Pleasure to meet you. My name is Gill, son of Mayor Hamilton of Castanet, Office Administrator at Town Hall. You'll have to excuse me unless you're here on official business, however - I have rather a lot of work to do.

Book Club

never-enough-bookmarks:

straight-no-chaser:

[Smirks slightly, nodding as she continues, his own eyes still glancing over the library.] Ah… I’m sure it’ll be lovely then. It does seem a bit more crowded than I’d’ve expected in such a small town. [Waves his hand slightly as she runs off, taking a few steps in and looking over the nearest bookshelf idly, not really realizing what he’s looking at until he stares over a few of the covers.] Hm… [Blinks at one with an almost risque cover - and looks up to realize he was by the romance section. Quickly backsteps with a roll of his eyes, noticing them re-entering and walking over to them with his hands in his pockets.]

Hm… right, so er… [Settles into one of the seats with a nod to them.] How does this thing… work?

Yes, that’s a fine place for the chairs— I’ll just place mine right next to it, hmm… [Puts down the cushioned chair.]  I will certainly have to halt the meetings during the big expansion… but…….. That doesn’t mean everyone has to stop reading! [Chuckles softly, sits down cautiously in her chair.]

Now then……….  [Crosses her legs daintily, while reaching for a stack of papers on her desk.]  The way this was assembled to run……… Basically, the purpose of this meeting is to talk about books.  What books you like, what books you’ve read recently.  …..Even books you hate to read.  [Gives a brief glance at Chase, then turns towards Gill.]  

Questions before I start the meeting off, anyone?  No…..?

[Crosses one leg over the opposite knee, leaning back in his chair and glancing from Chase to Maria. Listens attentively as she speaks, watching her rustle the paperwork and nodding his approval by the end of the explanation.]

[Pulls a small notepook from the breast pocket of his shirt underneath the sweatervest, flipping it open and using a small golf pencil to begin taking notes.]

I’ve got no questions. [Glances at Chase.] Questions?

Book Club

never-enough-bookmarks:

straight-no-chaser:

[Blinks, taking in a deep breath as he steps in behind him, looking the place over before letting his eyes fall on the dark haired girl. Puts on a polite smile with a brief wave at his introduction.] Hey Maria. [Nods his chin slightly, watching Gill start away with an awkward scratch at his jawline.] Hm… nice library you have here. I’ve never been to one outside of the city. [Runs his tongue over his teeth, eyes still roving over the space.] Er, kinda small isn’t it?

[Bows politely as Chase waves.]  Good evening, Chase.  I’m elated that you came to join the club meeting today—!  The more the merrier, indeed, Gill.  Oh— [Laughs rather nervously.]  Funny you should say that.  My colleague, Kurt…….. who just so happens to be a carpenter…. He’s expanding it soon.  I’m very anxious, because the books are encroaching on my personal space, heh.

You’re correct, Gill— The more, the merrier!  Ah…. um…. Let me just go get some chairs.  Be right back, Chase…..  [Runs to the back room.  Her hair swishes with her movements.]  Oh!  Let me just grab this turquoise one.  Are you fit to carry the two other orange ones, perhaps…?

[Nods, picking the chairs up for her— carrying them under his arms and setting them in the most open part of the library.] Is here alright, Maria? It’s a shame it’s so late. The weather was lovely earlier today, it might have been a nice day to sit outside. Perhaps next time we’ll have to do this earlier in the day - I’m afraid it’ll be a bit too buggy now.

[Takes a seat in one of the chairs he settled down, sighing the way an old man does when sitting - before looking around.] Expanding, you said? That’ll be a sight to see. I’ll have to come back when it’s done.

Book Club

never-enough-bookmarks:

Hm, I have been notified about Tori’s situation— Tha……. That’s awfully kind of you, Gill.  I was going to do that myself, but I greatly appreciate it, nonetheless!  Now……. Where shall we begin….  I have some chairs in the back of the room.  That is, if you don’t like standing around.

No trouble at all. I don’t mind in the slightest. [Beckons to Chase with a nod of his head.] I brought a friend, I hope that’s alright. This is Chase— Chase, this is Maria. I have a couple more people I’d like to tell about the club as well, if you don’t mind. The more the merrier, hm? It was just a bit short notice for me.

I’ll grab a few chairs, right. [Wanders off toward the back of the library to fetch them.]

candiescakesandpastriesohmy sent: /mutters bitterly/ Or he didn't miss me at all and he thinks I'm nothing but a pest who's constantly trying to kill him with my poison cooking. /takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a few moments, opening them when she manages to summon a small smile/ Right. Sorry, Gilly! It's okay, it's okay! It's just Chase being Chase, after all! Thanks for listening, though. /smiles a bit more genuinely/ You're the best!

[Sighs, frowning at her as she closes her eyes - scratching his temple absently and trying to think of better advice to offer. Gives her a small sympathetic smile as she finds her own, the motion dying quickly from disuse - though his voice is gentle when he responds.]

You know I don’t mind you talking to me. I’m happy to be of service in any way I can, even if it’s just to listen. If it’s any reassurance, he’s not very nice to me, either. Don’t let it bother you. Water off a duck’s back, hm?

candiescakesandpastriesohmy sent: It's okay! Just Chase being a dummy again. /tries to paint it over with a smile that cracks shortly after, leaving a quivering lip in it's wake/ It's been, like, a /month/, Gilly! A month! And he didn't even care! He /said/ so! I missed him sooo much and all he can say is /lowers her voice and mimics Chase's usual indifferent scowl/ 'did they ship you away clueless too' /angrily rubs away the tears forming with the back of her hand, and shakes her head/ Sorry...I didn't mean to rant at you.

Ah. [Nods, unphased.] I see. [Sighs.] Don’t pay it any mind, Maya. Sometimes I think I’d be surprised to learn that man wasn’t a sociopath. I’m sure he missed you more than he likes to admit.

But don’t forget who you really are. And I’m not talking about your so-called real name. All names are made up by someone else, even the one your parents gave you. You know who you really are. When you’re alone at night, looking up at the stars, or maybe lying in your bed in total darkness, you know that nameless person inside you…Your muscles will toughen. So will your heart and soul. That’s necessary for survival. But don’t lose touch with that person deep inside you, or else you won’t really have survived at all.

Louis Sachar

(Source: hookahsmoke)

candiescakesandpastriesohmy sent: /folds her arms and glowers/ Too. /Gives an angry little huff, before glancing up at him in surprise/ Really, Gill? That's great! I was afraid you were gonna work yourself to the bone! Did you enjoy it? What'd you do? /gives him a brief hug/ Thanks, Gilly! But, is it okay if we don't go for a little? I just got back home, and I wanna stick around here a bit longer before I jump up and go on a trip again.

Erm— right. Should I not pry..?

What did I do— nothing out of the ordinary— just some time off for peace of mind— [Pats her a bit awkwardly, changing the topic of the conversation quickly.]

Of course that’s alright. As I said, I’ve only just recently taken a vacation— which was, er, alright, by the by— so it should be some time before I’m able to take work off again. It probably is for the best that you settle in, just the same.

lucky-go-angela:

We? *sighs* Alright, just text me next time. I was worried. *frowns, then yawns a bit* … I’m going to go to bed. Night Gill. *throws a bucket of water on the fire then stands, taking a long while to remember where she had set the tent again* You can find your way back, right?

Mhm. Alright— I’ll do that. Sorry again.

[Nods, watching her turn to go - and smiling slightly at the dazed way she seems to be searching for the tent. Stands up after a moment, glancing back the way he came.] I’m certain I can. If I don’t show up to work tomorrow, you can assume I was consumed by the local bears.

[Gives her a small wave before turning to go.] Have a good night, Angela.

candiescakesandpastriesohmy sent: /nods, obviously pleased/ Good! At least you don't think I'm clueless too! It'll be okay, Gilly! After all, how long has it been since you've had a vacation? A break from work every now and again is good! /giggles/ Really? You'd want me with you? /smiles/ I'd be happy to keep you company, Gilly~

[Blinks.] Too?

Erm— if I’m being honest— roughly two weeks since my last vacation. [Gives her a weary smile.] So I believe I’m fit to continue to work for as long as I can manage.

Of course I would. Who’s better to take on a trip than a friend? Especially one who’s a mutual friend of the person you intend to visit?

lucky-go-angela:

Not really. Looks pretty good. *takes the book and examines it in the meager light given by the fire* Hmmmm, yeah, I’ll give it a go. What kind of book club goes from eight to midnight, anyway?

Ah— it didn’t go on that long, actually. We ended up getting stuck waiting for the ferry, and I stopped to say goodnight while I picked that book up. [Nods to it.] To be honest, I hadn’t expected there to be a meeting tonight. Was sprung a little suddenly— I lost track of time.

lucky-go-angela:

*pulls the sleeping bag over her head* … Well, I’m packing up tomorrow morning, so it won’t do much for boredom cures while camping. What is it?

[Nods, turning it over to show her the cover: Dune.] I haven’t read it, actually. I’d be cheating a bit— it was recommended to me and I’ve yet to get around to it. I’d hoped you could shed some light as to whether or not it was any good. Horrible of me, isn’t it?

lucky-go-angela:

three-dollar-gill replied to your post: 
A little, yes. Sorry about that. [Pauses for a moment before taking a seat next to her.] You look tired. Was I too late?

[glances at him then back to the fire] well, there’s no light anymore. my pile of sticks is almost gone. [yawns, bringing the sleeping bag up higher around her] and [checks her watch] it’s almost 1am.

Hmm. [Stares down into the embers of the fire with a frown, raising his eyebrows once.] I’d say that’s a yes, then. Sorry about that. I suppose time got the better of me this time. [Holds the book out to her.] Still interested?

[Alice in Wonderland] has this advantage, that it has no moral, and that it does not teach anything. It is, in fact, pure sugar throughout, and is without any of that bitter foundation which some people imagine ought to be at the bottom of all children’s books.

A review from The Sunderland Herald, 25 May 1866

But it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland