Sand. So much damn sand, as far as the eye can see. I am just not made for this type of weather, and I find myself longing for the cool seaside breeze of my home town as I keep trekking in the same direction, only guided by the knowledge that the place I'm looking for is supposed to be showing up at some point. And finally, my silent prayers are answered, as I make it over a particularly large dune and can finally see my destination in the distance: there, standing tall amidst the sands, is the Ancient Library of Azdruhal, a massive structure that seems like it was somehow molded from the sand of the desert itself and would be towering over practically everything I could imagine. Now it's just a few more minutes of walking, and I step through the monumental entrance, instantly overwhelmed by the sheer scope of it all.
While I'm still busy staring at the seemingly endless halls that stretch out before me, I don't even notice a young man sidle up to me, quietly joining me in my awe for a few moments before making his presence felt with a little clearing of his throat. I'm actually so surprised by that simple sound that I shirk back in fear before catching myself, but the young man doesn't seem perturbed by that at all, he just smiles. "First time?" he asks, a friendly tone in his voice. As I'm still a bit caught off guard, I can only give a nod in response, though again, there isn't even a bit of a change in his expression. "I can imagine it's all quite confusing to you, but that's what we Keepers are for. So, would you like a guide?"
Ah, yes, the old man told me about these Keepers, which are basically walking encyclopedias for this library. They know where every book is, know everything that's in them, and practically radiate knowledge. It's said they're attuned to the library itself on a spiritual level and can simply feel anything you'd need to know about it down to the individual book. "Um, yes, that would be very nice, thank you," I reply. In a way, I'm a bit surprised, because I kind of expected these Keepers to be wizened sages that have been here for centuries, but I suppose if they're brought up from birth for the job, then young guys could do it as well. Still, I didn't expect him to be so... attractive? His dark skin clearly marks him as someone that knows the desert well, and his long hair gives him a soft, approachable appearance.
The Keeper holds out his hand, and I accept the handshake. "I'm Jasper. Nice to meet you," he says, and I can tell he actually means it, that this isn't just some empty platitude. "So, what are you looking for?" he then asks. After digging out the list I was given from my pocket and handing it to Jasper, he reads it over, a ponderous look on his face. I can practically see him mentally mapping out where we need to go. "Hm, I see... you didn't get an easy task at all. A couple of these are long, long distances from each other. I sure hope you brought a lot of time, because this is going to take several days, possibly a week, even. But I'll get you what you need, I promise," he explains, and while I feel quite overwhelmed by this revelation, something about the way he says it has me confident that this will be just fine.
And so, without much further ado, the two of us set off together into the halls of the library, on the way to find the first book. On the way, Jasper keeps telling various stories about different books we pass, be it humorous stories about court jesters that somehow became king or epic tales of knights conquering dark, evil forces, and every story is just as captivating as the last. He makes it seem so effortless, like he's just recalling what he had for breakfast this morning, except in the back of my mind, I know he can tell me these stories about millions of books here. And yet, he doesn't lord this knowledge over me at all, in fact, he seems genuinely happy to be sharing it. Time moves much faster with him entertaining me, and we manage to copy down the information I need from two books over six hours. Still, a lot of work remains.
With the sun already having set, Jasper turns to face me after finishing up the notes for the second book. "Well, I think we've gotten a good bit done today, but I think it's about time we wrap it up. Now, normally, I'd show you to one of the many guest rooms we have all around the library, but... I don't know how to put this. I like you. There's so many people that show up here and treat us Keepers like walking information repositories, usually stuffy archmages that think they own the place, you must know the type. But you, you're different. You're actually interested when I tell stories, you listen, you ask questions... I have to say, these hours we've spent together have been some of the most refreshing I've had in a long time. So you know what? There's a Keeper's chamber right around the corner, one of the places where we stay and sleep. Would you like to come along? We could share a light dinner, maybe something warm to drink and a light book before bed," he asks, and I can't help but blush.
This seems like it's coming out of nowhere, and yet, I find myself nodding. I want to spend more time with him! The smile on his face widens ever so slightly, and he leads me over to a side passage that ends in a simple door. With a simple wave of his hand, he unlocks it and lets me inside. While the halls of the library were massive and ostentatious, this is far more cozy and homey. A little living room area with a couch and fireplace, a small kitchen area to prepare meals in, and a bedroom with a big, comfortable-looking bed. "Welcome to a Keeper's abode, Thomas! Come, take a seat, I'll fix us something to eat really quick,"