Meeting the Librarian

Almost immediately you see a woman in a dark pants-suit appear at the railing above and make her way to one of the two spiral staircases that link the levels of the library. She doesn't say anything, but you get the distinct impression of 'Hushhhhh'. You feel a little unease at being confronted by this woman on her own territory.

When she reaches the floor you see she is nowhere nearly as intimidating as you first thought. Her delicate features are partially hidden by a pair of dark plastic-rimmed glasses, but although her light-brown hair is pulled back tightly in a bun reminiscent of Ms. Naylor's, this woman is a good ten years your junior.

"Yes?" She asks softly. Her hushed tones serving as a reminder of your earlier vocal transgression and putting you on the defensive. This woman is not short, she's about 5'8", but her lowered gaze and slightly hunched shoulders create the impression that she is only a fraction of your height. You study her briefly hoping for a way to put this uncomfortable looking woman at ease.

"I'm sorry I called out like that, Miss er..." You stumble to a stop realizing that you don't know this shy woman's name. Her dark suit looks as uncomfortable as it is unflattering, it is hard to gage much about the woman's figure because of her outfit, but she is heavier in both the torso and hips than the elegant Headmistress. Annoyed at yourself for comparing every woman you meet to Ms. Naylor with her slender waist and tightly fitting pencil skirt you **** your eyes up to her face as she whispers her name.

"Wilder, Alice Wilder." She introduces herself in a hushed tone that only just reaches your ears before dissipating into nothing.

"Yes, thank-you Miss Wilder, and I'm sorry again about calling out." Miss Wilder looks like she has a pretty face, but it is impossible to tell for sure because she has yet to look up at you. It's a little unnerving trying to speak to someone whose eyes seem to be staring at your sternum, but you're not here to flirt with the librarian, so you explain who you are and what you need.

If anything, Miss Wilder gets even smaller when she hears your request.

"I'm sorry Mr. Hawkfeather, I'm afraid I don't have a more recent Code for you to work with." She seems close to tears for no rational reason. You look around in the vain hope of spotting a more senior librarian who can get you what you need.

"It's OK, Alice." You try to reassure her. If anything your gentle approach only makes her more uncomfortable. "Perhaps you can direct me to someone who can loan me a recent copy."