Looking For Answers

[marymargaret]

The cart loaded with books before her contained quite the assortment of fairy tales.  Belle drifted her fingertips lightly over them, a small smile forming on her lips at the touch.  It was terribly amusing to her that the life stories of those living in Storybrooke were taken for myth by people around the world.  Of course the books stacked on the cart didn't get everything right; she certainly hadn't wed a beast with fur nor had her father stolen a rose.  Yet the adaptations captured the heart of their stories, even if the details were different.

The heels of her fine leather shoes clacked against the floor of the library as she rolled the cart toward the correct shelf, pausing before it.  She began shelving the books according to the number printed on their binding when she heard the door to the library open.  She stepped out from beyond the shelf, smiling slightly at the visitor.  By the young woman's appearance it was clear that she wasn't from Storybrooke.  At least, not from the first curse; she'd yet to assimilate into this world's clothing.  "Can I help you?" she asked, having yet to speak to the infamous woman who'd nearly encased the town in ice.

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Elsa stood at the door of the library for quite some time before gathering the courage to push the door open. She wasn't really keen on asking people for help. In fact, she hated it. She always felt that she couldn't help herself and neither good anyone else. Until recently, when she had become more comfortable with her powers and decided that she could handle most things, but not with the help of others. It's not that she didn't trust others not to be helpful... she just didn't think they'd understand her.

A lot of people in Storybrooke had been proving that wrong, however, and she was starting to learn that people here were kind and loyal to their friends. Was it so bad to ask for help in a time like this?

When the bookkeeper came around the corner, Elsa wasn't expecting someone so young and beautiful. The keeper of books in her castle in Arendelle was a very old man, a well worn historian. Elsa hadn't thought that someone might actually do this because they loved it. Though, Elsa had grown to like books during all the years alone in her room. In fact, that was where the idea of her imaginary friend Jack Frost had come from.

She smiled at the woman, "Hi um... I'm Elsa? I'm... looking for a book," she practically stuttered.

[marymargaret]

Belle smiled at the woman's greeting.  "I'm Belle," she introduced herself.  She took in the young woman's hesitant appearance.  No doubt she must be stressed, looking for her sister.  She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as she remembered the last time she'd seen Anna.  It had been her fault that she'd been captured by the Snow Queen.  She pushed aside the emotion, focusing on doing what she could to help the visitor.

The librarian's smile brightened as she explained the purpose of her visit.  "I can certainly help you with that," she assured her.  "At least, I can try my best to find the book you seek."  She wished to expand the library further, having been building up a list of books that she wished to add to the current catalog.

"What are you looking for, exactly?"  

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Elsa smiled, awkwardly, "I'm Elsa... though, you've probably already heard that..." she chuckled, it was an embarrassed sound. She didn't want to forever be known as the girl who tried to freeze Storybrooke over. That wasn't really what she was trying to do at all! But this girl looked sympathetic and maybe even understanding. Elsa appreciated that.

Elsa stepped closer to the brunette has she started to ask what Elsa needed. This girl must really love books, because her smile brightened and her eyes lit up ten fold when Elsa said what she came for. This made Elsa feel a little more at ease.

"I'm just looking to do research on ways to find my sister, actually," she started, "she isn't in Storybrooke see... for all I know she could be in Mist Haven or some other random place that is far away and unreachable," she sighed.

[marymargaret]

Belle smiled kindly as the woman explained who she was.  She could see that the young woman was embarrassed.  "I've seen your work," she smiled, trying to alleviate the tension.  "It's quite impressive.  I've seen many different abilities in the Enchanted Forest but never one involving ice and snow."  It was fascinating, although perhaps a bit less that it concerned the town.  

She nodded understandingly as she mentioned that she was looking for her sister.  "We have quite the array of books here," she began, gesturing towards the rows behind her.  "Hopefully we can find something here that will help you."  She turned on her heel, pausing before a particular row.  "Have you tried a locator spell?"  

She imagined that Regina could administer one or even her husband, if she asked him.  

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Belles attempt to alleviate the tension did indeed work, for it caused Elsa to chuckle a little. "Thanks, I guess. I'm still learning hence..." she shrugged and chuckled nervously again. The brunette was indeed kind, which was something Elsa was extremely grateful for in this moment. The last thing she needed was people with pitchforks and torches. No torches. No, thank you.

"I can tell, it's impressive as well," Elsa followed Belle in her gesture toward the books and took a step or so after her until she stopped. Belles next question made Elsa smile. "Oh, yes. Rumpl-Mr. Gold was kind enough to help me out with one in fact," then she found a frown upon her face again and she shook her head, "But it didn't work. He said it would only work if she were in Storybrooke, and she's not here. It seems."

[marymargaret]

Belle couldn't help but smile as her husband was mentioned, glad to hear he'd offered assistance.  The old Rumple would have demanded something in return.  It made her heart swell with emotion knowing that he was still striving to be a better person.  She hoped that their marriage helped him remember to stay on the correct path.

Her smile weakened as she realized that the spell hadn't worked.  "Perhaps we can find something else," she said, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to think of what book would be most helpful.  "I don't have books of magic here but I might have something else that could help us."  She turned, heading down an aisle of books.  She returned a moment later with a large, leather bound book.  

"Every map of Storybrooke that has been drawn up is in here," she explained as she set it down at a nearby research table.  "If she's in Storybrooke it would be helpful to keep track of where you've looked and where you should check next."

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Elsa nodded, "I think we can find something else. I'm more looking for... fictional stories, you know? Because most of those fictitious books in this realm were actual events in others. So I think by reading them I could get some history and maybe learn from others mistakes," she really hadn't thought this through that hard, but it wasn't a bad idea. Using history to learn, isn't that what knowing history was for?

When Belle suggested a map, Elsa crossed over to look at the book she had placed upon the table. "Hmm... well, I'm certain she isn't in Storybrooke. But, if she were ever to make it here, this would be very useful in that kind of search!" Plus, the maps were fascinating and just plain useful for every day situations too!

[marymargaret]

Belle nodded, understanding what she requested.  "I'll put this back and then I'll show you to the fiction area," she smiled.  She hefted the book into her arms before going to replace it, returning a moment later.  She beckoned the other woman over toward another section of the library.  "Most of our stories are here," she explained, looking at the books on the shelves.  "A little skewed and edited, but the heart of the stories are there." 

She looked over at Elsa, wondering where exactly she would like to start.

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Elsa watched as Belle replaced the large book. Belle must have some pretty impressive muscles from carrying books around all day. As Elsa surveyed the girl she was sure she had some definition in her arms, it only made sense. Elsa really was week when it came to physical strength. Maybe she should talk to that Gym person everyone was talking about.

"Thank you," Elsa said as she followed Belle towards the fictional section, "I see... well, I guess we should look for stories where someone is lost and then once again found... any idea what tales that would be a part of?"

[marymargaret]

Belle considered her request for a moment.  "I suppose many of our stories involve finding one another," she smiled gently.  "It may be better to speak to those personally involved.  But if you prefer I have this world's take on our personal stories."  She meandered to the fairy tales she'd been shelving moments before Elsa's arrival.  "Snow White and Prince Charming, Aurora and Philip....  There's quite a few here."

She leaned her hip against the shelf, thinking over other possibilities.  "Or you could take a look at Henry's storybook. You have met Emma's son, right?"  She still marveled over the magical changing book that included the tales of everyone in town.  She'd never seen anything like it.

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Elsa nodded, "speak to those personally involved? Well.... there's a thought." She scoffed a little at herself and chuckled, brushing her fingers through her bangs. It was a really good idea, Elsa didn't know why she hadn't thought of it! However... "I think I'd like to do both, actually. The worlds take and the personal take. You know?"

Henrys book wasn't an entirely bad idea, it was probably the most accurate version of these peoples history. Elsa hadn't seen it, but Emma had mentioned it before. "I've met him, yes... I hadn't thought about asking about the book though. He seems pretty protective over it," she chuckled.

[marymargaret]

"The stories in the library differ a bit than our true experiences,"  Belle prefaced.  "But they are a good place to start."  She smiled warmly as the woman considered the other options Belle suggested.  "I don't think any of us would find you asking questions.  Everyone in town seems to be quite helpful."  She supposed that came along with the camaraderie built from surviving multiple curses together.

She chuckled as Elsa spoke of Henry's love for his book.  "I don't think he would mind letting you take a look at it," she assured her.  She didn't think that her grandson would refrain from helping one in need.  "Especially if it will help you find your sister."  The boy was just as willing to help as the rest of his family. 

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"I believe that," Elsa nodded as Belel explained that the books had a different take. "That's why I wanted to look at both, I think," she said. At Belles suggestion that the town wouldn't mind her questions, Elsa smiled albeit nervously, "Yes... yes, I think I could do that. Maybe not on my own though," she chuckled. Maybe she'd drag Emma with her.

"I guess I'll have to ask him. Perhaps we can look at it together, he seems to be really in tune with the thing," from what Elsa had heard, that book was the entire reason that Henry had found Emma in the first place. The kid must have some powerful powers of translation and intuition.

[marymargaret]

Belle smiled warmly at the woman as she mentioned not wanting to go alone.  "I work at the library most days, and sometimes I aid my husband in his shop," she prefaced. "But if you need someone to help I can make the time."  She knew that Emma was helping the young woman though she assumed an extra pair of hands would be helpful.  She wished to aid the woman, feeling guilty for failing her younger sister.  She hoped that by helping her find Anna her sins of the past would be wiped away.  Despite her need for absolution she truly wanted to help Elsa find her sister; she knew she would be desolate if she couldn't find her father.

"I believe Henry splits his time between Regina's and Emma's," she explained.  "If you ask Emma I'm sure you'll be able to track him down."  She had to admit that her grandson had quite the family tree.  She internally smiled; having a grandson was enough of a shock for her.