Welcome Log ⬡ 02

[liburuzaina]

	Welcome to The Library! Welcome, everyone, to the Library! As you wander your way in, wake up at a desk, or descend an elevator, the library's ambiance is, well... the same as it always is. Comforting-but-not. Warm-but-cold. Empty-but-populated. And, as always, there are certain things going on that just might make settling in a little easier. Information Desk ⬡ Maps At the Information Desk, there will be a large stack of looseleaf graph paper and a surplus of pencils, to more easily enable anyone who wishes to draw their own map of the library. The pencils will only be able to write on blank paper given to characters by library activities, and not on any of the books. ⬡ Stationery Next to the graph paper, there will be a stack of blank notebooks and a haphazard pile of pens. The pens will only be able to write in the notebooks, on characters' personal belongings, and on skin. All three of these items are semi-limited; somehow characters will only be able to make one stack of items as tall as they are once they've been removed from the desk. Notebooks and pens will be provided in assorted colors in shades of blue, purple, white (and grey) and teal. Cafe Menu ⬡ Seasonal Menu ⬡ Slow-cooked Mac and Cheese ⬡ Butter Chicken ⬡ Apricot and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast With Roasted Potatoes ⬡ Rainbow Vegetarian Pad Thai With Peanuts and Basil ⬡ Chocolate Cream Pie ⬡ Classic Cheesecake ⬡ Champagne Cupcakes ⬡ Moscato Cupcakes ⬡ Champagne ⬡ Mulled Wine ⬡ Irish Coffee ⬡ Chestnut Praline Latte ⬡ Usual Menu The Cafe menu will also showcase more typical cafe fare, from teas and coffees, to standard hot chocolates, to pastries, donuts, and sandwiches. The Search Bar will also bring up whatever else characters could possibly want. Sunrise Room ⬡ Seasonal Showings As always, movies playing at any given time are randomized, but this month there is a higher chance of movies playing with themes of new beginnings. First Floor Restrooms ⬡ Seasonal Showers This month, all complimentary toiletries will be either vanilla, blueberry pancake, or cedar scented. Ocean Floor 4 ⬡ Room 4575 Located in room 4575 on Ocean Floor 4 will be a large table with an inordinate amount of self-help books, revolving around themes of "New Year, New You" and "New Year’s Resolution Ideas And How To Achieve Each Of Them." Alongside the books will be a stack of worksheets, asking questions about characters' goals and "resolutions" - all appearing to be photocopied haphazardly from a different book entirely. It would appear as though the intent was for there to be a somewhat therapeutic book club meeting, focused on improving oneself. In practice, the room itself somehow has taken on a somewhat oppressive air, as though there's someone staring at you and judging your life choices, even if you're alone in the room.

Comments

[summonere]

I think we all would, although some with quite different designs.

[ V's interest is more in line with Zhongli's. ]

It's been quite challenging for some of the guests, their only interest may be in forcing a way out.

[ It's not so surprising that many feel an urgency to return to their lives. ]

[pragmatism]

[ Zhongli has tried to destroy the building before. The only reason he isn't doing it now is that it seems to be resistant to his command over earth. Rather annoying, but he's one to not waste time on what he cannot control. ]

We did not consent to it.

[ His voice turns more serious; stern. ]

It would be common courtesy to ask first.

[summonere]

True enough.

[ It's not his first time being imprisoned against his will, and this time he isn't being violently remade by a spiteful demon lord... So really, it's an improvement. ]

I would not have agreed to come, if it had been put to me. But I rather enjoy it now that I am here.

[pragmatism]

[ For people whose former lives are too full of burdens and regrets, coming here must seem like a blessing in disguise. Not that he can say the same for himself. Even though his contract as Morax had ended, there are still things he must do.

Zhongli sounds curious: ]

Which part of the experience do you enjoy?

[ inb4 V says 'the whole package' ]

[summonere]

Food, shelter, interesting experiences interspersed with all the free time to read that I could ask for.

[ He relays this cheerfully, as though it gives no indication of the hardships he had been enduring in his own story. ]

The deterioration of my body also seems to have stopped. [ He walks with a cane, he doesn't consider this comment to give away too much. ] Time was always such a relentless actor upon me, and now it is... diffuse, distant.

[pragmatism]

[ Zhongli nods. This is something easily understood; for people without much time, being put into stasis must seem like a blessing. ]

Fortunate that you have come here, then. [ His voice is soft, gentle. ] Will you not miss people from your home?

[ As far as he knows, everyone here is from different worlds ]

[summonere]

[ There is something about that gentle tone and stoic appearance that almost makes V feel like he could tell the man the truth. But it's a rather complicated topic to get into when first being introduced to someone, so he brushes the impulse away. ]

Quite honestly, I have socialized here in the library more than I have in my entire life.

[ All 96 days of it. ]

[pragmatism]

[ Quite honestly, that sounds depressing. Zhongli can guess at what circumstances might have prompted V to say this - being isolated from others is never a good experience, regardless of whether the individual person is human or otherwise. ]

I see...

[ There's no judgment in his voice, only quiet acceptance. ]

I have noticed a number of young people here. [ Never mind that a good number of them are adults... everyone is young to Zhongli, it seems ]

[summonere]

I hadn't noticed. I wouldn't say I am particularly accurate at predicting anyone's age unless they are clearly a small child.

[ He pauses in consideration for a moment, making a soft hmm. ]

Beside that, I could not guarantee you that all these individuals are human. Which makes assessing their age much more ambiguous.