Jek 25th of Summer, 514AV The Valkalah Library As Jek stood in front of the Valkalah Library, he was still coming to grips that it was actually him standing there. The last time Jek was in control of his shared body wasn't even five days ago, and yet here he was in control again so soon after. To be able to take agency once again so soon was truly an occasion to venerate, as he doubted Ashar's good mood would last forever. It was rather strange how the request went down as well. Jek had told Ashar little about his encounter with the Eyktolian named Hirem, and merely mentioned that he desired to do research for someone that would need it soon. Surprisingly, when Jek asked if Ashar was willing to let him take control for a day, Ashar not only agreed but insisted that Jek take control today. For the longest time, Jek was sure he knew his light brother inside and out, but now he was not so sure. So there he stood - Jek, not Ashar - in front of the Valkalah Library, ready to devote himself to another day of studying its contents. Meanwhile, Ashar groaned loudly within their head. Wysar, not another trip to the library. I was hoping by research you meant talking to someone, or something - anything - more interesting here. At least Jek was familiar with this part of Ashar. That's also on the list, believe me. It is easier to learn from people than books, after all. Although it'd be rude to go directly to a priest or priestess being completely ignorant about their god beforehand, don't you think? Jek pointed out. Though unhappy about it, Ashar had to grumble his agreement, and Jek took that as his cue to enter the library. Thinking back to Hirem's request a couple days ago, Jek knew already what section he was looking for and how to get there. Though perhaps one of the less popular sections of the library, the section of the divinity was still present. It would see little use though, Jek figured - those who were interested in divinity would visit the temples to commit, and those who were not had no reason to study that from which they would receive no benefit. Of course, there would be those like Jek who wished to know more while remaining uncommitted to any particular religion, but the number of people who would spend their spare time reading were probably greatly outnumbered by those who preferred more social or active pastimes. So we're here to learn more about Wysar and Akajia, right? Ashar asked as Jek made his way through the library, skipping through the sections and heading in the general direction of the back of the library. You know, with your interests and my profession, you'd think we'd run into their religion a bit more. I mean, you've spent so much time learning the history of Riverfall, I'm surprised you didn't include the gods in your studies. They are, after all, rather fundamental for Riverfall. Turning a few corners, Jek finally arrived at the section on divinity. A variety of books and tomes lined the shelves, the majority of which were old and showing signs of wear. They are indeed fundamental, Jek agreed as he browsed. However, during the time that you gave me in this body without me having to fight for it was very little back then. I pretty much had to chose which topics to learn of, and at the time the history of our city and its people interested me more than its gods for some reason. He could hear Ashar quietly grumble his discontent. Despite having rather conflicting natures, neither liked to hear that they were a source of the other's problem - nor did they like to throw blame around haphazardly. Jek wasn't trying to put Ashar on the spot, though. Let's just see if we can find a good introductory book to start with. Just as he said that, Jek's fingers found the spine of a particularly wide book, though not very thick; its pages were slightly wider than average, leading to Jek's fingers being caught on its cover. It was mildly difficult to read the spine as the edges of the book were fraying, but Jek thought he could read the title as Wysar and Akajia: An Introduction to Riverfall's Gods. Gently, Jek slid the book out of its little alcove within the shelf, doing his best not to bring any more damage to the book than had already been caused. Upon removal, it was clear that the book Jek had chosen was in slightly worse condition than he'd initially believed. Some of the pages had come loose of the binding, and were just stuffed in where they were supposed to be, while other pages simply had large tears that made it hard to read. You just had to pick the most beat-up book in the library, didn't you? Ashar remarked, though not spitefully. I really hope this little thing won't break right down the middle while we're reading. It'd also suck to have to pay for a replacement. You intend to read as well? Jek asked as he gingerly held the book under his arm, bringing it to one of the reading tables scattered about in one of the seating areas. He placed the old book on the table right in front of a chair, handling it with tenderness due to a book that was falling apart. I do, yes. Ashar could feel Jek's response and cut him off. Very much shocking, I know, but your research today is about the two most important deities to Riverfall and the Akalaks as a whole. I stand nothing to lose by reading this stuff, and have a lot to potentially gain from doing so. Besides, it is about time I finally learn more about the gods whose city I am charged to protect. That seems quite reasonable, Jek replied without a hint of sarcasm. Well, let's have a look, shall we? He moved to handle the front cover of the book, but hesitated from actually touching it just yet. I just wish we had a book that looked more stable than the one we have here. |