Post by TheNebulousMysteryRider on Jun 15, 2022 11:20:04 GMT
The Leader roughly brushes her hand away and points an accusing finger at Roope. "You were instructed to admit no visitors!"
Fumbling with his fingers, Roope shifts his eyes away from his superior's glare. "I...I-"
Sliding in between them, Eliaphet lowers her hand. "I do believe I requested a handshake and a name?" She throws a charming smile, urging him to take the handshake.
The Leader growls before accepting. "And you are?"
Clasping it suddenly, Eliaphet violently shakes it until the Leader's arm is sore and deposits the pebble she was holding. "Seeking to gain wisdom in the histories of the tribes of course! May I see your library?"
Pulling his arm back, the Leader looks his sorrowful hand over—momentarily finding interest in the pebble. "Ach, what for?"
"Why to finish my chronicles of course! Must place a few footnotes on my latest map you know." Digging into her satchel, she unfurls a scroll and shows off its contents. "An outdated map is good for the history books, but Chima's drastic changes have left me quite behind the curve! So...may I be allowed in?"
Administrator Roope sheepishly raises his hand. "Dare we turn away an honest cartographer Administrator Rufe?"
Snatching the scroll, Rufe flips it upside down and inspects it. "Hmm...needs more rock formations." Closing it with a flourish, he hands it back to Eliaphet. "You are allowed entry...under heavy watch."
He motions for her to follow.
Treading the beaten dirt floor, Eliaphet places her hands behind her back and waddles around in exploration. Wiping dust from her glasses with her wing, she leans close towards one particular shelf listed as "Nonfiction". Administrator Roope fiddles with his fingers as he presents an inquiry. "Uh, the history of rock formations is found within the Scientific section...but if you-"
Pulling out a thick volume, Eliaphet skims its pages. "The history of the tribe will do first, Administrator. After all, my maps contain paragraphs accompanying each location for the benefit of sparking interest in traveling there." Both her and Roope jump with fright as Rufe drops five large textbooks onto the table.
Frowning, he motions to them. "Here they are. Don't delay...and no you may not take them home." Grabbing Roope by the shoulder, he drags him away. "Good fortunes follow you Eagle Scholar." Pushing Roope forward, he mumbles back. "You will help move the people out of the Square."
Sitting down, Eliaphet pours over the volumes. The two remaining administrators overseeing her study slowly drift off into sleep as night falls on the Quarry. Carrying a small chi-powered lamp, Rufe returns to find Eliaphet still engrossed in the volume —completely ignoring the dozens of snoring Rhinos around her. "You speak the truth then. Cartography is your passion."
Flipping her glasses back to a pocket watch, Eliaphet squints as she inspects the time. "Ah, night already? I'll be off then."
Looking over her notes, Rufe points to scribbles etched on a torn piece of paper. "You've taken interest in Rhino Leadership?"
Gathering her pencils, Eliaphet rubs ink off her cheek. "Do they not matter to the history of the tribe?" She reaches across the table and snatches the piece. Stuffing it into her satchel, she offers Rufe a piece of dried fruit. "I thank you for your hospitality."
Rufe cordially accepts it. "You are very welcome, however, it appears you are disappointed. Is something wrong?"
Turning away from him, Eliaphet chuckles. "No, no. My hunger for knowledge can never be truly quenched. Good night." She flies off in the direction of The Iron Mountains.
Rufe shifts his eyes to a book on the table, open to a page listing the Rhino Royal Family. Biting into the piece of fruit, Rufe closes the book and places it back in its place on the shelf. Pulling out a torn page from his pocket, he throws it into the nearby fireplace, igniting the dwindling flames.
As the edges of the page curl, the ink reads a singe word before dissolving completely. "Rorik."
