Rare Books Now Open

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

A new sign, also hand-lettered in pleasant script, has appeared in the door of the new bookshop. It reads:

OPEN

RARE BOOKS
A. Phale, proprietor

 

(OOC: I'm unfortunately off to work now. Please feel free to comment and I will reply when I can. In future, I'll try to remember to edit in a note when the shop is closing, and post anew each time it reopens.)

Comments

[alchemy-4-arson.livejournal.com]

Roy opens the door lightly and enters, eyes instantly taking in the ceiling-high shelves of tomes and volumes. With a small smile he crossover over to the nearest staff-looking person.

"Excuse me, do you have an texts on alchemy? I'm especially interested in atmospheric alchemy, meteorology, chemical alchemy, and pyrology. But I'd even be interested in the most basic alchemy texts if you don't have anything that specific."

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

*A little bell attached to the door jingles as it's opened. Inside, the shop smells slightly musty, and everything looks to be covered with a light dust. There don't appear to be any staff members around. After a few minutes, however, a man of indeterminate age in a light-colored, slightly rumpled, suit comes out from behind a curtain covering a doorway in the back of the shop*

(muttering to himself) Dear me, a customer.

(cheery smile directed at the customer) Good day, young man. How may I help you?

Ah, alchemy texts? (considers the shelves nervously) There may be something here... Have you tried the bookshop down the street?

[alchemy-4-arson.livejournal.com]

"Yours was the first bookshop I've seen. And I like it. What's down the street and why should I go there?"

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

"Why thank you! I find it quite pleasant myself.

"I believe the bookshop down the street is called Black Books, or Black's Books, or somesuch. It seems quite nice. (pause) Er, that is, I haven't been inside yet myself, but it seems quite nice from the outside. I believe they carry used books. I'm certain they must have some used textbooks." (smiles brightly, as if this is a brilliant idea)

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

"Isn't this lovely weather we're having? Really, much to nice to be indoors."

*attempts to subtley shoo you out the door*

"There seems to be a gathering of some sort going on at one of the students' houses. A sock hop or something like. Don't you think you ought to stop by?"

*Once you are successfully out of the shop, Aziraphale smiles>

"Do come by again!"

*closes the door. The sign now reads CLOSED where it said OPEN before*

(OOC: because it is very very late here and I must go to bed! But please do come back!)

[alchemy-4-arson.livejournal.com]

Roy glares at the closed sign on the door. He doesn't understand what just happened-- most people in bookstores are friendly, not almost afraid of customers. Did the old man think he was going to damage something? How insulting. Roy practically worshipped the printed word.

"Oh well," he muttered, and turned back to the street.

[grumpy-sod.livejournal.com]

ooc - of *course* this who you'd be, running a rare bookshop...*facepalm for not twigging earlier*. Hee

[serra-inara.livejournal.com]

*walking through the township, she spies the shop and gently pushes open the door*

Good morning, Mr. Phale.

*browses through the shelves*

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

"Good morning, miss. Er, is there something I can help you with?"

[serra-inara.livejournal.com]

Well, yes, actually, you can.

I was hoping to find a copy of Thomas Hua's "Sprawling Goverments and the Argument against Unification" here. It's something of a rare text: the places I've been won't stock it.

Also, there's a rare book on the patterns and designs of the Tang, Han, and Chu Dynasties by Sooching Malik, I've forgotten the exact title. I've only seen it once, but the colours and designs were brilliantly executed.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Er, yes, those are rare ones, aren't they. *peers a little nervously around at the shelves* I ... may not have them in stock. (pause) They may be a bit expensive, dear. (another pause) Would you like a cup of tea?

[serra-inara.livejournal.com]

A cup of tea would be lovely.

*browses shelves*

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

*The man goes back to the room behind the curtain, returning momentarily with a small antique tray laden with a teapot, cups, and a plate of scones. He sets the tray on a small table, which is next to a pair of comfortable-looking if slightly shabby armchairs.*

Miss? (notices you browsing the shelves and hurries over, trying to maneuver himself between you and the books) I would be happy to check my inventory for the books you mentioned. (attempts to subtly call your attention to the tea tray)

[serra-inara.livejournal.com]

Well, I am looking for other reading material, too.

*but sits down*

What kinds of books do you stock, Mr. Phale? Other than 'rare' ones.

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

*pours tea and offers Inara a scone*

"Oh, well, really all types of books. All types of rare books. I do have quite an expansive collection. (looks quite proud) But...ah, most of them are rather valuable, and rather expensive. It might be better if I just placed an order for any particular book you might want."

*shifts a little nervously, as if he resisting the urge to try and block Inara from getting to the books again*

OOC Note

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

(ooc: um, I guess I forgot to mention that there was a curtained-off room in the back of the shop. oops)