[ Vanessa won't fault anyone their lateness, least of all the woman she'll confess a rising amount of interest in after a dream that had left her in possession of more questions than outright knowledge; she'd held her instincts, after all, in the days following their first meeting and their later conversation, but it's unclear as of yet if the dream had offered her more signs of what she knows to be the truth or if she'll have to retrieve it more carefully.
Regardless, it had not been a lie when she'd said she was looking forward to this meeting β even if she had been punctual on her end, unconsciously eager to find herself in Mary Wardwell's presence again.
She shakes her head slowly, a small untruth but she won't make the other woman feel guilty for being late. ] Not at all. I've never ventured inside before, so I'm happy for the excuse.
[ She doesn't know the owner, but anyone who would be rumored to offer texts of a certain nature likely has more of a predilection towards or an understanding of their world; she hasn't elected to pursue the subject of magic, of power with many individuals, careful about whom she shares that information with, but the suspicion that she'll have opportunity to glimpse books of an unknown origin had been too good to pass up.
That, of course, and the opportunity to linger in Mary's company. She tips her head in a polite nod as she's ushered in first, her voice similarly dropping to barely above a whisper. ]
[ She's had longer conversations with certain people, though none who have specifically adopted that title as far as she's aware. The one man she had opportunity to discuss magic with had referred to himself as a mage, though he'd also hailed from a world where those who were able to manipulate certain forces could do so largely without censure or disbelief.
She's very nearly captivated by the books stacked high in every corner when they enter, everywhere she looks, mouth dropping open in brief wonder. ]
( lilith nods, hand brushing over vanessa's waist as she steps closer to her, eyes moving over the spines of the books. there are many titles that are familiar to her but many that also are not, though the ones that look more like fiction she's less interested in.
eventually, walking past several other shelves lilith stops, attracted not only by the simplicity of the black spine of the book but the text on the side of it. latin words but ones with a clear intent.
her hand reaches up, lilith on tiptoes to reach the higher shelf before she slips the book down, running her hand over the cover of it.
a book of the dead, a text that she's very familiar with )
[ In any other instance, the light brush of fingers wouldn't necessarily give her pause β but she recalls, in nigh-painstaking detail, the touch of a hand between her thighs, the stroke of a tongue, and she draws in a breath before she can fully process the contact, but Mary is already moving on to wander through the stacks, chin tipped up to study the books shelved high above their heads.
It's a quiet space, even though there are other patrons occupying it, and Vanessa chooses to busy herself by wandering in a row adjacent to the one Mary takes, idly running her fingers along the shelved spines, her eyes scanning what titles she can make out written in languages she is more familiar with.
Eventually, she pivots to come down the aisle Mary's standing in, quietly peering at the book in her hands. ]
( her head tips gently in vanessa's direction, waves brushing at her cheek. she slowly nods, fingers giving one final brush over the cover, not turning the book to her but not hiding it either )
The Book of the Dead.
( if she hadn't already been whispering her words would have quietened here, it being a conversation that should only be between witches )
A collection of necromantic spells. ( as the title suggested ) Ones few should attempt.
[ The title of it isn't one she's personally familiar with, though to her knowledge, there aren't many books of spells that exists in the world she comes from, texts of unknown origin that hold their own power when read aloud; there is only one in particular that she has wielded, and the price she paid was a costly one in the end.
Still, something in Mary's words prompts her to draw nearer, looking at the cover of it before her gaze sweeps upward. ]
It seems unwise to leave it here where anyone could encounter it without knowing what it is.
[ She's ever reluctant to take advantage of Dorian's generosity in this instance, but if she invokes his name here she'll be able to secure a purchase without his help, especially if the shop is owned by someone who's also been brought here rather than those local to Duplicity itself.
She reaches out a hand to close fingers over where Mary's secured a grasp on the book, intending to reassure. ]
Better to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.
( which she's absolutely getting her to do. purposefully, as sincere as her denial may sound. just a humble witch who wishes that she could do something more )
[ She has her own self-imposed restrictions on taking too much of Dorian's money, but she can't envision a scenario in which he'd be displeased to learn about it later, especially if it was something carried out for the purpose of helping a friend.
Her touch firms, a brief squeeze before she moves to withdraw it altogether. ]
It would be better if someone with an understanding of its contents was in possession of it, yes?
[ And her hand curves around the edge of the book, pressing it back into Mary's arms; it does belong to her now, doesn't it, once they take care of the necessary purchases, and besides, she may want to look for something else while they're still here. ]
But you were looking for texts that could enable what, exactly? Solutions of some sort?
( lilith didn't particularly need any texts in order to cast her spells but considering that this place was something different altogether and the various worlds that seemed to come here she was curious about texts from these other places, of different magics or what else she could potentially do. particularly to find her freedom )
It's a comfort even without being able to accomplish anything.
We'd all have greater burdens to bear were it not for those touchstones, connections. Reminders of where we came from.
[ She won't deny her own curiosity about the book and its contents, even if she isn't familiar with very many texts that boast access to greater magic; the one she'd been given by the Cut-Wife had offered some answers, but she had been ushered away from using it too often or even using it at all. ]
( lilith didn't want to overextend vanessa's generosity and she'd honestly find another way to 'obtain' what she wanted. but spending time with her over the text, sharing magic with her. perhaps casting something. now that would be an interesting afternoon )
[ It isn't in her to hasten the other woman's departure from this place, especially if it's more than one book she's seeking, but if she's content with her findings for now then Vanessa won't press her to linger.
Instead, she nods once, a small incline of her head. ]
If it's as powerful as you say, it may be best to study it away from prying eyes.
( though to most it couldn't be dangerous, magic was a specific thing but having that knowledge out in public wasn't a good idea. not necromancy. lilith might not have needed the book to cast the spells but it was better to hide it )
We can go back to the residence I'm staying in here, if you're amenable to it.
[ She hasn't had opportunity to extend invitation to any guests since her and Dorian's relocation to the larger house on Middlemist Lane, a sprawling property that certainly eclipses the old apartment in number of rooms alone, but she's been given tacit permission to invite who she wishes over, and she'd never dream of intruding on either Dorian or Ambrose's designated spaces when there are plenty of others to occupy.
She tilts her head in invitation towards the front of the bookshop. ] Once we've finished here, that is.
( lilith nods and her hand finds vanessa's, a light squeeze before, keeping their hands together, she begins to lead her back down the aisles to pay for the book.
they don't get far, however. the gesture is unseen, a quick flick of her fingers, but the woman stops, almost stumbling as she moves out of the way of some books that fall from a higher shelf, hands clutching firmer at vanessa to keep her upright, causing her to step into the woman )
[ She doesn't slip her hand free of Mary's, once they're clasped together; it's a contact between them that feels as new as it does familiar, in so many ways, though she barely has time to become accustomed to it before the books tumble into their path and Vanessa reacts before thinking.
Her free hand flies up to clutch at Mary's upper arm, drawing her back from the unexpected projectiles and the sudden momentum of it prompts her to nearly fall back against the bookshelf behind them before she rights herself, but they don't have very much room to maneuver in a space that's small enough as it is and Vanessa finds they've been pressed against one another, the shelves nudging at her back, her hips and the smaller woman at her front. ]
Are you alright? [ The question leaves her hushed, her senses suddenly overwhelmed by the scent of Mary's hair when she tilts her chin down to verify the other woman's condition. ]
( it takes a few seconds before lilith responds, shifting the panic over being hit by the books, the comforting feeling of being kept steady by vanessa. her hand squeezes the other woman's, a quick nod at her )
Yes. Thank you.
( she's appreciative of her, the quick-thinking that vanessa had used to keep her safe, the gentle way that she still protected her. she doesn't yet move away, tipping her head up slightly to look better at her )
[ They're both breathing a bit quicker β due to the surprise of it, she'd wager, and not necessarily anything having to do with their increased proximity now, although neither of them has shifted to withdraw from one another, the towering shelves on either side of them casting long shadows across the space they've accidentally fallen into.
It offers the illusion of privacy, if not the actual remoteness itself, and as the other woman's face tilts up to hers Vanessa finds herself nearly holding her own breath, as if anticipating the potential of a moment she can't entirely conjure in her mind's eye β but the hand on Mary's arm gently slides across its length, up over the curve of her shoulder. ]
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Regardless, it had not been a lie when she'd said she was looking forward to this meeting β even if she had been punctual on her end, unconsciously eager to find herself in Mary Wardwell's presence again.
She shakes her head slowly, a small untruth but she won't make the other woman feel guilty for being late. ] Not at all. I've never ventured inside before, so I'm happy for the excuse.
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( she'll give a little gesture with her hand for the woman to step in, keeping close behind her )
It was a curious find. ( she lowers her voice as they step in, keeping her words solely for the woman ) But delightful.
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[ She doesn't know the owner, but anyone who would be rumored to offer texts of a certain nature likely has more of a predilection towards or an understanding of their world; she hasn't elected to pursue the subject of magic, of power with many individuals, careful about whom she shares that information with, but the suspicion that she'll have opportunity to glimpse books of an unknown origin had been too good to pass up.
That, of course, and the opportunity to linger in Mary's company. She tips her head in a polite nod as she's ushered in first, her voice similarly dropping to barely above a whisper. ]
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( letting vanessa know that she'd both met other magical beings here but had also been comfortable to discuss magic with them.
they were far from alone but currently vanessa had best captured her attention )
Though this is the first opportunity I've had to see it. This city can keep you occupied.
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[ She's had longer conversations with certain people, though none who have specifically adopted that title as far as she's aware. The one man she had opportunity to discuss magic with had referred to himself as a mage, though he'd also hailed from a world where those who were able to manipulate certain forces could do so largely without censure or disbelief.
She's very nearly captivated by the books stacked high in every corner when they enter, everywhere she looks, mouth dropping open in brief wonder. ]
Yes, this city, but also the people in it.
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eventually, walking past several other shelves lilith stops, attracted not only by the simplicity of the black spine of the book but the text on the side of it. latin words but ones with a clear intent.
her hand reaches up, lilith on tiptoes to reach the higher shelf before she slips the book down, running her hand over the cover of it.
a book of the dead, a text that she's very familiar with )
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It's a quiet space, even though there are other patrons occupying it, and Vanessa chooses to busy herself by wandering in a row adjacent to the one Mary takes, idly running her fingers along the shelved spines, her eyes scanning what titles she can make out written in languages she is more familiar with.
Eventually, she pivots to come down the aisle Mary's standing in, quietly peering at the book in her hands. ]
Do you know that one?
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The Book of the Dead.
( if she hadn't already been whispering her words would have quietened here, it being a conversation that should only be between witches )
A collection of necromantic spells. ( as the title suggested ) Ones few should attempt.
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Still, something in Mary's words prompts her to draw nearer, looking at the cover of it before her gaze sweeps upward. ]
It seems unwise to leave it here where anyone could encounter it without knowing what it is.
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( though let's be honest, she could magically steal it and no one would be any the wiser. most likely.
but, alas, lilith's unable to buy it without one of those pesky dominants. guess they'll have to leave it-- )
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[ She's ever reluctant to take advantage of Dorian's generosity in this instance, but if she invokes his name here she'll be able to secure a purchase without his help, especially if the shop is owned by someone who's also been brought here rather than those local to Duplicity itself.
She reaches out a hand to close fingers over where Mary's secured a grasp on the book, intending to reassure. ]
Better to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.
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( which she's absolutely getting her to do. purposefully, as sincere as her denial may sound. just a humble witch who wishes that she could do something more )
You've been kind enough to come with me.
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[ She has her own self-imposed restrictions on taking too much of Dorian's money, but she can't envision a scenario in which he'd be displeased to learn about it later, especially if it was something carried out for the purpose of helping a friend.
Her touch firms, a brief squeeze before she moves to withdraw it altogether. ]
It would be better if someone with an understanding of its contents was in possession of it, yes?
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Thank you, Miss Ives.
( she offers her a smile )
Even though I came looking for such texts I didn't expect to find something so familiar.
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[ And her hand curves around the edge of the book, pressing it back into Mary's arms; it does belong to her now, doesn't it, once they take care of the necessary purchases, and besides, she may want to look for something else while they're still here. ]
But you were looking for texts that could enable what, exactly? Solutions of some sort?
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( lilith didn't particularly need any texts in order to cast her spells but considering that this place was something different altogether and the various worlds that seemed to come here she was curious about texts from these other places, of different magics or what else she could potentially do. particularly to find her freedom )
It's a comfort even without being able to accomplish anything.
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[ She won't deny her own curiosity about the book and its contents, even if she isn't familiar with very many texts that boast access to greater magic; the one she'd been given by the Cut-Wife had offered some answers, but she had been ushered away from using it too often or even using it at all. ]
Then I am glad to provide it.
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( lilith didn't want to overextend vanessa's generosity and she'd honestly find another way to 'obtain' what she wanted. but spending time with her over the text, sharing magic with her. perhaps casting something. now that would be an interesting afternoon )
Look over it in private?
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[ It isn't in her to hasten the other woman's departure from this place, especially if it's more than one book she's seeking, but if she's content with her findings for now then Vanessa won't press her to linger.
Instead, she nods once, a small incline of her head. ]
If it's as powerful as you say, it may be best to study it away from prying eyes.
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( though to most it couldn't be dangerous, magic was a specific thing but having that knowledge out in public wasn't a good idea. not necromancy. lilith might not have needed the book to cast the spells but it was better to hide it )
Perhaps I could make you some tea as we did?
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[ She hasn't had opportunity to extend invitation to any guests since her and Dorian's relocation to the larger house on Middlemist Lane, a sprawling property that certainly eclipses the old apartment in number of rooms alone, but she's been given tacit permission to invite who she wishes over, and she'd never dream of intruding on either Dorian or Ambrose's designated spaces when there are plenty of others to occupy.
She tilts her head in invitation towards the front of the bookshop. ] Once we've finished here, that is.
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they don't get far, however. the gesture is unseen, a quick flick of her fingers, but the woman stops, almost stumbling as she moves out of the way of some books that fall from a higher shelf, hands clutching firmer at vanessa to keep her upright, causing her to step into the woman )
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Her free hand flies up to clutch at Mary's upper arm, drawing her back from the unexpected projectiles and the sudden momentum of it prompts her to nearly fall back against the bookshelf behind them before she rights herself, but they don't have very much room to maneuver in a space that's small enough as it is and Vanessa finds they've been pressed against one another, the shelves nudging at her back, her hips and the smaller woman at her front. ]
Are you alright? [ The question leaves her hushed, her senses suddenly overwhelmed by the scent of Mary's hair when she tilts her chin down to verify the other woman's condition. ]
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Yes. Thank you.
( she's appreciative of her, the quick-thinking that vanessa had used to keep her safe, the gentle way that she still protected her. she doesn't yet move away, tipping her head up slightly to look better at her )
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It offers the illusion of privacy, if not the actual remoteness itself, and as the other woman's face tilts up to hers Vanessa finds herself nearly holding her own breath, as if anticipating the potential of a moment she can't entirely conjure in her mind's eye β but the hand on Mary's arm gently slides across its length, up over the curve of her shoulder. ]
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