Between the Lines

Wednesdays 8PM - 10PM Central Time USAMateus - Shirogane - Ward 9 - Plot 46Teleport Anchors Available By Request

Are you in search of a rare tome or knowledge lost to the ages? Perhaps a relic of unknown properties has come into your possession, and you wish to have it appraised and potentially sold to the highest bidder? Or maybe you desire an item of antiquity? We also offer translation and restoration services.Between the Lines is a library of rare (and not so rare) books, esoterica, and antiquities. The library is open on Wednesday nights (Central Time USA) or by appointment for discerning individuals who can afford the wares.And remember, not all things may be bought with gil...

Feature Collection

Queer Literature

This Pride Month we proudly celebrates the richness, resilience, and radiance of queer voices with a curated collection of LGBTQIA+ literature. From groundbreaking classics to contemporary gems, these works span genres and generations—exploring identity, defiance, intimacy, and joy. Whether you're seeking tender love stories, fierce manifestos, or powerful narratives of becoming, our Pride collection invites you to read, reflect, and revel in the infinite ways queerness shapes the world. Come discover stories where queerness is not just a theme—but a heartbeat.

Public Wi-Fi Available In Discord

About

Between the Lines is a library role play venue open on Wednesday nights from 8-10 PM Central Time (USA) or by appointment! While there are multiple branches of the library, the main branch is on Mateus. Appointments might take place at other locations.Please understand that we run on a shoestring staff; it's literally myself and a couple of others when they are available. We cannot be everywhere all at once. Yes, I am usually dual boxing the proprietor and the doorman. If you wish to interact with the latter, please send that character a tell.Between the Lines may be a largely self-guided experience for visitors, but we will do our best to interact at least minimally with every patron who steps through our doors. If you have any questions about the layout of the venue (i.e., where the various genre sections are located), please reach out to the staff, and we're happy to give you directions so you can role play accordingly.Between the Lines is also a Free Company on the Mateus server of the Crystal Data Center (North America). Interested in joining a creepy occult "library" FC run by a suspicious figure with the tag <BOOKS>? Let me know, and I'm happy to give your character an IC interview.

Staff

The Majordomo

Sokhor, as most know him, serves as Qaelemont's Majordomo, managing the Elezen's estates and affairs with a quiet, authoritative presence whenever Qaelemont is otherwise occupied. This tall, enigmatic Xaela is the senior-most member of Qaelemont's staff, with all others deferring to his judgment in the absence of their master. His age is indeterminate, though he appears to be in his thirties, yet there is something unsettling about him—particularly his eerie, thousand-malm gaze that seems to pierce through the veil of the mortal realm and into something far beyond. His presence is most often felt during the night, when he oversees the household in the hours of darkness.

Naohiro

The second in command among Qaelemont's staff is Naohiro, a Raen whose near-silent efficiency rivals that of Sokhor. Though he occasionally engages in conversation, it is always with measured brevity, revealing only what is essential to address a question or convey important information. While Naohiro may not exude the same unsettling aura as Sokhor, there is an unmistakable peculiarity about him that can be disconcerting. His watch is typically during the daylight hours, ensuring the smooth operation of the household under the sun's gaze.

Deryk

A familiar face in the library, Deryk greets everyone with a warm smile and a cheerful wave. The ginger-haired Hyurzen, rarely seen far from Qaelemont's side, can occasionally be found tending to various parts of the estate when his master is away. In his early twenties, Deryk’s emerald eyes sparkle with youthful energy, and his smile could melt even the coldest heart. Always eager to assist, he takes pride in helping others find the perfect tome, though one should be careful what they wish for—Deryk is more than willing to escort anyone to Qaelemont for such requests.

Devin

Devin, a loyal servant and companion, is frequently seen bustling about the grounds, always eager to lend a hand. With a bright smile and an upbeat demeanor, he takes joy in assisting everyone, especially Qaelemont and Deryk. But don’t be deceived by his innocent appearance—Devin is well-versed in the arcane arts, and while he may blush easily, he’s a formidable protector of those he holds dear. A lover of romance novels, Devin enjoys spending time in the library, though his passion for helping often sees him taking on nearly every chore in the house.

The Librarians

Tea and Tentacles

Welcome to our book club—yes, it’s that kind of book club.Between the Lines presents a one-of-a-kind experience: Tea and Tentacles, hosted by Scarlett Clover on the last Wednesday of every month from 7-8 PM Central Time (USA) in the Book Club room.We showcase writers from all corners of Eorzea and beyond. Sip on Scarlett’s handpicked teas while enjoying an evening of poetry, short stories, skits, and more on our open stage. After the performances, there will be a brief Q&A session, followed by an informal "signing" of their works. (Tipping is encouraged but not required.)If you would like to be on stage, please contact Scarlett Clover to make arrangements.We can't wait to see you there!

Floor Plan

Between the Lines utilizes the Sharlayan Decimal System for the organization of its collection. The Reference Page mammet is always glad to assist patrons in finding the perfect book if they're unable to navigate the card catalogue at the center of the library by themselves.

Application

Interested in joining the Between the Lines team? We invite you to join our Discord server, where you can get to know our community, explore the atmosphere, and discover the various roleplay opportunities available. Within the server, you'll find a staff application link, and note that an in-character interview is required for all potential employees.Please be aware that Void Hunter-type characters are generally not considered for employment. Lawfully aligned characters may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Between the Lines is managed by a villainous character and staffed by the same. It is an occult/dark/horror-themed RP community that maintains a facade of civility and normalcy. We expect all staff members to be at least 18 years old (preferably 21+) and to conduct themselves in a mature, respectful, and adult manner.

Rules

1. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this venue. While business hours are Safe For Work, there may be Mature IC themes (occult, horror, etc.) discussed during library hours pertinent to in game subjects.2. Be polite and respectful. No attacking allowed. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Disagreements are allowed, but keep them civil or take them to private channels (party, tells, etc.). While intellectual debate is allowed and encouraged, hostilities are not permitted on the premisis.3. No politics, no religion, and no conspiracy theories about real life subjects. Want to theorycraft and discuss in game politics, religion and conspiracies? Have at it. But leave real life issues at the door.4. No hate speech. This is a sex, kink, and equality positive space. Between the Lines is not an ERP venue, but we acknowledge that people are allowed, within reason, to be free to express themselves. Please no nudity or any sexual behavior which might offend non-consenting parties.5. No trolls allowed.6. Nothing underaged allowed in an NSFW form. This is to include loli and shota images/writings. Anything under 18 years old is considered underaged. The caveats to this rule are historical and factual artistic and literary references to such art and literature may be discussed (but NOT in detail) and that ageplay can be discussed as long as it is abundantly clear that the participants are consenting adults. Characters which appear to be minors are also not allowed. Lalafells are welcome to participate in the venue, but may not interact in an NSFW manner.7. No harassment will be tolerated. Treat the staff and fellow patrons with respect.8. Do NOT request money, subscription time, in game gil, items, etc. from other people here. We are all adults and should be financially responsible for ourselves in and out of game. All transactions are strictly IC RP only. Nobody will ever ask you for money or items, either in game or real life. If this occurs, please report it to a member of the staff.9. Consent is still vital, even in role play. While noncon RP scenes may take place, please be certain OOC that such a scene is welcome among all participants. Understand that no means no and if someone does not want to participate in a role play with you, respect their no and move along.10. Please treat everyone with kindness and respect. This is a safe place for roleplay and for people to have fun. IC sassiness and villainy are fine, but expect IC consequences for your character's IC actions. "It's just RP" is not an excuse to trample on people's consent, and if it is brought up in OOC that it isn't really welcome, we ask you to please respect that. This venue is a place for FUN RP. If you wish to engage in conflict RP here, you MUST seek OOC consent of the staff and all participants before doing so and, again, expect IC reactions to disruptive behavior.For any questions or concerns, please reach out to any staff member.

Kugane Night Market

05 Jun 2025 - 7:00pm CDT - Coeurl - Kugane, Rakuza District

Rumors have reached you... it's a rare opportunity. Beyond the watchful eyes of the law, a renowned dealer of rare books and antiquities is preparing to offer an exclusive selection of items for discerning collectors...

Books

If you're looking for the more mundane literature to be found at Between the Lines, you might be sadly disappointed. Only select esoteric volumes have been brought for sale for this night. One might find what they seek, be it fame, fortune, power, or glory, but there is always a price to pay...

1. The Mirror’s True FaceAppearance: Bound in fractured silver glass fragments stitched with shimmering aetherthread, the cover reflects distorted versions of the reader’s face. It hums softly when held.Description: Part memoir, part spellbook, this elusive tome was allegedly written by a solitary Veena wood-warden who spent decades cycling between male, female, and liminal identities while maintaining a single public persona. The narrative shifts depending on who reads it—chapters reorder, scenes change, and some pages only reveal themselves under moonlight. Scholars argue it’s cursed; others insist it simply knows who you are. A text for those questioning the story they’ve been told about themselves. It is said it reflects and reveals the reader’s deepest self—gender, desire, and soulshape in return for a personal secret never spoken aloud, whispered only to the book. For some, this brings liberation; for others, painful clarity. Some readers claim their face physically shifts afterward.2. Lotus Blooms Beneath the Sword - SOLDAppearance: A lacquered crimson book with gilded fan motifs; opening the cover releases a faint lotus petal scent. The pages are edged in deep plum ink.Description: An exquisite tragic romance, this book tells the story of Minoru and Hanae—one the proud heir of a shamed samurai clan raised as a boy, the other a noblewoman in exile who crossdresses to survive in a kabuki troupe. Their story is told through interwoven tanka and theatrical stage notes, with hidden meanings nested in costume changes, hairpins, and silences. It is a tale of yearning glances across rice-paper walls, shared blades under moonlight, and a final duel in which no victor leaves whole. It was once forbidden in many districts for promoting “unorthodox affection and gender inversion" during the period when women were not allowed to perform on stage. Readers experience phantom memories of past lives filled with repressed or hidden love. Reading it aloud causes ghosts of the two samurai lovers to briefly appear and reenact their final scene.3. The Third Thread - SOLDAppearance: This is a softbound silk folio in deep midnight, unmarked save for three braided golden threads across the cover. Opening it causes a faint static in the air, like a spell uncast.Description: This banned magical treatise offers a controversial hypothesis: that souls not strictly aligned to male or female archetypes possess a third, mutable thread of aether. Each chapter blends spiritual philosophy, forbidden soul-craft, field notes from living test subjects, and haunting dream fragments. Readers report experiencing lucid visions, or spontaneous shifts in self-perception, after finishing it. The final section—removed from most copies—contains rituals to align with this hidden thread, often called a “rebirth rite” by those who dare it. It is rumored to align the reader’s soul with the mysterious third aether-thread, temporarily enhancing intuition and liminal magicks, such as shapeshifting, glamours, or soul-channeling but at the cost of identity shifts and lucid dreams.4. Soft Boys of the SteppeAppearance: Worn leather cover dyed in faded ochre, with watercolor inserts and Xaelic script etched into the spine by hand. Some pages are clearly handmade vellum.Description: A powerful, subversive document of oral histories and intimate sketches, this book gathers firsthand accounts of gentle Buduga men—shamanic warriors, story weavers, and soulkeepers of the Steppe. Each story defies the harsh and violent stereotypes imposed by outsiders, painting portraits of men who love with tenderness, cry openly, and wear beauty without shame. The book includes spirit dances, lullabies passed from lover to lover, and love letters never sent. It is banned in Ul’dah and considered heretical by many Dotharl, who fear its gentle strength. Reading this book after leaving a blood offering on the Steppe may grant the ability to see and hear spirits for three days. Some say the spirits whisper ancestral wisdom or forbidden lullabies; others report unsettling truths.5. Dawn in the Garden of GodsAppearance: This ancient tome is made of cream-colored vellum stamped with gold filigree suns and floral embossing; the cover grows warm in sunlight. It is also illustrated with luminous ink that glows faintly in the dark.Description: A mythic romance set in an alternate telling of the Eorzean creation myth, this luminous story follows two demigods—Teyru of the Flame and Kaelun of the Sky—whose divine love disrupts the order of the stars. One is a shapeshifter with no fixed body or name, the other a radiant warrior cast from the heavens. Their union remakes the world—but not without consequence. Originally performed as a pageant in the Third Umbral Era, it was censored after church officials condemned its vision of queer divinity. This rare edition includes the forbidden Epilogue, which depicts the gods weeping for joy at the lovers' defiance. Reading it unlocks a divine spark within the reader, allowing them to commune with a personal daimon or mythic self in dreams. Readers often awaken crying with joy… or dread.6. Feast of the Fallen Saints - SOLDAppearance: This book is bound in black velvet with iron clasps and blood-hued lettering which glows when prayers are whispered nearby. Red silk bookmarks are placed at martyrdom scenes.Description: A collection of rewritten hagiographies salvaged from ash piles, this text details the forgotten lives of Ishgardian saints erased for their queerness. A genderless warrior-monk who fell in love with a spirit of fire; a gay nun-mage who communed with the goddess through kiss-written poetry; a trans exorcist who bled himself dry to save a village. Each is portrayed not as a cautionary tale, but as an avatar of sacred love and defiance. This edition features forbidden reliquary rubbings and spiritual rituals once used in covert sanctuaries of Halonic dissidents. For one night, the reader may call upon the blessing—or presence—of a forgotten queer saint. Many experience healing, courage, or guidance. A few have disappeared entirely.7. Ashes of the Peacock - SOLDAppearance: A beautiful book of iridescent leather that gleams green-blue in sunlight and purple at night, touching it leaves glitter-like dust on fingers. A single peacock feather is pressed into the back cover.Description: Flamboyant, razor-witted, and unapologetically extravagant, Ashes follows the rise of Lady Salash—a Radz-at-Han noble who fakes his own death and reinvents himself as the realm’s most infamous drag thief. The book chronicles his love affairs, rooftop duels, and dazzling disguises, all while subtly critiquing class, gender, and inherited power. Part queer liberation myth, part crime comedy, this banned manuscript was reconstructed from gossip, scandal sheets, and a single preserved diary smuggled out by a palace maid who loved him. Reading a chapter of this book temporarily cloaks the reader in a glamour of dazzling beauty and perfect gender expression—whatever their heart desires. It lasts until dawn, or until the reader feels doubt.8. Velvet Maw, Velvet TongueAppearance: This book is of black velvet with a slithering texture under the fingers. A violet ribbon tongue coils through the pages. The book emits a faint scent of cloves, wine, and dusk.Description: A centuries-spanning collection of erotic vampire poetry written by Nightkin across the ages. These verses entwine bloodlust with gender play, erotic power, and otherworldly longing. Themes include feeding as seduction, transformation as transition, and the ecstasy of immortality as a metaphor for identity. The book is both salacious and sacred—an ode to queer hunger, in every sense. Reading this book awakens a vampiric hunger for truth, intimacy, and blood while also granting heightened senses and persuasive charm—but may blur the line between want and need. To truly unlock the power of this book, one must allow someone else to drink from them—emotionally, spiritually, or literally.9. They/Them/The Flame - SOLDAppearance: Scorched parchment pages are sewn into raw linen binding, the charred corners preserved under protective enchantments. The scent of smoke and ink clings to it still.Description: A call to arms in every sense. Penned by a nonbinary Lalafell revolutionary known only as The Flame, this text blends poetic anarchist rhetoric with personal reflection and magical praxis. It advocates for burning down systems that enforce gender, class, or conformity. Each chapter ends with a meditative exercise, a spell of unbinding, or a prayer to a nameless, dreaming god of rebellion. Thought to be the blueprint for several failed uprisings across Thavnair and Garlemald. Read it, and you may never see the world—or yourself—the same way again. Reading it sets fire to falsehoods—internally or externally. Readers may find lies unraveling around them: from false memories to abusive systems. Unreadable by those who refuse to change. Yet one must give up something that no longer serves them—but that still hurts to lose.10. The Gossamer PrinceAppearance: This book is covered in a mysterious featherlight binding, shifting color from rose to periwinkle. When opened, sparkles drift from the pages. Lavender ribbon ties secure it shut.Description: A magical children’s fairytale beloved in underground queer circles. The Gossamer Prince is a winged child rejected by his people for refusing to become either King or Queen. He flees into the Aetherstream, where he meets spirits, dreams, and others like him—neither this nor that, but something entirely new. The story weaves wonder with grief, joy with transformation, and ends not with a coronation, but with flight. Echo-bearers and sensitive readers may glimpse alternate endings hidden in the margins, shaped by their own desires. Allows the reader to step between dreams and reality for one night. Within that liminal world, you may meet other exiles, reshape yourself, or choose a different ending... but at the cost of leaving behind a piece of yourself: a name, a role, or a memory.

Items

1. The Earring of Echoed Names - SOLDAppearance: This mismatched pair, one earring a tiny obsidian hoop, the other a dangling pearl crescent, shimmers faintly with a rainbow sheen under moonlight.Description: Worn by a forgotten dancer who claimed a new name each time they performed, these earrings vibrate with the aetheric imprint of their many selves. Each time they’re worn, they softly whisper names—some familiar, some not—that may have once belonged to you. Wearing them allows the user to shift personas at will—name, voice, gendered presence, and emotional aura—for up to one bell. Useful in infiltration, performance, or affirmation. Yet the earrings must record one of a person's names forever. One may not know which name.2. Vial of Nightrose Gloss - SOLDAppearance: This is glass vial of inky black lip gloss, shot through with silver sparkles. The stopper is shaped like a fang and the gloss smells faintly of clove and wine.Description: Created by a Nightkin alchemist who kissed emperors and assassins alike, this gloss is rumored to be made from crushed petals of a flower that blooms only in dreamscapes. When worn, any kiss grants truth-compulsion for thirty seconds. The wearer becomes magnetic and dangerously beautiful—too bold for shame. But one must give up a lie they've hidden on their lips3. Ribbon of the Radiant TwinAppearance: This is a beautiful long, silk ribbon dyed sunset orange and deep rose, always warm to the touch. It seems to flutter even without wind.Description: Once tied between two lovers who shared a single soul but different genders, this ribbon now bears their blessings. Binding it to oneself feels like being seen. Wrap it around the wrist, neck, or waist to glow gently with a protective aura. For trans, nonbinary, or questioning users, it enhances clarity, confidence, and self-healing. Yet to gain these powers, one must whisper a truth about their body they've never spoken aloud.4. The Peacock’s VeilAppearance: This is a sheer, opalescent veil that shifts from sapphire to gold to violet. Light plays strangely across it, and it never seems to wrinkle.Description: A glamoured relic once used by a gender fluid Hingan noble who moved through court intrigue in everchanging forms. It is said they died the most beautiful man and woman of their era—at the same time. It grants complete illusionary transformation for one evening—voice, face, form, even scent. It doesn’t hide one's soul, though, for that remains ever true. To unlock this power, one must whisper to the veil what one fears they truly look like.5. Candles of the Saint BetweenAppearance: A trio of slender candles—lavender, sky blue, and white—wrapped in twine with thorn charms, they emit soft, soothing light, ever burning, yet never being consumed.Description: Used in covert vigils during the Third Umbral Era, these candles summon the blessings of a forgotten genderless saint whose name was struck from all records. When burned in ritual, the candles grant a night of safe dreaming and spirit protection for any queer soul. Wards off hate, shame, and psychic attack when one spends a night awake keeping watch for someone else’s peace.6. Whispergleam FanAppearance: This mysterious folding fan is made of dyed gossamer feathers, etched with secret runes visible only in starlight. It emits a faint laugh when opened.Description: Said to have belonged to a masked Ishgardian courtesan who survived twelve purges by never being the same person twice. Their legend lives in every flick of the wrist. Allows the wielder to cast a glamour instantly—no aether cost, no preparation—so long as the transformation aligns with their truest desire, yet this must also reveal a version of oneself that has never been shown the world7. The Unlaced CorsetAppearance: This is a crimson and black brocade corset with no laces—only void-threaded seams that tighten or loosen to fit the wearer’s will.Description: This living garment reshapes itself not to the body’s form, but to the body’s longing. Those who wear it speak with clarity, walk with pride, and leave no apologies behind. While worn, it grants immense charisma and emotional clarity. Words spoken while breathing in it cannot be unheard. But it will tighten until it smothers those who do not offer it one secret grief about their body, which it will keep forever.8. Cincture of the Serpent’s TongueAppearance: This is belt of braided leather and colored beads, its buckle carved into serpent swallowing its own tail. It coils tighter on its own when secrets are nearby.Description: Stolen from a cult devoted to a forbidden twin-spirit god, this cincture is rumored to whisper truths between the lines of gender and desire. It allows the wearer to detect hidden intentions, unspoken desire, and unacknowledged shame in others—for better or worse. Yet to use its power, one must whisper one of their own buried desires aloud—where others can hear.9. The Devouring MirrorAppearance: This is a palm-sized obsidian mirror etched with stars that move when no one watches. Its reflection shows the holder… and something more.Description: Said to be crafted by a mad Moon Keeper who fell in love with every self they ever were, this mirror does not reflect appearances—it reveals the soul’s current shape. When stared into, it shows the self the viewer is becoming. Some cry. Some run. Some kiss the mirror. Some scream. The mirror will remember those who gaze into it—and occasionally show one's face to others who need to see them.10. Ring of the Rewritten NameAppearance: A plain band of silver that glows softly when placed on any finger, it bears tiny inscription in Ancient Mhachi inside which reads, “Name thyself.”Description: This ring has belonged to many—each leaving behind not a name, but a truth. It’s said that those who wear it during declaration rituals are heard by the gods themselves. When worn during the speaking of a chosen name or identity, it carves that truth into the stars. Glamour spells last longer, oaths become binding, and misnaming fails to cling... only after one speaks their name into the ring—and lets it forget the old one.

Antiquities

These are the most extraordinary items offered at tonight's Night Market. Rare and powerful, they cannot be obtained easily. Mastering them will demand strength, determination, and dedication. Suggested quests for role-play flavor are included.

The Tear of the Hollow Moon

Description:A luminescent teardrop-shaped gem, cool to the touch and shimmering with the soft silver glow of moonlight. When held, its depths reveal fleeting images of lovers separated by fate—ghostly figures reaching for one another, their hands never quite meeting. The Tear pulses gently when it senses yearning, as though resonating with the unspoken emotions of its bearer.Features & Powers:- Echoes of the Heart: The Tear allows its bearer to hear the whispers of a lost love—words left unsaid, promises unfulfilled, or regrets buried in time.- Guiding Light: If carried with true intent, the Tear glows brighter in the presence of one's fated love, leading them together across time, distance, or even lifetimes.- The Last Embrace: In the hands of the brokenhearted, the Tear grants a fleeting vision of their beloved, offering a final moment to say what was never said, before fading into silver mist.- Bound by Love: If exchanged between lovers on Valentione’s Day, the Tear splits into two, each half glowing softly when the other is near—an eternal reminder that their souls are linked.Origin & History:The Tear is said to have formed from the sorrow of Menphina, the Lover, when she wept for two mortals whose love was torn asunder by war. Moved by their devotion, she captured a single tear in her hands and cast it into the heavens, where it fell to Eorzea as a crystal imbued with love’s undying promise. Those who find it are often souls searching for reunion, redemption, or the courage to love again.Limitations & Dangers:- Cannot Rewrite Fate: The Tear only reveals love’s path—it cannot force two hearts together if they are truly meant to part.- A Lover’s Lament: If used selfishly, the Tear darkens and cracks, burdened by the weight of falsehoods or manipulations.- The Hollow Curse: Those who hoard the Tear, refusing to let love go or move forward, may find their own heart growing cold and hollow, unable to love again.Suggested Quest: "The Moon’s Lament"To obtain the Tear of the Hollow Moon, one must complete the Trial of the Moonlit Promise at the lost shrine of Elpis Noctis. The seeker must navigate a mist-laden labyrinth of illusions, face memories of love lost or unspoken, and confess a truth of the heart before the Tear. Finally, they must offer a cherished token of love—something willingly sacrificed—to prove their understanding of love’s joy and sorrow. If their heart is true, the Tear will glow in acceptance. If they waver or deceive, the artifact remains dormant, and they must leave, burdened with the weight of their unspoken truths.