Misplaced books

[Beorn]

The Sundren Archives are open to all. One might think this the dream of anybody interested in Sundren history, but Vlobesar Pen'huatl was not surprised that this freedom brought with it certain disadvantages; this he experienced when he found that between the works of Trini Port and Bilda Porwiggle there was not a single volume authored by Jebediah Portsman, although he did spot a copy of Varieties of Cockatrice, II – Subterranean by Elvina Potsbrandt. He sighed as he removed the recently-published book from the shelf to place it in the proper section downstairs, thinking to himself that since he arrived in Sundren City he must have spent as much time sorting books as he had done reading them.
As he was placing the waylaid book between the first and fourth volume of the series – the third was apparently misplaced, too – he was spotted by the librarian, Seer Marcus, who too was busy putting misplaced books back where they belonged. He chuckled at the sight of Vlobesar.
"You're still here, I see, friend historian. If you keep this up, I’m going to have to start providing you with a salary."
A grin betrayed the Paladin's stern visage, but he was quick to resume the dull facial expression that he usually maintained.
"You could save yourself those coppers, Seer," he said, "if only you were a bit more selective about who you allowed in here."
Again, the Seer chuckled.
"Aye, that would make my work a whole lot easier – and yours too, I’m sure – but I’m afraid that’s just not our philosophy here."
As Seer Marcus was saying this, he took Varieties of Cockatrice, III – Amphibian from the pile of books that he was carrying with him, and placed it next to the volume that Vlobesar had brought down with him.
"Ah; all six volumes, united at last!" Vlobesar said with mock exuberance.
"Indeed," the Seer said, "except there are supposed to be seven parts to the series; I do not think I have seen the last volume part since we got it."
Turning around, the Seer examined Vlobesar's face.
"You look tired, friend. Why don’t you go get yourself rested up? Whatever it is you’re looking for, I'll see if I can have it waiting for you when you return."
"Really, I'm…" Vlobesar began, but just then had to stop in order to stifle a yawn. The Seer looked at him, amused.
"Very well," Vlobesar said, defeated. "I am looking for a particular trade manifest… Shipping Manifest, 1304, attributed to Jebediah Portsman… It is nowhere in the correct section."
"Quite the surprise, wouldn’t you say?” Seer Marcus replied, and again Vlobesar's facial expression hinted at amusement. Having bid farewell to the librarian, he then left the Library to seek out an inn.

[Beorn]

The stomach like the purse

It was a disgruntled Vlobesar that returned to the Library the following morning. He had slept in an inn that night, but he had not slept well; in part it was his empty stomach that troubled him, but more so it was the realization that he would need to take time away from his other pursuits and find a living for himself if he were to get by in Sundren. He was met not by Seer Marcus, but by a considerably younger man in similar apparel. The Novice studied Vlobesar before addressing him.
"Ah, good morning to you!" he said, and received a lukewarm "Good morning." in return. "I'm sure you're the one that Seer Marcus told me about... ...you requested an old shipping manifest?"
"That is correct," Vlobesar replied.
"Ah, yes, figured it had to be you; not many people come in here dressed in full-plate, I daresay. Well, now, Marcus said to tell you that he was able to find the book, and that he put it in the study room for you."
Vlobesar thanked the young man and went to study the manifest.

Having sat down with the Portsman's manifest, Vlobesar found that he couldn't focus well. He would read and reread the same page over and over again, because he could not take it all in; he was troubled by an empty stomach and a feeling of vulnerability coming of his immediate poverty. He put the manifest down and went out into the main part of the library.
"Ah, hello again," said the man from before. "Is there something I can help you with."
"Hmm? No, thank you..." replied a bemused Vlobesar. "Well, come to think of it; perhaps, if you know... How might a traveler earn a few coppers in this city?"
The young man looked at him. "Well," he said, "from the look of you, I'd say you may want to look in with the City Guard; they're usually looking for somebody to perform a few tasks here and there."
The City Guard? thought Vlobesar to himself. He did not much like the idea; his life had been one of vows, but he could not swear one to protect a city he barely knew. Still, in a choice between pledging himself to the guard and pledging his armor to a local pawn shop, he thought he may at least see what a job with the City Guard might entail. He thanked the teal-clad man, and was off.