“What’s the cause, then?” said Zeff.
‘Well, first of all, let me make one thing clear. Hector Goffe is not the astero here. The astero is Hector Goffe and Garovel together. That is one point that I think our people sometimes overlook or don’t realize. The reason asteros are so rare in the first place is because it’s not just one, singular madman coming into the world. God knows we have more than enough of those. No, it requires TWO madmen who find a kind of... perfect and terrible harmony with one another.’
“That’s an interesting way of putting it,” said Octavia. “So you are saying we should be just as mindful of this Garovel as well, then?”
‘Yes. That is, in my opinion, the true cause behind all asteros. The relationship between reaper and servant. They both have to be of precisely the right--or wrong--mindset. It doesn’t work if either one of them is normal. The reaper has too much power in the relationship, especially early on, for the servant to be the only deciding factor.’
Octavia smacked her lips. “Honestly, though, what is truly considered ‘normal,’ anyway? Isn’t that too muddy of a concept to work from?”
‘In this context? Normal means having a properly functioning sense of self-preservation.’
“Ah. Well, that makes things a little clearer, then...”
‘I can virtually guarantee you that Garovel places little to no value upon his own life. Otherwise, he never would have allowed his servant to get involved in so much danger at such a young age. And he certainly would not have allowed HIMSELF to get involved, either. Others might call him courageous--and be correct, depending on the circumstances--but to my mind, that is probably just the tip of the iceberg. And... seeing the growth that Hector has exhibited in the short time we’ve know him... mrgh. They hide it well, but nonetheless, I am still made quite fearful of the true DEPTH of recklessness that must have brought the two of them this far.’
A brief silence arrived.
“I can certainly respect your point of view and even share in it,” said Octavia, “but at the same time... isn’t that a bit hypocritical, coming from a bunch of Rainlords?”
‘I don’t think so,’ said Axiolis. ‘If anything, I’d argue that makes us MORE qualified to say that, not less.’
She gave a faint laugh. “Right, because if WE think someone is crazy, then they must be truly mad. Is that it?”
‘More or less. But also, I think it helps explain why our kin have become so enraptured with them so quickly. In many ways, they exemplify the pride and spirit of our people. It is a most... ancient feeling in us, I think. Instinctual. Essential. Tribal, even.’
A dark serial novel. Set in a modern fantasy world called Eleg. Mature language. Updates every night at midnight PST by ~400 words.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Page 3504
It didn’t take long for Axiolis to show up, nor did it take long for Octavia to start laying into him.
“Axiolis, you old secret-keeper! What’s the matter with you?! How have you not been talking Zeff’s ear off about this whole astero situation with our new friend?! I know you must have some rather strong opinions about it, and yet Zeff tells me you’ve said ‘surprisingly little’ about the matter! Explain yourself!”
‘I’m glad to see you so spirited, Octavia.’
“Oh, thank you, darling. You know me. Can’t keep me down for long.”
‘Heh.’
“Now answer my damn questions.”
But apparently, the reaper was not going to be rushed. He took his time as he circled around the two of them, perhaps mulling over his next words. ‘...Could you ask something more specific? What exactly is it that you want me to tell you?’
“Hmph. Well, to begin with, how about the precedent for this whole thing? You must have seen countless asteros over the course of your life. Have you ever encountered a more extreme case than this one?”
‘...Not more extreme, no. But comparable, at least.’
Zeff perked up at that. “You never mentioned that.”
‘Mm. While I can understand your fascination with the subject, I am also... not so interested in discussing them anymore, myself.’
Octavia seemed to lose most of her fire. “Why?”
The reaper paused for a silent sigh. ‘Because never have I known their stories to progress happily. And their endings...’ Axiolis just shook his piscine head.
Zeff and Octavia were both quiet.
‘It is in their very nature, of course,’ said Ax. ‘Their shocking growth is due to their turbulent and terrible lives. But the world is vast, and eventually... well, eventually, what luck they have--if any--finally runs out.’
“You’re afraid, then,” said Octavia.
‘Absolutely, I am.’
Hmm. Zeff had to pick him up on that. “The rain fears not the torch, Ax.”
‘True. But it is not for myself or any of us that I am afraid, Zeff. Hector and Garovel are not of the rain.’
That was a fair point, Zeff supposed.
Octavia spoke next. “What else can you tell us about asteros? Is there some other... common denominator between them all? Besides their troubled lives, I mean?”
‘Oh, indeed. In fact, I would say that their troubled lives are--especially in the most extreme cases like this one--not merely a product of misfortune. In medical terms, one might call their lives... symptoms of the problem, not the cause.’
“Axiolis, you old secret-keeper! What’s the matter with you?! How have you not been talking Zeff’s ear off about this whole astero situation with our new friend?! I know you must have some rather strong opinions about it, and yet Zeff tells me you’ve said ‘surprisingly little’ about the matter! Explain yourself!”
‘I’m glad to see you so spirited, Octavia.’
“Oh, thank you, darling. You know me. Can’t keep me down for long.”
‘Heh.’
“Now answer my damn questions.”
But apparently, the reaper was not going to be rushed. He took his time as he circled around the two of them, perhaps mulling over his next words. ‘...Could you ask something more specific? What exactly is it that you want me to tell you?’
“Hmph. Well, to begin with, how about the precedent for this whole thing? You must have seen countless asteros over the course of your life. Have you ever encountered a more extreme case than this one?”
‘...Not more extreme, no. But comparable, at least.’
Zeff perked up at that. “You never mentioned that.”
‘Mm. While I can understand your fascination with the subject, I am also... not so interested in discussing them anymore, myself.’
Octavia seemed to lose most of her fire. “Why?”
The reaper paused for a silent sigh. ‘Because never have I known their stories to progress happily. And their endings...’ Axiolis just shook his piscine head.
Zeff and Octavia were both quiet.
‘It is in their very nature, of course,’ said Ax. ‘Their shocking growth is due to their turbulent and terrible lives. But the world is vast, and eventually... well, eventually, what luck they have--if any--finally runs out.’
“You’re afraid, then,” said Octavia.
‘Absolutely, I am.’
Hmm. Zeff had to pick him up on that. “The rain fears not the torch, Ax.”
‘True. But it is not for myself or any of us that I am afraid, Zeff. Hector and Garovel are not of the rain.’
That was a fair point, Zeff supposed.
Octavia spoke next. “What else can you tell us about asteros? Is there some other... common denominator between them all? Besides their troubled lives, I mean?”
‘Oh, indeed. In fact, I would say that their troubled lives are--especially in the most extreme cases like this one--not merely a product of misfortune. In medical terms, one might call their lives... symptoms of the problem, not the cause.’
Monday, January 29, 2024
Page 3503
She took a few more moments to regain her composure. “...What is with that look on your face, huh? Am I amusing you, hmm?”
“I won’t deny it. In fact, I might just have to thank Hector for letting me see a new side of the ever-calm Lady of the Red Lake.”
“Zeff... are you telling me the truth? This is not some twisted joke to get a rise out of me? Because if it is, then I will be relieved but still quite unhappy. I’ve never known you to lie for fun.”
“It’s no lie,” said Zeff. “I’ve been training him extensively. In retrospect, his prowess was already impressive from the start, but there were still obvious gaps in his knowledge. Now, though...?”
“Now, what? He’s changed that much in so short a time?”
“Yes and no. He’s reached a point where it is difficult for me to gauge his true strength. Primarily because he has an annoying habit of holding back during training.”
“That’s not proof, then,” said Octavia. “He could’ve been playing ignorant in the beginning. And the reason he holds back now is because he is still trying to conceal his true strength from you. Which would be wise of him.”
Zeff chortled. “If he was pretending from the start, then he is an incredible actor. He even managed to fake having pathetically weak soul power.”
“Ah...”
“Yes.”
“I’ve... heard that’s possible, too,” said Octavia, though she sounded like even she didn’t believe it.
“Well, regardless, you can come to your own conclusions when you meet him yourself.”
She paused to exhale. “An astero to such an extreme degree...”
Her tone was making him curious. “I said he’s the most powerful one I’ve ever seen, but what about you? How many asteros have you encountered in your life, Octavia?”
She took her time answering that one. “A fair few, I suppose. I’d guess maybe... two or three per decade. But what you’re describing is... it’s almost unheard of.”
He stuck on that. “Almost?”
She shook her head. “I’m sure the reapers would know more. You must have discussed this matter with Axiolis by now, surely, no?”
“Of course.”
“And what did he have to say?”
“Now that I’m thinking about it... surprisingly little. But it has also been a while since we talked about it, so perhaps I should bring it up again.”
“Ugh.”
“We have been quite busy, you know.”
“You bring him over here, right now, young man. I want to talk to him.”
Zeff snickered. “Okay.” That was one order he was happy to follow. Listening to Octavia Redwater chew out one of the oldest reapers on the planet sounded like quite a good time to him.
“I won’t deny it. In fact, I might just have to thank Hector for letting me see a new side of the ever-calm Lady of the Red Lake.”
“Zeff... are you telling me the truth? This is not some twisted joke to get a rise out of me? Because if it is, then I will be relieved but still quite unhappy. I’ve never known you to lie for fun.”
“It’s no lie,” said Zeff. “I’ve been training him extensively. In retrospect, his prowess was already impressive from the start, but there were still obvious gaps in his knowledge. Now, though...?”
“Now, what? He’s changed that much in so short a time?”
“Yes and no. He’s reached a point where it is difficult for me to gauge his true strength. Primarily because he has an annoying habit of holding back during training.”
“That’s not proof, then,” said Octavia. “He could’ve been playing ignorant in the beginning. And the reason he holds back now is because he is still trying to conceal his true strength from you. Which would be wise of him.”
Zeff chortled. “If he was pretending from the start, then he is an incredible actor. He even managed to fake having pathetically weak soul power.”
“Ah...”
“Yes.”
“I’ve... heard that’s possible, too,” said Octavia, though she sounded like even she didn’t believe it.
“Well, regardless, you can come to your own conclusions when you meet him yourself.”
She paused to exhale. “An astero to such an extreme degree...”
Her tone was making him curious. “I said he’s the most powerful one I’ve ever seen, but what about you? How many asteros have you encountered in your life, Octavia?”
She took her time answering that one. “A fair few, I suppose. I’d guess maybe... two or three per decade. But what you’re describing is... it’s almost unheard of.”
He stuck on that. “Almost?”
She shook her head. “I’m sure the reapers would know more. You must have discussed this matter with Axiolis by now, surely, no?”
“Of course.”
“And what did he have to say?”
“Now that I’m thinking about it... surprisingly little. But it has also been a while since we talked about it, so perhaps I should bring it up again.”
“Ugh.”
“We have been quite busy, you know.”
“You bring him over here, right now, young man. I want to talk to him.”
Zeff snickered. “Okay.” That was one order he was happy to follow. Listening to Octavia Redwater chew out one of the oldest reapers on the planet sounded like quite a good time to him.
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Page 3502
“’Tis quite a rare thing, though,” Octavia went on. “Finding such a stalwart supporter at a time like this. In the face of both the Vanguard and Abolish. I have made many foreign friends over the years, but I do not know if any of them would have stuck their neck out for us as much as this fellow has. Going by all I’ve heard about him so far, I can’t help thinking that he must be either an incredibly confident warrior or one of the biggest fools I’ve ever heard of.”
“He’s neither of those things,” said Zeff, lowering his voice somewhat. No one was around to overhear, but it still felt appropriate. “He’s something far more dangerous. To both his enemies and to himself.” He leveled a stare at the old woman. “He’s an astero. And easily the most powerful one I’ve ever seen. While also still being the youngest, too, I think.”
She pulled away from him a little, and her head reared back. “An astero...” She needed a few moments to chew on that thought, apparently. “How young?”
“I don’t know for sure. He and his reaper are understandably reluctant to say, but... that just makes me think that the number might be even lower than I first suspected. Which is terrifying, honestly.”
“What is your guess, then?”
He couldn’t help hesitating. “...I think he may be as young... or even younger than my own children.” And he watched her face. He could practically see the gears turning in her head.
“So not even twenty, then?”
“No. Well, yes. But I meant... younger than them as servants.”
She blinked at him. “Tell me you’re joking.”
He just shook his head.
“So you’re saying he’s... what, less than eight? Seven?”
“Honestly, I think he may even be less than five.”
“That’s not... that...” The thought went unfinished as her hand found her own forehead. “I heard he bested Banda Toro in single combat and captured his reaper. Banda Toro. Do you know who that is? That is someone I might struggle with!”
Zeff did indeed know. Those Blackburn Triplets hadn’t been able to shut up about it. Not that the reapers were much better.
And frankly, Zeff didn’t know if he believed it or not. Even if it was all completely true, knowing Hector as he did, there was probably still more to the story, somehow.
Octavia was still going, though. “--and that is just one of the absurd things that I have heard! Yet you are trying to tell me that he--?! That he’s--?!”
Zeff just waited for her. This was a strange sight, indeed. He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen this woman fumble over her words before.
Heh.
“He’s neither of those things,” said Zeff, lowering his voice somewhat. No one was around to overhear, but it still felt appropriate. “He’s something far more dangerous. To both his enemies and to himself.” He leveled a stare at the old woman. “He’s an astero. And easily the most powerful one I’ve ever seen. While also still being the youngest, too, I think.”
She pulled away from him a little, and her head reared back. “An astero...” She needed a few moments to chew on that thought, apparently. “How young?”
“I don’t know for sure. He and his reaper are understandably reluctant to say, but... that just makes me think that the number might be even lower than I first suspected. Which is terrifying, honestly.”
“What is your guess, then?”
He couldn’t help hesitating. “...I think he may be as young... or even younger than my own children.” And he watched her face. He could practically see the gears turning in her head.
“So not even twenty, then?”
“No. Well, yes. But I meant... younger than them as servants.”
She blinked at him. “Tell me you’re joking.”
He just shook his head.
“So you’re saying he’s... what, less than eight? Seven?”
“Honestly, I think he may even be less than five.”
“That’s not... that...” The thought went unfinished as her hand found her own forehead. “I heard he bested Banda Toro in single combat and captured his reaper. Banda Toro. Do you know who that is? That is someone I might struggle with!”
Zeff did indeed know. Those Blackburn Triplets hadn’t been able to shut up about it. Not that the reapers were much better.
And frankly, Zeff didn’t know if he believed it or not. Even if it was all completely true, knowing Hector as he did, there was probably still more to the story, somehow.
Octavia was still going, though. “--and that is just one of the absurd things that I have heard! Yet you are trying to tell me that he--?! That he’s--?!”
Zeff just waited for her. This was a strange sight, indeed. He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen this woman fumble over her words before.
Heh.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Page 3501
Zeff smiled another time. “I hope you’re right.” Coming from anyone else, he wouldn’t have believed it, but from her? Maybe she really did have that kind of power.
The sun waned in the sky. The day’s hostilities would soon come to an end, unless some eager warriors out there were feeling bold or desperate enough to launch a night raid.
Which was possible.
By his estimation, the VMP’s spirit was already broken, so the subset of Abolish forces were almost certainly at the end of their rope. Desperation might very well be on the menu tonight.
If they did launch an attack, though, it would be their last. Zeff would make sure of that.
“...So tell me more of this Lord Darksteel of Warrenhold that has been providing so much aid to us,” said Octavia. “You have gotten to know him quite well, from what I hear.”
“I suppose I have.”
“So spill. There are quite a number of rumors circulating about him. What is your opinion of him?”
“My opinion...” Hmm. Why did that seem like such a hard thing to provide? “Umm...”
Octavia just waited for him.
Whenever it came to Hector, Zeff had this impulse to be... stricter than perhaps he should have. He knew this. For the boy’s own good, that felt right and necessary.
Now was not the time for that, though. Octavia had only met him briefly back at Rheinhal, and her asking like this was probably more than mere curiosity. It was trust in Zeff’s judgment.
If he said something overly harsh, she would take it to heart.
“...He has been a truer ally and friend to us than I could have possibly ever hoped for,” said Zeff.
“Oh my.”
“But if you tell him I said that, I’ll deny it.”
She laughed outright. “I see!”
Zeff just let her keep laughing.
“That is a relief, then,” she said. “I was a bit worried when I heard about just how much we’ve apparently gotten entangled with him, but if you think so highly of him, then there must be something to it. I know you don’t extend your trust very easily.”
Zeff had to wonder if she’d wanted to add an “anymore” to the end of that last statement. It was kind of her not to, but he was fully aware that his trust in the Vanguard was a very large part of the reason why any of them were in this situation in the first place.
But maybe he was just reading too much into her words.
The sun waned in the sky. The day’s hostilities would soon come to an end, unless some eager warriors out there were feeling bold or desperate enough to launch a night raid.
Which was possible.
By his estimation, the VMP’s spirit was already broken, so the subset of Abolish forces were almost certainly at the end of their rope. Desperation might very well be on the menu tonight.
If they did launch an attack, though, it would be their last. Zeff would make sure of that.
“...So tell me more of this Lord Darksteel of Warrenhold that has been providing so much aid to us,” said Octavia. “You have gotten to know him quite well, from what I hear.”
“I suppose I have.”
“So spill. There are quite a number of rumors circulating about him. What is your opinion of him?”
“My opinion...” Hmm. Why did that seem like such a hard thing to provide? “Umm...”
Octavia just waited for him.
Whenever it came to Hector, Zeff had this impulse to be... stricter than perhaps he should have. He knew this. For the boy’s own good, that felt right and necessary.
Now was not the time for that, though. Octavia had only met him briefly back at Rheinhal, and her asking like this was probably more than mere curiosity. It was trust in Zeff’s judgment.
If he said something overly harsh, she would take it to heart.
“...He has been a truer ally and friend to us than I could have possibly ever hoped for,” said Zeff.
“Oh my.”
“But if you tell him I said that, I’ll deny it.”
She laughed outright. “I see!”
Zeff just let her keep laughing.
“That is a relief, then,” she said. “I was a bit worried when I heard about just how much we’ve apparently gotten entangled with him, but if you think so highly of him, then there must be something to it. I know you don’t extend your trust very easily.”
Zeff had to wonder if she’d wanted to add an “anymore” to the end of that last statement. It was kind of her not to, but he was fully aware that his trust in the Vanguard was a very large part of the reason why any of them were in this situation in the first place.
But maybe he was just reading too much into her words.
Friday, January 26, 2024
Page 3500
“Don’t apologize, boy. You should feel whatever way you want, right now. It’s a difficult position you’re in. Whatever you have to do to cope, you go ahead and do it. All I ask is that you pick something that’s not self-destructive. And brooding, well... brooding is questionable on that front, I’m afraid, but you certainly could’ve picked a worse mechanism.”
Zeff made no response.
“Dwell on things too much? Drive yourself crazy. But at the same time, it’s healthier than going off and venting your frustrations via bloodlust. Or actual lust. Or, god forbid, by abusing the people you’re supposed to love. Next to all that stuff, brooding doesn’t seem so bad to me.”
“...Seen that all before, haven’t you?”
“I have. Along with even worse examples, if you can believe it. The kind of examples that are still too painful to even utter.”
He had a vague idea of what she might’ve been referring to, but it would’ve been wrong to push, he felt.
She wasn’t done talking, though. Her wrinkled hand found his face, and she made him turn to look her in the eye with that steady, steely gaze of her that she rarely ever resorted to. “So if you need to brood, then brood. Just don’t forget that we’re all still here for you, too, my dear. And that the world isn’t a completely dark place, much as it might sometimes feel like it.”
His eyes eased shut, and he took her hand in his own. “Thank you.”
And for a while, she just stood there with him in silence as they looked over the battlefield together.
“...Think I see rain on the horizon,” she said.
He spotted the clouds she was talking about. Barely visible now, but quite dark. She was probably right.
“Y’know,” she went on, “supposedly, our ancestors could tell the difference between a good storm and bad storm from two days away. Or more, even.”
A good storm or a bad storm. An interesting distinction, but one that he and all other Rainlords were familiar with. A bad storm was the kind that brought nothing but destruction. The kind that did nothing but ruin or take lives.
A good storm, though? A good storm was the kind that cleaned the roads and swept all the stagnant water away. The kind that children could dance and play in without fear of being carried off by terrible winds or surging rivers.
“I wonder if I’m there yet,” she said. “Got a feeling in my bones. Like this one will be a good storm.”
Zeff made no response.
“Dwell on things too much? Drive yourself crazy. But at the same time, it’s healthier than going off and venting your frustrations via bloodlust. Or actual lust. Or, god forbid, by abusing the people you’re supposed to love. Next to all that stuff, brooding doesn’t seem so bad to me.”
“...Seen that all before, haven’t you?”
“I have. Along with even worse examples, if you can believe it. The kind of examples that are still too painful to even utter.”
He had a vague idea of what she might’ve been referring to, but it would’ve been wrong to push, he felt.
She wasn’t done talking, though. Her wrinkled hand found his face, and she made him turn to look her in the eye with that steady, steely gaze of her that she rarely ever resorted to. “So if you need to brood, then brood. Just don’t forget that we’re all still here for you, too, my dear. And that the world isn’t a completely dark place, much as it might sometimes feel like it.”
His eyes eased shut, and he took her hand in his own. “Thank you.”
And for a while, she just stood there with him in silence as they looked over the battlefield together.
“...Think I see rain on the horizon,” she said.
He spotted the clouds she was talking about. Barely visible now, but quite dark. She was probably right.
“Y’know,” she went on, “supposedly, our ancestors could tell the difference between a good storm and bad storm from two days away. Or more, even.”
A good storm or a bad storm. An interesting distinction, but one that he and all other Rainlords were familiar with. A bad storm was the kind that brought nothing but destruction. The kind that did nothing but ruin or take lives.
A good storm, though? A good storm was the kind that cleaned the roads and swept all the stagnant water away. The kind that children could dance and play in without fear of being carried off by terrible winds or surging rivers.
“I wonder if I’m there yet,” she said. “Got a feeling in my bones. Like this one will be a good storm.”
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Page 3499
A string of explosions sputtered across the battlefield in the distance. Diego’s handiwork, perhaps?
Maybe not. Zeff was probably being too hopeful. Such an impressive attack might’ve been too much for the young “Red Hunter” to pull off, still. He’d heard that Diego had achieved emergence at Logden, but he’d yet to see him in action since then.
“I see that you are still a fan of venturing off on your own to brood,” came a voice from behind him.
He just kept leaning on the metal wall that one of the other servants had materialized around their encampment. He didn’t need to turn around to know that it was Octavia Redwater approaching. He wanted to respond, but a fitting retort wasn’t coming to mind. Except, perhaps, one that would be needlessly rude.
And that was the last thing he wanted to be to someone whom he owed so much.
“You’re not so different, after all, I think.” Her tone had an old and familiar softness to it. Enough so that it briefly transported him back to his teenage years.
And despite his mood, he couldn’t help smiling just a bit. “God, it’s good to have you back, Octavia.”
“Hoho! Thank you. You’re more affectionate than I remember, though.” She leaned over next to him and bumped into him purposely.
“Heh. Maybe I’ve finally learned to cherish what I have while I still have it.”
“Doubt it.”
He snorted. “Have the others been saying that I’ve changed?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not one for gossip.”
“You are one for lying, though, apparently.”
“How hurtful.” She allowed a beat to pass. “Okay, fine, maybe I’ve been listening to a few rumors. But I had to! So much to catch up on, you know!”
“I do know, indeed. You’ve been sorely missed.”
“Aww.” She bumped him again. “From the sound of things, you’re really coming into your own as the Water Dragon of Sair.”
Now that, he did not believe at all, and he couldn’t stop himself from scoffing.
“What’s that sound for?”
“I’ve done nothing but fail ever since...” He shook his head and blinked slowly, trying recall. “Lakefire, I’m not even sure how long it’s been, anymore.”
“Ah. The brooding, then. I see.”
He could already tell what she was getting at. And she wasn’t wrong, he knew. “I’m sorry. I should be happier with our great victory.”
Maybe not. Zeff was probably being too hopeful. Such an impressive attack might’ve been too much for the young “Red Hunter” to pull off, still. He’d heard that Diego had achieved emergence at Logden, but he’d yet to see him in action since then.
“I see that you are still a fan of venturing off on your own to brood,” came a voice from behind him.
He just kept leaning on the metal wall that one of the other servants had materialized around their encampment. He didn’t need to turn around to know that it was Octavia Redwater approaching. He wanted to respond, but a fitting retort wasn’t coming to mind. Except, perhaps, one that would be needlessly rude.
And that was the last thing he wanted to be to someone whom he owed so much.
“You’re not so different, after all, I think.” Her tone had an old and familiar softness to it. Enough so that it briefly transported him back to his teenage years.
And despite his mood, he couldn’t help smiling just a bit. “God, it’s good to have you back, Octavia.”
“Hoho! Thank you. You’re more affectionate than I remember, though.” She leaned over next to him and bumped into him purposely.
“Heh. Maybe I’ve finally learned to cherish what I have while I still have it.”
“Doubt it.”
He snorted. “Have the others been saying that I’ve changed?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not one for gossip.”
“You are one for lying, though, apparently.”
“How hurtful.” She allowed a beat to pass. “Okay, fine, maybe I’ve been listening to a few rumors. But I had to! So much to catch up on, you know!”
“I do know, indeed. You’ve been sorely missed.”
“Aww.” She bumped him again. “From the sound of things, you’re really coming into your own as the Water Dragon of Sair.”
Now that, he did not believe at all, and he couldn’t stop himself from scoffing.
“What’s that sound for?”
“I’ve done nothing but fail ever since...” He shook his head and blinked slowly, trying recall. “Lakefire, I’m not even sure how long it’s been, anymore.”
“Ah. The brooding, then. I see.”
He could already tell what she was getting at. And she wasn’t wrong, he knew. “I’m sorry. I should be happier with our great victory.”
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Page 3498
Since time immemorial, the Rainlords had not been in the habit of massacring non-servant armies without leaving them the chance to retreat. They considered it dishonorable both as warriors and as servants. In fact, Rainlords who disregarded that unwritten rule were historically punished quite severely--even disowned as Rainlords, in certain extreme cases.
Their Arman ancestors had not been the same way, however.
That was one of the reasons why Rainlords had decided to distinguish themselves as such in the first place: to break away from the utter ruthlessness that the Armans had been known for while still trying to pay them homage for all that they accomplished.
Zeff sometimes wondered if that was a fruitless effort, though. Or a self-deceptive one, perhaps.
This barbarism that he felt in his heart. This anger. This desire to go forth and destroy his enemies. Maybe it was just in his blood. Maybe it always had been.
Maybe Parson Miles had been right about that much, at least.
Foolish thoughts.
He shook his head and took a deep breath before looking out across the vast horizon again.
He was torn in equal parts as he considered heading back out there to do battle. On one hand, it wasn’t his turn. He was supposed to be taking rest. But on the other, he wasn’t tired, and this bloodlust wasn’t calming down.
But on the other other hand, that probably wasn’t a good sign, was it?
He shouldn’t indulge this feeling, now.
Discipline. Self-control. He needed these more than ever. He knew he did.
Because his son had not been here. Francisco had not been among his captured kin.
He’d come so far, done so much, and tried so hard to temper his expectations for fear of disappointment--and none of it had mattered.
The disappointment had been crushing, just the same.
Gema. Francisco. Emiliana.
Three of his five children. All missing. And in fact, Francisco was now the one whose whereabouts he knew the least about. Where in the world were you, boy? What had you gotten thrown into?
He wanted to have confidence in him. The boy was certainly tough for his age, but in some ways, that was worrisome, too. Cisco had always struggled to make friends. Or... perhaps it was that Cisco had never cared to make friends.
Zeff wasn’t sure which. But either way, out there in the world, all on his own, Zeff might’ve felt more relief if Cisco were the friendlier sort. It was almost always better to make allies out of people who might otherwise be his enemies.
Zeff felt like he himself had taken far too long to learn that particular lesson. Hell, he still questioned whether he actually had or not.
Why did that boy have to take after him so much?
Damn it all.
Their Arman ancestors had not been the same way, however.
That was one of the reasons why Rainlords had decided to distinguish themselves as such in the first place: to break away from the utter ruthlessness that the Armans had been known for while still trying to pay them homage for all that they accomplished.
Zeff sometimes wondered if that was a fruitless effort, though. Or a self-deceptive one, perhaps.
This barbarism that he felt in his heart. This anger. This desire to go forth and destroy his enemies. Maybe it was just in his blood. Maybe it always had been.
Maybe Parson Miles had been right about that much, at least.
Foolish thoughts.
He shook his head and took a deep breath before looking out across the vast horizon again.
He was torn in equal parts as he considered heading back out there to do battle. On one hand, it wasn’t his turn. He was supposed to be taking rest. But on the other, he wasn’t tired, and this bloodlust wasn’t calming down.
But on the other other hand, that probably wasn’t a good sign, was it?
He shouldn’t indulge this feeling, now.
Discipline. Self-control. He needed these more than ever. He knew he did.
Because his son had not been here. Francisco had not been among his captured kin.
He’d come so far, done so much, and tried so hard to temper his expectations for fear of disappointment--and none of it had mattered.
The disappointment had been crushing, just the same.
Gema. Francisco. Emiliana.
Three of his five children. All missing. And in fact, Francisco was now the one whose whereabouts he knew the least about. Where in the world were you, boy? What had you gotten thrown into?
He wanted to have confidence in him. The boy was certainly tough for his age, but in some ways, that was worrisome, too. Cisco had always struggled to make friends. Or... perhaps it was that Cisco had never cared to make friends.
Zeff wasn’t sure which. But either way, out there in the world, all on his own, Zeff might’ve felt more relief if Cisco were the friendlier sort. It was almost always better to make allies out of people who might otherwise be his enemies.
Zeff felt like he himself had taken far too long to learn that particular lesson. Hell, he still questioned whether he actually had or not.
Why did that boy have to take after him so much?
Damn it all.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Page 3497 -- CCXCII.
“Interesting,” said Ibai. “He doesn’t sound too terrible, in that case. Apart from being a little judgmental. And manipulative.”
‘And unpredictable,’ said the Weaver. ‘Out of the all the primordial gods I’ve read about, he may be the one that I would fear the most.’
“Really? That doesn’t seem right. Hada seems way scarier. At least Ettol would have a chance of being on your side.”
‘No, but that’s the thing. Ettol would at first appear to be your friend. Maybe even someone you already know quite well. In fact, you may never even know he was there to begin with until he had already passed judgment on you. With Hada, at least you could see him coming and try to prepare yourself.’
Ibai bobbed his head. “I gotta say... I find it a little curious how he’s also the God of Rebirth, along with Impulse and Deceit. Do you know how he got those names?”
‘I do not. But it appears to be a pattern with each of the Primordials. They all have three monikers.’
“A trinity of power,” observed Ibai.
She paused at that. ‘I... yes. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but yes, perhaps that is exactly right. Hmm.’
“I wonder what it really means to be a ‘god.’”
‘A good question, if ever there was one.’
“Mmhmm. Think I wanna go do some reading, now.”
‘Ah, okay. So was any of that helpful? If you’re able to somehow figure out the Library’s deepest, darkest secrets from just that bit of information, then I’d sure love to hear about how and why.’
“Oh, it was super helpful! Thank you!”
‘Uh-huh. What do you plan to do now? After your next reading session, I mean.’
Another big grin split his face. “Simple! I’m gonna write a new book!”
Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-Two: ‘The Dragons in the Rain...’
Click to display entire chapter at once -- (mobile link)
The battle was a foregone conclusion. Abolish and the VMP’s forces were holding out for now, but it was only a matter of time. From this high vantage point among the rocky hills northeast of Ridgemark, Zeff Elroy could see most of the battlefield.
The allied Rainlord forces had managed to flank the enemy fairly well, though the geography of the area still left a rather clear route for them to retreat, whenever they decided to do so.
Perhaps the Rainlords could have done more to prevent that, to circle around and cut them off completely, but time had been a factor.
And of course, there was also the ancient consideration of honor on the battlefield. While Abolish may not have deserved it, the many thousands of non-servants within the VMP’s army did.
‘And unpredictable,’ said the Weaver. ‘Out of the all the primordial gods I’ve read about, he may be the one that I would fear the most.’
“Really? That doesn’t seem right. Hada seems way scarier. At least Ettol would have a chance of being on your side.”
‘No, but that’s the thing. Ettol would at first appear to be your friend. Maybe even someone you already know quite well. In fact, you may never even know he was there to begin with until he had already passed judgment on you. With Hada, at least you could see him coming and try to prepare yourself.’
Ibai bobbed his head. “I gotta say... I find it a little curious how he’s also the God of Rebirth, along with Impulse and Deceit. Do you know how he got those names?”
‘I do not. But it appears to be a pattern with each of the Primordials. They all have three monikers.’
“A trinity of power,” observed Ibai.
She paused at that. ‘I... yes. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but yes, perhaps that is exactly right. Hmm.’
“I wonder what it really means to be a ‘god.’”
‘A good question, if ever there was one.’
“Mmhmm. Think I wanna go do some reading, now.”
‘Ah, okay. So was any of that helpful? If you’re able to somehow figure out the Library’s deepest, darkest secrets from just that bit of information, then I’d sure love to hear about how and why.’
“Oh, it was super helpful! Thank you!”
‘Uh-huh. What do you plan to do now? After your next reading session, I mean.’
Another big grin split his face. “Simple! I’m gonna write a new book!”
Chapter Two Hundred Ninety-Two: ‘The Dragons in the Rain...’
Click to display entire chapter at once -- (mobile link)
The battle was a foregone conclusion. Abolish and the VMP’s forces were holding out for now, but it was only a matter of time. From this high vantage point among the rocky hills northeast of Ridgemark, Zeff Elroy could see most of the battlefield.
The allied Rainlord forces had managed to flank the enemy fairly well, though the geography of the area still left a rather clear route for them to retreat, whenever they decided to do so.
Perhaps the Rainlords could have done more to prevent that, to circle around and cut them off completely, but time had been a factor.
And of course, there was also the ancient consideration of honor on the battlefield. While Abolish may not have deserved it, the many thousands of non-servants within the VMP’s army did.
Monday, January 22, 2024
Page 3496
“Huh,” mused Ibai, a smile reforming on his lips again. “Sounds like an interesting person to talk to!”
The Weaver tittered another time. ‘You think so, do you? I do not know if I would agree, but I can at least say with confidence that I would enjoy listening to YOU speak to her.’
“Meeting new people is always fun,” he said.
‘I shan’t try to rain on your parade. As for Ettol, I assume you are also curious about him?’
“Of course! What’s his deal? God of Deceit, right? That doesn’t sound very flattering.”
‘Yes. Most of the primordial gods are portrayed, at times, as both benevolent and malicious, depending on which story you are hearing or reading. But Ettol has, without a doubt, the wildest swings in portrayal out of any of them. In some tales, he tricks his victims into the cruelest of circumstances imaginable. I remember a story in which he appears in the dreams of a young, newlywed man, promising him riches, glory, and power if he would only leave his pregnant wife behind to pursue them.
‘The young man does so, and over the course of his journey, the lad is cursed by a witch and turned into a cotton-eating weevil. The “riches” he earns are a field of cotton, so that he will never again go hungry. The “glory” he earns is that he becomes king of his fellow weevils. And the “power” he earns is immortality, which Ettol grants to him directly after appearing before him again and explaining the previous two “rewards.”’
Ibai’s smile diminished as he continued to listen with widening eyes.
‘In another story, however, Ettol appears in the dreams of a young woman who has a vile and cruel mother. He lays out a plan for her to take up a knife while the woman is out gathering wood for a fire, then plunge it into her heart after she falls asleep. But when the girl refuses, Ettol changes her mother’s heart, filling it with love and kindness for her daughter so that the two may live happily thereafter.’
“I see...”
‘But those are just the stories where he plays the part of a trickster god. He frequently appears in the stories of other gods, albeit stealthily so. You may read one story about Lhutwë, for example, wherein a sea serpent is featured prominently and Ettol is never mentioned. But then you may find out in an entirely different story that Ettol was that sea serpent all along and that he was either helping Lhutwë or throwing a wrench into the Water God’s scheme by aiding the involved humans. That is the type of god he is.’
The Weaver tittered another time. ‘You think so, do you? I do not know if I would agree, but I can at least say with confidence that I would enjoy listening to YOU speak to her.’
“Meeting new people is always fun,” he said.
‘I shan’t try to rain on your parade. As for Ettol, I assume you are also curious about him?’
“Of course! What’s his deal? God of Deceit, right? That doesn’t sound very flattering.”
‘Yes. Most of the primordial gods are portrayed, at times, as both benevolent and malicious, depending on which story you are hearing or reading. But Ettol has, without a doubt, the wildest swings in portrayal out of any of them. In some tales, he tricks his victims into the cruelest of circumstances imaginable. I remember a story in which he appears in the dreams of a young, newlywed man, promising him riches, glory, and power if he would only leave his pregnant wife behind to pursue them.
‘The young man does so, and over the course of his journey, the lad is cursed by a witch and turned into a cotton-eating weevil. The “riches” he earns are a field of cotton, so that he will never again go hungry. The “glory” he earns is that he becomes king of his fellow weevils. And the “power” he earns is immortality, which Ettol grants to him directly after appearing before him again and explaining the previous two “rewards.”’
Ibai’s smile diminished as he continued to listen with widening eyes.
‘In another story, however, Ettol appears in the dreams of a young woman who has a vile and cruel mother. He lays out a plan for her to take up a knife while the woman is out gathering wood for a fire, then plunge it into her heart after she falls asleep. But when the girl refuses, Ettol changes her mother’s heart, filling it with love and kindness for her daughter so that the two may live happily thereafter.’
“I see...”
‘But those are just the stories where he plays the part of a trickster god. He frequently appears in the stories of other gods, albeit stealthily so. You may read one story about Lhutwë, for example, wherein a sea serpent is featured prominently and Ettol is never mentioned. But then you may find out in an entirely different story that Ettol was that sea serpent all along and that he was either helping Lhutwë or throwing a wrench into the Water God’s scheme by aiding the involved humans. That is the type of god he is.’
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Page 3495
‘And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, frankly. There are many, many terrible stories of Hada being absolutely horrible. I’m surprised you aren’t more familiar with them.’
Truthfully, he was. He just hadn’t wanted to jump to conclusions. Just because Hada might’ve been a big ol’ jerk a hundred times in a row didn’t mean he couldn’t still be a nice guy on that hundred and first time, right?
Ibai made the rare decision of keep that thought to himself. He had a rather strong feeling that the Weaver either wouldn’t understand or would try to argue with him. Or maybe both.
And they’d already gotten sidetracked quite a bit.
“Welp. Alright, then. So who were these three other gods that the Library was dedicated to?”
‘Makirë, Ettol, and Xixa.’
He had to pause and think about those, trying to recall anything he might have ever read about them. “Xixa... is the Goddess of Secrets, yes?”
‘That’s right. If one were to believe in her, then it’d be a reasonable thing to think that she would make great use of a place like this.’
“Yeah. All the more to reason to think that there are plenty of juicy secrets here, waiting to be uncovered.”
‘True enough. But Xixa was also known as the Goddess of Darkness and the Goddess of Beauty. So if you’re trying to read something into her supposed involvement, then perhaps you should take those monikers into account, too.’
“Hmm. ‘Kay. What about the other two, though? I’m not as familiar with them. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of them, even.”
‘No? Perhaps that is not surprising. They are both rather odd and mysterious figures. Makirë was known as the Goddess of Wonder, Youth, and the Stars. Ettol was known as the God of Impulse, Deceit, and Rebirth. The stories about them are always quite strange.’
“How so?”
‘Well, Makirë, for instance, is frequently depicted as an elderly woman with a very childish demeanor. She is regularly abrasive and even cruel--much how children can be. But her tales often involve helping people come to terms with some horrific truth--and then providing some manner of comfort or aid. I remember one story in which she appears before a man who is terminally ill. She makes him relive many important moments in his life, showing him his own ugliness and mistreatment of others, chastising him ruthlessly and tormenting him psychologically with impossible hypothetical quandaries. And yet in the end, she accepts his apologies, restores him to youthful vigor, and then takes him with her to visit a new world among the stars.’
Truthfully, he was. He just hadn’t wanted to jump to conclusions. Just because Hada might’ve been a big ol’ jerk a hundred times in a row didn’t mean he couldn’t still be a nice guy on that hundred and first time, right?
Ibai made the rare decision of keep that thought to himself. He had a rather strong feeling that the Weaver either wouldn’t understand or would try to argue with him. Or maybe both.
And they’d already gotten sidetracked quite a bit.
“Welp. Alright, then. So who were these three other gods that the Library was dedicated to?”
‘Makirë, Ettol, and Xixa.’
He had to pause and think about those, trying to recall anything he might have ever read about them. “Xixa... is the Goddess of Secrets, yes?”
‘That’s right. If one were to believe in her, then it’d be a reasonable thing to think that she would make great use of a place like this.’
“Yeah. All the more to reason to think that there are plenty of juicy secrets here, waiting to be uncovered.”
‘True enough. But Xixa was also known as the Goddess of Darkness and the Goddess of Beauty. So if you’re trying to read something into her supposed involvement, then perhaps you should take those monikers into account, too.’
“Hmm. ‘Kay. What about the other two, though? I’m not as familiar with them. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of them, even.”
‘No? Perhaps that is not surprising. They are both rather odd and mysterious figures. Makirë was known as the Goddess of Wonder, Youth, and the Stars. Ettol was known as the God of Impulse, Deceit, and Rebirth. The stories about them are always quite strange.’
“How so?”
‘Well, Makirë, for instance, is frequently depicted as an elderly woman with a very childish demeanor. She is regularly abrasive and even cruel--much how children can be. But her tales often involve helping people come to terms with some horrific truth--and then providing some manner of comfort or aid. I remember one story in which she appears before a man who is terminally ill. She makes him relive many important moments in his life, showing him his own ugliness and mistreatment of others, chastising him ruthlessly and tormenting him psychologically with impossible hypothetical quandaries. And yet in the end, she accepts his apologies, restores him to youthful vigor, and then takes him with her to visit a new world among the stars.’
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Page 3494
“Huh,” said Ibai. “Makes me wonder what people made by such an angry guy would’ve been like.”
‘That’s a key part of the tale,’ she said. ‘As the story goes, they took after him. TOO much so, in fact. Rather than worshiping him, they hated and cursed him at every opportunity. Never built a single temple in his honor, apparently.’
Ibai bit his lip, holding in a laugh. “Yikes.”
‘They had a long and storied history of rebelling against their creator--trying to slay him, even. Until eventually, Hada grew fed up with them and began brewing the Dáinnbolg as a form of final punishment.’
“Ah. Hmm.”
‘But his people, just like him, were far too stubborn to roll over and die. So they set to work building as many new things as they could, trying to counter Hada’s unending wrath with invincible structures.’
“Oh! So the Library was one of those, then?”
‘Yes. But even among those exceptional structures, the Library was still quite special, because not only was it built as a form of rebellion against Hada, but it was also built in dedication to three other gods.’
“Say what?”
‘I already told you that many people came together to build this place, right?’
“Yeah-huh?”
‘Well, some of them were worshipers of other gods. And the “anti-worshipers” of Hada apparently didn’t mind.’
“Ooh.” He sucked some air in through his teeth. “Ouch. That’s gotta sting, if you’re Hada, right? Not only are your own people turning against you. They’re also going to your relatives? And your relatives aren’t saying no, either? Dang, dude.”
‘Quite. So you can see how this tale might have done little to soothe Hada’s hatred of us.’
“I’d be surprised if it didn’t make him hate us even more. I kinda feel bad for the guy, honestly.”
‘Well, I wouldn’t expend too much empathy on him, if I were you. I don’t think I’ve ever read or heard a single nice thing about Hada. In fact, if he is or ever was real, then I would argue that he was the single most colossal bastard to have ever existed.’
“Really? That’s pretty harsh.”
‘Know what the first cause was for his hatred of humanity? The thing that got the ball rolling?’
“No, what?”
‘He wanted to eat us. And when we fought back, he didn’t like it. And from there, the hatred just built and built.’
“Huh...”
‘Still empathizing with him?’
“Well, I mean, that’s just one example of a bad thing. And first impressions can be really awkward and unfortunate, y’know? Maybe later on, he could’ve--”
‘He had a preference for devouring children.’
Ibai’s face scrunched up.
‘That’s a key part of the tale,’ she said. ‘As the story goes, they took after him. TOO much so, in fact. Rather than worshiping him, they hated and cursed him at every opportunity. Never built a single temple in his honor, apparently.’
Ibai bit his lip, holding in a laugh. “Yikes.”
‘They had a long and storied history of rebelling against their creator--trying to slay him, even. Until eventually, Hada grew fed up with them and began brewing the Dáinnbolg as a form of final punishment.’
“Ah. Hmm.”
‘But his people, just like him, were far too stubborn to roll over and die. So they set to work building as many new things as they could, trying to counter Hada’s unending wrath with invincible structures.’
“Oh! So the Library was one of those, then?”
‘Yes. But even among those exceptional structures, the Library was still quite special, because not only was it built as a form of rebellion against Hada, but it was also built in dedication to three other gods.’
“Say what?”
‘I already told you that many people came together to build this place, right?’
“Yeah-huh?”
‘Well, some of them were worshipers of other gods. And the “anti-worshipers” of Hada apparently didn’t mind.’
“Ooh.” He sucked some air in through his teeth. “Ouch. That’s gotta sting, if you’re Hada, right? Not only are your own people turning against you. They’re also going to your relatives? And your relatives aren’t saying no, either? Dang, dude.”
‘Quite. So you can see how this tale might have done little to soothe Hada’s hatred of us.’
“I’d be surprised if it didn’t make him hate us even more. I kinda feel bad for the guy, honestly.”
‘Well, I wouldn’t expend too much empathy on him, if I were you. I don’t think I’ve ever read or heard a single nice thing about Hada. In fact, if he is or ever was real, then I would argue that he was the single most colossal bastard to have ever existed.’
“Really? That’s pretty harsh.”
‘Know what the first cause was for his hatred of humanity? The thing that got the ball rolling?’
“No, what?”
‘He wanted to eat us. And when we fought back, he didn’t like it. And from there, the hatred just built and built.’
“Huh...”
‘Still empathizing with him?’
“Well, I mean, that’s just one example of a bad thing. And first impressions can be really awkward and unfortunate, y’know? Maybe later on, he could’ve--”
‘He had a preference for devouring children.’
Ibai’s face scrunched up.
Friday, January 19, 2024
Page 3493
‘...Are you alright?’ said the Weaver. ‘You look like you’re in pain.’
He barely even heard her and certainly couldn’t afford to formulate a response. He was busy. Thinking.
Because there was definitely something there. Something deep in his head.
Where? Exactly? Was it?
Something he’d read, maybe? Yeah...
In ancient times, places like this were even more difficult to build than they were today. Frequently, but not always, they were the work of brilliant servants--or brilliant architects who employed servants. Exceptions existed all around the world, grand buildings that had been the product of pure, normal human labor--such as the Great Cocoran Cathedral of Trenoy.
Yes. That was the ticket. Servants were not always part of the construction, but something else was. Every single time. The common denominator between the constructions of all these super-ancient structures.
They’d been built for the gods.
That was, perhaps, the greatest difference between the ancient world and modern day, Ibai thought. People back then revered the gods with an almost unfathomable passion, compared to today.
So this place must have been no different.
“...Which god was the Library of Erudia built in dedication to?” was what came out of his mouth.
‘Oh, that’s a tough question, but as it so happens, I do know the answer to it.’
“Cool!”
‘As with most things regarding the Library, it is a complicated matter. But first, are you already aware of the Dáinnbolg’s relevance to your question?’
He blinked. The Eternal Storm? The thing blanketing all of Exoltha and causing it to be the so-called ‘dead continent?’ His curiosity had just doubled at the mere mention of it. “No. What does that have to do with this?”
‘Supposedly, the Dáinnbolg is the long-lingering work of Hada, the God of Storms and Wrath. Otherwise known as He Who Hates All Humanity.’
“Oh! Wow, really? That would make a lot of sense!”
‘Supposedly, I said. There’s no way to know for sure. In fact, perhaps Hada was merely blamed for it because of how sensible the idea SEEMED.’
“Ah. Hmm. That’d be a real bummer for him, eh?”
‘Regardless, the story goes that Hada was once the caretaker of Exoltha--and also the progenitor of its inhabitants.’
“Wait, really? He created people? Despite famously wanting all of us dead?”
‘Yes, it is a contradiction. Perhaps this story is false. Or perhaps this occurred before his hatred grew to be so strong. Or perhaps it is WHY it grew so strong. If only we could find him and ask him for clarification personally. Preferably without being instantly obliterated.’
He barely even heard her and certainly couldn’t afford to formulate a response. He was busy. Thinking.
Because there was definitely something there. Something deep in his head.
Where? Exactly? Was it?
Something he’d read, maybe? Yeah...
In ancient times, places like this were even more difficult to build than they were today. Frequently, but not always, they were the work of brilliant servants--or brilliant architects who employed servants. Exceptions existed all around the world, grand buildings that had been the product of pure, normal human labor--such as the Great Cocoran Cathedral of Trenoy.
Yes. That was the ticket. Servants were not always part of the construction, but something else was. Every single time. The common denominator between the constructions of all these super-ancient structures.
They’d been built for the gods.
That was, perhaps, the greatest difference between the ancient world and modern day, Ibai thought. People back then revered the gods with an almost unfathomable passion, compared to today.
So this place must have been no different.
“...Which god was the Library of Erudia built in dedication to?” was what came out of his mouth.
‘Oh, that’s a tough question, but as it so happens, I do know the answer to it.’
“Cool!”
‘As with most things regarding the Library, it is a complicated matter. But first, are you already aware of the Dáinnbolg’s relevance to your question?’
He blinked. The Eternal Storm? The thing blanketing all of Exoltha and causing it to be the so-called ‘dead continent?’ His curiosity had just doubled at the mere mention of it. “No. What does that have to do with this?”
‘Supposedly, the Dáinnbolg is the long-lingering work of Hada, the God of Storms and Wrath. Otherwise known as He Who Hates All Humanity.’
“Oh! Wow, really? That would make a lot of sense!”
‘Supposedly, I said. There’s no way to know for sure. In fact, perhaps Hada was merely blamed for it because of how sensible the idea SEEMED.’
“Ah. Hmm. That’d be a real bummer for him, eh?”
‘Regardless, the story goes that Hada was once the caretaker of Exoltha--and also the progenitor of its inhabitants.’
“Wait, really? He created people? Despite famously wanting all of us dead?”
‘Yes, it is a contradiction. Perhaps this story is false. Or perhaps this occurred before his hatred grew to be so strong. Or perhaps it is WHY it grew so strong. If only we could find him and ask him for clarification personally. Preferably without being instantly obliterated.’
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Page 3492
‘You read about it?’ said the Weaver. ‘When?’
He paused for a shrug. “A couple weeks ago, maybe? Can’t remember which book. There’ve been lots.”
‘Hmm. Unfortuanate. If you could find that book again, I would be interested in reading it myself.’
“Oh, okay! Sure, I’ll definitely find it for you! Wow! I kinda figured that you’d already read all the books here ‘r something.”
‘That would be an impossible feat, surely.’
“Guess so, huh? Especially with some of ‘em being hidden ‘n all.”
‘Indeed.’
“But wait a tick. Where did you learn about the history of the Library, then? Not from one of the books here?”
‘No, I...’
Ibai waited for her to finish, but it seemed like she wasn’t going to. “You keep trying to convince me you’re not super old, but if you didn’t read about it in a book, then are you sure you don’t just remember the history?”
‘It is a personal matter.’
“Yeah, that makes sense. Remembering stuff if very personal.”
‘No, I mean--ugh. You know what, you silly aberration? Fine. You’ve worn me down. If you must know the truth, I did read about it in a book, just not one from the Library of Erudition.’
“Ooooh. So you’re like a huge nerd, then! Always visiting libraries and stuff!” And he laughed.
For some reason, she made no response.
“Oh, but I don’t mean that in like a bad way or anything! I think I’m pretty nerdy myself. So we’re like kindred spirits, is what I’m saying!”
‘Uh... huh.’
“Anyway, you were saying? About the Library being built and protected by loads of cool and heroic people?”
‘I’d finished my point, more or less. Unless there was something specific you wished to ask about.’
“Hmm-hmm. Um. Lemme see.” Dang, this was a tough one.
He tried to focus. Which was not something that he attempted to do very often. Usually, he preferred to just let his mind go wherever it wanted. What was the point in trying to force his thoughts in a particular direction? Where was the fun? Where was the freedom?
But this was important. If he could just figure out a way to find the Library’s secret stash of super cool books, then maybe he could figure out a way to help Emiliana.
So he decided not to just try. He decided to really try.
What questions could he ask the Weaver that might reveal some type of hidden clue?
“Hmmmmmmmmmm...”
He paused for a shrug. “A couple weeks ago, maybe? Can’t remember which book. There’ve been lots.”
‘Hmm. Unfortuanate. If you could find that book again, I would be interested in reading it myself.’
“Oh, okay! Sure, I’ll definitely find it for you! Wow! I kinda figured that you’d already read all the books here ‘r something.”
‘That would be an impossible feat, surely.’
“Guess so, huh? Especially with some of ‘em being hidden ‘n all.”
‘Indeed.’
“But wait a tick. Where did you learn about the history of the Library, then? Not from one of the books here?”
‘No, I...’
Ibai waited for her to finish, but it seemed like she wasn’t going to. “You keep trying to convince me you’re not super old, but if you didn’t read about it in a book, then are you sure you don’t just remember the history?”
‘It is a personal matter.’
“Yeah, that makes sense. Remembering stuff if very personal.”
‘No, I mean--ugh. You know what, you silly aberration? Fine. You’ve worn me down. If you must know the truth, I did read about it in a book, just not one from the Library of Erudition.’
“Ooooh. So you’re like a huge nerd, then! Always visiting libraries and stuff!” And he laughed.
For some reason, she made no response.
“Oh, but I don’t mean that in like a bad way or anything! I think I’m pretty nerdy myself. So we’re like kindred spirits, is what I’m saying!”
‘Uh... huh.’
“Anyway, you were saying? About the Library being built and protected by loads of cool and heroic people?”
‘I’d finished my point, more or less. Unless there was something specific you wished to ask about.’
“Hmm-hmm. Um. Lemme see.” Dang, this was a tough one.
He tried to focus. Which was not something that he attempted to do very often. Usually, he preferred to just let his mind go wherever it wanted. What was the point in trying to force his thoughts in a particular direction? Where was the fun? Where was the freedom?
But this was important. If he could just figure out a way to find the Library’s secret stash of super cool books, then maybe he could figure out a way to help Emiliana.
So he decided not to just try. He decided to really try.
What questions could he ask the Weaver that might reveal some type of hidden clue?
“Hmmmmmmmmmm...”
Monday, January 15, 2024
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Page 3491
‘You test my patience yet again. I assure you that I was entirely thorough. There must be some strange mechanism by which the Library can conceal its pathways. To my mind, the most likely reason is that it is able to shift walls and hallways or even entire rooms as it pleases.’
“Yeah, that sounds like something that this cheeky building might do.”
‘But that is only my guess. I fear there may be yet more to it. Some other component that I am unable to even imagine.’
Ibai stuck on that notion for a moment, rubbing his chin as he thought about it. “Some other component, huh? Interesting...”
‘Might you have some idea?’
“Oh, it’s too soon to say anything about that. Wild speculation can come later!”
‘That’s not really what I was getting at.’
“Do you know who built the Library of Erudia?”
‘Ah. Now that is a complicated subject. This place is as ancient as they come. ‘Tis a remnant of the many lost civilizations that once called Exoltha home.’
“Many? Not just one?”
‘Oh yes. It was a long-continued project, spanning generations and bringing together cultural figureheads from across this continent. Kings and queens, prophets and apostles, akhunds and mobads. Many were brought together in the shared pursuit of the preservation of knowledge.’
“Mm! That was a really big deal back in those days, wasn’t it? Because they’d had so much trouble with heretical book burnings and whatnot, right?”
‘Oh, indeed. You’re familiar with the history?’
“A tad.”
‘Yes, wars were fought over these matters. It was certainly no coincidence that brought all of these learned men together. Many would have needed little or no convincing about the importance of the undertaking, having personally witnessed barbaric hordes descending upon their beloved institutions of learning.’
Ibai just nodded along silently.
‘As for who, precisely, began the long venture of trying to build the Library: I believe that information has been lost to time. Too many others came to be involved in its creation over such a long period of time. And there are quite a number of fantastic tales surrounding the various stages of its construction, too. It may be an impervious fortress now, but that is only because many brave people sacrificed everything in order to protect it while it was still vulnerable.’
“I read a bit about that, not long ago,” said Ibai. “There were something like forty sieges on this place before it was finished.”
“Yeah, that sounds like something that this cheeky building might do.”
‘But that is only my guess. I fear there may be yet more to it. Some other component that I am unable to even imagine.’
Ibai stuck on that notion for a moment, rubbing his chin as he thought about it. “Some other component, huh? Interesting...”
‘Might you have some idea?’
“Oh, it’s too soon to say anything about that. Wild speculation can come later!”
‘That’s not really what I was getting at.’
“Do you know who built the Library of Erudia?”
‘Ah. Now that is a complicated subject. This place is as ancient as they come. ‘Tis a remnant of the many lost civilizations that once called Exoltha home.’
“Many? Not just one?”
‘Oh yes. It was a long-continued project, spanning generations and bringing together cultural figureheads from across this continent. Kings and queens, prophets and apostles, akhunds and mobads. Many were brought together in the shared pursuit of the preservation of knowledge.’
“Mm! That was a really big deal back in those days, wasn’t it? Because they’d had so much trouble with heretical book burnings and whatnot, right?”
‘Oh, indeed. You’re familiar with the history?’
“A tad.”
‘Yes, wars were fought over these matters. It was certainly no coincidence that brought all of these learned men together. Many would have needed little or no convincing about the importance of the undertaking, having personally witnessed barbaric hordes descending upon their beloved institutions of learning.’
Ibai just nodded along silently.
‘As for who, precisely, began the long venture of trying to build the Library: I believe that information has been lost to time. Too many others came to be involved in its creation over such a long period of time. And there are quite a number of fantastic tales surrounding the various stages of its construction, too. It may be an impervious fortress now, but that is only because many brave people sacrificed everything in order to protect it while it was still vulnerable.’
“I read a bit about that, not long ago,” said Ibai. “There were something like forty sieges on this place before it was finished.”
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Page 3490
“Okay, okay, sorry. I’ll stop calling you old. I can see how sensitive you are about the subject, which tells me that you might, for some reason, be lying to me about it, but I suppose that’s neither here nor there. Let me ask something--”
‘I’m not lying! I’m still young, damn you!’
Dang. He’d just been teasing her, but with all her protestations, now he was genuinely starting to believe that she was hundreds or even thousands of years old, somehow.
His big, toothy smile probably wouldn’t have helped her mood very much, but thankfully, the room was too dark for her to see it.
‘And wipe that shit-eating grin off your stupid face.’
Oh. Well, nevermind.
“Anywho! Next question! You’re doing great so far, by the way! Very cooperative!”
She just returned a psychic grumble.
“Do you know of any other secret passageways, like the one that leads to this room here?”
‘Sure. There’s one that leads to an underground garden on the lower levels. And one to a bathing chamber, where certain historical figures were known to get up to all sorts of naughty hijinks.’
“Ooooh.”
‘If you visit that second one, however, then I would take great caution, were I you. The waters there have been neglected and stagnant for eons. It would not surprise me if they are rancid or even toxic.’
“Ewwww. But neat! Any other cool spots to know about? Like, say, a secret inner sanctum full of secret, inner-sanctum-y reading materials?”
‘Oh, of course.’
“Really?!”
‘No! I already told that I don’t know how to reach such areas! I would have directed you to them straight away if I did.’
“Ah.”
‘You think I would’ve forgotten about something so important?’
“Well. I mean. I didn’t want to bring up your age again, but...”
‘I will turn your insufferable little mind into a Jesbolese knot if you keep this up.’
“Mmmmm. So what made you come to believe that the Library hides stuff from us, then? Was there a particular place that you’ve tried to find but just couldn’t?”
‘If you’re asking whether or not I’ve ever personally searched for this “inner sanctum” as you called it, then yes, I have. And to no avail, obviously.’
“And yet you’re still convinced that it exists?”
‘The Master has mentioned it. I believe he knows how to reach it. And others, most likely.’
“Makes sense, I guess. Where did you search, exactly?”
‘Everywhere. Every floor. Behind every wall. Beyond every brick. Between every nook and cranny.’
“Sounds a little exaggerated...”
‘I’m not lying! I’m still young, damn you!’
Dang. He’d just been teasing her, but with all her protestations, now he was genuinely starting to believe that she was hundreds or even thousands of years old, somehow.
His big, toothy smile probably wouldn’t have helped her mood very much, but thankfully, the room was too dark for her to see it.
‘And wipe that shit-eating grin off your stupid face.’
Oh. Well, nevermind.
“Anywho! Next question! You’re doing great so far, by the way! Very cooperative!”
She just returned a psychic grumble.
“Do you know of any other secret passageways, like the one that leads to this room here?”
‘Sure. There’s one that leads to an underground garden on the lower levels. And one to a bathing chamber, where certain historical figures were known to get up to all sorts of naughty hijinks.’
“Ooooh.”
‘If you visit that second one, however, then I would take great caution, were I you. The waters there have been neglected and stagnant for eons. It would not surprise me if they are rancid or even toxic.’
“Ewwww. But neat! Any other cool spots to know about? Like, say, a secret inner sanctum full of secret, inner-sanctum-y reading materials?”
‘Oh, of course.’
“Really?!”
‘No! I already told that I don’t know how to reach such areas! I would have directed you to them straight away if I did.’
“Ah.”
‘You think I would’ve forgotten about something so important?’
“Well. I mean. I didn’t want to bring up your age again, but...”
‘I will turn your insufferable little mind into a Jesbolese knot if you keep this up.’
“Mmmmm. So what made you come to believe that the Library hides stuff from us, then? Was there a particular place that you’ve tried to find but just couldn’t?”
‘If you’re asking whether or not I’ve ever personally searched for this “inner sanctum” as you called it, then yes, I have. And to no avail, obviously.’
“And yet you’re still convinced that it exists?”
‘The Master has mentioned it. I believe he knows how to reach it. And others, most likely.’
“Makes sense, I guess. Where did you search, exactly?”
‘Everywhere. Every floor. Behind every wall. Beyond every brick. Between every nook and cranny.’
“Sounds a little exaggerated...”
Friday, January 12, 2024
Page 3489
‘I have no desire to curry favor with a building,’ said the Weaver.
“Why not? What do you have against buildings?”
‘Enough silliness. If you are so determined to befriend the Library, then you will find no help from me.’
“Really? Not even a little bit?”
‘I do not know anything that would be of use to you.’
“Are you sure? What if you just don’t know that you know? They call those kinds of things unknown unknowns. Y’know?”
‘If that is so, then I would still have no way of detecting and then imparting said knowledge to you.’
“Unless I ask you the right questions! Triggering your deeply rooted, ancient wisdom!”
‘I’m not THAT old, I’ll have you know.’
“And yet you’re still so full of ancient wisdom! It’s all the more impressive when you look at it like that!”
‘Flattery is pointless and beneath you.’
“It’s not flattery if I’m just speaking the truth, is it?”
‘Yes, it still is. The intent is what matters.’
“Huh. Well, my intentions are entirely pure, so I’m pretty sure that I’m covered there, too.” And before she could give another sidetracking retort, he decided to push the conversation forward. “Anyway! Question time! It’ll be a fun game! You like games, don’t you? I sure do!”
‘Is that the first question? Because yes, I do happen to enjoy a good game, now and again.’
“Perfect! What a great start!”
‘Go on, then. See if you can uncover something within my mind that even I have forgotten about.’
“Okay! Hmm! Let’s see here... Now what would be a good subject to begin with...?”
‘You have no idea? After all that bluster, I thought you had some sort of plan, but you really are just winging it, aren’t you?’
“Oh, I know! The first time you arrived at the Library! How’d you come to be here, exactly?”
‘Is this game just an excuse to ask me personal questions?’
“No! Of course not! Maybe a little!”
That earned a silent titter from her. ‘I was brought here by the Master, of course. He wanted to provide a place for me to rest and recover after... a particularly trying ordeal.’
“Oh? Mysterious. What was the nature of this ordeal, hmm?”
‘Let’s keep these questions relevant to the Library itself, shall we?’
“Aww. But okay. In that case, how long ago was it that you arrived here?”
‘Decades, as I already said.’
“Yeah, but how many decades, exactly?”
‘Many.’
“So like seven?”
‘I’m not that old!’
“Alright, but then stop saying things that make me think you are!”
‘Look, the truth is, I do not quite recall how long it has been. Time... is a rather loose concept for me. I do not feel its passing as I once did.’
“...Sounds like something a really old person would say.”
‘Oh, shut up!’
“Why not? What do you have against buildings?”
‘Enough silliness. If you are so determined to befriend the Library, then you will find no help from me.’
“Really? Not even a little bit?”
‘I do not know anything that would be of use to you.’
“Are you sure? What if you just don’t know that you know? They call those kinds of things unknown unknowns. Y’know?”
‘If that is so, then I would still have no way of detecting and then imparting said knowledge to you.’
“Unless I ask you the right questions! Triggering your deeply rooted, ancient wisdom!”
‘I’m not THAT old, I’ll have you know.’
“And yet you’re still so full of ancient wisdom! It’s all the more impressive when you look at it like that!”
‘Flattery is pointless and beneath you.’
“It’s not flattery if I’m just speaking the truth, is it?”
‘Yes, it still is. The intent is what matters.’
“Huh. Well, my intentions are entirely pure, so I’m pretty sure that I’m covered there, too.” And before she could give another sidetracking retort, he decided to push the conversation forward. “Anyway! Question time! It’ll be a fun game! You like games, don’t you? I sure do!”
‘Is that the first question? Because yes, I do happen to enjoy a good game, now and again.’
“Perfect! What a great start!”
‘Go on, then. See if you can uncover something within my mind that even I have forgotten about.’
“Okay! Hmm! Let’s see here... Now what would be a good subject to begin with...?”
‘You have no idea? After all that bluster, I thought you had some sort of plan, but you really are just winging it, aren’t you?’
“Oh, I know! The first time you arrived at the Library! How’d you come to be here, exactly?”
‘Is this game just an excuse to ask me personal questions?’
“No! Of course not! Maybe a little!”
That earned a silent titter from her. ‘I was brought here by the Master, of course. He wanted to provide a place for me to rest and recover after... a particularly trying ordeal.’
“Oh? Mysterious. What was the nature of this ordeal, hmm?”
‘Let’s keep these questions relevant to the Library itself, shall we?’
“Aww. But okay. In that case, how long ago was it that you arrived here?”
‘Decades, as I already said.’
“Yeah, but how many decades, exactly?”
‘Many.’
“So like seven?”
‘I’m not that old!’
“Alright, but then stop saying things that make me think you are!”
‘Look, the truth is, I do not quite recall how long it has been. Time... is a rather loose concept for me. I do not feel its passing as I once did.’
“...Sounds like something a really old person would say.”
‘Oh, shut up!’
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Page 3488
“Am I?” said Ibai. “I apologize. Much like you should!”
‘You are getting sidetracked. Weren’t you saying that you had something important to do?’
“I did say that, yes! You’re a good listener!”
‘I presume it has to do with the Elroy girl’s current circumstances.’
“You’re good at presuming, too!”
‘You think the Library can help her?’
“That’s the hope. Dunno how plausible it is, though.”
‘Not at all, I’d wager.’
“Hmm? You just said it was possible, though, didn’t you?”
‘No. Winning its favor may be possible. Unlikely, perhaps, but possible. But acquiring its help for the girl? That is a different matter, unfortunately. ‘Tis is a fool’s errand, I’m afraid.’
“Dang. Why you gotta be such a downer about it, though?”
‘You told me of her current state before, remember? If the Master was truly the one to put her into that trance, then the Library will not help. He is its Keeper, and it will not go against him.’
“Yeah, but what if I ask it really nicely?”
‘Your jests belie your desperation. And while I sympathize with your plight, I think you would be better off not wasting your time on it. The Master has obviously taken an interest in her and will therefore not abandon her. Sooner or later, he will return and revive her, and given that she is undead, it does not matter how delayed his return might be. She will be fine, regardless.’
“All fair points,” said Ibai. “But I also can’t help thinking that maybe you’re overestimating how much the Library cares about Gohvis’ opinion. Didn’t you just get done saying how capricious it is? Even if he is its Keeper, does that really matter?”
‘I have never once seen it move against him.’
“Well, there’s a first time for everything. Plus, it wouldn’t even be going against him by aiding me. That’s a false dichotomy! It’s not like we’re sworn enemies or anything! I think Gohvis is a swell guy! Reads my books, you know! Very thoughtful, him!”
‘Uh-huh... Nothing I say will convince you to give up, will it?’
“Prolly not. I like to think I’m open to having my mind changed, but sometimes, you’ve just gotta stand firm, don’t you think?”
‘Clearly, what I think doesn’t matter.’
“Aw, don’t be like that! Hey, what say I put in a good word for you once I’ve won the Library over, eh? Maybe help repair some of the bad blood between the two of you? Because there’s bad blood, right? I’m definitely sensing some bad blood.”
‘You are getting sidetracked. Weren’t you saying that you had something important to do?’
“I did say that, yes! You’re a good listener!”
‘I presume it has to do with the Elroy girl’s current circumstances.’
“You’re good at presuming, too!”
‘You think the Library can help her?’
“That’s the hope. Dunno how plausible it is, though.”
‘Not at all, I’d wager.’
“Hmm? You just said it was possible, though, didn’t you?”
‘No. Winning its favor may be possible. Unlikely, perhaps, but possible. But acquiring its help for the girl? That is a different matter, unfortunately. ‘Tis is a fool’s errand, I’m afraid.’
“Dang. Why you gotta be such a downer about it, though?”
‘You told me of her current state before, remember? If the Master was truly the one to put her into that trance, then the Library will not help. He is its Keeper, and it will not go against him.’
“Yeah, but what if I ask it really nicely?”
‘Your jests belie your desperation. And while I sympathize with your plight, I think you would be better off not wasting your time on it. The Master has obviously taken an interest in her and will therefore not abandon her. Sooner or later, he will return and revive her, and given that she is undead, it does not matter how delayed his return might be. She will be fine, regardless.’
“All fair points,” said Ibai. “But I also can’t help thinking that maybe you’re overestimating how much the Library cares about Gohvis’ opinion. Didn’t you just get done saying how capricious it is? Even if he is its Keeper, does that really matter?”
‘I have never once seen it move against him.’
“Well, there’s a first time for everything. Plus, it wouldn’t even be going against him by aiding me. That’s a false dichotomy! It’s not like we’re sworn enemies or anything! I think Gohvis is a swell guy! Reads my books, you know! Very thoughtful, him!”
‘Uh-huh... Nothing I say will convince you to give up, will it?’
“Prolly not. I like to think I’m open to having my mind changed, but sometimes, you’ve just gotta stand firm, don’t you think?”
‘Clearly, what I think doesn’t matter.’
“Aw, don’t be like that! Hey, what say I put in a good word for you once I’ve won the Library over, eh? Maybe help repair some of the bad blood between the two of you? Because there’s bad blood, right? I’m definitely sensing some bad blood.”
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Page 3487
“Hmmmmm.” Ibai had to mull that notion over. “Well, now I’m torn, because that sounds like a fun puzzle to solve. Going against the Library? Unlocking its secrets despite its best efforts hide them? What a great game!” He bobbed his head to one side. “But on the other hand, might it actually be more fun to try and earn the Library’s trust? I mean, I’ve been working that angle for a while already, so it would probably be faster to simply continue on like so, eh?”
‘Not merely faster, but also possible. As I said, if it doesn’t want you to find something, then you have no hope of finding it. The Library will forever conceal it from you.’
“Oh, quit that! Don’t try and tempt me now! It won’t work!”
‘I am not trying to tempt you. I am merely warning that--’
“It won’t work, I said!” And he broke for a short laugh. “If this were just matter of my own academic interest and desire to have a boatload of fun, then sure, you’d have tricked me down that first path like the super smart squid lady that you are--and I’d have been pleased as punch about it, too! But unfortunately, there’s more at stake here than just that. Can’t justify taking that kind of risk.”
‘Again, I was not trying to trick you--’
“My heart shan’t waver! Don’t worry about it! Though I may long for a puzzle to solve, I must stay the clearer course!”
‘Alright, whatever.’
“Might you have any tips about how to get on the Library’s good side?”
‘None whatsoever.’
“Aww, shucks, really?”
‘The Library is a capricious, ravenous, amoral monstrosity. I do not think it has the capacity to trust or love you or anyone else, even in the most minor of ways.’
Ibai pressed his lips together flatly. “Pretty harsh, bro.”
‘Do not call me that.’
“Sis?”
‘Nor that.’
“Sibling? Oh, or?! Squidbling?!”
‘Ugh, what the--?’
“Look, you can’t be sayin’ stuff like that about the Library and still expect it to fall in love with you. I’m sure it can hear you. And words hurt, you know.”
‘What nonsense are you talking now?’
“In fact, you should probably apologize.”
‘For what? I merely spoke the truth.’
“Mmmmm, I dunno...”
‘Of course you do not know. You know nothing of this place, while I have been here for decades.’
“Okay, but even if what you said was true--or partially true, maybe--I’m sure there was still a nicer way you could have phrased it, right?”
‘You are beginning to annoy me.’
‘Not merely faster, but also possible. As I said, if it doesn’t want you to find something, then you have no hope of finding it. The Library will forever conceal it from you.’
“Oh, quit that! Don’t try and tempt me now! It won’t work!”
‘I am not trying to tempt you. I am merely warning that--’
“It won’t work, I said!” And he broke for a short laugh. “If this were just matter of my own academic interest and desire to have a boatload of fun, then sure, you’d have tricked me down that first path like the super smart squid lady that you are--and I’d have been pleased as punch about it, too! But unfortunately, there’s more at stake here than just that. Can’t justify taking that kind of risk.”
‘Again, I was not trying to trick you--’
“My heart shan’t waver! Don’t worry about it! Though I may long for a puzzle to solve, I must stay the clearer course!”
‘Alright, whatever.’
“Might you have any tips about how to get on the Library’s good side?”
‘None whatsoever.’
“Aww, shucks, really?”
‘The Library is a capricious, ravenous, amoral monstrosity. I do not think it has the capacity to trust or love you or anyone else, even in the most minor of ways.’
Ibai pressed his lips together flatly. “Pretty harsh, bro.”
‘Do not call me that.’
“Sis?”
‘Nor that.’
“Sibling? Oh, or?! Squidbling?!”
‘Ugh, what the--?’
“Look, you can’t be sayin’ stuff like that about the Library and still expect it to fall in love with you. I’m sure it can hear you. And words hurt, you know.”
‘What nonsense are you talking now?’
“In fact, you should probably apologize.”
‘For what? I merely spoke the truth.’
“Mmmmm, I dunno...”
‘Of course you do not know. You know nothing of this place, while I have been here for decades.’
“Okay, but even if what you said was true--or partially true, maybe--I’m sure there was still a nicer way you could have phrased it, right?”
‘You are beginning to annoy me.’
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Page 3486
After that, their conversation had drifted to other subjects as the Weaver began asking various questions about Ibai himself, inquiring into his personal history. She even demonstrated an interest in House Blackburn as a whole.
He hadn’t provided her all of the answers that she wanted, however. As much as he enjoyed getting to meet her for the first time, he decided to play things more mischievously. When it came down to it, he didn’t know if he should trust her with information about his family.
Plus, it was more fun this way. He could tease her with his answers and maybe even coax a few out of her, in exchange. She was quite the curious creature, after all. He wanted to know more about her personal history, too.
She hadn’t been forthcoming at all, though, and so that first encounter had ended with the two of them having not made much progress with one another.
But that was okay. It just gave him more reason to go and talk to her again. If they were going to build trust, then it would take time.
And heck, even if she never told him anything else about herself, she was still a wellspring of information about all manner of other subjects.
Such as the Library.
Which was why he decided to go and visit her again. He’d already asked her about Emiliana’s meditative trance once before, and the Weaver had told him that she didn't know anything about it, but this time, Ibai intended to take a different approach.
Luckily, he’d already memorized the path back to her.
‘Hello again,’ she said.
“Hi,” he said with his usual cheer, but he also decided to not waste time and just jump straight into his question. “Do you know of any other hidden areas within the Library? And I mean areas where, like, the extra special books are stored.”
‘Ah. Well, the answer to that is more complicated than you might expect.’
“How so?”
‘Do I know of such areas? Yes, I do. Do I know how you can reach them? Maybe.’
“Aw, c’mon, don’t tease me about this, too! This is more important than just simple curiosity on my part!”
‘Alas, I am not teasing you. Rather, I genuinely am not sure if I can help you or not.’
“Oh.”
‘You’re aware that the Library has a will of its own, yes?’
“Yeah-huh?”
‘Then perhaps it will come as no surprise to you that if the Library does not wish for you to find something, then you will not find it.’
He hadn’t provided her all of the answers that she wanted, however. As much as he enjoyed getting to meet her for the first time, he decided to play things more mischievously. When it came down to it, he didn’t know if he should trust her with information about his family.
Plus, it was more fun this way. He could tease her with his answers and maybe even coax a few out of her, in exchange. She was quite the curious creature, after all. He wanted to know more about her personal history, too.
She hadn’t been forthcoming at all, though, and so that first encounter had ended with the two of them having not made much progress with one another.
But that was okay. It just gave him more reason to go and talk to her again. If they were going to build trust, then it would take time.
And heck, even if she never told him anything else about herself, she was still a wellspring of information about all manner of other subjects.
Such as the Library.
Which was why he decided to go and visit her again. He’d already asked her about Emiliana’s meditative trance once before, and the Weaver had told him that she didn't know anything about it, but this time, Ibai intended to take a different approach.
Luckily, he’d already memorized the path back to her.
‘Hello again,’ she said.
“Hi,” he said with his usual cheer, but he also decided to not waste time and just jump straight into his question. “Do you know of any other hidden areas within the Library? And I mean areas where, like, the extra special books are stored.”
‘Ah. Well, the answer to that is more complicated than you might expect.’
“How so?”
‘Do I know of such areas? Yes, I do. Do I know how you can reach them? Maybe.’
“Aw, c’mon, don’t tease me about this, too! This is more important than just simple curiosity on my part!”
‘Alas, I am not teasing you. Rather, I genuinely am not sure if I can help you or not.’
“Oh.”
‘You’re aware that the Library has a will of its own, yes?’
“Yeah-huh?”
‘Then perhaps it will come as no surprise to you that if the Library does not wish for you to find something, then you will not find it.’
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Page 3485
“Ah, hmm! That IS an interesting question, isn’t it?! Perhaps in instances like that, the negativity has a hidden element of positivity inside it! Which is the real source of the fun!”
‘How convenient for your argument.’
“Admittedly, I feel a little out of my depth on that one. While I’ve read about those types of feelings, I don’t know if I’ve ever actually experienced that sort of thing, myself. But it does fascinate me! I mean, when you think about it, you’re turning something bad into something good! Isn’t that cool?!”
‘I don’t know if that’s the best way of looking at it.’
“Mm? Why not?”
‘Because a “feeling” of positivity stemming from a negative source is not necessarily a good thing. In fact, it might be quite a terrible thing. For example, the feeling that a bully gets when victimizing someone. The sense of power and control, I mean. That may feel good for the bully, temporarily, but is it a good thing overall? I think not.’
Ibai nodded along. “Fair enough, fair enough. But we’ve also shifted points a bit here, I think. What you’re talking about is someone feeling good from doing a bad thing. What I was talking about was someone feeling good from also feeling bad. Like, say, when you feel really sad about something but then start to feel weirdly kinda good about it, too. Maybe in a self-pitying sense. Which, okay, sure, isn’t necessarily the best thing, either, but... hmm...”
‘I see. I can agree that wallowing in one’s own misery can have a strangely comforting sensation to it. That may even be the driving force behind why it can be difficult to pull oneself out of such states. Because on some level, it feels good to remain there.’
“Yeah!”
‘In which case, your thesis about positivity being good is proven wrong.’
“Oh.” A beat passed. “Whoa, hey, wait a minute. I didn’t say positivity is always good. I said it’s fun!”
‘Oh? Then are you declaring that fun is not always good?’
He was tempted to say yes immediately, but he took a moment to mull it over a bit more, first. Then he nodded again. “Yeah, I think so. Lots of fun things can end up being quite bad in various ways, right?”
For a time, the Weaver said nothing. She merely stared at him from her shadowy corner of the room.
Or at least, that was what it felt like she was doing. It was a little hard to tell if she even had eyeballs with which to stare.
‘How convenient for your argument.’
“Admittedly, I feel a little out of my depth on that one. While I’ve read about those types of feelings, I don’t know if I’ve ever actually experienced that sort of thing, myself. But it does fascinate me! I mean, when you think about it, you’re turning something bad into something good! Isn’t that cool?!”
‘I don’t know if that’s the best way of looking at it.’
“Mm? Why not?”
‘Because a “feeling” of positivity stemming from a negative source is not necessarily a good thing. In fact, it might be quite a terrible thing. For example, the feeling that a bully gets when victimizing someone. The sense of power and control, I mean. That may feel good for the bully, temporarily, but is it a good thing overall? I think not.’
Ibai nodded along. “Fair enough, fair enough. But we’ve also shifted points a bit here, I think. What you’re talking about is someone feeling good from doing a bad thing. What I was talking about was someone feeling good from also feeling bad. Like, say, when you feel really sad about something but then start to feel weirdly kinda good about it, too. Maybe in a self-pitying sense. Which, okay, sure, isn’t necessarily the best thing, either, but... hmm...”
‘I see. I can agree that wallowing in one’s own misery can have a strangely comforting sensation to it. That may even be the driving force behind why it can be difficult to pull oneself out of such states. Because on some level, it feels good to remain there.’
“Yeah!”
‘In which case, your thesis about positivity being good is proven wrong.’
“Oh.” A beat passed. “Whoa, hey, wait a minute. I didn’t say positivity is always good. I said it’s fun!”
‘Oh? Then are you declaring that fun is not always good?’
He was tempted to say yes immediately, but he took a moment to mull it over a bit more, first. Then he nodded again. “Yeah, I think so. Lots of fun things can end up being quite bad in various ways, right?”
For a time, the Weaver said nothing. She merely stared at him from her shadowy corner of the room.
Or at least, that was what it felt like she was doing. It was a little hard to tell if she even had eyeballs with which to stare.
Friday, January 5, 2024
Page 3484
‘I fail to see a difference,’ said the Weaver. ‘Whether you find something fun or I find it fun is irrelevant, because the question already concerns only what is relative to us, individually. What the “pleasurable activity” actually entails is immaterial, so long as it is established as being both fun and meaningless. One’s mindset would not change that.’
“No, but that’s what I’m getting at,” said Ibai. “The ‘meaninglessness’ of an activity is not something that can be established. In fact, I think I can make a rather strong argument that fun, in itself, might very well create meaning. All on its own.”
‘Go on, then. Make your strong argument.’
He giggled. “Okay, well, uh! Here goes! Hmm!” He took a few moments to gather his thoughts and figure out where to be begin. “So if the hypothesis here is that ‘fun generates meaning,’ then we should first establish what constitutes fun and what constitutes meaning. In which case, I put forth the definition that ‘fun,’ ultimately, is a sense of positivity that occurs in the brain as a direct result of observing or participating in an activity.”
‘Stop there. I see your game. That definition is too broad. It can apply to plenty of situations which cannot reasonably be considered fun.’
“Mm, you think so?”
‘Yes. A “sense of positivity” is far too vague. By that definition, you could declare any fleeting sense of “hope” that one ever feels in the midst of a terrible circumstance to also be “fun,” as well.’
“Yeah-huh? And what’s wrong with that?”
‘You cannot seriously claim that you are suddenly “having fun” when surrounded on all sides by misery, just because a brief period of “positivity” comes over you.’
“Sure I can! Just because it may only exist in a trace amount doesn’t mean it’s not there!” He bobbed his head. “But I will acknowledge that, sure, it might be inappropriate to describe the overall situation as a fun one. For that to occur, I think you’d have to pass beyond some sort of critical threshold for fun. Where the positivity overwhelms the negativity long enough to cement itself in the mind.”
‘But positivity could apply to any number of other feelings.’
“And I’m saying that fun is a component of all of those feelings, too. Because positivity is fun!”
‘Mmhmm. But what of negativity, then? Is that not sometimes fun, in its own way?’
“No, but that’s what I’m getting at,” said Ibai. “The ‘meaninglessness’ of an activity is not something that can be established. In fact, I think I can make a rather strong argument that fun, in itself, might very well create meaning. All on its own.”
‘Go on, then. Make your strong argument.’
He giggled. “Okay, well, uh! Here goes! Hmm!” He took a few moments to gather his thoughts and figure out where to be begin. “So if the hypothesis here is that ‘fun generates meaning,’ then we should first establish what constitutes fun and what constitutes meaning. In which case, I put forth the definition that ‘fun,’ ultimately, is a sense of positivity that occurs in the brain as a direct result of observing or participating in an activity.”
‘Stop there. I see your game. That definition is too broad. It can apply to plenty of situations which cannot reasonably be considered fun.’
“Mm, you think so?”
‘Yes. A “sense of positivity” is far too vague. By that definition, you could declare any fleeting sense of “hope” that one ever feels in the midst of a terrible circumstance to also be “fun,” as well.’
“Yeah-huh? And what’s wrong with that?”
‘You cannot seriously claim that you are suddenly “having fun” when surrounded on all sides by misery, just because a brief period of “positivity” comes over you.’
“Sure I can! Just because it may only exist in a trace amount doesn’t mean it’s not there!” He bobbed his head. “But I will acknowledge that, sure, it might be inappropriate to describe the overall situation as a fun one. For that to occur, I think you’d have to pass beyond some sort of critical threshold for fun. Where the positivity overwhelms the negativity long enough to cement itself in the mind.”
‘But positivity could apply to any number of other feelings.’
“And I’m saying that fun is a component of all of those feelings, too. Because positivity is fun!”
‘Mmhmm. But what of negativity, then? Is that not sometimes fun, in its own way?’
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Page 3483
‘You are a curious creature, aren’t you?’ she’d said.
“Is that a compliment? Because it sounds like a compliment! If so, then thank you!”
‘It is, yes. But you know what they say about curiosity, don’t you?’
“That it’s the foundation for all human advancement?”
At that, the Weaver tittered. ‘Why are you aberrations all so amusing? Is it somehow baked into your very nature?’
“Ooh, so you’ve met other aberrations, huh?”
‘Indeed. Though, typically, I look upon them from afar. Meetings are not my strong suit, after all.’
“Well, I’m glad you’re making an exception for me, then. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Weaver.”
‘The pleasure is mine. I must say, however, that you are far more polite and personable than most aberrations. In fact, now that I am thinking more deeply about it, I find it quite strange how you are not entirely bored out of your skull while stuck within the confines of the Library.’
“Why would I be bored? There’s so much to do here! So much to learn!”
‘Is that so? I was under the impression that aberration did not find reading to be very fun. And fun is the only thing that you care about, is it not?’
Ibai scratched his chin. “Well, I wouldn’t say the only thing, but... yeah, maybe, sorta. Fun is what makes life worth living, isn’t it?”
‘Now there is a question for the ages. I do not know if I can agree, however. I think there must surely be more meaning in life than indulging in pleasurable activity.’
“Oh, of course, of course! But the ‘meaning’ of life is a slightly different matter, I’d say.”
‘Would you? I would not. On the subject of what makes life “worth living,” I would say that “meaning” is what matters most of all. If your life consists of nothing but meaningless amusements, then would that not begin to ring hollow after a while? Would you not be deprived of a greater, deeper sense of fulfillment?’
Ibai crossed his arms and smiled, having to chew on that a little. He decided to take a seat on the cold floor, as well. It was a bit wet and sticky, but he didn’t mind. “Those are all fair points,” he said. “But I’d also argue that without fun, life would surely become a slog. A rote, tiresome experience devoid of any spark or magic. Moreover, I think that it’s wrong to reduce fun down to this idea of ‘pleasurable activity.’ Because fun is also dependent on one’s mindset, no? What I find fun might be quite different from what you find fun, eh?”
“Is that a compliment? Because it sounds like a compliment! If so, then thank you!”
‘It is, yes. But you know what they say about curiosity, don’t you?’
“That it’s the foundation for all human advancement?”
At that, the Weaver tittered. ‘Why are you aberrations all so amusing? Is it somehow baked into your very nature?’
“Ooh, so you’ve met other aberrations, huh?”
‘Indeed. Though, typically, I look upon them from afar. Meetings are not my strong suit, after all.’
“Well, I’m glad you’re making an exception for me, then. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Weaver.”
‘The pleasure is mine. I must say, however, that you are far more polite and personable than most aberrations. In fact, now that I am thinking more deeply about it, I find it quite strange how you are not entirely bored out of your skull while stuck within the confines of the Library.’
“Why would I be bored? There’s so much to do here! So much to learn!”
‘Is that so? I was under the impression that aberration did not find reading to be very fun. And fun is the only thing that you care about, is it not?’
Ibai scratched his chin. “Well, I wouldn’t say the only thing, but... yeah, maybe, sorta. Fun is what makes life worth living, isn’t it?”
‘Now there is a question for the ages. I do not know if I can agree, however. I think there must surely be more meaning in life than indulging in pleasurable activity.’
“Oh, of course, of course! But the ‘meaning’ of life is a slightly different matter, I’d say.”
‘Would you? I would not. On the subject of what makes life “worth living,” I would say that “meaning” is what matters most of all. If your life consists of nothing but meaningless amusements, then would that not begin to ring hollow after a while? Would you not be deprived of a greater, deeper sense of fulfillment?’
Ibai crossed his arms and smiled, having to chew on that a little. He decided to take a seat on the cold floor, as well. It was a bit wet and sticky, but he didn’t mind. “Those are all fair points,” he said. “But I’d also argue that without fun, life would surely become a slog. A rote, tiresome experience devoid of any spark or magic. Moreover, I think that it’s wrong to reduce fun down to this idea of ‘pleasurable activity.’ Because fun is also dependent on one’s mindset, no? What I find fun might be quite different from what you find fun, eh?”
Monday, January 1, 2024
Next page on the 4th
Thanks for reading, everyone, and for following the story throughout my tenth year since starting it. Still kinda hard to believe it's been that long and that it'll soon be eleven years. Man.
There's lots more story to tell, though. I've developed quite a long vision of things to come, which is a bit strange considering how far we've already made it, but it makes me excited about the future. Love you guys. Hope you have a good 2024. Just don't have one that's better than mine, or I'll get jealous.
There's lots more story to tell, though. I've developed quite a long vision of things to come, which is a bit strange considering how far we've already made it, but it makes me excited about the future. Love you guys. Hope you have a good 2024. Just don't have one that's better than mine, or I'll get jealous.
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