Prologue: Inkarnation

Artie chuckles at Kinsey's losing battle to explain cars in a suitable fashion, but she waves her hand almost dismissively when Kinsey asks how she can be useful. "To Malin and her world, your understanding of technology is indistinguishable from magic. Almost all engineering operates on principles of physics and chemistry that often do not change from world to world... you may very well be the most knowledgeable - and thus powerful - women in this room."
To Jezebel's question, Artie replies, "No, you won't be changed at all. In fact, the book will not acknowledge you exist, at first... and it is in your interest to keep it that way. After all, the doppleganger can read the story, even within the book... but they are not omniscient. So long as you do not interfere with the plot of the novel, it will not realize you have entered."

"But..." She adds, holding up a finger. "...you do not have endless time. The original protagonist - one of you - will still be recognizable. And while the story will not attempt to follow you, major characters will recognize you and confuse you with the doppleganger. Over time, this will cause complications. And if the doppleganger discovers you, it will write you back into the story as soon as possible in order to destroy you once and for all."
Artie's smile fades, and she shakes her head. "Be very cautious of that sort of thinking. You are more than is written in your book, I can tell you that much... you have thoughts, feelings, and memories that have never and will never appear in the pages. But would you exist if the book did not? I cannot say... and I could not tell you what the book's author thought about you beyond what is written. I can tell you that when I summoned you, I did not feel as if I was creating life, but pulling you from somewhere else. Let that be enough for you."

Between Malin and Kinsey asking about time, Artie shakes her head again. "Time is a strange thing, and something that none of us perceive perfectly. Suffice to say that past and future are no different from each other besides perspective. When I read your books, I have quite a bit of control over time in your world... I might read fast or slow, or skip back and forth. I can reread it as many times as I wish. Your confusion only comes from visiting a perspective outside of what is normal."


Letting all the introductions play out, Artie waits for a lull in the conversation, then asks, "If you will all permit me something of a personal question... after taking in all of this information, about various worlds, doppelgangers, each others' worlds... what frightens you the most? Do feel free to lie, if you wish, but know that I don't ask frivolously." She pauses, looks around, and then smiles. "And after that... who would like some dinner, or perhaps some sleep? I would offer a tour of the library, but I myself will need to recuperate, and so I'd like to make certain the three of you are comfortable before I retire."

Artie chuckles. "Hell it may be, depending on your point of view. But no, this is not the worst place you could be, Miss Gloome."

She stands up and begins to gather up the tea supplies. "A very natural fear to have, Princess Malin. Although I wonder if you really are a static thing, something true and preordained, unchanging regardless of the forces that push and pull on you... wouldn't that make you little more than a character written in a book?"

When she has completed regathering the snacks and refreshments, she smiles at Kinsey. "Would you be as afraid if you went to a world with technology beyond your understanding? Or would you believe that you could learn what you do not know? If so, how is that different from magic?"

She tilts her head and laughs. "I apologize, ladies... I ask questions for my own understanding, not to judge your fears. I promise, come morning, I will give you something to ease your nerves. But to do that, I must retire soon. Please allow me to show you your rooms, and the rest of the library - the kitchen is a must, of course - and then allow me to get some rest. I will have a busy morning... no doubt you will be busy shortly thereafter."

She opens the door she used before and holds it for the other three, beckoning them to come along, and giving them a minute to collect themselves. Once everyone who wishes to has exited, she begins the rather short tour of the facility.

The hallways are long, dimly lit with flickering, electric lanterns, and dotted with doors. Each door, according to Artie, leads to reading rooms, lecture halls, and even one copier's room. Peeking in the door will reveal each room has a different layout... some with a lectern and rows of desks and chairs facing it, others with larger desks outfitted with writing supplies, all grouped in clusters and facing each other. Each room, invariably, has more books in it, and separated in some kind of category, for they at least look similar to each other with a cursory glance.

At one point, Artie takes a door and enters a rather clean and aesthetically non-conforming kitchen. The appliances (perhaps unfamiliar) are largely chrome and shiny, stainless steel to anyone familiar. The stove gas powered, the countertops are a blue-veined marble. The cabinets, on the other hand, are wooden and carved, fitting much more coherently with the rest of the library. While Artie goes to the sink to rinse out the used dishes, she invites everyone to make use of the kitchen as they see fit, so long as they clean up after themselves, and gives a quick summary of where everything can be found. Looking through the pantry and the refrigerator finds it stocked to the brim, and the spice cabinet lacks nothing, containing spices and herbs both familiar and strange.

Artie finishes putting away what she used for tea, and claps her hands together with a smile. "Well, I hope you all make yourselves at home. My quarters are just across the hall, out that door." She points to the door in question. "The other bedrooms are also there, and you will find them all clean and with made beds... pick any that suit your fancy. There is a clock in each room, and instructions next to it on how to make it wake you up at a specific time, if you like. You will also find the door locks from the inside, and the key is in the nightstand drawer. I myself will never enter your room if the door is shut, locked or not, but I understand this is still a strange place for you all. Goodnight, ladies." She takes her leave.