etrayalogs | December Library Catch-All [ OPEN ]

Entry tags:

December Library Catch-All [ OPEN ]

WHO: John, Harold, and anyone who might find themselves at the Library
WHEN: December
WHERE: The Library!
WHAT: The Library is here and open to all! Come borrow books, find a comfy chair to relax in, or snoop around.
NOTES\WARNINGS: Will be added as they come up

The Library is a five-story neoclassical building of terra cotta, brick, and stone. And the inside is, in fact, a library! And rather clean and organized too. There's no dust, no muddy footprints (apart from your own), and all the shelves are organized by Dewey Decimal, subject, and author. All literature is something you might find in a 2010 New York City library: various forms of fiction, children's and teens' sections, history, science, cooking, gardening, the list goes on. There's even small sections of audiobooks on compact disks and of DVDs ranging from old classics to history shows. The first floor has a reading/study room, a comfortable space with deep armchairs and tables with chairs; the fifth floor has some smaller tables clustered under a skylight. Part of the second floor is abruptly closed off by a door with a biometric scanner that denies entry to anyone who isn't John Reese or Harold Finch; the walls surrounding this section are soundproofed, so even a keen listener won't hear anything from inside. Otherwise, it's a perfectly normal library!

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I got here, didn't I?

[ Which is a mixture of determination and his refusal to accept any help? Could he go to the hospital and maybe get assisted? Yes. Will he? No. He'll limp on it until it becomes a permanent feature of his gait or it will heal itself. ]

Huh?

[ Well, it isn't like the half-orc is easy to ignore or not notice. Although he thinks it would be very funny to pretend not to, he's already acknowledged him by shifting slightly and looking in his direction. So, point to the stranger. ]

Do you need some help? Possibly with finances? I have oodles of knowledge about it.

[Chu Wenshan was just about to approve of Vincent's determination when...oh! Green friend!

Without bothering to confirm it's the correct green friend or explain anything to Vincent, he simply says,]

I'm ready if you are.

[ The question of finances perplexes Gorgug, in a way that might be initially visible, even though he's already wearing a somewhat curious expression that only shifts slightly. And it does so again, when he regards Wenshan with his answer.

He nods, and puts a hand on the goggles atop his head, but looks back at the other human-looking guy as he requests, ] Please duck.

[ Gorgug gives Vincent a second or two, before the goggles come down over his eyes. And in the same instance, Gorgug flicks out his hand out towards Chu Wenshan to send a bolt of electricity straight for the man with the same speed that one expects lightning to drop.

A baby lightning bolt. For whatever that's worth.

(rip the books behind Wenshan if it hits them.) ]

What? [ Shifting, he looks towards Chu Wenshan. ] What? [ His eyes snap back to the half-orc. The perplexed expression stays just long enough to process what is being said to him.

And he ducks immediately.

To his credit, or rather he says to his credit, he doesn't throw his arms over his head. There's only so much that he'll allow, really, in a situation that he barely understands what is happening. ]

[See, Chu Wenshan might not have a 100% track record of not getting stabbed, but throw something at him with preparation, and...well!

He dodges the lightning bolt, doing a quick side-roll and just barely stopping himself before he can crash into the nearby table. Success!

Apologies to the books behind him. At least Vincent is safe?]

[ True to the word of the previous tag, the lightning bolt is a baby. Therefore, when it doesn't hit Chu Wenshan, what it does are the books that were directly behind him with a bang. An alarming sound, but when the books fly off, they don't do so in pieces.

Just maybe a little singed.

Gorgug does wince a little, but he looks at the pair, more so Wenshan. Thinks for a second before nodding. ]

It was a small one. [ Not that he's pointing that for any reason--why, he still sounds approving when he does! But then, looking directly at Vincent: ] Sorry for the interruption.

[ He starts walking...over to where he hit the books, to go and check on them. Don't mind him, just gotta see they're okay! Maybe fix them back up... ]

Edited 2024-12-08 20:58 (UTC)

Ugh.

[ He is getting himself up to stand but has to sit down due to his ankle. Own. His expression sours before he scoots backwards until he is against a shelf so he can pull himself up. ]

Ignorance is bliss but as I am in the area, I feel I should know what is going on.

[ Shuffling over, he lets out a sigh at the singed books. Are they useful? Depending. ]

They aren't too ruined but we should bury them in the snow somewhere and blame someone else when they're found... whenever the snow melts.

[The first thing Chu Wenshan does upon getting back up on his feet is...giving Gorgug some applause.]

That was some good magic.

[He has no basis of comparison but that's okay--this is followed by looking over at Vincent, who very definitely won't be running today if he's having that much trouble just standing up.]

...But then the books would get wet.

[ Gorgug's grabbing the books, about four in total, crouched down and piled in his hands. He does notice Vincent and his struggling, attention torn between the two things, but-- the books are being spoken about. Let's focus on that, first. ]

I can fix them. It's not bad. I'm better at fixing magic.

[ He says, with those goggles still over his eyes. But with those goggles on, he looks at Vincent. ]

Did I hit you? He-- [ turning his head to Chu Wenshan ] --wanted me to hit him with lightning. The next time I saw him. Did I hit you?

[ There's a growing concern in his voice, okay! Did he somehow also catch this bystander while missing his actual target?? ]

It was magic.

[ Vincent adds his own point.

But the half-orc is saying something about how he's better at fixing magic and set to fix the books. Well, then it seems they don't have to bury the evidence. Great.

His head tilts slightly at the concerned question if he was hit. He rolls his eyes up as he starts thinking about his high-risk, low-return transaction that he is to engage with Chu Wenshan with, and the start of another transaction with this person. Lightly tapping his index fingers against his temple, the immediate thought is that he could lie.

"Yes. You hit me and my ankle is sprained even more than it was before." The young half-orc could fix him up and feel better that he's helped someone, and fixed a wrong. An equal balance transaction. He then could engage in the task he set forth with Chu Wenshan in running around the library. Perhaps, he could even invite this person to join them. It'll be like a regular "fun" outing. Balancing out any painful feelings that someone might be lying to the group.

He bobs his head side-to-side. All right. ]

Sorry. The pain was just a little too much and had to think about it... well, I think the sprain I had in my ankle has gotten worse, at least. I can't say if you hit me or not, but... that is, unfortunately, my situation that it seemed you both caused.

[Chu Wenshan stares at Vincent, his brow furrowing as his gaze slides down to that sprained ankle. It's just a sprain though? And the guy didn't even get hit? Is he just that weak......no wonder he asked for training.]

Maybe I should raise the number to fifteen laps.

[ whoa now, who brought chess move thinking into this low IQ environment.

Gorgug blinks from the other side of his goggles, the phrasing that the man uses peculiar, but he kinda gets that he's saying 'my ankle hurts worse and your shenanigans are at fault'--he thinks? Which doesn't make Gorgug feel any less sympathetic for the guy just because he's getting some blame.

But he is also getting distracted by Chu Wenshan's comment, regardless. ]

Laps? Is this finance terms? [ And what does fifteen laps mean in finance terms? Fortunately for Vincent(?), Gorgug doesn't get distracted from this sprained ankle business, as he lifts himself up from the floor with the books with burnt-marked spines in his hands. ] I think-- I can heal you.

[ If you want? Even if a person might prefer more confidence than a 'I think' in there... but Gorgug's also feeling a little lost himself.

As if he didn't make this more confusing. ]

Maybe you should wait until I'm healed up.

[ It seems there might be a limit to how much he can manipulate Chu Wenshan. Or maybe he needs to set the stage a little better. It might be the latter. Oh, well. ]

We were going to go for a run. Why don't you join us for that once you help me? [ Look at that? He invites him along after the half-orc did nothing to him. Truly, he is the most benevolent of souls. Whatever. Anyway-- ] It seems you two know each other.

But I'm Vincent. Don't forget it. [ Points to Chu Wenshan. ] I already accept you will and will remind you each time we meet who I am. [ Good? Good. ]

[A blink.]

Finance terms?

[He looks back and forth between Gorgug and Vincent, blinks again, then decides to just focus on the easier thing here.]

Yes, join us. [Did he ever learn green friend's name? Can't remember. Ah well.]

[ Going for a run? They're going for a run? His nose is already a little wrinkled, his expression what it is, but going for a run in the cold? Mmmhhrr... but he's so easily peer pressured, when the other guy (that he knows) is joining in. ]

Well... I guess I could join for a few laps... [ He's walking over to where Vincent is, putting the books aside for now. The couple taken from the shelf all the same subject, while the one Gorgug had walked over with the equivalent of a Friendship for Dummies book. But nevermind that-- he has to crouch down to put his hands around the ankle that's sprained, a quick ] this one? [ before he puts his hands to touch the location.

And he has to concentrate, whispering under his breath. The magic comes, not through his fingertips, but from the palms of his gloves that he wears, a slight glint from the goggles over his eyes. For Vincent, he'll feel a relief come from deep under the skin as the ache and irritation already there starts to heal, to become soothed. It reaches up through the body, though the effort is focused upon the one spot; but the effect is akin to something entering his system, leftover residue of healing that circulates, makes the rest of the leg feel nice.

It's a short spell, if not one given through a simple wave of the hand. Gorgug removes his hands away, looks to Vincent as- ] Was that enough?

I can certainly give some if either of you want some.

[ It certainly helps to put things into perspective of how his investments (relationships) are going and can be rather soothing. Most people have to go by feelings and closeness which seems infinitely more stressful than how he handles his interactions.

A brief glance at the book that the half-orc has. Right. His head tilts as he goes through his usual spreadsheet. Okay. A semblance of friendliness and cheer should be enough to balance any undo cost and overhead that he may have gained -- he watches as his ankle is healed. Does he have some other bruises? Yes, but that's not something he's going to bother with, and will ignore it until they go away. Great plans. ]

It was. Thank you. [ And he holds his hand out to shake his hand. ] All is forgiven and I do hope to get your name this time around. Would be unfortunate to go running without knowing it, I suppose. [ A brief smile. ]

Especially since Chu Wenshan is equally pleased to have you with us.

We were planning ten laps around the building.

[He does not specify inside or outside. How did this musclehead even wander into a library, of all places? Best not to question it.

He's honestly lowkey fascinated by the idea that Gorgug's magic can heal people too, but then Vincent said his name, and he can only hold so many thoughts at once, so now he's just standing there pointing at himself like ??? what did you say about me]

[ Gorgug stands with the healing done, all of the books in his hands before he tucks them against the crook of his arm and body, goggles finally retreating back onto his head. He blinks at the offered hand, but takes it, without actually squeezing Vincent's-- he offers it stiffly, but goes through the motions of a handshake. And his own hand feels somewhat tough to the touch, as well -- it's not soft, not as soft as it should be for an otherwise slim hand. ]

My name's Gorgug. [ There's a note in there, not quite sheepish, but maybe flustered in that he would say more, but his ability to focus is...only so much better than Chu Wenshan's, maybe, when he looks over to said guy (that's his name??) and hears about the running, so-- whatever he might have to say about anything that just happened, is not going to come out right now. ] I-- okay. I can run. Is there a reason? Why are we running again?

[ Is there a reason these two decided to run while inside a library... regardless, Gorgug will keep those books on him, and he does have a backpack with him. He'll think about putting them in there, but he's also kind of. Going to follow these two's lead??

(How did he get here again?) ]

Yes, it is ten.

[ Vincent thinks that he should have asked: "Is it still ten?" But that's a dangerous question. It is best to confidently say that it is ten laps inside the library. ]

Nice to meet you, Gorgug. [ He looks down at his hand, mulling over the feel. His one shoulder lifts and lowers, as he accepts that must be just how it is. ] Just to get better at running. [ Instead of a haunted tone, his tone is irritated. ] You never know when you're going to have to run.

[ He turns his head and clicks his tongue. ] Anyway, I'll let my trainer -- [ Holding his hand out to Chu Wenshan. ] -- choose the route that we'll run.

[Chu Wenshan nods at Gorgug.] He's weak. [Therefore! Running!!

This is followed by tilting his head in Vincent's direction.] Didn't you want to run inside?

[Why is Chu Wenshan the one making the decision now? Not that he minds, but.] We can start here, run ten laps around the perimeter, and meet up at this table again.

[ This is...very strange... oh well! This is what happens when you interrupt a conversation between two people. Gorgug accepts this as it is, bringing his backpack around to put the books away for now. He's working at the zip, but hearing about Wenshan's idea-- ]

Isn't it easier to run outside? I don't know my way around here. And I don't know that the owners will like it if we knock anything down.

[ ...coming from the guy who threw lightning inside a library (allegedly). ]

I'd like to argue that point, but --

[ It's not untrue. Compared to others, he's quite weak. No powers, no physical strength to speak of, no allies; yes, he is quite weak. He has people he can use and those that will use him, but that's no guarantee that anyone would "fight" or "avenge" him, as it were. He has more thoughts on this matter, but -- ]

I accept the route.

[ And to the person he's having join them: ] It's cold outside and what if we were to slip? While you may be able to heal the injury, that doesn't necessarily heal the morale, right? [ Of course, right. ]

Just don't knock anything over and if you do, set it back up right.

[On one hand, Gorgug's argument is a logical one. On the other hand, Vincent also makes sense...

....Y'know what, he's had enough thinking for the day. Chu Wenshan picks up his feet and immediately starts jogging at a speed no average human could possibly keep up. He'll probably slow down to say hi when he comes back around? The last thing you'll hear as he zooms off is:] Let's just get going.

[ what kind of argument is that.

Gorgug is still confused about how exactly they're meant to run around inside a library ("go around the perimeter", like it's going to be that straightforward?), but off Chu Wenshan goes, and there's no room for further waffling... so what else is there to say? Except to look at Vincent and back towards the direction Chu Wenshan went in....

and he starts to jog. Lightly. Vincent can easily get ahead of him, but he also might notice how much louder Gorgug sounds despite his lanky, though tall, frame. Because some of us are around 300lbs and maybe... have to be careful...

(Except when it comes to firing off lightning bolts.)

It's cool, he's fine. He's scoping out this perimeter! ]

[ And off Chu Wenshan goes -- Vincent follows after.

Does he hate exercising? Yes. Does he hate he has to do this? Yes. But is he going to do it? Well, his legs are moving in a manner that indicates he is, so unfortunately, yes.

The idea that he might have to keep outrunning or boring the Behemoth that is outside of his home every time he leaves and comes back is an exhausting one. He might as well make a situation where he isn't that exhausted.

Cost. Gain. Yadda-yadda-yadda.

He pauses to glance over his shoulder at the very loud footsteps of Gorgug. They're definitely going to get caught - but hey, he's already running; he might be able to duck between shelves and have these two get into trouble for running around. ]

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December Library Catch-All [ OPEN ]

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