ataraxion | 004

Tranquility.

[ It's with a warm sort of politesse that Petyr addresses the network this time around, a crimson sash draped over one of his shoulders and a new set of robes upon his frame. Visible next to him, at the fringe of the image, is a girl with chestnut brown hair and her hands folded in her lap, who should prove familiar to at least some upon the ship. ]

I inquired some months ago as to the existence of a physical library, and was informed that the ship lacked such a facility. As such, I have taken it upon myself to begin one for the sake of those who would prefer the feel of a solid page than the, ah. Furnishings that the ship provides. My collection is meager, but it is more than what was available upon my arrival. Should you care to take advantage of it, I can be found upon the fifth level, next to the quarters that Alayne Stone — [ at the mention, the girl sitting next to him smiles prettily and offers up a wave ] — keeps as a seamstress. She has offered her help in my endeavor, to care for the books in my absence.

That said, should you be willing to part with them, we would greatly appreciate any spare books that you might have. This service is without charge, and meant simply for the comfort of those upon the ship.

I have taken the liberty of attaching the list of the books collected so far, and hope that some of you, at least, will find some use in it.

[ And, with a duck of his head, the feed cuts out. ]

ATTACHMENT.

ooc: feel free to talk to petyr or alayne or both!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I have heard many a tale, told in all manner of ways, but it seemed less a tale or a recounting of history. More like— [ Alayne presses her lips together in a kind of consternation. ] —it was though the book was speaking to me, and judging me at a distance.

As if it was dissatisfied with my own thoughts and looked to correct them.

... Yeah, that's pretty much what those books do.

Instead of history or a story, some books are designed to make people think, I guess. Some people don't need them and I sure wouldn't read one on my own, but some people are all about it. [ There's a slightly awkward scratch at her neck. ] What did it say?

[ It is clear from Alayne's expression that Jaye is not the only one who finds the practice a bit unnecessary. ] It spoke much of the self being part of a greater whole. And of personal wants and desires being near to poison — both for the one and the all.

[ Cue an eyeroll. ]

Sounds like a bunch of garbage if you ask me. I guess if someone is super selfish and an asshole, it could be good for them, like... fuck I don't know, a king who doesn't give a shit about his kingdom in comparison to what he wants.

[ She tried to make that something Alayne could relate to. ]

I knew a king like that once. In fact, I knew several. [ They all died. ] I doubt men such as they would even think to touch such a book.

That's probably exactly why they need them, though yeah, that does kind of screw things up. [ She shrugs. ] They probably wouldn't like the way the book seems to judge, either.

No one likes to be judged, I think. [ She frowns, almost petulantly at the thought. ] Some take to it better than others. And others still may seem to revel in it. Though I think such displays are often for show.

Does not everyone wish for approval?

Some people say they don't care. I've said it myself. But it's not true, not really.

I know. [ Alayne smiles slightly. ] That is why I am so fond of you, Jaye. You are hard, but not made of stone.

[ Heehee she said hard. ... Ahem. ] It'd be pretty hard to change my shape if I were a rock. You've got to be tough but flexible.

[ Again, a crinkle to her nose. ] But not all animals are made to be rugged. What of a songbird, or a butterfly?

Butterflies were caterpillars once, and most caterpillars are poisonous. And even little birds will attack larger birds who threaten their nest, with other birds or by themselves. Usually they succeed, too.

[ She smiles at that, taking some private satisfaction. To be small, to be quiet, to be beautiful — it does not make one weak. ] It serves the larger bird right, to attack another's nest. And all manner of thing — human and creature alike — cannot abide such offense 'gainst their own.

[ Jaye likes to hope that her answer, when Alayne had asked why she learned how to fight -- if it was because of her beauty -- may have helped the girl some. That was part of it, of course it was, but it was to protect her own nest. ] Exactly. And it doesn't matter how large the bird is; I've seen them go after eagles whose heads are probably larger than they are, just to try and protect their own.

[ Absently, she reaches to touch the mockingbird pinned at her throat, her smile strengthening by degrees. ] I hope that I should be half as bold or as brave one day.

Well. [ And Jaye winks, one hand going up to the blue feathers she's wearing as earrings today. ] I think you've got some good teachers.

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