Late Night Studying (Stella/Calliope)

Well then how do you expect me to look up any information? Calliope tried to keep the frustration from rising to visible levels. She adjusted her jaw to assist in that. "Well, what is her name then? At least that might give a direction to search." The only reason Calliope didn't walk away at this point was nostalgia. Talking to Stella reminded her of a bright-eyed Quincy lost during World War IV. They had bonded over being on the outside of both fronts—they hadn't lost anyone to Demons, nor were they truly involved in Quincy society.

"If your mother felt a particular way about Shinigami, chances are there is a reason beyond family tradition. The fact is that most modern Quincy don't harbor the same adherence to tradition that we once did. They are more accepting and tolerant. So if your mother disliked Shinigami, it was likely a personal experience rather than generational trauma." Calliope did, however, leave out an important piece. It could be both."If you wish to form your own opinion on Shinigami, I recommend speaking to one yourself. The Vandenreich has a small population of their ilk. Akira Tairitsu is one I know of. The City of Lights is also home to more thanks to refugees and spiritual tourists."

Alas, the name did nothing to help in the immediate. Calliope did not know anyone with either of those names. She ripped a page out of a steno pad and passed it to Stella. "Write it down so time isn't wasted on a mis-spelled name." She thought for a moment. "And put down a phone number so someone can reach you when the results are in."

Calliope adjusted the book she was holding and took the finished note back. "Miss Bauer, it would be prudent for you to understand something else." With an open hand, she gestured to the library. "You won't find all of the answers you seek in a book. I commend you for choosing the library first seemingly on your own, but it's not correct to think that it holds every answer for the difficult questions you ask."

"Books are a recollection of experiences. Your best bet isn't to relive someone else's—if possible—and instead forage for your own experiences. My opinion on Shinigami, Hollow, Arrancar, et cetera will be different than another Quincy's. You may learn that to you, they can be trusted and relied upon, whereas I may have learned a different lesson." Calliope eyed Stella's uniform. At a glance, it gave her the information she needed. "You're part of the Vandenreich, and I would say there is no better place to experience humanity than here. The Spezialkräfte is probably the best place for you as well if you wish to heed my advice."

Stella seemed to be getting some of the point she was making, but not all of it. It was, admittedly, frustrating for Calliope. Not because Stella was frustrating, no. If anything, talking to Stella was like talking to a country bumpkin who had never seen a skyscraper. It was endearing even. But Calliope was no teacher. She was no scholar on the philosophical. She had her way of thinking and that was it. She based her own opinions on her experiences and not those of another. She didn't see what they saw—and more importantly, they didn't see what she saw.

"The history of our people is a contentious one. Some will claim we are free from blame and were unjustly massacred for the enjoyment of the Gotei Thirteen. Others paint a picture that we were problematic and our pride blinded us, but we did not deserve the genocide they brought upon us. And still others will proclaim that we are sinners and deserved the Shinigami's judgement—and that perhaps we still do." Letting out an exasperated sigh, Calliope shrugged. "But in truth, the detailed history of who we were shouldn't be of concern to you."

"You said it yourself—you want context, but I think you ask too broad of a question. Start with this," Calliope waved the paper up and down. "Once you find your answer there, then find what you want next. By the time you get to this information, your situation may have changed and you want different questions answered." Calliope's watch beeped. Frowning, she set the book back down on Stella's pile. "That is all the time I have free. I will make sure one of the Albedochiffren researches more into your mother's heritage, and they will reach out to you if they have any further questions."

"Have a pleasant evening, Miss Bauer." At that, Calliope did not offer any further sign of familiarity as she walked towards the exit. She had a meeting to attend and aspirin to take. But she did have hope that Stella learned something in this encounter. Not once did Stella say her own last name was Bauer or that she was unmarried. Calliope knew what this woman's name was, and it would be one she'd remember.