Round And Round the Spire We Go

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

Insert TimeStamp Here

Ashan 20th 722

Genna sat quietly in the carriage she had rented to take her to the spire for the next couple of Trials. Genna had originally planned to visit a while ago, but things had delayed this visit but now she was on her way and enjoyed the quiet trip. The general concepted of the Spire made her curious but that wouldn’t have been enough for her to just generally intrude upon the place. Though honestly she found the isolation a bit odd, but respected the priestess who ran it.

Genna at this particular moment wasn’t looking out the window. She had watched the scenery but was looking down at a blanket she was sewing together. It wasn’t anything fancy, though it was time consuming as she sewed each of the square pieces to each other. Genna was sure that more experienced seamstress would give her a humoring comment, but Genna didn’t care. Practice made perfect and so it was that she had pulled a shimmering silver hair from her head and now used it stitch the squares together. Even as she worked she kept the memory of her first hug with Lilabella in mind. The blanket was going to be a gift for Genna’s daughter to help her always remember how Genna felt about her.

Genna felt preasure on the thimble she word and was once again glad that she was wearing the cap otherwise she couldn’t have said how stained with blood the blanket would be. It was at that point that she felt the carriage stop. There was a gentle knock and a gruff voice calling. “The spire is in sight now.”

Genna carefully set the cloth, securing the needle first on the seat next to her before raising the blinds and lowering the glass so she could get a clear picture. The Spire reared its bulky form high into the area. The Lysorian woman couldn’t help put notice that the place seemed alone, almost standoffish. Over the arcs she had heard stories about this place could see why such stories were being spread around. “Thank you.” She called to the driver who then shook the reigns and started the carriage again. Genna reaching over and picked up the blanket and slipped it back into her bag.

A while later Genna was standing in front of the Spire staring up at building with her luggage next to her. She was dressed on this particular trial in a blue blouse with a brown skirt , and her hair was in a braid that had been wound up into a bun on the back of her head. It wasn’t the prettiest hair style but she was here to research and it was the most effective way to keep it safe but out of the way.

Genna picked up her luggage and walked up to the door and set her luggage down in the main entrance and paused to look around at the room. Genna nodded her approval of the area, not that it really matter but she appreciated that the room was designed for practically as well as looks. She noticed the fireplace set up to keep the room warm, and signs of outdoor clothing and equipment that could easily be accessed. She didn’t have to wait long before Genna found herself being greeted by a middle-aged woman.

“Are you Gennadiya Lyosha?” the woman asked as she came into the room. Genna noticed that she wore a similar outfit to her with a blouse and skirt, but Genna couldn’t miss the massive amount of jewelry the woman was wearing. Genna had some on, but the were actually magical object that could used to help understand other people who didn’t speak the same language.

“I am. Are you the Archivist Maria Savile?” Genna asked going forward to greet the woman.

“I am.” She said echoing Genna’s own words. “I have received word that you are looking for rare book.” She said and motioned for Genna to pick up her luggage. “We have a room prepared for you.”

“I was hoping to look over a specific book.” Genna said pick up the luggage. “ I am researching into who the Adunih is. I found mention of the Adunih in a book at Storm’s Edge.” Genna had a copy of that book now with her, “But it referenced another title which from what I gather the only copy is here in the Spire.” Genna didn’t even flinch as she had to carry her own luggage. “I was hoping besides looking at that book to see if there is anything else that would help me in my research project.”

The Archivist suddenly looked more interested when Genna expressed her project. “I am sure we can help with what ever information we have.”

Genna quickly stored her stuff in her room before following the woman to a study room where the book was waiting. Genna received some fairly specific instructions on handling the book and then was allowed to settle in and see what the book had to say.

[Pig Boy]

The Archivist, once Genna had settled in to read the book, could be heard to clear her throat. "Madame Lyosha?" She shuffled next to her in the study that she was set to read the book. "While I'm aware that this is your first visit to the Spire, I must inform you that there are rules and expectations of anyone who should wish to study here."

That said, she gently laid a hand on the book that Gennadiya had gathered to her. "We'll give you all the time and help you require to find the materials you need for your research, however the upkeep of this place is the remit of any scholar who studies here... which includes... you."

"So, since you're new and come on the recommendation of Ilaren, I'll allow that you read this tome you've sought first. But afterward, your services will be required for the upkeep of the lower levels of the library. Whichever portion you need to continue your research should suffice, so you can accomplish your task as well as help us with the upkeep of the Spire." She smiled at Gennadiya. "We're honored to have you here, but you really must abide by our rules, no exceptions. That is fair, no?"

"I will return when you're ready for the next stage of your research, and you can accomplish what you need to." So saying, Maria left the room, for Gennadiya to study her tome.

The book itself was a rather dry affair, perhaps not the information she was looking for exactly. But a closer look would yield important clues as to where she should find the knowledge she sought. Apparently, the Adunih had studied in the Spire as well once upon a time, and even perhaps been a resident. The book had bibliographies of various scholars within them. Some of them referring to the Adunih, which were conveniently earmarked for Genna by whoever had set aside the tome.

But there was something odd about these entries. A puzzle seemed to form a pattern in the way they were written. 5/13/24. The pages of the catalogue that was the tome she held, the ones that were earmarked. If she turned to the next page in the pattern, she would surely find another reference perhaps? Or something relevant?

The tomes that were referenced within this bibiography were as follows:

5: Astrid Callow: The Legacy of Adunih
13: Gerron Mandel: The Dark Side of Divinity
24: Belfrond Velvedeer: Mild Insect Repellents and Poisons

It might not have been clear at the very moment what these entries might have had to do with the Adunih, apart from the first, but they were a start to get to understanding them. Perhaps finding these tomes would yield the answers she needed.

!	Message from: Pig Boy
	Heya, please refer to the exact page numbers you next turn to. Thank ya!

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

Insert TimeStamp Here

Ashan 20th 722

Genna listened as the Archivist explained about the rules and maintenance of the Spire. Her kind expression showed that she understood the rules. The healer approved of the rules. It helped keep cost down and kept the staff to what is really needed instead of brining in additional people to care. With the order she had seen how such division of labor could quickly start creating a monster. Genna smiled at the woman wondering how many scholars had balked at having to do menial labor. The young woman spoke then. “It sounds more then fair. I can certainly maintain the areas I am using as well as any other help that you need from me.” She looked at the book that had been brought to her and smiled. “Thank you for your help.”

Genna settled down at her study station and pulled out her supplies. She could understand why they asked her to maintain her own space. She in her time had meet other scholar who just made a mess and ignored what was going on around them. She pulled out the note book she was keeping information she had collected on the Adunih in. She set up her quill and other supplies for her research.

Settling down to read the book, the Lysorian woman wasn’t surprised to find it a rather dry affair. Between the all girls school she had attended as a adolescent, and the many medical text she had ready dry text were actually the norm. She did begin to scribble down notes that she found in the book, which while not what she was hoping for, she wasn’t surprised to find it only provided references. Genna had found this book because of references in other books. Genna figured that a book that just answered the question about who the Adunih was either didn’t exist or was so rare that it would require time to study.

Genna made notes that the Adunih studied here and may have even resided here. She wrote these facts in her book under the section of general facts she had collected and would sort out later into something. Though unlike with other sources she did specifically flip to the back and write down relevant quotes to refer to later in case she couldn’t access this book again. Returning to the books she see’s the three earmarked section that hold information on the Adunih. She pursed her lips in thought feeling that there is something in the way these were written. Making notes about the author and the section. She paused feeling that there was some type of puzzle or pattern that she wasn’t yet seeing.

She paused looking at the titles. The first might seem like the best source, but she hesitated as such books could be more about the order that was founded and lived on in the Adunih’s name. She most certainly would look into. The second title ‘Dark side of Divinity’ was the most intriguing to her since she also had a interest in the Immortals. She also remembered Ilaren’s comments during that dinner. The Adunih had helped her during her grief. The Adunih being connected to the divine some who was possible. The last title was surprising but as she though about it she didn’t really continue to be surprised, and a figure of healing so she could see a vague connection.

Genna didn’t really pounder which of them to go through first, her mind just started at the top. She decided to look at page 5: Astrid Callow: The Legacy of Adunih. She added The Legacy of the Adunih and the other titles to books to be viewed. Genna made sure she kept these section separated so she could easily refer to them later.

Turning to Page 5 her blue eyes scanned the waiting document.

[Pig Boy]

The page in the book opened to more of an overview of the Legacy of the Adunih. It referred to a tome, the location of which (should one try to find it in the Spire), was clearly delineated and described. An overview of the tome was given, going through the history of the Adunih, from its speculated inception, to its more modern day functions, up until a few arcs before Faith took it over. It seemed as if the tome would be either out of date, or else irrelevant to her search for concrete answers as to the identity of any individual going by the name 'Adunih', judging by the speculative nature of the Order's founding. There are several theories described, but none of them mention an individual.

An attendant came by briefly to check on Gennadiya. They were all scholars here, and seeing each other keeping up the place helped foster a sense of comradery. He asked her a question, "Is there anything I can get for you miss? I've heard you're on an important research mission..."

He added, "I can fetch the books you're after, if you'll let me take the catalogue? I'm looking for something listed in it myself."

Having said this, whether she accepted or denied his request to help her, he'd either go to find the books she needed, or else another catalogue that held some other related information to his research.

So, having explored the fifth page of the tome, and read the overview of the Legacy of the Adunih, it was for Gennadiya to choose where next to start her search.

Should she turn to the next page, the Dark Side of Divinity, she'd find a much more flowery and vivid prose than the dry collection of facts and dates in the Legacy of the Adunih. It was a biographical account of a scholar, almost as if she'd inserted herself into the story. The overview promised that while the prose might be vivid and purple at times, there was information specific to divinity and a link to more famous members of the Order, in ages past.

Meanwhile, Mild Insect Repellents and other Poisons, was as yet unexplored.

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

Insert TimeStamp Here

Ashan 20th 722

The platinum haired healer read over the first section making notes about. She crafted a section about with notes about that particular book. She noticed the comments about speculative inceptions of the order. The brief notes didn’t mention an individual, but Genna didn’t dismiss them and recorded them and made a note in other section to reference back to that book.

Genna took her time, so her notes were clear as she referred back to them later. It was as she was finishing on that section one of the attendants showed up. Genna looked up her expression open and friendly, working at a hospital had taught her that interruptions would occur. She listen as he explained that he was willing to fetch any additional books and that he needed to see the catalog. Genna carefully wrote down the three books that had been referenced and then set her pen down and marking the other two sections with book marks she handed the book to the young man along with the slip of paper with the titles.

“I would appreciate that. I am not quiet done yet with the catalog, but I could use a break.” She said smiling then asked, “I am sorry I didn’t catch your name.” She smiled and waited and then stood up to take the chance to do some of the chores that she had been assigned while taking a break. She knew that a break every once and while studying helped the body and the brain. While she worked on the her brain reviewed what she had learned. She was sure that there was an “Adunih” but from what she had learned it was rather vague, and she wasn’t willing to dismiss any story. Given the lack of information she wondered if maybe the Adunih had tried to lay low. So a story not centered around an individual might still be true. Then again it might be false as well Once she was done with chores and the book was returned to begin to review the section on the Dark Side of Divinity. She instantly noted the difference in the presentation style and began to take notes specifically for that book, but referenced them in other sections of her note book to look back, this book mentioned past members of the order and something to do with divinity. Genna paused and made sure to reference her own conversation with Ilaren from her as she felt it might be releavent. Genna was aware that these were her basic notes and that as she gathered more information and refined those notes parts would be left behind and next section made or old sections wrote again to be cleaned up.

She then turned to the last section on Mild Insect Repellents and other Poisons. Part of her was very curious as to how it was relevant to the research. She was fairly opened to any connects and didn’t instantly dismiss that if couldn’t be relevant as she was sure that the information was here, and that it would start her on this trail. She also wasn’t expecting the answer to just leap out at her. Coming upon the last section she would generate a new section for this title, to see what the catalog listed as important sections. She would draw references to other sections as necessary.

If the books had been brought by the help attendant she would turned her attention towards the first book about the Order itself. She approached this particular volume as someone’s interpretation of the order, and not necessary doctrine, but she felt it was the best place to start. She would look through each section, but she wanted to see what theories it proposed about the founding of the orders. She also made a new section about famous and legendary members of the order. And that was another focus she made on the first book, about these people’s whose name had survived through the arcs even after they were dead.