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[center][h1]Turn 3 - The Holy Book of Trades[/h1]
[h3][i]The Kathetikon and Ashevelen[/i][/h3][/center]
[hr]

Before even thinking of leaving once more to find special objects, mortals etc. to sell at her bazaar, Ashevelen decided it was time to pay a visit to a divine she considered a friend. Not only because their knowledge seemed to encompass everything there was but also because of their behaviour, friendly and well mannered. Luckly, this trip wasn’t something that would take too long as they chose to make their own realm very close to the Umbral Forest.

Taking flight, Ashevelen sped across the forest at an inhuman speed and reached the Grand Library in mere minutes. Letting out a blast of divine energy to announce her presence, she landed at the base of it. Looking at its magnificent doors, she shouted out loud.

“[color=aa6c39] Kathe’! You around? Ashevelen’s here. [/color]”

The doors opened themselves for Ashevelen the moment she stepped before them, seamlessly gliding forth as they revealed an enormous complex of disparate buildings, each connected by bridges of fabricated material and gentle currents of wind. The gate she had landed at was merely an entryway, and the view that awaited her beyond it was spectacularly breathtaking: buildings of iridescent marble cluttered themselves around spiralling towers of glass and gemstone, dotted atop the many peaks of the mountains like the many jewels in a great coronet. The tower nearest to her, some distance away to the north-west, appeared to be a stained glass depiction of a stately woman presiding over an ornate scroll, dictating its contents to mortals below who exchanged goods at her command. As the rays of sunlight filtered through the glass it began to shift and warp, the individual panes shifting in size and colour, until Ashevelen’s face was clearly visible within it. The light began to refract and split, projecting the image contained within onto the very sky above, and the image of Ashe began to sweep its hand across the way towards the building atop the very highest peak. As it moved, a shadowy bridge was left from her trailing movements, and the shadow began to consume the brilliantly sparkling image in the sky until it was all that remained and it began to fade away into nothingness.

The path of shadow was real enough, and led directly up into the great vault where the Kathetikon resided–as Ashe began to make her way up towards it the sleek obsidian doors silently dissolved into nothingness to reveal the vault’s interior where the Kathetikon eagerly awaited her.

[color=#3E5967][i]“Ah, Ashevelen, welcome to the Grand Library! Is this a visit for business or for pleasure?”[/i][/color] the sentient tome asked, its words vibrating through the air as it swivelled to look down at Ashe as she ascended.

The Lady of the Trade watched with wonder the image of herself and the buildings. Amazing place, she thought and smiled. Her own realm would soon look like this or maybe even better when it would be filled with valuables.  

She lifted herself up to Kathe’s height and gave them a friendly bow, throwing a coin towards them in respect. “[color=aa6c39] Greetings, Kathe’! I would say it’s a bit of both and to add to that, some curiosity. I’ve recently created my own realm and I’m curious how other divine’s realms look like. Maybe get some ideas of my own or trade some ideas that I’ve incorporated in mine. Have a look for yourself. [/color]” replied Ashevelen and with a wave of her hand, a portal opened in a nearby shadow.

On the other side of the portal, clear as daylight, the Shadow Bazaar could be seen. Souls of Umbras were moving cargo around, setting up their respective stalls. Shadowy towers, taller than mountains littered the background and in the center…a tower taller than all. Ashevelen’s own seat of power.

[color=#3E5967][i]”Oh, how curious! I would be more than happy to take a brief sojourn to your own demesne–and I have many collections of knowledge from other worlds to share with you should you desire inspiration. If you are curious, it is my calling to help you find the answers you seek!”[/i][/color] the Kathetikon began, its pages making a pleasing sound almost like rumbling laughter as it happily manoeuvred its way through the portal of shadow that Ashe had created and observed the realm in all its glory.

“[color=aa6c39] My curiosity is curious, sibling? [/color]” replied Ashe with a wink before adding “[color=aa6c39]  Indeed, I do require some inspiration and something to sell. Mundane things, I’ve got but nothing truly special. That’s why I’ve sent my champion, Penumbra, to visit the world. Maybe their mortal eyes can see something that we, divines, cannot. [/color]”

[color=#3E5967][i]”Oh, how could I forget? Anagnostis!”[/i][/color] the Kathetikon began, and the air began to shimmer and distort around them as globules of pitch-dark ink formed and coalesced together rapidly, taking the form of a humanoid silhouette and solidifying rapidly. A great quill emerged from it in the next moment, and then suddenly the God of Curiosity and Knowledge’s avatar was there with them. It eagerly took the Kathetikon in its hands and began to write rapidly, at a pace far outspeeding anything a mortal could even comprehend, and it looked up at Ashevelen with deferent and awestruck eyes.

[color=#543E89]“The Master has much to observe and learn about your realm, Lady Ashevelen, so they will be communicating through me for the rest of the journey–the Master hopes you understand, as communicating directly is quite a taxing endeavour for a book and the space you have crafted is so intriguing that the Master does not wish to divide its attention…”[/color] Anagnostis began, perusing the surroundings eagerly and snapping its eyes back to the goddess every few seconds to ensure it missed nothing she might say or do.

Ashevelen looked with interest as Anagnostis appeared next to them. She approached him and looked at him similar to how a jeweller checks a prized gem for quality.  “[color=aa6c39] An avatar, Kathe’? Interesting way of bypassing the “limits” of your own form. I never considered making one to be honest. Is this one sentient or just an extension of your own will? [/color]” asked Ashevelen, Kathe’, before listening to Anagnostis and replying to him in kind.

“[color=aa6c39] I understand their reasoning, avatar. I thank you, Anagnostis, for helping your creator out. Here, this is on me. They’ll allow you to purchase goods or services in my realm.[/color]” Ashevelen took out the self-printing coin and threw a few coins at Anagnostis.

[color=#3E5967][i]”Ask her to show us around, Anagnostis! I sense that the shadows of this place have secrets, and we simply must record them!”[/i][/color] [color=#543E89]“The Master wishes for you to lead us on a tour, if that is amenable to you?”[/color] Anagnostis began, barely suppressing a cheeky grin as it read the will of its Master through its pages and continued to scrawl eagerly across the Kathetikon.

”[color=aa6c39] Not sure if you can fly but it’ll be easier for both of you to see and for my servants to go along with their business without us blocking their ways. [/color]” said Ashevelen before lifting Anagnostis in the air, giving him the power of flight while in her realm.

Umbras and Satyrs roamed the bazaar, going from stall to stall and purchasing whatever they found interesting. Sure enough, some elves could be seen milling around, looking for whatever they found most interesting.

“[color=aa6c39] It seems that some elves have found their way here as well. I wish that one day, all mortals will. [/color]” said Ashe absent-mindedly as she pointed out different places in the bazaar. The Shadow Bazaar looked as one would imagine a bazaar to look like, market stalls in every direction. Some filled to the brim with mundane objects, others sporting cages for the different animals of the world that were showcased in a non-coin form.

The architecture was something of a wonder itself, as it was a mix and match of different architectures from every place Ashevelen travelled to. Some buildings were alive and in constant motion, some inert, while others would just appear and disappear from view if one didn’t look at them for longer than a few seconds.

[color=#543E89]“Ah, thank you, lady Ashevelen–though I am capable of flight myself–”[/color] Anagnostis began, before causing wings crafted from scrolls and books and manuscripts to emerge from its shoulder blades, [color=#543E89]“it is an honour to receive such a boon from you, and I shall embrace the umbral power you have given me eagerly.”[/color] Anagnostis smiled, quickly taking a peek down at the Kathetikon as it spoke. [color=#3E5967][i]”Ah, inform her that you are a being of variable knowledge created to be able to authentically experience all facets of reality with as much or as little of my information as is necessary to produce the desired results. Make sure that you survey the architecture of those stalls too, as I’m quite sure I’ve seen something like them before…”[/i][/color]

[color=#543E89]“The Master wishes you to understand my nature as an avatar: I am a consciousness innately linked to the vast realms of knowledge contained within the Kathetikon’s pages, and by the Kathetikon’s will I am either imbued with or divested of knowledge as appropriate. I am a vessel meant to experience the world from various perspectives, so as to enable the Master to accurately record all living experiences within itself. One day the Master will give me the noetic profile of a mortal that might end up in your bazaar, so I may experience it as they do… but for now I am possessed of the entirety of the Master’s knowledge, so as to better facilitate conversation with such a worthy partner! As one of the Master’s siblings, you are entitled only to the very best they can offer, after all.”[/color] Anagnostis spoke, its attention split between talking to Ashevelen and surveying the various delights of the Bazaar. It took only seconds for it to become utterly focused on some particular configuration of stalls and begin subconsciously drifting towards it, rapidly transcribing notes as it did so.

"[Color=aa6c39] Intriguing. Very much so. I'm assuming he's not for sale, Kathetikon?[/color]" asked Ashe in a joking manner before turning her attention to Anagnostis.

[color=#3E5967][i]”Oh, she knows that you aren’t for sale, Anagnostis. Laugh at her joke and check out the stalls over there nearest to Ashevelen’s tower–they remind me of something I’ve seen before, a… hm, check it out while I think!”[/i][/color] the Kathetikon wrote upon itself, causing Anagnostis to flush a little red in the cheeks before politely laughing at Ashe’s little joke.

"[Color=aa6c39] These powers will last while you're in my realm. A boon for a friend. Now, what do you wish to see? The architecture of my realm is inspired from everywhere I've travelled but the most important parts are still inspired from this world. I don't wanna scare any of the mortals that will come here, pretty sure you understand how they would react if they'd see some of the more…weird places of the cosmos. [/color]" replied Ashe with a grin.

[color=#543E89]“Ah, the Master had some recollection of those stalls closest to your tower–what are they selling, to have earned such a position of prestige? What is the system one uses to decide who may sell their wares in this space most aligned with your will?”[/color] Anagnostis began, but quickly looked down at the Book to find that it had written another sentence to direct it. [color=#3E5967][i]”Ah, yes, that sector over there is very reminiscent of the Thymesian Price, a wondrous market contained within the eternal dream of a powerful psychic–it was commonplace there to trade one’s memories of rare and powerful events for other bits of equally esoteric and difficult to come by knowledge. Ashevelen has made it her own, though, and allowed them to imprint their memories upon her coins for ease of trading… but note the crystalline glint to its edge!”[/i][/color]

[color=#543E89]“Oh, the Master thinks your designs are very inspired. They think they recognise some of the influences you might have adapted, and we would very much like to see what else you’ve come up with! Shall we, Lady Ashe?”[/color] Anagnostis smiled, its featureless face pointed down towards the buildings at the base of the Goddess’ tower. It could not help but tilt its face back up towards the tower, occasionally scanning it as it looked, and after only a moment of this the pair soared down towards their destination.

“[color=aa6c39] You’ve got a good [i] eye [/i], Kathe’. They are indeed from the Thymesian Price, albeit with a tiny modification from yours truly. With a knowledge as yours, I’m sure you’ll recognize more places…deeper as we go. [/color]” replied Ashe before going down towards their destination. The stalls closest to the tower. Just a few of them, in comparison to everywhere else. Five stalls of the eight that surrounded Ashe’s tower were unfortunately empty at the moment.

“[color=aa6c39] Apologies for those five. They are currently empty but I’ll have them filled up in no time but to answer your question…[/color]” replied Ashe as they approached one of the stalls that was manned by an Umbra that trembled in fear and exaltation at the same time.

“[color=aa6c39] Be at ease, Galxus. You are not to be replaced. Now, show us your goods. [/color]” and as if on cue, Galxus spread open their hands and coins appeared on the table. Each of the coins was made out of a black material but if touched, they would offer the one that touched them an image of what was being sold.

Ashevelen picked one at random and gently flipped it over to Anagnostis. “[color=aa6c39] Hold it in your hand and you’ll see what this one sells. [/color]” said Ashe and true enough, as soon as Anagnostis would hold the coin, an image of a Tarsk would appear in his mind. The image would then change slightly, highlighting different body parts of the Tarsk, their usage, what they eat etc.  

Anagnostis found itself enthralled by the mixture of familiarity and discovery presented to it: knowing just enough to have an idea of the outline of things only to discover that the details were new and unique was a joy beyond words. It happily perused the wares eagerly, even going so far as to smile sheepishly at the Umbra’s reaction to Ashe’s approach. It found it very interesting that one of Ashe’s own creations and subjects who had been called to serve in her very realm could possibly still be scared of the Goddess, but the Kathetikon quickly scrawled on its pages various theories and Anagnostis pondered them as it looked down at the coins and took one in its hand. The metal was cool to the touch and close to intangible, as if it were the shadow of a coin rather than something concrete and real; but that was simply to be expected of the Lady of Trade and Shadow, and Anagnostis thoroughly enjoyed mentally comparing it to the other coins it had received from her earlier–at least it did until the concepts of a Tarsk began to flood its mind from having touched the coin.

Anagnostis giggled in delight as it began to examine the strange and new lifeform in its mental landscape, quickly taking up its quill and beginning to draw an image in full colour within the Kathetikon’s pages. It opened its mouth as if to ask questions before suddenly stopping as the image shifted and morphed, each of its nascent inquiries answered before it could even vocalise them. A few moments of rapid scribbling passed before Anagnostis actually thought to speak up to Galxus.

[color=#543E89]“I don’t suppose you offer a ‘try before you buy’ scheme, Galxus? While I would love to engage in a trade with you, I am not sure that there is much place for a Tarsk in the Grand Library…”[/color] Anagnostis queried, its head tilted slightly to the side so as to suggest a certain whimsical curiosity to its words. It quickly looked down at the tome to divine the Kathetikon’s will, only to find the book in the middle of writing something new for it to look at: [color=#3E5967][i]”I could make a space for it, but then I’d have to create some beings to care for it and look after it… perhaps when the mortals I have revealed myself to come searching for my halls we will have the capacity to care for these creatures as they deserve. Check what else it sells, Anagnostis!”[/i][/color]

Anagnostis eagerly picked up the second coin, awaiting the new and interesting wares that would be shown to it.

Galxus watched the divines with wonder and a bit of fear. They enjoyed trading in this spot, buyers missing as it was. They recently died and barely managed to convince the Goddess to buy their most prized-possession, a small rock that shined in brilliant colours if light was shined on it. A diamond, the Goddess called it, they remembered with pride. But, now, the Goddess is back with someone else? Maybe it was their time to be removed, maybe the Goddess changed her decision…but their feeling was replaced by the innate one that all Umbra had. Trading or greed, whatever one may call it. They didn’t know but it was what they knew since creation.

“[color=aba000] We don’t do that in the Shadow Bazaar of the Lady of the Trade, dear customer. You can pay only a bigger price now and take whatever you may wish and if you don’t find the goods up to your standards, you may bring it back and receive the difference. [/color]” replied Galxus while throwing a look at Ashevelen. Their proposed scheme was not something that the Goddess taught them which means it was a creation of their own and for a split-second doubt was seen in their eyes but with a tiny nod from Ashevelen, it disappeared from their eyes as they finished talking.

[color=#3E5967][i]”Hah, what was that saying… Caveat Emptor, dear Anagnostis! Though we can be quite certain Ashevelen and her subjects would never try to swindle us, the law of trade is quite clear: deals struck are final. It is generous indeed for her to offer any means by which one may be even partially refunded their investment–thank her, Anagnostis!”[/i][/color] wrote itself upon the Kathetikon’s pages, and Anagnostis made certain to give Ashe a profoundly deep bow and offer up its thanks for the generosity of the system she’d created.

Offering another coin to Anagnostis, this one when touched would show an Umbra in their prime. It would do different actions like walking or changing their form then the image would shift showing the same Umbra but older and it gradually worked its way up until it hardened into a pool of goop. The image would start again from the same Umbra but as a young one and like before, each body part was analysed in detail with all the abilities a Umbra had or could develop naturally. The image shifted again and showed how Umbras multiplied, their speed of doing so and a projected number of current existing Umbras in the world.

Ashevelen interjected with her own words after Anagnostis was busy with the coin. “[color=aa6c39] Why make your own mortals? I’ve got loads to spare. Just wait for Anagnostis to check that coin he’s holding. [/color]”

Anagnostis took the second coin just as eagerly as the first, feeling its textures in its ink-spun hands as it closed its eyes to focus on the images that would soon come to it. It observed the Umbra’s lifecycle with especially keen interest, fervently writing down its experiences in the Kathetikon even with its eyes closed. It would occasionally flick a couple of pages back to view its notes on the Umbra that had taken refuge within Logiopolis, and noted that the Umbra there were different from these purer ones with their gradients of extreme colouration. It quickly drew a shockingly realistic image of the two side-by-side and held the Tome of All Things up to Ashe (making absolutely sure that Galxus or any passers-by would not gaze upon the fabled tome’s pages) and showed her the difference between the two.

[color=#543E89]“Ah, were you aware that a separate species of your Umbra have been created? They seem to possess unique pigmentation not ordinarily possible within their physiology and are free to adapt to their environments at shockingly rapid paces–Pyonexos and I did a study to try and quantify some of these changes, but not enough time has passed yet for us to know precisely–”[/color] Anagnostis began, only to blush once more and quickly turn the tome back to itself as it felt its Master’s will being expressed through the pages once more.

[color=#3E5967][i]”I believe it was the work of the god known as Myrtu, explained to us as the ‘God-Star’. None of the other names I was given matched its description from the writings I have been able to observe, so by process of elimination I have determined this must be the correct sibling. I am eager to meet them, though circumstance has not yet seen fit to bring them to our doors. Stop getting distracted, Anagnostis! You’re supposed to be reading me to Ashe!”[/i][/color] the tome displayed, and Anagnostis yelped loudly as it almost dropped the Kathetikon and scrambled to keep it within its hands. [color=#543E89]“A-ah! Sorry, Master, I was just thinking of the time that Pyonexos and I had to adjudicate a trade between the Umbra and the–forgive me my clumsiness, Lady Ashe, this coin simply brought back some very happy memories for me…”[/color] Anagnostis began, stuttering slightly as it took a quick moment to regain its composure and place the coin back down on Galxus’ stall.

[color=#543E89]“How much would you like for it, Galxus?”[/color]

Ashevelen looked at the image of the other Umbra that Myrtu created with an expression of wonder. Their colours were very interesting and something that Ashe might adopt in the next upgrade of the Umbra which would be soon. Intriguing abilities as well, good to remember, they might be useful in the future.

“[color=aa6c39] Amazing and they don’t even have hooves. I do agree with you, Kathe’. These are for sure modifications done by our brother, Myrtu. I’ve met him once, I’ve bought some humans from him and then modified them into the ones you know as Satyrs. They will eventually end up here as all the Umbras and I’ll find out more, they just need to die first. [/color]” replied Ashe, her eyes shining.  

As soon as Anagnostis almost dropped his charge, a small shadow pillar rose from the ground to catch Kathe’ but as Anagnostis caught them back, it dissipated into nothingness.
“[color=aa6c39] Easy there Anagnostis, if Kathe’ touches the ground they’re mine and I haven’t yet sold a divine to anyone. [/color]” said Ashe with a friendly chuckle.

[color=#3E5967][i]”Oho, you should be so lucky Ashe! I am more than capable of arresting my own movement, but I did create an avatar precisely so I would not have to exert myself… Be more careful, Anagnostis! You have one job! I know that job is ‘help me discover and record everything’, but it’s only one job and you’re a shard of a divine!”[/i][/color] the Kathetikon displayed, the writing on its pages starting off keenly focused and sharp-edged, but softening considerably at the end. Anagnostis permitted itself a slight chuckle at its Master’s jibe before returning Ashe’s smile.

Galxus looked at Ashevelen, then at Anagnostis and smiled.

“[color=aba000] Depends. What can you offer the Goddess? It will be five-hundred coins if you wish to buy the Umbra, adding to that you might not wish to have one and return later with them, it’ll be eight-hundred coins. [/color]” said Galxus. The price was more than it should’ve been by a lot but that’s how a cunning Umbra acted.

[color=#543E89]“Ah, 500 coins you say? Let’s see…”[/color] Anagnostis began in response, rifling through the book’s pages. Ashe would catch occasional glimpses of the various chapters and appendices that the book contained, most notably amongst them a section amongst the trading of sapient beings. Anagnostis skimmed down the page, occasionally taking a second to look up at Galxus with its featureless face, before it made a small noise of pleasant surprise and its feather-like finger tapped the Kathetikon’s pages gently.

[color=#543E89]“I believe that is an incorrect estimate by approximately 400 of these coins. Surely such an esteemed trader as yourself to have earned a spot so close to Lady Ashevelen’s tower would not have appraised the value of an object so poorly, hmm?”[/color] Anagnostis began, the timbre of its voice light and buzzing with a sly sense of having caught someone in the act. Though it had no eyebrows to raise, it did focus its blank face more intensely upon the shopkeep than it had previously, still pressing its finger against the page pointedly. [color=#3E5967][i]”There’s no need to be so rough, even when you’re correcting a mortal! Have some respect, Anagnostis!”[/i][/color] the Kathetikon printed, and Anagnostis quickly leaned down and whispered a hushed [color=#543E89]“Sorry!”[/color] to the book while attempting to keep its gaze as intensely focused on Galxus as possible.

Galxus smiled and winked at the Goddess then realised their mistake and looked right at Anagnostis.

“[color=aba000] Ah’ but see, you’ve got it wrong. I did ask for 500 coins but that’s because the Tarsk you’ve chosen is from a pure breed. Stronger than most other Tarsks, bigger too and at the same time, I did say you are allowed to bring back your Tarsk if they are not what you’re looking for [i] but [/i] you’re receiving a Tarsk pup, what if you decide in a month you’re not happy? You’ll no longer bring me a Tarsk pup but a Tarsk teen. What if you didn’t feed it what you should? What if in their time with you, they got an yet-undetectable disease or injury? These are all risks that one has to take. You are theoretically correct, the price for one Tarsk is 125 coins but adding all the risks, it raises the price to 500. [/color]” eloquently explained Galxus.

[color=#3E5967][i]”I find it so very curious how mortals find the tenacity to attempt to correct the divine–sometimes it is that they simply lack the tools to evaluate their lack of perspective, sometimes it is hubris, sometimes it is solely for the point of contention. This one is at least uncommon in that it is both charming and forgivable–Anagnostis, please inform them of the issues in their logic… but be gentle.”[/i][/color] [color=#543E89]”Your points are not without merit, Galxus, with the sole exception that you are currently proposing a trade with a Divine. Those factors you’ve mentioned would, indeed, require a re-evaluation of the price you’ve set should any of them change the inherent properties of the goods that are being exchanged! I’m very impressed with your acumen, though you have chosen a rather poor individual to test this gambit on, given that I possess all knowledge in my hands. Perhaps there ought to be a more robust system by which one places a value on knowledge in relation to material goods? You’ve come so far, Galxus, what do you think could be done?”[/color] Anagnostis laughed, its voice pleasantly melodic without being condescending. It gave Ashe a demure grin as it spoke, making sure to not orient the Kathetikon towards Galxus, and awaited the Umbra’s response pensively.

Galxus looked at the beings and then at Ashe who winked at them, only to cause Galxus to shake their head.

“[color=aba000] The Goddess taught us it doesn’t matter whom we trade with. Always keep to the rules of the trade. Divine or not divine. In life, I used to trade with the Goddess every single time she was in Shadowton. I would wait for days in the queue. [/color]” explained Galxus before Ashevelen took over.

“[color=aa6c39] There, there. Don’t be too hard on them, Anagnostis. They had no idea you’re a divine being, even though they might have suspected it. If it would’ve been a mortal this exchange would’ve lasted hours, if one would be as knowledgeable as you. As much as a mortal could I mean. Galxus did a good job but as you mentioned, there were mistakes in there. They’ll learn. [/color]” said Ashevelen as she defended her creation.

[color=#543E89]”Your creator is very wise, and some of that wisdom has been passed on to you–you should be proud of yourself for its application! Tell me, Galxus… are you ever curious? Are there things you simply do not know that you just know would improve your existence, make you a better trader? If you wish to find the answers to those questions, all answers may be found in the Grand Library–in exchange for the Umbra you’ve got there, I will extend an indefinite invitation to my Master’s realm. We know how to anchor you to Lady Ashevelen’s realm while you travel to the demesne of another divine, so nothing unpleasant will happen to you or to your stall!”[/color] Anagnostis offered, not even bothering to look down at the Kathetikon as it spoke. It turned its head towards Ashe and tilted it gently to the side, appraising her with its blank face as its hands continued to write marginalia in the Kathetikon–Anagnostis had been created to be ever-curious, after all, and it wondered just how Ashe would react to such an offer. No deals had been discussed with her at this point, after all, but even in the short time they’d been together Anagnostis understood well enough that its Master and the Lady of the Trade had much to offer one another, and that any excuse for a deal to be struck between them was likely to at least pique Ashe’s interest.

Galxus looked between Anagnostis and the Lady of the Trade. They considered the proposal for about 2 seconds before starting to talk about their wares again.

“[color=aa6c39] That’s enough, Galxus. You won’t anger me if you speak what you wish to speak. I’m [i] curious [/i] about your answer as well. [/color]” replied Ashe calmly.

“[color=aba000] I was curious before I died. The first command we’ve received from the Lady of the Trade was to evolve, I remember it well. I’ve tried my best while alive to explore the immediate area around the Umbral Forest, looking for new objects to trade with. That’s how I found the diamond which the Lady found worthy enough for me to be selling here. [/color]” said Galxus while Ashevelen watched with interest, until the end of sentence.

Shaking her head, Ashevelen interjected. “[color=aa6c39] And that’s where you’re wrong. I haven’t awarded you for what you’ve found but the passion you’ve tried to sell it with. Passion, the same sort of intelligence that you’ve displayed trying to sell the Tarsk to Anagnostis here. I care not for what Umbra bring me, anything can be sold. I care if you’ve learned something in your time spent alive. Tell them how you died, Galxus. [/color]”

Galxus shrinked in size. Their fear was clear on their usually expressionless face but then it changed as Ashevelen started to praise them.

“[color=aba000] I died in the mountains, north of Shadowton. I found a cave and there were loads of shining rocks there but something attacked me and took me unaware. Grabbed one of the shiny rocks and that’s the last thing I knew while being alive. Next thing I was aware of was me being in the [i] Long Queue [/i], waiting my turn to trade with the Goddess. [/color]”

This time it was the Kathetikon itself that spoke, choosing to project its words directly through the air that Galxus might feel them. [color=#3E5967][i]”I died alone in the cold and lonely mountains too, surrounded by the biggest library that I have ever seen. I had learned everything I thought there was to learn, but still it was not enough. Even death could not take me while the fire of curiosity burned in my mind, and that passion is what led me down the long path to divinity. I am sure that standing before your creator, by whose grace you still exist, is difficult. I am looking for those with the passion to carry on even past the threshold of life and death, for those whose stories are still unwritten through sheer force of will–perhaps you do not have what I seek.”[/i][/color] the Kathetikon rumbled, its words soundless but filled with all of the curiosity and passion of one whose obsession ran so deep it had chased away the spectre of death.

[color=#543E89]“... the Master is sympathetic to your situation, Galxus. This is not an interrogation, but a question. Do you have the answer we seek?”[/color] Anagnostis asked, placing the coin down on the stall once more as it cocked its head slightly towards the Umbra. Though its face was featureless its voice was soft and kind, filled with eagerness and not a hint of disapproval.

Galxus bowed their head as the divine spoke to them. It was the first time in their life/unlife when they met a different divine and for them to speak directly to them, it was an honour.

“[color=aba000] If the Lady of the Trade permits it, I wouldn’t be opposed, your highness. If I could learn how to be a better trader of goods or maybe even a trader of knowledge, I would be grateful for the chance. Learning to be better is what the Lady wanted us from the beginning as I said before and if I could do it forever, maybe…just maybe, one day I will be able to out-trade the Lady [/color]” said Galxus with a smile.

Ashevelen just smiled as she listened to them. This was, after all, what she intended from the beginning. The Umbra to evolve past her teachings, to surpass her and the others. Maybe one day become divine beings in their own right.

“[color=aa6c39] Out-trade me? More than happy to give you the chance, Galxus. Let’s say…in ten thousand years? [/color]”

“‘Tis your prerogative to decide whether or not an open invitation to another Divine’s realm is commensurate with the value of these Umbra, Galxus–is that not your job as a trader? It would please the Master for you to decide not based on the permission of Lady Ashevelen but your own earnest desire. We cannot simply lead you to the destination, we merely reveal the path that you might travel it yourself–if you do not desire this knowledge without external influence, then it is not something we are willing to offer.” Anagnostis replied, before allowing itself a little chuckle at the prospect of the Umbra being able to out-trade its creator. It turned towards the goddess and offered her a brief nod of its head before it turned back to Galxus, expectantly awaiting their response.

[i]”Now that I have created the Grand Library, we must ensure its influence can be felt across the entirety of Galbar. But perhaps it is better for us to travel to them than vice versa–the trek up the mountains is only for the most determined of pilgrims. Perhaps it would be in our interests to gather those mortals who wish to acquire their knowledge outside of a more… studious setting and let them loose upon the world with our blessings. Perhaps if an element of trade is incorporated, they might further Lady Ashevelen’s agenda in addition to our own. Propose it to her, Anagnostis, just as soon as I’ve worked out the finer details…”[/i]

“[color=aa6c39]Their answer is yes, Anagnostis. Haven’t you heard them? They are asking for my permission for the simple reason that I’m the only reason their soul is attached to this realm. If they’d said yes but I wouldn’t have agreed, I could’ve simply obliterated their soul. They’re curious and they are cautious. You cannot blame them for being so. Am I correct, Galxus? [/color]” explained Ashe to which Galxus just nodded gently.

“[color=aba000] That is indeed true, my Goddess. To answer properly, divine brother of the Lady…Yes I do wish to join you up in the Grand Library. I am curious about what's going to happen there. I am curious about finding out more about our world and not only. I want to learn more and more until one day I will be able to out-trade the Goddess. That is a promise, I will do it. [/color]” their voice was strong and full of passion. Eyes shining at the thought of new knowledge.

 “Forgive me my caution, esteemed friends–’tis a matter of course for us to be certain when trades such as these are proposed, for a single misstep can lead a soul to ruin. On behalf of the Master, I formally extend to you an invitation to the Grand Library in perpetuity.” Anagnostis stated, taking the coin containing the Umbra from the table and gently rolling it around in its free hand as it focused its attention upon Galxus. It took a brief second to consider something before drawing an intricate series of lines and whorls upon the Umbra’s stall, creating a sigil that thrummed with divine energy. Anagnostis gestured towards Galxus and prompted the Umbra to place their hand upon it in order to transfer the sigil to themselves.

“The rune placed before you is covenant and permission both: it serves as a record of the trade between us, and it will afford you entry to the Grand Library.” Anagnostis began, but a little jolt of energy quickly caused it to look down. [i]”I have finished considering my proposition for Ashe, Anagnostis. I wish for us to create a nomadic monastic order that will travel the length and breadth of Galbar, spreading the knowledge of the Grand Library and the Shadow Bazaar–and their patrons, of course–to all. They will use our vast reserves of knowledge and Lady Ashevelen’s trading acumen to transport goods across the entirety of Galbar while recording everything, thus advancing our agendas simultaneously. They may also encounter the followers of other gods, and be able to provide them with whatever goods, services, or knowledge they require in exchange for the unique things only they may provide, and ere long we will possess a consortium that has gripped this world by the throat and will never let go! Perhaps don’t read that last part out loud.”[/i] the Kathetikon wrote, and Anagnostis faithfully relayed the pertinent information to Ashe, adding in an occasional glance towards Galxus and scribbling observations about the Umbra down.

With a bit of trepidation, Galxus looked at the divines and smiled before putting their hand on the rune. Divine energy flowed briefly into Galxus but then it stopped. Nothing truly changed physically to them but they knew in their heart that they are now allowed to enter the Grand Library without disappearing into nothingness.

“[color=aba000] Thank you. [/color]” was all that Galxus could say, such was their wonder at what just happened.

Ashevelen on the other hand listened to what Kathe’ had to say and she was quite intrigued by their proposal.

“[color=aa6c39] That does sound interesting, Kathe’ and it’s something similar to what I had in mind too. In part, I came to you as I said for inspiration and a bit of curiosity. The whole truth was that I wished to provide you my Umbra, seeing as you don’t have any mortals of your own yet, in exchange for knowledge. But, a nomadic order sounds better. I gifted the Umbra with a great capacity to learn and evolve. I only have one condition to the whole affair, if I may. Whatever knowledge the Umbra gain, I will have access to it. Whatever secrets they learn, they will be available to me to share…for a price if I consider them worthy enough. [/color]” said Ashevelen.

Then, with a clap of her hands, 50 coins that contained Umbras appeared in a shadowy-bag. Upon being taken out of the Shadow Bazaar, these coins would be transformed into Umbras. While the same as the other Umbras in most regards, these had a sigil on their chest with a book that was in Kathe’s design with swirling coins around it. To better separate the members of the order from non-members.

[color=#3E5967][i]”What a thoughtful gift! I do not find within myself much in the way of desire to create life, so this is an elegant solution to a little problem I have found myself with–of course, you may partake of this knowledge freely. I would consider it an honest trade for the service your acumen has done us on this day–I believe it stands as the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership! With all the knowledge at my disposal and your ability to put it into practice, I dare say we will find ourselves both very prosperous indeed–which can only be good for Galbar as a whole, yes?”[/i][/color] the Kathetikon rumbled, this time actually addressing the goddess directly. Such a proclamation was one best delivered personally, after all, a sign of honest respect for the gift of a friend. Anagnostis nodded eagerly, but quickly became distracted with the task of handling the coins, making sure to capture them in little globules of ink and draw them into the Kathetikon’s pages for safekeeping.

[color=#543E89]“The Master thinks perhaps we could leave a link between our two realms in here, Lady Ashevelen?”[/color] Anagnostis mentioned quickly, looking down at the book in a rather curious angle as it eagerly read the book’s text. [color=#3E5967][i]”What? Why would that be necessary? I’m quite sure they will be able to find a way here should they desire it. Oh… you’re trying to get back here quickly because you want to practice trading. You could have simply asked, Anagnostis, no need to…”[/i][/color] the Kathetikon wrote to Anagnostis, who simply neglected to read it out loud and looked at Ashe expectantly.

"[Color=aa6c39] Good for Galbar, good for knowledge and very prosperous for me. Sounds like a very good deal. But, please, Kathe' don't call it a gift in front of anyone else, think about my reputation. It's an investment. [/color]" replied Ashe with a smile and a sly wink before laughing out loud.

Turning towards Anagnostis, Ashe shook her head in a friendly manner. "[Color=aa6c39] I dare to say, Anagnostis, you're a cute creature. We can link our realms, of course, but of course we'll link our realm if you want to learn how to trade. Just, leave something for the mortals too. [/color]" said Ashe with a chuckle before placing materialising a small shadow sword in the air and drawing upon Anagnostis's hand, which she took, a tiny coin with it which would fade in time but will stay there for as long as Anagnostis existed.
"[Color=aa6c39] There. Make sure you've got a shadowy place in the Great Library and place your hand upon it. You'll have access, for free, to the Shadow Bazaar at any time. It will also act as a gate for anyone here…if they pay for it. [/color]"

[Hider=Summary]

Ashevelen visits the Great Library to speak with Kathe’ and look for inspiration. They meet, talk and Ashe invites Kathe’ to the Shadow Bazaar but not before making a joke about Anagnostis. After some talking with an Umbra merchant, Kathe proposes to make a joint holy order to spread knowledge and trade all over Garblatar. 50 Umbra would serve as the first members, these all having a sigil on their chest to differentiate them from normal Umbra.

[/hider]

[Hider=MP]

Start MP/AP:

Ashevelen - 1/0
Kathetikon - 3/0

End MP/AP:

Ashevelen - 0/0
Kathetikon - 1/0

Created a joint-holy order (1 MP and 2 MP)

[/hider]