to try and reign in his actions from now on. He wasn't just a normal human anymore, everything had been upgraded with the change. His smile grew as she continued about all the books on Mossleaf. Each sounded interesting, though he felt like the ones on the culture called to him, especially the one on the God Wars. Still, he refrained from interrupting, in case there was something possibly even more interesting. Suddenly, Rio stopped, and apologized. He shook his head, then laughed a little.

"There's really no need to apoligize, milady. You're enthusiasm for books is quite refreshing. I'm afraid that I came upon the gruffest of people upon my travels who care the slightest bit about the arts. It's really a sad tragedy at what this world has become. My home city was highly praised for it's arts, and we took pride in them. It was the center for ideas." He faintly hoped that she wouldn't catch the 'was'. Virranus had long since crumpled, becoming just another city state that had flourished then died. There might even be a history book on it somewhere in this library....

"Well, Miss Fujike. I think that the book on the God Wars sounds quite interesting. Would you mind showing me where it is?"

[Lettuce]

"A center for ideas..." Rio repeated softly, completely enchanted. Finally, someone who appeared to have a passion for reading that may equal her own! The months that she had worked in the library had passed away so quietly that sometimes Rio wondered if she herself was gathering dust. Having a potential regular - and, though she tried to ignore the fact, extremely handsome visitor to the library suddenly gave her job a beautiful new perspective. "A-ah! Let me, yes, that is, let me find some for you, right away, I'm so happy to help..."

Rio turned nimbly and dashed off into the stacks, her legs still shaking slightly from nerves and her near faint. What a sophisticated man! Thank goodness she knew her library as well as she did - although she didn't want to admit it, it would be nice to impress upon him her effectiveness as a librarian by fetching his books quickly. Rio narrowed in on the section that held the books on the God Wars quickly and began a careful scan of its contents. So many books to choose from... this one may be useful, or perhaps this one... oh, but this one has first hand accounts recorded...!

A few moments later Rio staggered back out into the main entrance, her arms weighed down with a heavy, large stack of books that piled so high her head disappeared somewhere behind them. It was a little much, even for her experienced arms. "A-ah, h-here are a few, M-Mr. Aurelius..."

[x.vintage]

Aurelius nodded, then watched her run off, grinning ever so slightly at the sound of her thoughts that flickered at the edge of his mind. A soft, barely audible laughter escaped his lips. This woman was certainly quite interesting. He brushed back his bangs, then thrust his hands in his pockets. He turned around slowly, his grin still plastered to his face, as he gazed upon the endless rows of books. His eyes traveled higher, and they lighted upon the balcony where Rio had once stood. He knew that he'd be back soon, though he wasn't sure when. Perhaps even tomorrow... His grin faded, though his eyes still sparkled, almost with lust. There was so much reading he had to catch up on.

He turned back to his original position when the footsteps became closer; they sounded troubled. She was staggering under a tall stack of thick books, each proclaiming interesting titles. He stepped forwards immediatly, shifting the books into his own arms. They might've even been hard to carry for a normal young man, but to him, they were merely a trifle. Still, for looks, he tried to make it look like they were at least slightly heavy. But his facade wasn't the best, and Rio might be able to see through it. Ah well... He shifted weight from his left foot to his right foot, then moved the books out of his face. He grinned at the librarian, then nodded in appreciation. "Thank you so much, milady. These should certainly be quite the adventure. Oh, and is there a place where I could sit and read? I don't really mind standing, but I prefer sitting." He grinned, then laughed a little.

[Lettuce]

Rio relaxed with relief as Aurelius took the books into his own arms. She felt a little silly - it really would have been so much easier just to guide him to the reference area! However, it had been nice to be able to show off, if just a little bit... it wasn't like she had the opportunity to put her librarian skills into good use too often, after all...

"A-ah, yes! We have several very comfortable reading areas -" Rio immediately had the image of her sitting in one of the chairs in the same reading area pop into her head, both of them reclining in comfort with their respective books, occasionally sipping tea or commenting sophisticatedly on the texts they were reading... Her blush heightened and she began to feel rather faint again. "T-the, ah, there are books - I mean chairs! - near the fireplace, o-over here or several nice reading nooks throughout the library - lots of desks to spread your books o-out on, too, for your convenience! Is - ah - there anything else I could help you w-with?" What had she been doing before he had arrived? It seemed quiet difficult to recall anything at all, as though the whole night had been wrapped up in the few moments that she had spent with him thus far... Not that she minded to be honest...

[x.vintage]

Aurelius nodded, then swilveled his head. There's the fireplace... he noted, surprised that he hadn't noticed it before. He bit his lip, wondering which place would be best. By the fireplace would certainly be comfortable, and the chairs looked plush. He shifted weight again, then turned back to Rio. "Hmm...I think the fireplace seems nice. Unless you know of a place more comfortable?" He cocked an eyebrow, wondering if she knew of a secret, comfortable nook that only she, as the librarian knew about. Not that he minded if he sat out front, he'd just like a second opinion.

He shook his head, then stopped. "Well, there is one thing. Would you mind sitting near me if you have nothing else to do? It's just that I'd like to be able to have help if I don't understand something and be able to ask questions if needed. After all, you seem the person who would know just about every bit of information these tomes could possibly hold. But of course, I can completely understand if you're busy. There's probably a lot to be done. I can only imagine that this place is bustling throughout normal hours."

[Lettuce]

Rio felt her knees weaken at Aurelius' suggestion. This was just like some plot from an excellent novel! A handsome young man appearing out of the dark of the night, kind, gentle, caring, sophisticated, smart... Rio blushed a deeper shade of red and peered shyly up at Aurelius over her glasses. "I... I w-would be delighted to join you..." Her eyes glazed over for just a moment, then the blush returned in full force. "F-for reading! Yes, reading, I have so much to do. So many books about Mossleaf plants and bugs, and if I'm going to start that society, I r-really must do my research..." Rio turned away for a moment, lost in thought of which books she'd bring down to the fireplace... the fireplace, where Aurelius would be seated, glancing up with a such a bright smile at her appearance, quietly reading side by side the books they loved...

Rio leaned against one of the bookshelves, her knees betraying her. "I'll... be just one moment... please, make yourself comfortable." Her pert lips curved in a supple smile and her eyes held a stare covered with the mist of dreams. Like so many wonderful books she read, she could steal just a few moments of her own powerful story... With a soft giggle that she didn't even notice giving Rio was off, disappearing into the shelves and up the library stairs to collect her books.

[[OOC: >XO FINALLY! I DID IT! :D I'm so pleased with the outcome, too. I finally got my mojo back and I won't take so long ever again. *bows* And please don't misunderstand - Rio is in love/crushing on the idea of Aurelius, not actually him. She's in her own little world right now and has no idea she's acting like a smitten fool. Its very cute! ]]

[x.vintage]

He grinned as Rio blushed, then stammered. "Great! he laughed, his enthusiasm evidently real. He nodded, "Of course, of course! Take your time." He waved her off, then walked, at a human pace of course, towards the fireplace. With a sigh of contentment, he placed the books down gently, then plucked the first book off the stack. He lowered himself into an extremely comfortable armchair, then pried open the cover to the first page.

Chaos reigned throughout the Earth during the God Wars. It was the timeless epic battle of Good versus Evil, with the inhabitants of Earth stuck in between... His eyes lit up with excitement, as he could already tell that this book would be quite interesting. He dug down in the chair even more, almost curling up before realizing it was rude to put his feet onto the seat. He glanced up, remembering Rio, and grinned at the sounds of her hurried feet. With a little laugh, he returned to his book, battles between the Holy and the Damned playing out in his mind's eye.

[Lettuce]

A few minute later Rio appeared from around the bookshelves, her night's work gathered up in her arms. The past few days she had spent a lot of time studying as many books as she could about the local flora and particularly the bug life. Ever since she was young she had always been fascinated with bug life, though very few of the girls at her all female school had been interested. Really, I should... probably pick up a few new hobbies anyway...

Rio paused as she caught sight of Aurelius again - he was reclining in one of the chairs by the fire, looking as though he was deeply involved with his reading. Rio staggered slightly as her knees weakened again - how wonderful! How beautiful! A gorgeous man who had a devoted passion for literature, a humble admiration for all who have dedicated their lives to the written word... With a heady sigh Rio settled herself into one of the comfortable chairs on the opposite side of the fireplace - close, but not too entirely close, but close enough to make her feel a little nervous... Maybe I should start taking care to do my hair up a little before work, just in case...

With a dream-stuck smile Rio dipped her head over the books in her lap, sorting through until she found the place she had left off, one knee supporting a small journal in which she quietly copied notes...

[x.vintage]

Aurelius' eyes scanned the well-worn pages faster than normal as he absorbed each and every character, right down to the punctuation marks. He turned the pages, one right after the other, though he always did it gently, making sure never to put even the slightest of rips into the page ends. He bit his lip to contain a sigh, though, as Rio came within hearing distance of him. He slowed down to the pace of a human, though one who is extremely interested in literature. He peeked over the edge of his book, grinned at the young librarian, then continued reading.

He had been alive during the world-wide spread God Wars, but had managed to stay out of them as it wasn't as bad near Virannus as it had been elsewhere. It was interesting to see how historians wrote down these types of events. His eyebrows flew upwards, though, as he caught sight of a picture of his home city, Virannus. The ancient city of Virannus had stayed at the fringe of the Wars, always keeping out of the worst of it, though the occasional Demon or Angel fought there. The Caesar of the time, Caesar Marius, fought against them with his army, though they nearly always retreated. While they were powerful, even with the Virannian focus on the arts, they were still unable to defeat the deities... He paused, then closed the book. He had been through Virannus a few times on his travels, though it had long since collapsed into ruins. There had been different stories on what had caused its downfall, though he wasn't really sure and he didn't really care. Still, this mention of his birthplace aroused his curiousity, and he slowly closed the book.

"Umm...milady, I was wondering, do you have any books on ancient civilizations? If you're too busy, would you mind giving me directions? I wouldn't ask, but I've came upon a city that I've been meaning to look up for quite some time..." He gave a hopeful, crooked grin exposing some of his perfect teeth.