The Great Library of Dundorma

Disclaimer: Monster Hunter is copyright Capcom. All the characters in this story are mine, unless otherwise noted.

Edited by: Hoenn Master96 and Thomas A. Hawk

"Oh! Bram! I did not know you were here!"

The archer looked up at the friendly voice, smiling at the now-familiar sound of taloned feet clacking up the stairs to his and Logan's wagon. "Good morning, Selene. How are you?"

"I am well enough, but I should be asking you the same. Last I saw you, you appeared half-dead," the blue-clad Guild rep replied. She paused, leaning in close and scrutinizing his face, making him lean back slightly in surprise. "Goodness, the bags under your eyes are still there. Honestly, you are much too young for age wrinkles like that, Bram. You absolutely must try to get more sleep!"

"Yes, thank you Mother, I appreciate the advice," Bram chuckled. Selene blinked, realizing her proximity to him and pulling away sheepishly. "Don't worry, I'm doing much better now. Between you and Sonia pressuring me, I'm sure I'll get more than my recommended nightly rest one way or another. Though her methods might be different than yours… last night she threatened to put me in a sleeper hold when she found out I'd stayed up past midnight on my research."

"Hmm. Perhaps not as different as you believe, Bram. Master Steward's sleep schedule can be rather inadequate on occasion, and certain individuals close to him have been known to take some sleep herbs and lace his evening meals with them in order to… promote a healthier rest cycle."

"Ah. 'Certain people', huh?"

"Indeed. Certain people can be very insistent that her friends and loved ones maintain their personal health."

"I see." Bram sighed. "First my mother, then Sonia, now you? My life seems destined to be controlled by the whims and worries of the women I know."

"There are worse ways to live your life," the Wyverian giggled. "I imagine your hunting master, Logan, would mind very little to suffer a similar fate."

"Oh, I have no doubt."

"Haha! But please forgive my prodding, Bram. It seems you have had so little time to come visit Stellazzio since our arrival in Dundorma. What brings you here today?"

"I'm just picking up some notes," the archer replied, holding up and waving a pair of notepads in his hands. "I need to write down the pertinent information I've picked up from the books in the Hospital."

"The Hospital…? Ah, yes, you mentioned that. Are you still visiting their medical library?"

"Not anymore. I think I've read just about everything they have."

"Already?"

"Well… not all of it. There's too much for me to read every single diagnostic report and study every disease and virus known to man. However, I've dug through all I really cared about, for now. Viruses and disease studies, some data on medicines… um. Wyverian physiology…"

Selene raised an eyebrow. "Still looking into the differences between human and Wyverian biology, are you?"

"Well… yes. It's just so strange. Humans and Wyverians are such clearly different species, and yet somehow they're able to reproduce with each other? That doesn't seem like it should be possible, being so vastly different in terms of genetics… Different medicines have different effects on each species, and yet there aren't any complications when one species impregnates the other? Not to mention how vastly different Wvyerians themselves can be from each other, with varying numbers of fingers on their hands, vastly different lifespans, and some even have digitigrade feet rather than plantigrade. Older Wyverians seem to be more… wyvern-like in appearance, but how great a difference is there? True wyverns have vastly different reproductive methods than humans, and yet… have the species somehow adapted their genitalia to better increase their chances of-"

"Bram…" The hunter paused, looking up and realizing that Selene's eyes were squeezed shut and her fingers were pinching the bridge of her nose in dismay. Her cheeks were also a burning bright red, all the way up to her drooping ears. "While I appreciate your yearning for knowledge and the comprehension of… cross-species genetics, it is generally considered poor form to talk about reproduction and… genitalia around a lady. At least, it does when the lady isn't of the same scientific study and cannot contribute to the conversation, nor would she wish to."

"Ah. Right. Sorry…" Bram replied sheepishly, clearing his throat.

"Just be glad you were not speaking to Cleyra," Selene sighed. "She would tease you and say something vulgar, like… offering a 'personal demonstration of Wyverian anatomy'."

"Oh, mercy, that sounds like one of Logan's terrible pickup lines," Bram groaned, dropping his voice to mimic his hunting master's. "Hoy, girlie, how 'bout you and I found out how compatible our species really is? Hey?"

Bram and Selene stared at each other for a moment before they both burst out laughing, both of them clutching their sides, forcing them to grab hold of furniture in the wagon to keep falling to the floor. The fit lasted for a while, until the lingering laughter began to fade.

"We both… we both have absolutely terrible mentors, don't we?" Bram chuckled.

"I do not believe I would ever refer to Cleyra as my 'mentor'," Selene replied through fading giggles, "but yes. Yes, we do."

"Ha… Anyway, ah, like I was saying, there are other things I need to study, but the doctors at the Great Hospital said that they don't have the information I want in their possession, so I'll need to look elsewhere. I'm not sure where to go from here though…"

"Hmm… Oh! Then you will want to visit the Great Library!" Selene smiled, clapping her hands together. "It is the greatest establishment for documenting the written word in the country! If there is knowledge to be gleaned from books which you could not find in the Hospital, than the Great Library is where you must go."

"Ooh… Really? That sounds intriguing," Bram muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Do I need a card or anything?"

"A card? Do you mean… a Guild card? It is open to the public, not only hunters."

"No, that's not what I… never mind. So, where's this library at?"

"I can show you! We can go together!" Selene beamed. Bram raised an eyebrow, and the girl faltered in embarrassment. "Ah… I was planning to go on my own, actually. There are some research books I need to gather myself, you see. But I would much rather go with a friend than all on my own."

"I see," Bram nodded. "Well, in that case lead the way."

"Yay! How wonderful!" Selene squealed, stepping out the door. Bram followed her, latching the door behind him before walking alongside her to the east and out of the caravan grounds. "You know, it is probably for the best that I accompany you anyway. The Great Library can be… hard to navigate for those that have never been before."

"It's a good thing you're with me, then," Bram nodded, before tilting his head thoughtfully. "Great Library, Great Hospital… I think I'm sensing a theme here. Dundorma doesn't seem to be lacking in pride about their public works."

"It is a very impressive library," Selene replied with a small note of pride in her voice. "Certainly the best in the country, and the director likes to think the best on the continent."

"I don't know about that," Bram said. "The library in Loc Lac is rather impressive from what I've heard, though I've never been myself, and the one in the Compound is fairly exceptional in its own right. Also, for a country with so many Purists, I'm surprised there would be a great number of books."

Bram was shocked when the Wyverian's face scrunched into a scowl, however, turning to look at him with mild scorn. "Just because Purists have certain beliefs about technology does not mean that Gahiji would not seek to become more learned," Selene chided. "Do you think we do not study medicine or ecology? Were you not coming here to research information on diseases?"

"Oh… yes," Bram muttered, hanging his head in shame. "You're right. Sorry…"

"It is fine," the Wyverian girl replied. Then she giggled lightly. "Though, to be honest, if you had said as much only ten years ago, I would have had to agree with you on the matter."

"What do you mean?"

"The Dundorma library was not much to speak of only a decade ago, from what I know," Selene explained. "I have little doubt the Loc Lac library would have put it to shame, as you said. However, the current director is actually one of the Lost."

"A Lost? Really? That's surprising."

"Oh, yes, there was some fuss over the matter, but apparently he was a librarian back before being placed in one of those crystals, and thoroughly reformed the organization upon joining. None of the other librarians had any arguments as to why the position should not be his once his predecessor retired, aside from some arguments on matters of seniority."

"That's rather impressive," Bram noted, and Selene nodded in agreement. "But even so, how did having a Lost as director improve the number of books so well?"

"About eight years ago, the director presented a proposal to His Immenseness called the 'Alexandria Initiative', some reference to a Lost historical site, from what I have heard. It was hotly debated, but passed in the end." The Wvyerian paused, pointing towards the western gate. "Do you see those Guild knights and city guards near the gates?"

"I do," Bram replied. Several caravans were lined up outside the gates, and were being searched inside and out by a collection of blue-suited knights and guards.

"Do you know what they are looking for?"

"Hmm. If I'm not mistaken, isn't it a search for contraband or illegal goods?"

"It is at that, but... do you see the man wearing light blue and yellow robes?"

"Somewhat…" Bram muttered. He thought he saw someone wearing clothes like that, but they'd climbed into one of the wagons to search inside. "An enforcer of some kind?"

"No. That was a representative of the Great Library. Their job is to search anyone entering the city for books or research documents that the library does not possess yet. If they find such things, they… uh… 'borrow' the book, make a copy at the library, then return the original to its owner."

"They what?" Bram cried. "They're stealing books? Did they take my books?!"

"To make copies and then return them!" Selene replied adamantly. "It does sound bad, I know… Why do you think there was such a debate over whether or not to implement the Initiative? And yes, they did take some of your books. The representative found some Therian books and research reports in your and Sonia's wagons, and took them in order to make replicas. I thought you would have noticed by now…"

"I've been a little preoccupied the last couple weeks…"

"I know. I am sorry."

"Well… Don't… Don't worry, it's not your fault. Fine, they're copying my books, but when am I getting them back?"

"Actually, they should be returning them any day now. It takes a couple weeks to make copies of the books, but they have a lot of people working on it at once, so it should not take too long."

"A couple… a couple weeks? That fast?"

"Oh, yes, it is quite quick. One of the local Lost working for the library was able to produce a design for an interesting writing machine that they are able to use to make rough copies of their acquired books, and another machine to make neater copies at a later date."

"That sounds rather interesting, actually. I suppose this library will have more information than I hoped it would." Bram felt an anticipatory grin cross his face as he imagined the possibilities. Selene giggled at the expression, and he turned his attention back to her. "Hmm… on that note, what information are you looking for, if I may ask?"

"Oh! Ah, research on monster migration patterns and ecological studies. The Guild usually releases new bionomical reports around the exam, when the city is filled with travelers. It is a common time for caravan-based Guild workers to gather information about the roads."

"You really are dedicated to your work. I don't see too many guildies with such enthusiasm," Bram noted with a surprised smile, and Selene puffed out her chest proudly.

"Of course! But I suppose I could say the same of you and your research, hmm? As soon as we left Lintukoto, you started purchasing flowerpots and sequestering yourself in your cabin to study the cathangeas and Amrita flowers you grow… And when Sonia talks of learning the insect glaive after passing the exam, I could not say if she is more excited to learn the weapon, or if you are more excited to study her Kinsect."

Bram squirmed uncomfortably under the Guild rep's amused look. "I'm not that bad, am I?"

"The first couple weeks after leaving Lintukoto, you would not stop pestering Tuulikki about when she would start gathering the essences she wagered on your bet over passing the exam, or how much she would be willing to gather. You were only repelled when Sonia offered to give you the essences her own Kinsect would eventually gather."

"Oh no, really?" Bram groaned, burying his face into his hands. "Was I really so annoying?"

"You would have to ask Tuulikki about that. The rest of us were wondering if she would strangle you or merely beat you over the head with her staff."

"Oh, mercy, I'm as bad as my siblings… Selene, do me a favor: if I'm ever acting too aggressive about things like that, let me know please. Slap me if you have to."

The guildie giggled. "I am sure that won't be necessary, but I will let you know if you are getting out of hand."

"No, seriously," Bram said solemnly. "Slap me if you have to. If I'm really taking after my siblings… after my father like I fear, that might be what it takes, or worse."

"Oh. Um… Alright. I am, ah, certain it will not come to that?"

"You've never met my family," Bram sighed.

The two of them walked straight east from the staging area, climbing up two tiers until they reached the level just below the Elder Hall at the top of the hill. They were forced to stop and rest a couple times; Selene was used to a life of travel and Bram had a hunter's physique, but it was still rather exhausting to climb so far up the walls of the city. Bram had to admire the view available this close to the center of the city once they arrived, however; he had yet to travel this high up, and at this point you could see the vast Everwood stretch far out into the horizon. From there the two headed south, following the edge of the tier until finally Selene motioned towards a wide building.

The Great Library was a very old-looking structure, worn down by likely centuries of use. It looked as though it had been undergoing a lot of renovations recently, because most of the older stone was offset by newer bricks and woodwork. There were a fair number of people milling about the entrance, coming and going at their leisure, more of them than Bram would've expected, honestly.

The two of them marched up the steps, entering through the heavy wooden doors, to find a… relatively simple set of rooms with moderately sized shelves. There were a fair amount of books, but the shelves weren't packed. A few people were perusing the shelves, but was all very lackluster compared to what he'd been expecting.

"Seems… empty," Bram muttered, not bothering to hide his disappointment.

"Oh, it only seems that way," Selene replied. "The ground floor has only a small amount of books, those that are the most commonly printed and purchased by the public. The rest of them are underground."

"There's a basement?"

"Indeed. Books are quite flammable, if you were not aware, and given the odds that this city will be visited by a Teostra or another devastating beast, it is best to keep anything particularly fragile in a safer location. Ten yards of stone is not a perfect defense, but the safety of the books is much greater than they would be within these lone walls."

"Aha, that's smart, but… Ten yards down? Wow."

"Apparently it was an existing cavern that was discovered directly below the library, and they dug down through the earth to access it."

"How much space would they really have underground?"

"Veritable catacombs. It has been speculated that there is a grand cave system spanning out underneath off of Dundorma. Come, I will show you!"

Bram followed Selene to the back of the main room, towards a broad hole leading underground. Half of the hole was taken up by a spiraling staircase, while the other half was occupied by a large mechanical elevator. The stairwell was unique, compared to what Bram had been expecting, made of sturdy metal that wasn't iron or steel, but seemed made of something much sturdier… carbalite perhaps? Or eltalite? Bram wasn't sure, but this staircase seemed built to last. The stairs spiraled down and down past yards of stone, until finally it opened up to reveal a magnificent underground chamber, and Bram gasped in awe.

Now here was a true library. Towering shelves filled with thousands of books spread out across the chamber. Dozens of people milled through the shelves, searching through or reorganizing books. Tall ladders slid left and right, allowing perusers to climb up and down in search of the novels they sought. Already he could read the labels on each row, indicating that there were enough different books to be sorted into several sections: fiction, nonfiction, reference, biographical… it just kept going.

"Well? What do you think?"

"Alright, I'll admit it, I'm impressed. This is much better than I thought it would be," Bram said wistfully, approaching the closest of the shelves. Fantasy novels… not Bram's cup of tea, but Sonia favored them. "You can say 'I told you so' now."

"Oh, I was going to say it with or without your permission, Bram," Selene smiled. "But since you seem eager to hear it: I told you so."

"Yes, yes… Now where's the section with the medical materials?"

"A new face! Welcome!"

"Yes, indeed, welcome!"

Bram jolted slightly at the bright and exuberant voices that suddenly sounded from behind him, spinning around to find two brightly smiling people behind him. There was a man and woman, both of them wearing official-looking uniforms with bright green sashes across their chests, embroidered with the word 'CURATOR' emblazoned in golden letters. The woman approached gleefully, grabbing hold of Selene's hand, much to the Wyverian's surprise.

"Ah, Miss Selene, how wonderful to see you again!"

"No doubt here for the latest eco reports!" the man laughed.

"Yes, I am…" the Wyverian replied nervously. "I am surprised you remember me."

"Of course! We remember every man, woman, and child that comes through the door, as well as what they buy!"

"Really?" Bram asked. "That's impressive."

"So they say. And who might this be, Miss Selene?"

"Oh, this is Bram. He is a member of our caravan. I believe you might have requisitioned a few of his books when our caravan arrived in-"

"Oh, yes!" The woman abruptly reached into her coat, pulling out a small notebook and a pair of small glasses, sliding the latter on as she flipped the former open. "Let's see… The Time Machine, Pride and Prejudice, and - ah! - The Gunslinger! An excellent selection we've managed to sequester from your collection, yes indeed!"

"The Time… ah, those weren't mine. Those must've been from Sonia's collection."

"Really? Ah, then that would've put you in with Hyperion, Frankenstein, and that collection of about two dozen ecological journals."

"My mother wrote those…"

"Oh, how interesting!"

"We've been looking for a copy of many of those books for years now, Pride and Prejudice in particular!" the man cut in. "The theatre made a play of it about five years back and half the city's female population has been frothing at the mouth for the novel itself."

"The romance section is always a challenge to keep stocked. But the bindings seem to indicate a fresh printing, not the aged, battered versions the Lost cling to. A copy from one of the Therian printers, no doubt. We really should get in touch with them one of these days."

"Hmm, I don't think the owner would appreciate the way you do things here," Bram muttered.

"We'll see about that," the man smirked slyly. "But please! Allow us to introduce ourselves, young man! I am Tomaj ka'Ma'kenroh-"

"-and I am his wife, Monid tar'Kirn. We are the co-curators of the Library, in charge of the acquisition and production of new books, and we do appreciate your kind contributions to this organization!"

"Hm. I'm not sure if 'kind contribution' is quite the right way to describe it," Bram frowned.

"You're not yelling at us. That's as close to 'kind' as we tend to get from new people. You'd think the Lost in particular would appreciate our efforts to revitalize their culture as we have been."

"All these books are Lost books?" Bram asked.

"Oh, no, of course not," Tomaj replied, "but a large number of them most certainly are! Most of the books within these walls are old stories or historical records written by the Gahin people, or imported from the countries of Theron or Schrade."

"Rare they are, however, handwritten to the last and protected with care to keep the wear of time from reducing them to little more than dust in some cobwebbed bookshelf."

"The printing press, however, allowed us to take these treasured books, and copy them in great numbers to bring a new era of literature to the Gahin people! What was once a luxury is now available to all!"

"The literature of the Lost as well, fictional or otherwise, were just as eagerly taken in for replication! Though more non-Lost books exist, there are still a grand number lining the shelves of this Library!"

"The Lost may have been poorly received by some upon their awakening here in Gahiji, but here at the Library they were all but revered! Such a trove of novels and reference books of all kinds, carried through the sands of time to be reborn within these walls!"

"Just think of all the books the Lost have provided to fill our shelves! Just think of the lengths we've gone to in order to find more! The list goes on and on! The Iliad!"

"The Odyssey!"

"A Tale of Two Cities!"

"The Art of War!"

"Around the World in 80 Days!"

"The Romance of the Three Kingdoms!"

"The Epic of Gilgamesh!"

"The Grapes of Wrath!"

"The Invisible Man!"

"The Kama Sutra!"

"The Kama… what? I've never heard of that one…" Bram muttered.

"We can let you borrow or buy a copy if you want. It's a must read. A bestseller! An excellent anniversary gift!"

"Hold on now, love… How old are you, boy?" Monid asked sharply, raising an eyebrow and looking Bram up and down.

"Uh… eighteen?"

"Oh, good! Had to check. You'll want the reference section, under the letter 'K'."

"I'm not sure I want to anymore…"

"Well, if you change your mind, we have plenty of copies for sale! We try to cater to the needs and desires of all that walk through our doors! Tales of adventure, books of intrigue, historical records, romance novels, the works. All people and species are welcome to seek whatever they desire here!"

"Well… at least when they are comfortable enough to enter."

"What's that mean?" Bram frowned.

"Oh, there are those that do not enter our walls for various reasons."

"Like the Felynes."

"They are encouraged to borrow and buy books from the Library as any other species would, but we fear that they just… do not like to enter these walls."

"How come?" Bram asked.

"It is because of the director's pet, Matagot."

"His pet? What kind of pet?" Bram asked. He couldn't imagine Felynes being bothered by anything like a Poogie. "He's not one of those people that keeps a monster as a pet or something, is he? I've seen those hunt requests before, and-"

"No, no… well, I suppose that depends on your perspective."

"Perhaps it would be better for you to witness it yourself," Selene offered. "Though, I'm not sure where-"

"Try over near the biography section," Tomaj supplied. "It's over by the boilers, and he rather likes it where it's warm."

"Oh, thank you," Selene replied, taking hold of Bram's arm and leading him down one of the nearby stacks. She seemed to have a bit of haste to her step, eager to get away from the two curators.

"This 'pet' isn't going to be something dangerous, is it?" Bram asked warily. "I mean, you're not dragging me along to look at a defanged Zamite or something like that are you?"

"Do not worry. You just need to let him nibble on your fingers a little bit. It rarely breaks the skin."

"Excuse me?"

"I am joking. He is a mostly harmless creature. I think you will… ah! There he is."

As the two of them rounded the corner, Bram's gaze landed on a collection of shorter shelves, and sitting atop one of them was a large and fat… Felyne? At least, it looked similar to a Felyne, with bright orange fur, a long and sinewy tail, pointed ears, and a small pink nose. It certainly could pass for a Felyne with a single glance, and yet it just… wasn't. Its hind legs looked weaker, it's paws appeared less developed, and the creature seemed as though it had never walked on its hind legs a day in its life. It seemed to be dozing as the moment, but as people passed it by, its eyes would peek open and watch them for a moment, and Bram could see that though it was attentive, there wasn't quite the spark of what he would call 'proper intelligence'. The creature seemed like a bestial version of a Felyne.

"What the hell is that?" he muttered, approaching to study the creature. The beast opened an eye lazily at his approach, studying him right back for a second or two before apparently deciding he wasn't worth its time, yawning and dozing off again.

"That is Matagot, the director's pet… cat," Selene replied. "Apparently he is the ancient form of the modern Felyne, lacking the dexterity and intelligence of his descendants, the only one of his kind still in existence, as far as people know. The director had him when he was enveloped within his Lost crystal, and the cat was brought with him through the ages until he was awakened twenty-five years ago."

"So this is a cat…" Bram muttered, staring at a creature. "My father's mentioned them before, and I've heard about them from a few other Lost, but I didn't think I'd ever see one."

"There are many researchers that find the creature quite fascinating, and many have taken time to come and study him. But it would seem that Felynes are not quite… comfortable in Matagot's presence. Though some Felynes do come into the library to purchase books, they do not linger and avoid Matagot with every opportunity."

"Oh… Yes, that'd make sense, wouldn't it? I suppose I wouldn't be that comfortable coming face to face with the human equivalent, myself. And twenty-five years? I always heard that cats had relatively short lives compared to that of Felynes."

"From what I have heard, it is suspected that the effects of the Lost crystal may have had some strange effects on Matagot, extending his life beyond what would normally be expected of his species. Last I heard, he was already several years old when he and the director were pulled into the crystal, so Matagot is well past thirty years old, making him a very ancient example of his species."

"Huh… wait. Does that mean that the crystals could have similar effects on humans aside from the madness? Is there a chance my father will live until he's two hundred years old?"

"Oh… Um. That is not exactly my area of expertise."

"Hmm… Well now I'm curious about this creature," Bram admitted, approaching the cat. "Do you think there's a chance that I-"

As he approached, however, Matagot's eye peeled open again, and there was a bit of steel in his gaze. A small scratching sound could be heard, and Bram looked down towards the cat's paw, to find that the creature had extended his claws. He was raking them against the side of the shelf, tearing a collection of jagged lines into the wood as he kept his gaze on the hunter.

"Ah. You know what, I don't… don't think I need to study this creature."

"That… seems wise," Selene agreed. "Perhaps we should instead go and find those reference books we came to purchase."

"Yes. Yes, that's a very good idea," Bram replied, backing away a bit. Matagot watched him for a moment before closing his eyes again and dozing off.

The two of them wandered around for about thirty minutes after that, scouring the shelves in search of books or reports that interested them. Bram had to admit that he was impressed with the selection, though the medical section was a bit scattered for his tastes. Some of the journals were older and out of date, but with so many books having been reprinted due to the introduction of the printing press, it was hard to tell which ones were the most modern version sometimes. Still, he managed to find a few books on Wyverian physiology, botany, and some entomology writings, so he took what he could. Selene managed to gather the monster migration almanacs she'd been looking for as well, so they both had come out of this well.

As he and Selene wandered the stacks, however, Bram's eagerness to seek out new books began to be overshadowed as a rhythmic, mechanical sound echoed through the shelves, growing louder with each step he took. Those around him didn't seem too perturbed by the whole issue, but he found himself bothered by it.

"What is that sound?" he asked, turning to the Guild girl beside him.

"Hmm?" Selene paused, twitching her ears. "Oh! I apologize. I suppose you simply tune out the noise when you have been here long enough. Those are the printing presses, the Lost machines that print books."

"That's what that is?" Bram asked, walking towards the sound and trying to find the source. "They keep them underground too? It's kind of loud…"

"That is the way they are supposed to be, I believe. I do not believe they get quieter."

"I don't know, these sound really loud," Bram replied as he reached an intersection where the noise seemed to be reaching its peak. Off to his right, there was a wide tunnel leading further underground, and the echoing sound seemed to be emanating from that area, so Bram walked that way. The sound of Selene's talons clicking against the stone floor tailed after him, though they grew muffled as the mechanical clanging overpowered them. "There's a printing factory in Perir back in Theron, and it's not this loud in comparison. I mean, not unless you had… had, uh…"

As Bram stepped out of the tunnel, he found himself standing on a broad catwalk overlooking another wide room. Unlike the rooms above, however, this room was dedicated to machinery rather than literature. Dozens of printing presses sat lined up in rows, with hundreds of workers scuttling around them and producing page after page. On the far end of the room, another collection of workers were gathering together the created pages and compiling them together and binding them into books. All along the catwalk that Bram and Selene stood upon, more of the librarians were carting around small collections on newly-printed books, pushing them out into the stacks to restock the shelves.

Things were rather rambunctious for a library, however. The clanking of the machinery and the constant shouting of the people below made for a rather loud atmosphere. As Bram and Selene watched the cluttered chaos below, there was a collection of shouts from one group down below, and a cluster of the press workers began to look upon one of the machines expectantly. Someone in a yellow uniform appeared, collecting the pages printed from the end before scuttling over to a nearby table. There was a flurry of motion, and then a fully bound book was raised into the air.

"To Kill a Mockingbird!" the man holding the book cried. Cheers went up from those around him, and soon they were starting to chant the name of the book as well.

However, before the cheering could last too long, there was a sudden blast from the other side of the room. A clang and a screech sounded, and one of the presses suddenly seemed to collapse into pieces, throwing cogs and ink and shreds of papers in all directions. The once exuberant cheers faded as a collective groan of frustration echoed through the chamber before calls rang out for a repairman.

"I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet…" Bram muttered. A woman who was passing by while pushing a trolley overheard him and laughed, nudging him in the ribs.

"They say the same about young ladies as well, but the best ones rarely are, wouldn't you say?"

"Well… can't argue with that," Bram shrugged, leaning forward to keep observing the printing process. After a couple minutes of watching, Selene stepped up next to him.

"I hope you are not too bothered by everything here," Selene said nervously. "I realize that the Great Library is quite different than other libraries… Book theft, obnoxious curators, illicit books, ancient Felynes, loud printers that sometimes explode. It can all get somewhat overwhelming."

"No, no, this is fine," Bram replied, and he really meant it. "Honestly, it's rather relaxing."

Selene frowned, giving the archer a sidelong glance. "I do not believe I have ever heard anyone use that particular word to describe the Library before, Bram."

"I don't doubt it," he chuckled. "I suppose it just reminds me of home."

A loud bang made the two of them jump, and a large cog shot through the air, clashing off the wall several yards to their right. Off in the distance through the printing presses, a tower of paper flew through the air, scattering around the room and raising a ruckus of shouts from those nearby. Calls for repairmen echoed through the hall, and a pair of men in oil-coated overalls scuttled past the two of them, hurrying down the stairs with wrenches and screwdrivers and other mechanic's tools.

"Home, you say…"

"That's right. Slightly fewer explosions though."

"Fewer…?"

Another blast sounded out, followed by several cheers, and a plume of smoke and ink rose into the air, spattering the ceiling with black specks. Someone shouted the words "Gulliver's Travels", and soon those below were chanting the words in unison.

"Yep, just like home," he sighed, leaning against the railing. "It's even underground."

"You must have had a very strange upbringing."

"To say the least," Bram chuckled. "If you ever find yourself in Theron, look me up and I'll give you a tour of the Compound. You can compare your library to ours."

"Oh, that would be…! Um… Well, to be honest, if anything you have said is true, it sounds somewhat terrifying."

"Yep. I suppose that's just half the fun."

"Fun… Again, you are using a word to describe something that I feel might be an uncommon choice for the average individual."

"And what do you think that says about me?" Bram smirked. Selene gave him a long and level look, before smiling slightly as well.

"I suppose if they say the best ladies are rarely quiet, the same should apply to gentlemen as well."

"Ha! Well said." Bram grinned, pushing away from the railing. "Do you have everything you were looking for? I'll pay for what you found."

"What? Oh, no! I could not let you-"

"I insist. Consider it payment for being such an interesting tour guide."

"Oh. Well, if you insist…"

"I do," he replied, pulling the ecology books from her arms and adding to his own collection. "Come on. I've prattled on enough about my own research. Feel free to regale me with stories of your own ecological studies."

"Really? Again, if you insist!"

"I really do."

Author's Note: Please Review!

A simple chapter with a simple premise. While Theron might be the primary hub where strange things happen, thanks to Harker and the denizens of the Compound, that doesn't mean that the Lost in Gahiji have any less of an impact. It just means that their impact has to be focused in different places, like the Library!

Also, if you haven't seen it yet, Capcom released a new trailer for MHXX… and I am very excited. Capcom seems to be doing its best to feed me material I can use for the latter half of SOP, I'll say that much.

Playing: Pokemon OR, Bioshock
Reading: Blue Zombie by Tamar Curry