* Glossaria works in the stacks, taking advantage of the anti-magic shell's field to reshelve some of the usually more recalcitrant books.

* Tarri approaches the Tower, laden with a large stack of packages and bags. She tries to shift them enough to knock, but instead nearly topples the lot. She settles instead on gently kicking the door.

* Realia looks up from her nap in front of the Library door, and whines. Glossaria rolls her ladder to the end of the row and peeks out. "Guests, Realia?"

* Tarri juggles her packages again, and gives the Tower's perfectly ordinary-looking door a faint scowl. "I think I liked you better when you were sideways, and opened right away."

* Glossaria braces her feet on either side of the ladder and slides down, landing lightly and making her way down the stairs to the front door, pulling it open part-way. "Um... may I help you? We don't accept salesmen here, I'm sorry."

<Tarri> ::peeks around a box:: It's me, Gloss...

<Tarri> ::grins:: I've been shopping.

<Glossaria> Tarri! ::breaks into a delighted smile and opens the door wide:: Shopping? All this in one day? I think an oxcart would have been a wise addition to your purchases... or perhaps you should have brought Sanriel. ::giggles::

<Tarri> ::grins:: Well, I couldn't very well bring Sanriel; some of this is Midwinter presents - and of course he's on the top of my list! But a small cart might very well have been a good idea! ::She steps carefully through the door and lowers her load to the floor.::

<Glossaria> Oh! Midwinter presents! I should acquire some! ::cocks her head:: Is there anything in particular you want?

<Tarri> Well... ::looks slightly uncomfortable:: I was wondering if maybe you could help me with something.

<Glossaria> ::smiles:: Well, I was referring to *your* Midwinter gift, but any other assistance I can offer is yours. ::blinks a moment:: Did you ever sort out your other difficulty, by the way?

<Tarri> Oh! Um... I'm sure by now you know my taste in books... ::she grins:: And... no, but I'm still thinking things through.

<Glossaria> ::nods:: Fair enough. So... ::turns and leads Tarri down the stairs to the Library:: How may I be of service?

<Tarri> Well... ::she bites her lip:: I wouldn't- that is, I know it's... ::she stops, frustrated, and tries again:: I wanted to get Sanriel something for Midwinter, but I didn't think it would cost so much... ::shamefacedly:: ...and I thought maybe you could help out. If you knew a... a discount shop, or something.

<Glossaria> ::cocks her head:: Is it a book?

<Tarri> ::shakes her head:: It's... Well, I don't really know what it is, exactly. I want... I wanted to get him something that would help him stay safe, when he's out doing things. ::sighs:: I tried a magic shop in town, but he wanted two thousand gold pieces for a thing that would hardly even be noticeable, he said.

<Glossaria> So... not standard armor... a spell? Or a magic item? It was a reputable establishment?

<Tarri> ::looks plaintively at Glossaria:: And of course I'd spend everything I had if I thought it would keep San safe, but... two thousand, for "barely noticeable"? That was more than I'd counted on...

<Tarri> ::nods:: It was the place Cat works for... An item, I thought, since a spell would just wear off. And San doesn't wear armor.

<Tarri> ::sighs:: I had no idea magic things cost so *much*.

<Glossaria> "Cat"? A friend of yours, I assume? ::frowns a little, rubbing her chin as she thinks:: So... a warding item of some sort... Ring of Protection, or Bracers of Defense, perhaps... mmm...one moment... ::goes over to a set of shelves behind her desk and runs her finger over a row of spines before selecting a volume and bringing it over::

<Tarri> Oh, haven't you met her? She's another student over at the psionic school. Sweet girl, very pretty... not very studious, but quite friendly.

<Glossaria> ::nods:: Magic bonds best to well-crafted items, which are, themselves, costly. The spells often take rare materials and a great deal of time and skill to produce. ::nods:: Add to that the inflation caused by market demand, and... ::nods:: It adds up.

<Tarri> Bracers? Like... like archery bracers? ::brightens:: That would probably suit San perfectly. ::deflates again:: Ah, well... I just thought I'd find out, since you do so much with magic, if you knew a place I could get something a little... less expensive - before I gave up altogether on the idea.

<Glossaria> Not very studious? Hm... no, then I'm not likely to have met her.

<Glossaria> ::nods and balances the large book-- easily a third of her height-- on her knee as she flips it open:: I believe I may have an idea... provided my Mistress allows... ::ghost of a smile::

<Tarri> Really? ::looks hopeful::

<Glossaria> ::nods:: Really. ::flips pages, running her finger down the closely-written columns:: Let's see... defensive items... armor... Aegis of... ::shakes her head:: no, too much... Archon's Breastplate... nonono, much to big... Brassiere... no, no, wrong sex...ah, here we are! Bracers... D, D, D... Bracers of Defense. Yes, just the thing.

<Tarri> ::leans to peer over Glossaria's shoulder:: What's that?

<Glossaria> ::absently:: Tower Catalog... Volume Two of Realia. ::turns her head:: Down, love, didn't mean you.

* Realia sits back down and wags her tail.

<Tarri> ::blinks:: Volume... ::she looks at the enormous book wide-eyed:: That's a list of things that are *in* here?

<Glossaria> A catalog. Part of it, yes. ::nods, running her finger down the list:: Mistress Zoya collects magic items. Something of a... hobby, you might say. She's had no need of bracers, though, since she acquired her Chains, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind gifting you with a pair to gift Sanriel with. ::smiles::

<Tarri> ::blinks:: Gift- ::shakes her head:: I don't... ::swallows:: That's an awfully expensive present to accept from someone I don't even know very well. After the prices Master Lavalier quoted to me... ::she smiles faintly:: Maybe instead, I could... I could pay for the raw materials, at least?

<Glossaria> ::shrugs a shoulder:: If you wish. I'd need to ask her, of course, but my considered opinion is that she'd be much happier seeing the items put to good use.

<Glossaria> Besides... ::grinning a little impishly:: Aren't "used" items typically discounted heavily?

<Tarri> ::considers:: That would make sense, wouldn't it? ::smiles:: Well... If you'd ask her, when you see her again, I'd appreciate it. I mean, I can think of half-a-dozen things I could get him for Midwinter, but I really... ::she grins sheepishly:: I want something to keep him safe, now that he's actually *doing* something about his visions.

<Glossaria> ::raises her eyebrows:: Oh?

* Glossaria turns the book around on her lap, spreading it a little wider so Tarri can read it. "Care to pick something? Estimated armor values in the left-hand column."

<Tarri> ::nods as she starts reading over Glossaria's shoulder:: You hadn't heard? He's started to be able to remember most of his visions when he recovers from them, and *sometimes* he can summon them. He's been looking for... things gone wrong, and then going and fixing them before they happen...

<Glossaria> ::sits back with a smile:: But-- that's wonderful! Has it been working? ::frowns:: I know he said not everything he sees is from this reality.

<Glossaria> ::cocks her head, looking thoughtful:: And, of course, the paradox of seeing the future and unmaking it... hmmm....

<Tarri> ::nods:: He said it started with a vision of a fire, with several deaths, and he went and put out the fallen torch before it caught the building on fire.

<Glossaria> Impressive!

<Tarri> ::nods and smiles proudly:: He said, after that, he's been *trying* to see bad things, so he can do what he can to stop it. But sooner or later, he's going to... I don't know - try to interfere in an argument before it gets out of hand, or offend someone - and I'd feel happier if he had a little protection when that happened. ::she points at the list:: Something like this.

<Tarri> I worry a lot, I know. ::grins sheepishly::

<Glossaria> Well... but you're his love. You have a right to worry. ::tilts her head and reads the entry upside-down with a nod:: Yes, that would do nicely, I imagine. Has he thought of-- I don't know, forming a league, or an intra-city adventuring party for backup?

<Tarri> ::shakes her head:: I don't know... Probably not. Maybe I'll suggest it to him.

<Glossaria> ::nods:: It would be an idea... a venerable tradition, in fact.

<Tarri> ::smiles and nods:: I'll mention it the next time I see him.

<Tarri> ::stretches and smiles:: And I should probably go finish my shopping... What do *you* want for Midwinter, anyway?

* Glossaria turns the book around and slides her ever-present notebook from a hidden pocket, peering over the entry and copying it down neatly. "Mm? Oh, me?" She blinks. "Ummm... a book?" She looks hopeful.

<Tarri> ::laughs:: How could I possibly find one you don't already have?

<Glossaria> Well... ::blushes:: It was a thought. Hmm... ::brightly:: You could cook something! Well... that is, if you have time. I know your duties must take up much of your day.

<Tarri> ::grins:: Oh, well, I'll be leaving the temple as soon as they let the magic back in - until the new year, anyway. But then San and I are going to visit his parents... ::shrugs and smiles:: I'll think of something.

<Glossaria> Oh! That's right, you're visiting his family over break! ::smiles:: Are you excited? Nervous? Are you going to ask them for his hand? ::frowns:: Or... is that a male tradition?

<Tarri> ::laughs:: I'm a little nervous, but San is positive there's nothing to worry about. ::grins:: The man asks the girl's father for her hand, traditionally. But we'll be asking for their blessing.

<Glossaria> ::bounces a little and sets the book aside to hug Tarri:: Married life is *so* much fun! It's *nothing* like they write about!

<Tarri> ::giggles as she returns Glossaria's hug:: So what *is* it like?

<Glossaria> ::giggles:: I thought you *didn't* like me talking about that sort of thing!

<Tarri> ::blushes:: Oh! Never mind, then.

<Glossaria> ::wrinkles her nose:: Well, you're going to have to learn about it *sooner* or later. I have books you're welcome to borrow... ::looking concerned:: Did your mother ever tell you about the... ::frowns a moment:: Fur and flies? No, that's not right... ah! Birds and bees!

<Tarri> ::laughs, blushing still:: I know how it works, yes.

<Glossaria> Well... ::pats Tarri's knee:: When you're married, you'll have *plenty* of opportunities for practice. Marriage *is* a contract for exclusive access, after all. You're sure you'll be... compatible?

<Tarri> ::blushes harder:: I'm pretty sure, yes.

<Glossaria> ::cocks her head to the side:: You've experimented already?

<Glossaria> ::musing:: Or perhaps... yes, exchanging measurements would be practical...

<Tarri> ::blinks and puts her hands over her face:: We'll just... find out when the time comes, Gloss.

<Glossaria> Oh. ::looking a little disappointed:: It just seems to me like the sort of thing that would be wise to plan in advance... ::sighs:: Sometimes I despair of understanding it all....

<Tarri> ::grins faintly as her blush fades:: I don't know that anyone is really *supposed* to understand it, Gloss. Besides, there's more to being married than *that*.

<Glossaria> Well... yes, but that *is* an important compatibility factor. Do you know if he sleeps with the window open or closed?

<Tarri> ::blinks:: It depends on the temperature outside, I'm sure.

<Glossaria> ::nods sagaciously:: Well, it can be very important, if you disagree on such matters. It's the little things that can ruin a marriage, you know.

<Tarri> ::smiles:: I'm confident that we'll work everything out.

<Glossaria> ::smiles a little mistily:: Amor vincet omnia...

<Tarri> ::frowns:: What's that?

<Glossaria> ::blinks:: Oh-- I'm sorry. "Love conquers all."

<Tarri> Oh. ::smiles:: That's a nice sentiment.

<Glossaria> From an ancient language of Marten's homeworld. Well... his *old* homeworld.

<Tarri> ::blinks:: His- ::shakes her head:: No, if I ask, I'll be here another hour while you explain it all, and while I'm sure it must be *fascinating*, I really have *got* to finish my shopping while the shops are still open. ::she smiles and stands::

<Glossaria> ::opens her mouth to explain, and closes it again with a smile as Tarri finishes:: As you wish. I've some time... I'll just pop out and ask Mistress Zoya about these bracers, while I've the chance. Where may I find you, these days?

<Tarri> Mm... ::considers:: Until they let the magic back in, I'm at the temple; after that I'll be staying with Sabrina until San and I leave.

<Glossaria> ::nods:: I'll call at the temple, then. Hopefully, they'll let me in....

<Tarri> ::blinks:: Why wouldn't they?

<Glossaria> ::makes a face:: The Morninglords have occasionally been somewhat... hm... difficult, with the, ah, newer orders. Some of them are... not fond of Lord Erdian and His followers.

<Glossaria> Mistress Zoya has an understanding with the temple, but sometimes... ::shrugs::

<Tarri> ::frowns:: I didn't know that. Well, no matter what, if you ask, someone should be willing to go and fetch me.

<Glossaria> ::nods and smiles:: It will be interesting to see you at work. ::hastily:: I mean-- not that I haven't seen you work before, but-- it's different.

<Tarri> ::smiles:: I know what you mean... I'll hope to see you again soon, then! ::she hugs Glossaria:: Thank you so much for helping!

<Glossaria> ::nods:: Soon as I can. Do you have an estimate on the time the rest of your shopping will take?

<Tarri> Mmm... Another hour or so. No more than that, or I won't be able to *carry* any more. But I saved the smaller things for last.

<Glossaria> ::amused smile:: I believe the Tower has a wheelbarrow you might borrow....

<Tarri> ::grins:: I'll be all right. It's kind of fun, actually.

<Glossaria> ::nods:: Well enough. ::stands:: Let me show you out, then.

<Tarri> ::nods:: I'd appreciate it.

<Glossaria> ::chuckles:: He's really been quite quiet of late... well, except for Val. He likes him. ::giggles as she leads Tarri to the left down a long carpeted hall that wasn't there before::

<Tarri> He... Oh, the Tower. ::giggles and follows Glossaria scrupulously::

<Glossaria> ::nods:: Well... technically an "it" I suppose, but... he *feels* like a big brother. ::pats a stone wall affectionately::

<Tarri> ::giggles:: If you say so.

<Tarri> ::As they reach the lobby, Tarri picks up her packages again, balancing them carefully in her arms::

<Glossaria> ::hesitates, hovering a little:: Are you sure you don't need help?

<Glossaria> I could... oh. Well... maybe one of the gnomes...

<Tarri> ::shakes her head:: No, really, I've only got a little more to do.

<Tarri> ::grins::

<Glossaria> Well... alright. Here, let me get the door... ::opens the door for Tarri:: Good luck with the rest of it!

<Tarri> ::smiles:: Thanks! ::she edges out the door, then grins widely to Gloss in lieu of waving before heading down the path.::

* Glossaria smiles, and calls, "Realia! I'm going out! Be back in an hour or two!" She steps out and closes the door behind her, starting to make a warding gesture before sighing and turning to go.