(voice)

[likeboudica]

I have not been to the library today, and yet I seem to carry the smell of books, of old pages and ink, with me wherever I go today.

Strange, perhaps, but it makes me think of long days in the library with a heavy book in my lap and sunshine barely filtering through the windows. The scent reminds me of peacefulness and thoughtfulness and— maybe even contentness. So it is not wholly unwelcome, truly.

Are others experiencing the same? Is it a curse, then?

Comments

[mrbackwards]

Guess anything that reminds you of home, yeah? You have anyone you know in from before in this place?

[likeboudica]

Not just anything. The books are special, but books have always been special to me.

There is one person here, William Herondale, who is from my world and time. [ And their relationship continues to be one of the most complicated. ] I think that perhaps we are starting to become friends.

[mrbackwards]

Right. [ He doesn't have any.. physical objects like that. ]

Weren't friends back home? Must be hard, but I guess so long as he ain't hurting you a familiar face is good.

[likeboudica]

[ It is not so much about the physical objects as it is about the words and stories contained therein. ]

We were‐ I am not certain. Not friends, no. He was very cruel to me, once, and though it would appear he had reasons for it, it was still cruelty.

[mrbackwards]

[ ... right. ]

Some things are hard to forgive, yeah?

[likeboudica]

That is certainly true. And at times he still does not seem to make much of an effort. I do not understand him.

[mrbackwards]

Then you shouldn't make an effort; that's bullshit.

[likeboudica]

But— [ no. he is likely right. will is not, no matter how much she would like for him to be, her friend (or more) or good for her. she should not have to make the effort if he does not return it to some degree, and he has not, not for the most part.

sighing. ] You are likely right.

[mrbackwards]

I know I am. Fuck 'im. [ But Curtis kind of has a 'fuck everything' mentality when things don't go right. So. Let's not let him make other people's life decisions. ]

[likeboudica]

[ Very, very slowly, keeping her eyes firmly ahead: ] I do not think that fucking him would solve the problem.

[mrbackwards]

[ Holy shit he just kind of choked on air. Calm down, Tessa. ]

I didn't mean fuck like-- that.

[likeboudica]

[ she's very calm. and perhaps even smiling a little, now. ]

I suppose not.

[mrbackwards]

[ He shakes his head. ]

Do you know what I meant, then?

[likeboudica]

I believe so. [ a beat. ] I do read books that were written past my time, as well.

[mrbackwards]

[ Not pressing it. ]

What kind of books?

[likeboudica]

[ A hint of a blush. ] I like the romantic ones.

[mrbackwards]

[ He smiles. ]

How many romantic books you wrote?

[likeboudica]

I did not count them. [ Many. ]

yes that's what i meant sorry! D:

[mrbackwards]

That many?

no worries :3

[likeboudica]

I have been here for nine months now, and I had plenty of time to read.

:3 <3

[mrbackwards]

And plenty of options. [ He gestures at all the lovely books around them. ]

[likeboudica]

I like the books that I have been reading.

[mrbackwards]

Maybe I should give one a shot.

[likeboudica]

Would you like for me to recommend one?

[mrbackwards]

Sure.