Day 52: Library (2nd shift)

[longlivetehking]

Scar possibly couldn't have been more thrilled at the prospect of being escorted to the library. He had visited this particular room plenty of times to know that it was entirely useless and uninteresting - like most daytime activities, for that matter. Still, the nurse seemed rather convinced he'd like one of those silly books filled with papers

Comments

[zack_fair]

A lot of people would have probably called his breakfast a waste of time, but Zack didn't think that was the case in the slightest. Helping someone out, even with something as simple as how to use a fork, could mean a lot. And doing someone a favor like that always tended to put him in a good mood. If you couldn't get enjoyment out of something like that, then you probably needed to look at life a little differently

[composers]

Though the conversation he had with the man last shift was less pleasant than he hoped, Austria was grateful that nothing more came out of it. To accept the oddities possessed by others was hardly pleasant, but he would rather do just that than face worse, and there was plenty he could think of that could easily usurp that

[zack_fair]

So from what Zack could get from reading the back of the book and the first page or so, this was some sort of travel journal (if a fictional one) about a man named Gulliver. The title was pretty straight-forward, then, and it sounded like something that might be worth reading to pass the time. Seeing how it was split into four parts, it also worked well as something to read for only a short period, since that was all they were given before they were shipped off to do something else

[composers]

Despite appearances this man was already far better company than the last, and for the first time since his arrival Austria could spare a moment to relax. Still, since the latter was offering, the aristocrat saw nothing wrong in taking advantage of his kindness. With a small nod to acknowledge his statement, the nation trailed his gaze down at the book in question.

"Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe," Austria responded in the same hushed tone, glancing back up as soon as he finished. Though as he did he managed to catch sight of the title the latter had pulled out for himself, the corners of his mouth tugging upwards at the discovery.

"I see you've made a good choice," He added, referring to the one in the latter's possession. "While not usually the type of work I resort to, it was enjoyable nonetheless."

[zack_fair]

It soon became obvious that whoever this guy was, he was from this planet. He seemed to recognize all of the book titles, or at least enough that it would be weird to think that the texts had crossed to another world. Zack didn't know how that would work, and so he was going to assume it was the simplest explanation, rather than letting things get complicated. That was almost always the best option.

"Really?" he asked when it turned out that the stranger knew a bit about Gulliver's Travels. He had just picked it up on a whim, but maybe he could get some more details now and see if it was really worth his time

[composers]

When the requested book was offered Austria wasted no time taking it, unknowingly granting himself a better angle of the latter's face. Yet he'd noticed something strange at that point, a trait that couldn't easily be ignored. Really, if he hadn't known better then he could've sworn the man's eyes had a... strange glow to them. However, it wasn't of a distraction for the aristocrat not to hear his request, and so after quickly regaining his composure he gave a curt nod.

"Not at all. Let us start with your choice first."

Which was a task easier said and done. How long had it been since he'd last touched the story? He wouldn't have surprised if it'd been more than a century.

"I'll say now that the writer is rather notorious for using his works to mock those he opposes, and he does so in the most flamboyant of ways. Gulliver's Travels is no different. It talks of a man who travels to distant lands, coming across whimsical kingdoms and the frivolous issues tied to them. For example, in his first voyage he nearly falls prey to men only

[zack_fair]

Even if the man didn't say anything, Zack still noticed the way that he'd been looking at his face. It could have been for a couple of reasons -- either the eyes, or the scar. He was tempted to ask which it was, but in the end the stranger went on to explain about his book, and so Zack figured he'd better pay attention, considering he'd asked

[composers]

"Technically speaking, though writers do love lacing their works with double meanings." And in this case, Swift never passed the opportunity to throw a jab or two at whatever and whomever he pleased. The next question was both simple and not, because it depended on the individual's interpretation, though there seemed to have been a consensus on a few subjects in particular.

"Many things. Much of it circulates around the British parliament, though perhaps you can extend it to many governments and their petty conflicts. However, he also delves into the corruption of mankind." Which in itself was fascinating but expected. Nations knew well enough what their people were capable of, and centuries of wars could only reveal the ugly side. The thought was enough to make Austria quietly sigh, readjusting his glasses when he felt they'd tilted without him knowing.

"Either way it's an interesting read, and I wouldn't worry too much about anything other than the story itself."

[zack_fair]

While Zack didn't know what "British" was, it was easy enough for him to follow what the other patient was saying. Both people and governments were pretty easy to poke fun at, when you came down to it, especially since one was run by the other. He thought it was pretty impressive when authors were able to have hidden meanings woven into a story that seemed simple enough on the surface, so he was glad that the other patient had been able to shed that light on it

[composers]

Zack wasn't the only one who'd looked over their introductions, and he couldn't help but feel flustered when he realized his mistake. But for a moment Austria wondered if it was wise to divulge any information about himself. However, it wasn't as if he had as much attachment to his human identity as opposed to the actual nation. So with that he reached out and took Zack's, offering a loose but steady shake in return.

"It's a pleasure, Zack. My name is Roderich." Of course, the man's next question didn't go unnoticed.

"Goethe's Faust is a play that is separated into two main parts. Since it seems as if this library only has the first I'll focus on that. That is, unless you'd like to know about the other as well."

There was a brief pause before he continued.

"The play itself is a tragedy, and the overall themes are noticeably darker than Gulliver's Travels. It starts with a demon recognized as Mephistopheles wagering against God himself for the soul of Faust, a striving scholar and favorite of the latter. Basically, given the man's

[zack_fair]

Roderich, huh? Zack nodded when the name was given, but he couldn't help thinking that it sounded kind of fancy, almost sophisticated. Still, nothing really matched up to "Sephiroth" in terms of odd names. And what about Genesis? In comparison to all that, "Zack" was downright ordinary. But he certainly didn't mind it that way; it made it easy to remember, and made sure that people didn't assume anything about him straight off the bat

[composers]

Even if the latter was full of questions the aristocrat was certainly enjoying himself, almost grateful of the chance to let his mind stray from his predicament to what was more stable. Educating the populace of the world's great works was a deed Austria was more than willing to commit, and it wasn't as if the company was unfavorable. Even if there was the possibility that Zack was nothing more than an actor, it was enough to put him at ease for the time being.

Austria allowed Zack the chance to mull over his words, but he was quick to answer the latter's assumptions.

"Ah, now that is something you'll have to find out yourself. It would be a shame to tell you so soon." Though he accompanied his words with a smile it wasn't meant to tease, as it only seemed proper not to spoil the contents before Zack was given a chance to read it.

[zack_fair]

Even if it hadn't been meant as a tease, Zack certainly took it at one. "So that's how it is, huh? You're just cruel!" It was clear that he didn't mean it, though, as he laughed to himself and placed his hands on his hips. If anything, this Roderich seemed to have an unstated sense of humor that the soldier was glad he'd been able to eke out of him somehow

[composers]

Austria was quickly learning that Zack was the overt kind of character, his bright tone and hearty laughing only supporting this obvious fact. Usually this type of behavior should've been frowned upon; after all, they were still in the library, and their lively conversation could probably be heard by half of its occupants. Yet the aristocrat couldn't help but offer a small smile as well, finding the lighthearted atmosphere quite pleasant.

"You may have it know if you would like. I've already read through this quite a few times..."

However, Austria's smile faded at the latter's question, and the aristocrat watched the other with some uncertainty.

"About what, exactly? Of how they allow their patients to roam the halls without supervision?" Already his stiff tone had returned, the frown accompanying it doing more than enough to reveal his displeasure on the matter.

[zack_fair]

It was nice of Roderich to offer him the book, and Zack was almost tempted to take it, but... one thing at a time, right? And so he waved him off with a shake of his head. "It's fine. I've gotta get through this one first, anyway." He tucked Gulliver's Travels under his arm, though, since it seemed like this conversation was going to go on a bit longer after all

[composers]

Dangerous? Monsters? While Zack's charismatic attitude could be admired to an extent, it was almost as if the taller man had grown another head with the way Austria was looking at him. Yet he could've reacted much worse had he not been aware that they were allowed out in the first place, but one could argue that this wasn't much better. It was all so absurd in his mind, and for a moment the aristocrat could only find it ironic that they were discussing the whimsical settings of these stories only minutes before their own predicament