~~~Three Years Ago~~~

It was early in the morning, though not so early that there was no activity. Indeed, outside, children were playing in the fields, careful not to disturb farm equipment or the animals, although some of the larger children were disturbing the smaller animals. Still, it was peaceful enough. Inside the library, the smell of old books and dust was slightly overtaken by the scent of wheat, which pervaded the small country village that housed it.

This was by design, of course. The library was one much larger than one would expect of a village this size, but there was a reason for this. The oldest inhabitant of the library was a man only known as the Lorekeeper. Ancient ordinances were in place, that no cities may be built around the home of a Lorekeeper, and these ordinances were well followed. There was no ban on farms and settlements, however, and as such, a small village, known as Gysahl, formed around he ancient library, whose original name was lost to time.

It was because of this that the wizened inhabitant of the village became known as the Lorekeeper of Gysahl. It was a name that had mildly annoyed the man, though not one he would ever fight against. Fighting took far too much energy for his old bones. He'd been granted life eternal, though that didn't stop him from growing old. Much like the library, nobody knew how old the Lorekeeper was, though he was still revered.

The Lorekeeper was waiting in the library's atriuum, where sunlight cascaded down through a stained glass window, particles of dust plainly visible, giving the entire room an aged, yet natural appearance. He was sitting in a chair with a cloth covered parcel in hand. He'd called his young apprentice, Alestia to the library on that day with an important request.

He'd found the girl years before, when she was no older than four years of age. She'd been orphaned by some war in the kindom containing Gysahl, brought to the village with a number of refugees from the capital, Blitz. The refugees had left her behind, unable to care for a child, though the Lorekeeper took pity on the young girl, and took her into the Library and raised her to aid him.

So he waited. Alestia wasn't late, of course, but the Lorekeeper was not a busy man. Besides, he knew the girl. She wasn't one who would be late when he called.

Alestia hurried down the dirt road, sparsely populated by travellers and locals alike. She had been reading under a nice, shady oak, passing time, when a bunch of rambunctious children disturbed her. On any other day, she would have chastised them, but today was special. It was rare that the Lorekeeper actually asked for her, and she would never keep the old man waiting. She picked up her pace, not wanting to be the one who enabled such a travesty.

It didn't take long for the library to come into view, one of the good things about living in a small town. The building itself was resplendent, even in its old age. Alestia felt the cracks gave it character. Despite its worn appearance on the outside, it was warm and inviting. After all, it was home.

Alestia pushed open the heavy doors and entered the library. At first glace, you wouldn't think it was a library. Through a haze of dust, pollen, and light, you could make out a set of stairs at the back of the room. Once your eyes adjusted, however, you could see the many shelves containing the books. Some were carelessly strewn about the room, left by a child or uncaring passersby.

Since she was early, she decided to tidy up the room. After all, the way you keep your library says volumes about you. Lovingly, she picked up each and every book, putting them back where they belong. Alestia smiled slightly as she picked up "How to Train your Chocobo" Vol. I and II. They were among her favorites.

It didn't take long for Alestia to sort out the wayward novels, she was still fairly early. Not wanting to waste more time, she made her way to the atrium, where her master, and the rest of the books, were waiting. She slipped through the door and walked sternly toward the old man.

"You asked for me, Lorekeeper?"

The wizened man opened his eyes as he was called on. "Ah, Alestia," he spoke. "I'm glad you're here. Come closer, my child," he spoke, holding out the cloth wrapped parcel, his hands shaking slightly, muscles weak with age. Slowly, he unwrapped the parcel, revealing two shining stones, seemingly 10 inch long pillars of glass. Both had a faint warm glow to them.

"I've an important task for you." The Lorekeeper explained. "These are Lorestones. I made them for you and another who I called," he closed his eyes. "As I've taught you, all the major nations are home to the crystals, which keep the balance of the world. The role of the Lorekeepers is to keep watch over the crystals as well as to see that the history of the world is well kept. The Lorestones are the primary tool for that purpose." He opened his eyes, emerald irises shining to the young woman. "Unfortunately, I'm far too old to go out on a journey to record the histories onto the Lorestones. That's why I'd like you to go out and visit the crystals. You and the other I've called, you will be tasked with taking the records from the crystals... Now where on earth is the young man I called for?"

As if on cue, the sound of doors crashing open echoed through the library. The Lorekeeper grimaced. Not too long after, there was creaking and another slam as the doors were shut, as well as the sound of rowdy footsteps.

A young man soon appeared with a big grin on his face. "Hey, pops!" He called.

"Hmm?" The Lorekeeper raised a brow. "You're Timothy, aren't you? Why are you here?"

"Well," The young man spoke, scratching his head with a smile. "My cousin was kinda laid up. He asked me to come in his place!"

"..." The Lorekeeper closed his eyes, as if annoyed. "Rather impulsive... Did Avan really ask you that?"

"..." Timothy laughed slightly than swallowed. There were several seconds of silence before he spoke up. "Nah, but... Well he was real broken up that he couldn't make it and well." Timothy lowered his stance, leaning forward and throwing out his hands before he spoke up with a big grin. "Going on a task for the Lorekeeper's a big deal, right? Well the road's dangerous! I can't use magic like my cousin, but nobody in Gysahl is handier with a sword! Come on, pops! Give me a shot!"

"... Alestia..." The Lorekeeper spoke in a tone of exacerbation.

Alestia was about to ask who this other person was, when a slam sound answered her question. A careless young buck who thought of none but himself. This was going to be the worst first trip ever. Apparently, this boy wasn't even the one that was sent for. The gall!
Still, she couldn't help admiring his bravery.

"Surely, Master, you would never intend on sending this cheeky boy on a journey that is undoubtedly going to be dangerous. However, this is a matter of great importance. Its delay would certainly be unwise. It may be in our best interest to... Allow him to accompany me on this voyage." Alestia didn't like it anymore than her keeper did, but something as important as lorestones was not to be trifled with. Truly she was overjoyed to be entrusted with this task, it was simply the company that kept her from showing it.

"If it is your will, I will set forth with him to record our history."

The lorekeeper sighed with faint exasperation while Timothy bobbed on his heels excitedly. "I suppose it might be easier that way..." He said, his tone rather flat, as if he wasn't speaking to either of the two.

The man looked up. "Very well then. Alestia, Timothy, come forward," he spoke in a grand, though quiet tone, holding a faintly glowing shard in either hand. "These lorestones are meant to contain the knowledge of the world for future generations. Cherish the honor being bestowed upon you. The two of you will face many trials on your way to gather the world's knowledge, but have faith, knowing that the glow of the lorestones is shining upon you. Go forth to the crystals, record their knowledge, then return the stones to me."

Timothy smiled as he took the crystal in his hand. "Thank you, I promise I won't disappoint you, gramps!" He said.

The lorekeeper nodded as he held out the crystal for Alestia. "The lorestones are to be protected with your very lives, and likewise, they will protect yours'. Go forth with courage in your hearts. The closest crystal is in the capital, Blitz. It should only be two days to there on Chocobo's back." He explained.

Watching the boy take the stone was almost as annoying as the circumstances. Alestia stepped forward and claimed hers. They were going to go to Blitz? She had never been there before. As far as she knew anyway. How exciting! A small smile crept across her face and she looked into the Lorekeeper's eyes.
"I will protect this with my life, you can count on me to see the history of our world stored safely."

With a wave goodbye, she hurried out of the library and into her own house. She needed to pack.
"Dress, tunic, slacks, shoes. This should be enough." Alestia pulled out a book. It was very special to her, as the Lorekeeper had given it to her. "Mysteries of the Chocobo". She could NOT leave it behind and stowed it in her pack.

Satisfied that she had everything she needed, Alestia hastened to where the boy was waiting for her.
"I hope I didn't keep you overlong. We should be going."