dramadramaduck | [accidental video post]

[Marianne stands, hand on an iron-work banister, looking down from the third floor balcony of her Library. Her hair is pulled sternly back from her face, and she looks tired, worn, and worried about whatever she sees on the ground floor.

There are murmurs beneath her and the words "Good evening Madam Delubovoska..." spoken in a reverential tone.

When the Madam speaks, the Library goes mad. The railing beneath Marianne's hand comes alive. The iron-work unwinds, forming a mass of snakes that expand and strike where her hand was a moment before. She stumbles back, hand over her mouth, as around her the snakes grow and writhe, poison dripping from their fangs.

A warm glow surrounds her, and she pulls a small card from her shirt. The warmth it exudes seems to hide her from the snakes' notice, and she crouches behind her desk, holding the card close as the world around her turns into a writhing nest of vipers that fill every space but hers.

Again and again they strike, before finally receding unhappily, leaving the Library looking as if nothing happened. The glow around her fades as the Madam leaves the Library. Cautiously Marianne reaches up to her book and slowly writes her question.]

Book-people? Are you there? I think...I could use some company tonight.

Would you talk to me for a bit?

Marianne Zahma-
Under Assistant,
The Library
Chaos: 582 Order: 703

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I suppose this is a common question by this point but what was happening?

I'm not totally sure. But the Madam clearly was as displeased about the loss of the book as the rest of the Library.

But maybe...she wanted me as well? Though why she would care about such an unimportant person I cannot fathom.

It's quiet easy to get someone to under value themselves, especially if it makes them an easier target.

Either way, I have a bit of free time, if you'd still like company.

Oh. I hadn't...I hadn't ever thought of it like that.

I believe I would like your company. Thank you.

Most who play mind games depend on the fact it doesn't occur to their victim. It's a vicious enough cycle, though one that can be broken once it's recognized.

But, more pleasantly, I hope you'll excuse me if I selfishly take this time to get to know you better. A lady so lovely does catch my attention.

I wonder...no, that couldn't possibly have happened to me. After all, no one here recognizes me, certainly not enough to spend time and effort controlling me.

Oh. Um. [It is clear his words have made her very uncomfortable.] Thank you? You seem quite...interesting yourself.

I'm sure that's not true. You may need to look a bit more closely. Not everyone is as forward as me.

[He chuckles.] Though it seems you're not fond of attention.

Its not you, or this community, but the people from the dreamworld. They notice nothing, much less me. The threats come from outside this sanctuary, and those know nothing of me...

I dislike attention. Especially from men. Generally it is a prequel to something horrific.

I'm not sure if you're possibly underestimating them or yourself.

It sounds as if you've only ever gotten the wrong kind of attention.

Maybe both. But I've never had difficulty underestimating myself, and rather a lot of trouble from presuming safety from others.

That would assume that there is a good kind of attention.

There are many good forms of attention. Perhaps you'll allow me to show you someday.

I think...I think not, sir, though you are very kind. Were I to meet you as I am now I would hardly be worthy company. Surely there are others who would suit your fancy better.

Yet you've drawn my interest when I haven't been able to meet you in person.

If the doubt is about my own feelings, I assure you I'm quiet interested. Maybe they'll be a day I can convince you to be as well.

Perhaps it is a good thing that my world is closed to all outsiders. I cannot tempt you unduly.

To be frank, it is your interest that is the problem. I rather dislike scrutiny.

Because you're worried about what I might see? Or is there another reason?

There is little enough in my life to keep secrets about.

[She carefully does not say 'because you are a man' to his later question. that would not be polite.]

[But that's one of his greatest strengths!]

Secrets aren't the only things we worry will be judged.

True...but I hope you won't judge me on the rest. Though I am sure I could bother you with my foolishness and naivety as well.

[Well, he'd never heard a girl say so before so it was a bit of a surprise.]

Why do you think so? Do you see them as bad things?

Of course. No one believes people who tell stories, after all. Or dream too big and want too much. Its naive to wish for more than mere comfort; everything else is selfish and idiotic.

But I hope I have amended myself enough that I am not too bothersome to the writers on this community.

More words told to those others wish to keep in place. Do you think leaders gained their position through accepting everything? Even those born with wealth and power will lose it, if they're not willing to work to keep it.

Some might say it's a bit of a romantic thought but I find very few things impossible.

But you're right, dreaming and wanting doesn't do much. It's actions that make the difference.

I am no leader, sir. And I know better than most how easily it is to fall from grace. Comfort is fleeing, and only those with power and respect can keep it.

I find many things impossible, but this place is teaching me to believe that there might at least be some places where all impossibilities come true.

I've been told that it matters little what one does or dreams. It is up to the powerful ones to decide your fate.

People will lie, steal, and cheat and it sounds like you've been lied to. The greatest difference between those with power and those without is rather they choose to accept that treatment.

I once knew a boy that went from the streets to nobility. It is possible.

And what would you have me do? Just moving a book gained me the ire of the whole world! I cannot even leave this Library. I have no interest in luxury or nobility. I would rather be left alone and not looked at by men like you, rather than fight a battle that I cannot and never will win.

[there is a gap in the text, and it looks as if she tried and failed to cross out her words.]

Ah - I'm sorry. I wrote that without thinking. Please don't take those words to heart. I am thankful for your advice...it is just difficult for a girl like me to take it.

[Still, he grins. It's entirely possible that was what he wanted.]

Men like me? What would that be?

Either way, the question isn't what I would like you to do but rather what it is you want. If isolation is your goal, though it would be a shame to hide you away, it's still one you must work at.

Of course, it's likely you'd want more if you would just allow yourself the chance to experience it.

(no subject)

mariannethree - 2013-12-19 15:17 (UTC) - Expand