Journal the Seventh

[theabjectauthor]

[morning finds Lemony at his favorite spot in the library - a window seat with a view of the town, where the sun is bright but indirect. there's a small table off to his side, set with tea and some assorted pastries, a neatly constructed breakfast sandwich, and - of course - plenty of napkins. a stack of books sits to his other side, and on top, he's perched his journal. something about the quality of the light and the feeling of the moment almost makes him reach for his handkerchief ... and then he realizes that it is a good sort of melancholy. picking up his pen, he writes:]

To My Fellow Residents,

Over the past few days, I spent my time quietly observing what Paradisa wrought upon us: and while I could say much on the symbolism of age, the origins of the game of Bingo, and the perils of ingesting too many gelatin-based foodstuffs, I will not belabor you all with redundancy, a phrase which here means that many of you are likely discussing such topics amongst yourselves already.

Instead, I would be more interested to know how many of you possess the following traits, value the pursuant virtues, or have proficiency or curiosity in regards to the skills listed below:

☐ Curiosity
☐ Diligence
☐ Intelligence
☐ Courageousness
☐ Enthusiasm
☐ Versatility

☐ Punctuality
☐ Realism
☐ Respect
☐ Good Manners
☐ Integrity
☐ Stewardship

☐ Observation
☐ Codes
☐ Theatre
☐ Fire-fighting
☐ Lion taming
☐ (or really any sort of animal training)
☐ Self-defense
☐ Musicianship
☐ Artistry
☐ Mountaineering
☐ Cartography
☐ Inventing
☐ Rhetoric
☐ Biting
☐ Disguise
☐ Bibliophilia
☐ Herpetology
☐ Philately
☐ List-making

If the thought of placing an emphatic check or 'x' in several of the above boxes makes your fingers itch with anticipation, please speak with me, or come and join me in the library for a continental breakfast. After all, the world is quiet here. I hope to hear from you.

Very Fastidiously Drafted,

Comments

[theabjectauthor]

Yes, Lemony Snicket, yes. How long have you been in residence here, Mr. Harrowgate? You seem rather at ease with our surroundings.

[lord_wizard]

[That was definitely true in the library. He'd practically lived here his first few weeks, and then met Ashura here as well, he remembers with a bemused smile]

Two years and...hm...four months, approximately.

[theabjectauthor]

That is quite a while. I must say, I'd be honored if you ever felt generous enough to share what you've learned in your time here.

[lord_wizard]

Not as long as some. And I'll be happy to answer any questions if you answer some as well. Fair play, as they say.

[He smiles brightly]

[theabjectauthor]

However I may enlighten you, sir, I would be pleased to do so. What would you care to know?

[lord_wizard]

The purpose for your survey would be a good start.

[theabjectauthor]

Where I am from, I was a long-standing member of an organization called VFD, which prided itself on the pursuit and spread of knowledge, as well as its use in protecting or helping others whenever necessary. Its members were aptly known as Volunteers.

I am canvassing the castle for individuals who possess the sort of traits, skills, and interests valued, in hopes that we might work together to form a sort of local branch.

[lord_wizard]

An admirably ambitious goal, for a newcomer. Though the list itself is...eccentric...to say the least. I'm not sure how some of these items would contribute to that goal.

[theabjectauthor]

One never knows what sort of skills may come in handy in a dire situation. Though, I admit, a few of those items were added simply to see how many logophiles were in residence.

[lord_wizard]

[He chuckled softly] I can't fault you for that, given my own propensities.