Samantha’s day started with a stop at the library. Situated in a mulberry tree, it rose above the forest floor twelve full stories high. A twisting, spiraling staircase filled the entire chamber, with each floor branching off at each tree limb. Hollowed out briefly, bookcases filled each alcove, with desks, tables and chairs placed about by windows and hallways for readers and researchers alike. As she arrived in the vestibule and hung her cloak on a hook she took out her list and noticed Dimity flitting about levels above, shelving books.
“Samantha!” she exclaimed, coming to a brief halt on the windowsill beside her. “How are you today? What can I help you with?” Dimity fluffed and settled her feathers down and hopped down onto the floor. Taking a stack of books out of the satchel on her back, she set them down on the great oak desk that filled the entrance hall. Samantha handed her the list. “I was hoping to get these delivered before the Big Storm rolls in next week.” Dimity gave the list a brief perusal before looking back at Samantha. “Oh, of course, no problem!” she reached into a cubby built into the desk for a book basket. “If you can wait a few minutes, I can get them for you now?” Samantha shook her head regretfully. “Unfortunately, I don’t have time today. I’m due down at the nursery this morning to help with the Spring Cleaning.” Dimity put the basket back and instead rung a little bell hanging from a hook set into the wall behind the desk. “That’s alright” she said, “I can have Archimedes deliver them to you.” As she spoke, a little brown and cream sparrow zoomed into the vestibule, and landed atop the giant desk. “Yes ma’am, at your service ma’am!” he chirped. His bright black eyes took in the two ladies and sparkled with curiosity. “Do you have a delivery for me to make Miss D?” he asked brightly. Samantha smothered a laugh as Dimity sighed slightly. Archimedes was very fond of flying just as fast as he could, as often as he could, and gave no never-mind to things like protocol- or scratched desks.
I thought the details about the tree were fantastic. I particularly liked the lived in feel of the branches, with all the book stacks integrated into the actual plant. The librarian is also immediately likeable and interesting. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI love the description of the library and the tree together. And Archimedes is absolutely adorable!
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