Post by Fernleaf on Jun 15, 2024 17:37:03 GMT
Co-written with Michael
THE BOOKSHOP
A Narrative RP of Fern’s First Visit To Kora’s Books
THE BOOKSHOP
A Narrative RP of Fern’s First Visit To Kora’s Books
On the eastern corner of Eclipse Street and on into Blessing Street where the districts of The Heights, Castleside and Swampside meet, sits the cosy book dispensing store of Kora’s Books. Despite being in close vicinity to the renownedly rowdy tavern of the Three Headed Dragon, Blessing Street upon entering gives off a sudden and wonderful air of tranquillity, just like the feeling of gingerly taking your first steps into the pages of a new unread book. Speaking of books, Kora’s Books has many. So many in fact that any folk that have tried counting them, have simply lost count. It stocks tomes, pamphlets, novellas, books ranging from faerie tales to fiction and many mixed in between. For what are things that have become fact if they did not once perhaps begin as a dream?
A dream is certainly a word to describe a visit to the establishment, for with the tall door large enough to accommodate even the tallest Goliath or small giant and its large curving staircase and rolling wall ladders along its multiple levels you could very well believe you were stepping into a miniature palace or cathedral. One that lets golden shafts of sunlight in from carefully chosen skylights and windows to provide many cosy reading spots amongst the ample choice of comfy chairs or window seats with easy care potted plants to allow patrons to peruse the place's countless literary wares. The proprietor of this whole paper and leather bound affair is Kora, Kora Higglesbutton, a petit female halfling from the neighbouring village of New Hillsborrow. With a bright cheerful demeanour, two loose buns in her coppery hair and thick rimmed glasses, one would consider that Korra couldn’t bear to hurt a fly. But if someone were to so much as even think of bending the corner of a page in one of her precious books or enters eating a delicious baked treat not generously provided by her they would soon find themself ousted from the premises post haste without the faintest idea of how they got there but for the lingering feeling that perhaps that was their last ever visit to Kora’s, and that they are no longer welcome there.
Fern is way out of their depth - the biggest place they've ever been to was a town that was just big enough to carry ink and the like and would probably be considered a small village by most.
Exiting the Three Headed Dragon Fern looked around. Yesterday heading to the right, sticking to what seemed to be major roads, they had managed to find a market. It was enormous! A precious set of carpentry tools in hand, Fern had returned to the Dragon, pondering what a lone trader could do in a city with merchants on seemingly every corner. Drawing in a deep breath, Fern headed to the left, determined to learn how to navigate this strange environment. Taking more care today to stop every few buildings and look at the street just walked (a trick Grandpa had taught to avoid getting lost, but that there'd never been much need for on a path with no forks), Fern continued down Eclipse Street. Pausing at each intersection to read the signs and peer between the structures, trying to commit every name to memory.
Only a few minutes after setting out, Fern was at Blessing Street. Looking down previous intersections they hadn't noticed anything memorable, but a short way from where Fern now stood, right at a bend in the road there was a building that was unforgettable. Taller and more brightly painted than those beside it, the building was at least three stories tall, with a vibrant purple roof.
Indecision gripped Fern. The plan was to learn to navigate the major streets and return to the Dragon without incident. Not to go down narrow alleyways or get lost looking at ANYTHING. But, Blessing Street was hardly an alley...and the building was just at the next corner...a few minutes delay to just see what the building was surely wouldn't hurt! Mind made up, Fern turned off Eclipse Street to investigate.
As Fern entered the unknown street an aura of tranquillity met with the quiet sounds their boots made on the cobbles. Not even remembering to look back at the route just taken, Fern soon was looking up at the facade. Standing in front it looked even taller than it had from the corner. At the centre there was a large wooden door covered in intricate carvings. The door alone was at least twice Fern's height! A sign, swinging in the slight breeze, read "Kora's Books".
"Bookshop" the word reverberated in Fern's head. A shop full of books? Did that mean more than the couple books (at most) each house on their trading route had owned? Looking at the windows on either side of the massive door Fern caught glimpses of cushions, a large potted plant whose leaves trailed down in front of the window, and in another, what might be a book. Fern hated going in places that they didn't know, and worse, interacting with people they didn't know. But for books… and it was a shop, so it should be alright to enter? Taking a deep breath, Fern walked towards the door. At that moment, the 10ft door almost seemed to sense their presence and with a soft creak followed by a gentle tinkling bell the now open doorway bade them welcome into a most magnificent sight, a true book lover's delight. Fern's jaw dropped. Shelves upon shelves of books, in all shapes, sizes and colours stretched as far as the eye could see. Frozen in wonder, Fern stood, drinking in a sight that went beyond anything they'd imagined when hoping to one day see a hall of books.
"Well that's a nice sight to see so it tis." Said a warm smiling voice from just beyond the doorway.
Fern started, blinking a bit and looking around. "S-s-sorry. I've never seen this many books!"
"Aye, that's a response I've gotten many a time." Said the cheerful voice followed by the jingle of a spoon as it set down after its task of stirring a cup of deliciously fragrant tea. Following the scent and sound Fern's eyes were drawn to a cosy little nook in the corner of the shop, one set back with its own array of wooden shelves lining the walls, filled with a display of various sized books and homely knick knacks. A potted plant, a big fat dozing cat, a half finished wooden carving of what appeared to be a dragon in a top hat. Sat below them all on well cushioned settee bathed in a warm of a circle of sunlight and sipping from a cup of tea is a pretty little female halfling: freckled cheeks, glasses thick rimmed and shiny, two hair buns held above her smiling face holding back hair thick and coppery.
"Is it ok to come in and look at the books?" Fern said, cautiously peering around the door jamb "I'll be very careful"
"Of course. More than welcome pet. This is a book shop after all!" The halfing said, giving them a little wink before continuing in a hushed stage whisper that still carried across the room to where Fern was standing. "Though between you and me, it'd be real nice of ya if ya could take a few of these books off me hands when you're done if they take ya fancy. They do tend to get rather lonely when it's just me to keep'em company."
There's a sudden, "Meow" of indignation from a shelf behind her, as the plump cat waves its tail lazily as if to get them to acknowledge its presence. "Oh aye, and of course you kitty-though I was more counting the folk that could actually read, or be bothered to that is. We do have the hired help from time to time, and our customers too of course, if they're not too busy getting caught up in whatever potential 'world-ending nonsense' is going there, she gestures with saucer towards the doorway. "Oh the tales I could tell..." She ends off dreamily.
"I could keep the books company, but I don't have much of anything to trade for any right now. Besides," Fern says as they sidle in, hands clasped behind their back, "I'd have to read them all before I could decide which ones I fancy. I'd be interested in hearing some of your tales too". Despite directing the comments to the owner of the bookstore, Fern's eyes are darting over the spines and covers in the immediate vicinity, reading the titles of the books on display.
"Hmm. Ya not one of them fey are ya? Wanting to pay with favours instead of gold?" Says the woman, inspecting Fern with a curious twinkle in her eye over the frames of her glasses as she pushes them back up her squat nose.
"Fey? I'm not sure what fey are? People usually call my kind lizardfolk. I was a trader before I ended up here, but right now I don't have much to trade beyond my skills"
"Ah a newbie. Well don’t worry dear you'll soon see there's a smattering of all kinds of different folk that come to trade and adventure from afar around here, tis the way of The Dawnlands. Way it's always been and way tis always will be, so long as the Council and them lot outside keep things in check. Well this isn't a public library pet," the halfing continues fixing her with a quizzical stare. "Ya got the likes of the grand Daring Academy over yonder for research and deep lore reading like that. Though I don't know how many tales of fantasy, romance, heroism, betrayal, whimsy and mystery, loss and gain they'd have to match my own. Not that it's a competition mind you." She ends pointedly.
"What be these skills of yours then?" She asks Fern curiously.
"Herblore and carpentry. There weren't many books back home, so I'd trade my skills to read the few that others had, no matter the content. I read anything anyone would share - stories, journals, spells, plants, history, cheesemaking..."
"Herblore and carpentry, Huh." The halfling woman responds with a broad smile. "Does that mean you'll be knowing how to fix some fine teas or be able to fix a squeaky ladder or three?."
"I can certainly fix some ladders! Tea - it depends on your taste and what herbs are available here. I've looked a little but haven't found some of the plants from home yet. I'd love to help in trade for the opportunity to read!"
"Hmm well lets see. I'd have to double check with the powers that be..." The halfing said, drawing out each of her words dramatically." But, I think that would suit me. I will be paying ye for ya time too as well of course! Doing just favours won't get ya bread'n'board around these parts!" She says with an eye roll. "Now are ya gonna come sit with me and share a cup and a biccy and get properly acquainted or are ya just gonna be warming up me doorway staring all day?"
"If that's the way things are done around here, I guess that's ok. I'm used to camping when I trade, but you are right that it seems the city doesn't work that way." Fern walks over to where the woman was sitting, first offering a hand to the cat on the shelf. "Does this book watcher have a name?"
The halfing suddenly laughs, a sound loud, happy and merry that echoes around the halls of the place before she manages to control it, wiping tears from her cheeks. "Ye definitely are a curious one, no mistake. Though I totally can't claim ye for asking. In Court of Harmony for instance it's important to take note of each creature that ya meet. Yah never know, one could be the mighty the beautiful, the wondrous: Queen Titania herself-in disguise!" She regales, rising to her full height, perching up on her up bare tippy toes for added dramatic emphasis. "This is just me cat. though." She informs less dramatically, lowering back down and gesturing flatly to the snoring furry lump in front of Fern." She has her full title, but 'Kitty' will suffice for now.``
"And I'm Korra. Korra Higglesbutton. Owner and keeper of 'Kora's Books'-shop." She offers out a small stubby hand. "Who might you be?"
Fern takes the offered hand "I'm Fernleaf, and I'm new around here"
"Well Fern, why don't you sit on down and I'll pour us some more tea, I'll just get the door, it's starting to get rather chill-ly. Oh." She says, as suddenly the door suddenly and dutifully appears to close on its own, closing out the chilly morning air. "T'well that's handy and no mistake."
Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but Fern is pretty sure they saw the shape of a small winged figure glimmer in the sunlight from the doorway before it was cut off following the soft thud of the door.
Fern sat down on the edge of a cushion next to where Kora had been sitting, still a little nervous. "Do you want me to take a look at the door too? If it often opens and closes on its own?"
"Aye, that would probably be best. We don't want a customer getting a bump on the noggin! Though that's already happened with the last little fella that worked here. Dropped a book right on the head of one of me aids when he was scampering up on the shelves. Haven't seen the little mite in a while though." Kora mutters thoughtfully before saying. “Anyway enough idle chatter. Time for that tea-and you can tell me all about the new books from your neck of the woods I've been missing out on!"
"There weren't that many books back home, that's why I left. I'd read everything I could, and learned all the magic I could from books or people there. I wanted to learn more, so my cousin's child took over my trading route. The house I grew up in only had three books: A long diatribe on the methods to prepare, store and sell cheese. A journal describing many plants and their uses, which was filled with detailed sketches. And my favourite, a tale of a band of adventurers!"
"Well they all sound simply fascinating to me. What were the band of daring adventurers called?"Asked Korra as she poured and offered Fern tea and a plate of biscuits. So that is how Fern spent their first morning, afternoon and most probably evening too at Kora's bookshop, having many a tea and biscuit fuelled book focused discussions and discoveries in the shops's aura of peace and tranquillity, and therefore completely missed the Council's alarm and call to arms in the rebinding of the many Somethings, in Witching Court and the following Feywildian afterparty.
A dream is certainly a word to describe a visit to the establishment, for with the tall door large enough to accommodate even the tallest Goliath or small giant and its large curving staircase and rolling wall ladders along its multiple levels you could very well believe you were stepping into a miniature palace or cathedral. One that lets golden shafts of sunlight in from carefully chosen skylights and windows to provide many cosy reading spots amongst the ample choice of comfy chairs or window seats with easy care potted plants to allow patrons to peruse the place's countless literary wares. The proprietor of this whole paper and leather bound affair is Kora, Kora Higglesbutton, a petit female halfling from the neighbouring village of New Hillsborrow. With a bright cheerful demeanour, two loose buns in her coppery hair and thick rimmed glasses, one would consider that Korra couldn’t bear to hurt a fly. But if someone were to so much as even think of bending the corner of a page in one of her precious books or enters eating a delicious baked treat not generously provided by her they would soon find themself ousted from the premises post haste without the faintest idea of how they got there but for the lingering feeling that perhaps that was their last ever visit to Kora’s, and that they are no longer welcome there.
Fern is way out of their depth - the biggest place they've ever been to was a town that was just big enough to carry ink and the like and would probably be considered a small village by most.
---
Only a few minutes after setting out, Fern was at Blessing Street. Looking down previous intersections they hadn't noticed anything memorable, but a short way from where Fern now stood, right at a bend in the road there was a building that was unforgettable. Taller and more brightly painted than those beside it, the building was at least three stories tall, with a vibrant purple roof.
Indecision gripped Fern. The plan was to learn to navigate the major streets and return to the Dragon without incident. Not to go down narrow alleyways or get lost looking at ANYTHING. But, Blessing Street was hardly an alley...and the building was just at the next corner...a few minutes delay to just see what the building was surely wouldn't hurt! Mind made up, Fern turned off Eclipse Street to investigate.
As Fern entered the unknown street an aura of tranquillity met with the quiet sounds their boots made on the cobbles. Not even remembering to look back at the route just taken, Fern soon was looking up at the facade. Standing in front it looked even taller than it had from the corner. At the centre there was a large wooden door covered in intricate carvings. The door alone was at least twice Fern's height! A sign, swinging in the slight breeze, read "Kora's Books".
"Bookshop" the word reverberated in Fern's head. A shop full of books? Did that mean more than the couple books (at most) each house on their trading route had owned? Looking at the windows on either side of the massive door Fern caught glimpses of cushions, a large potted plant whose leaves trailed down in front of the window, and in another, what might be a book. Fern hated going in places that they didn't know, and worse, interacting with people they didn't know. But for books… and it was a shop, so it should be alright to enter? Taking a deep breath, Fern walked towards the door. At that moment, the 10ft door almost seemed to sense their presence and with a soft creak followed by a gentle tinkling bell the now open doorway bade them welcome into a most magnificent sight, a true book lover's delight. Fern's jaw dropped. Shelves upon shelves of books, in all shapes, sizes and colours stretched as far as the eye could see. Frozen in wonder, Fern stood, drinking in a sight that went beyond anything they'd imagined when hoping to one day see a hall of books.
"Well that's a nice sight to see so it tis." Said a warm smiling voice from just beyond the doorway.
Fern started, blinking a bit and looking around. "S-s-sorry. I've never seen this many books!"
"Aye, that's a response I've gotten many a time." Said the cheerful voice followed by the jingle of a spoon as it set down after its task of stirring a cup of deliciously fragrant tea. Following the scent and sound Fern's eyes were drawn to a cosy little nook in the corner of the shop, one set back with its own array of wooden shelves lining the walls, filled with a display of various sized books and homely knick knacks. A potted plant, a big fat dozing cat, a half finished wooden carving of what appeared to be a dragon in a top hat. Sat below them all on well cushioned settee bathed in a warm of a circle of sunlight and sipping from a cup of tea is a pretty little female halfling: freckled cheeks, glasses thick rimmed and shiny, two hair buns held above her smiling face holding back hair thick and coppery.
"Is it ok to come in and look at the books?" Fern said, cautiously peering around the door jamb "I'll be very careful"
"Of course. More than welcome pet. This is a book shop after all!" The halfing said, giving them a little wink before continuing in a hushed stage whisper that still carried across the room to where Fern was standing. "Though between you and me, it'd be real nice of ya if ya could take a few of these books off me hands when you're done if they take ya fancy. They do tend to get rather lonely when it's just me to keep'em company."
There's a sudden, "Meow" of indignation from a shelf behind her, as the plump cat waves its tail lazily as if to get them to acknowledge its presence. "Oh aye, and of course you kitty-though I was more counting the folk that could actually read, or be bothered to that is. We do have the hired help from time to time, and our customers too of course, if they're not too busy getting caught up in whatever potential 'world-ending nonsense' is going there, she gestures with saucer towards the doorway. "Oh the tales I could tell..." She ends off dreamily.
"I could keep the books company, but I don't have much of anything to trade for any right now. Besides," Fern says as they sidle in, hands clasped behind their back, "I'd have to read them all before I could decide which ones I fancy. I'd be interested in hearing some of your tales too". Despite directing the comments to the owner of the bookstore, Fern's eyes are darting over the spines and covers in the immediate vicinity, reading the titles of the books on display.
"Hmm. Ya not one of them fey are ya? Wanting to pay with favours instead of gold?" Says the woman, inspecting Fern with a curious twinkle in her eye over the frames of her glasses as she pushes them back up her squat nose.
"Fey? I'm not sure what fey are? People usually call my kind lizardfolk. I was a trader before I ended up here, but right now I don't have much to trade beyond my skills"
"Ah a newbie. Well don’t worry dear you'll soon see there's a smattering of all kinds of different folk that come to trade and adventure from afar around here, tis the way of The Dawnlands. Way it's always been and way tis always will be, so long as the Council and them lot outside keep things in check. Well this isn't a public library pet," the halfing continues fixing her with a quizzical stare. "Ya got the likes of the grand Daring Academy over yonder for research and deep lore reading like that. Though I don't know how many tales of fantasy, romance, heroism, betrayal, whimsy and mystery, loss and gain they'd have to match my own. Not that it's a competition mind you." She ends pointedly.
"What be these skills of yours then?" She asks Fern curiously.
"Herblore and carpentry. There weren't many books back home, so I'd trade my skills to read the few that others had, no matter the content. I read anything anyone would share - stories, journals, spells, plants, history, cheesemaking..."
"Herblore and carpentry, Huh." The halfling woman responds with a broad smile. "Does that mean you'll be knowing how to fix some fine teas or be able to fix a squeaky ladder or three?."
"I can certainly fix some ladders! Tea - it depends on your taste and what herbs are available here. I've looked a little but haven't found some of the plants from home yet. I'd love to help in trade for the opportunity to read!"
"Hmm well lets see. I'd have to double check with the powers that be..." The halfing said, drawing out each of her words dramatically." But, I think that would suit me. I will be paying ye for ya time too as well of course! Doing just favours won't get ya bread'n'board around these parts!" She says with an eye roll. "Now are ya gonna come sit with me and share a cup and a biccy and get properly acquainted or are ya just gonna be warming up me doorway staring all day?"
"If that's the way things are done around here, I guess that's ok. I'm used to camping when I trade, but you are right that it seems the city doesn't work that way." Fern walks over to where the woman was sitting, first offering a hand to the cat on the shelf. "Does this book watcher have a name?"
The halfing suddenly laughs, a sound loud, happy and merry that echoes around the halls of the place before she manages to control it, wiping tears from her cheeks. "Ye definitely are a curious one, no mistake. Though I totally can't claim ye for asking. In Court of Harmony for instance it's important to take note of each creature that ya meet. Yah never know, one could be the mighty the beautiful, the wondrous: Queen Titania herself-in disguise!" She regales, rising to her full height, perching up on her up bare tippy toes for added dramatic emphasis. "This is just me cat. though." She informs less dramatically, lowering back down and gesturing flatly to the snoring furry lump in front of Fern." She has her full title, but 'Kitty' will suffice for now.``
"And I'm Korra. Korra Higglesbutton. Owner and keeper of 'Kora's Books'-shop." She offers out a small stubby hand. "Who might you be?"
Fern takes the offered hand "I'm Fernleaf, and I'm new around here"
"Well Fern, why don't you sit on down and I'll pour us some more tea, I'll just get the door, it's starting to get rather chill-ly. Oh." She says, as suddenly the door suddenly and dutifully appears to close on its own, closing out the chilly morning air. "T'well that's handy and no mistake."
Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but Fern is pretty sure they saw the shape of a small winged figure glimmer in the sunlight from the doorway before it was cut off following the soft thud of the door.
Fern sat down on the edge of a cushion next to where Kora had been sitting, still a little nervous. "Do you want me to take a look at the door too? If it often opens and closes on its own?"
"Aye, that would probably be best. We don't want a customer getting a bump on the noggin! Though that's already happened with the last little fella that worked here. Dropped a book right on the head of one of me aids when he was scampering up on the shelves. Haven't seen the little mite in a while though." Kora mutters thoughtfully before saying. “Anyway enough idle chatter. Time for that tea-and you can tell me all about the new books from your neck of the woods I've been missing out on!"
"There weren't that many books back home, that's why I left. I'd read everything I could, and learned all the magic I could from books or people there. I wanted to learn more, so my cousin's child took over my trading route. The house I grew up in only had three books: A long diatribe on the methods to prepare, store and sell cheese. A journal describing many plants and their uses, which was filled with detailed sketches. And my favourite, a tale of a band of adventurers!"
"Well they all sound simply fascinating to me. What were the band of daring adventurers called?"Asked Korra as she poured and offered Fern tea and a plate of biscuits. So that is how Fern spent their first morning, afternoon and most probably evening too at Kora's bookshop, having many a tea and biscuit fuelled book focused discussions and discoveries in the shops's aura of peace and tranquillity, and therefore completely missed the Council's alarm and call to arms in the rebinding of the many Somethings, in Witching Court and the following Feywildian afterparty.