0. Biblioplex

The sun dipped low over the sprawling Misthaven campus, its golden rays refracted into prismatic bursts by the enchanted torches atop the Biblioplex’s beacon towers. As afternoon settled into a serene glow, the bustle of students continued unabated, especially around the Biblioplex—a sanctuary for knowledge-seekers.

Kiraen Nyrazzrin quickly approached the library. The silvered marble steps leading to the Biblioplex’s arched entrance gleamed underfoot. She adjusted her dark sunglasses and glanced up at the carved scholars that adorned the towering double doors. Their robed forms seemed to scrutinize every newcomer. With a small smirk, Kiraen pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Inside, the cavernous space greeted her with the faint hum of magic interwoven into the architecture. The sheer scale of the Biblioplex was daunting, with its towering bookshelves that stretched toward a ceiling fifty feet above. The warm glow of enchanted chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, complemented by the faint scent of parchment and ink.

Kiraen moved past the lounge area, where students sprawled across couches, deep in discussion or absorbed in study. A young gnome dozed with his head resting on a stack of open books. At nearby tables, groups debated over arcane diagrams, occasionally punctuated by bursts of laughter or muttered incantations.

Her sharp eyes briefly caught sight of the circular information desk at the center of the first floor. The three reference librarians stood out among the throng, their long robes embroidered with shimmering sigils. Kiraen noted their quiet efficiency as they pointed students toward various collections.

She let her gaze wander further—to the small café tucked into the corner of the lounge. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sugary pastries lingered in the air. The low murmur of voices and clinking cups created a welcoming ambiance.

---

Marlena Everbrook paused briefly at the entrance, taking in the grandeur of the Biblioplex. She adjusted her satchel, already crammed with scrolls, ink vials, and notebooks. The heavy oak doors seemed to beckon her forward.

Stepping inside, she stopped just long enough to marvel at the immensity of the library. She craned her neck, following the massive arches that framed the shelves. Pools of magical light danced on polished marble floors. Marlena whispered a quiet, "Incredible," before venturing deeper.

As she passed the library's café, her focus flitted from table to table, noting the array of snacks and steaming cups of tea alongside open books. She made a mental note to grab something sweet later. For now, her curiosity was piqued by the archive chambers visible in the distance. Her mind swirled with thoughts of the ancient tomes and secrets they might hold.

Her meandering pace brought her to the edge of the lounge, where she spotted Kiraen—a striking figure even in the bustling crowd. Her silvery-white hair shimmered faintly in the glow of the chandeliers, her poised demeanor hinting at a princess confidence.

Marlena found herself momentarily distracted, her gaze lingering perhaps a second too long.

Kiraen felt the weight of someone’s attention and turned slightly, her eyes meeting Marlena’s.

There is something in the air here that she tries to identify. Kiraen goes to the desk with the three reference librarians. As she waits her turn, she concludes that this place has the respect and power of knowledge. It strongly contrasts the power of violence that she is familiar with.
This is a place that she wants to spend time in.

She has only been in Misthaven for a few days, but it's enough to recognise the familiarity with the place that the students and staff have—and the dear-in-headlight expression that this new girl has. Personally, she is just starting to let that feeling go herself.

She catches the eyes of Marlena and gives her a nod and a smile. It then becomes her turn to talk with the reference librarian. In a quiet voice, she asked.
Hello, who do I talk to about getting a job here?
Or in the cafe?

The librarian seated at the circular desk glanced up from a thick, leather-bound tome as Kiraen stepped forward. He was an older human, his silver hair cropped short and his long robes embroidered with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly. His sharp hazel eyes regarded her kindly, but with the keen perception of someone who had seen countless students come and go.
The librarian’s expression softened further, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, looking to settle in and find your place, are you? A wise move. The Biblioplex is always seeking diligent hands. For positions here, like book clerk, shelver, cleanup crew, or even tending the gardens, you’ll want to speak with Professor Lorridian. He’s the head librarian as well as an instructor in historical studies. You’ll usually find him in his office on the second floor, unless he’s lecturing."

He gestured toward the marble staircase on the far side of the room. "His office is in the west wing. Look for the door with the brass nameplate. He has an open hour most afternoons—you might be able to catch him today if you’re quick."

"As for the café," he continued, nodding toward the cozy corner where the clinking of cups and murmur of voices persisted, "or the store just behind those bookshelves,"—he pointed subtly toward a gap in the towering stacks—"you’ll want to speak to the respective managers. They’re often nearby during the day, handling inventory or checking in with staff. Just ask any of the employees, and they’ll point you in the right direction."

Marlena Everbrook's heart nearly leaps into her throat. Oh gods, she caught me staring. She didn't mean to gawk at Kiraen for so long, but she's never seen a drow in her life before this moment. From what she's gathered in her home studies, few drows had the means or the inclination to leave the Underdark. Places where they were welcome were few and far between, and Drastyria was certainly not one of those places, so drows were practically a myth to Marlena, until now.

It doesn't help the first drow she saw was, quite frankly, mesmerizing. No book had told her that drows could be attractive. Or effortlessly graceful. When Kiraen smiles at her, she attempts to return a smile of her own, though it comes off as awkward. Breaking the eye contact first, Marlena makes a beeline for the archive chambers. The allure of knowledge is too great to resist.

As she crosses the lounge along her way, she feels her strange, dissonant magic starting to emanate due to her heightened emotions. Just as a dog whistle might distress canines, her leaking aura seems to mildly discomfort whoever she passes, interfering with their mana sensing. Alarmed, she clutches a gloved fist to her chest. Calm down. Breathe. Draw it back in. She hopes no one manages to connect that to her. She has to be much more careful here in Misthaven due to nearly everyone being a mage.

Kiraen heads off to the west wing and her path happens to merge with Marlena
Hi there. Are you going to Professor Lorridian as well?
Are you new here? I got here a few days ago and still haven't got my bearings. But I'm getting there.

Just as Marlena is beginning to calm herself, she suddenly finds Kiraen greeting her. "Oh! Hello. Uh, yes, I am new. I only just arrived yesterday," she replies, her hurried gait not slowing in the slightest. It's just the way she is, always in a rush wherever she goes. "I've no business with Professor Lorridian at the moment. I'm actually going to peruse the archives, if I can. Perhaps get myself something sweet afterward. Uh, how about you?"

What are you looking for in the archives? Do you have access to the archives? I thought that the library was open, but their stacks and archive was for staff only. She gives a short laugh.
If my assumptions are correct, then I might get access before you. Kiraen smiles at Marlena

Kiraen walks with Marlena as long as she can

"I'm... not looking for anything specific," she lies. Well, it's not entirely untrue, but she has another goal. Tales of Misthaven's extensive archives reach across the lands. Incredible secrets, one-of-a-kind works never publicized, a wealth of knowledge that can only be found there. Marlena figures she can find out more about her power within the archives. "I simply thought I could perhaps get ahead before classes start."

"I don't actually know if the archive is open to students," Marlena admits sheepishly. "I suppose I got so excited that I neglected to ask at the info desk. Guess I'll find out soon enough." She smiles back. "If you get access and I don't, maybe you could put in a good word for me?" She half-jokes. Inwardly, Marlena's surprised that this drow just seems normal, considering all the awful things she's read and heard about drows. "Might I ask your name? I'm Marlena Everbrook."

Someone who haven't hear of her already? How delightful.
I'm Kiraen N... She stops herself, but then think better of it. My name is Kiraen Nyrazzrin. And I'm only half drow.
She sounds a bit deflated. Marlena notes how Kiraens hand seeks something at her thigh but as it doesn't find anything it returns to being folded around her chest.
The easiest way to get into the archives before anyone else, is properly by becoming part of the staff. Perhaps they have two positions for us?
Kiraen turns and heads to to Professor Lorridian's door where she politely knocks. Marlena is left with the choice of following or be left behind.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kiraen." Marlena curiously watches Kiraen's hand but doesn't say anything about the motion. Only half drow? I wonder what the story behind that is.

Marlena briefly deliberates over whether to go with Kiraen or not. After a bit of careful consideration, she breaks from her path and follows after the half drow. She figures it couldn't hurt to do some work here in the Biblioplex, especially if it grants her unrestricted access to the archives. "Wait for me!"

Marlena hurriedly trails in behind Kiraen. "Good afternoon, professor. We were wondering if you have any work for us. I'm Marlena Everbrook, and this is... Oh, sorry." She steps back to let Kiraen handle her own introduction. Marlena thinks the professor may be compensating with the sheer size of his desk, but she knows better than to say it.

As her eyes scan the room, she fixates on the astrolabe. "Is that what I think it is...?" She steps forward and reaches out for it, but she stops herself just in time. It's rude to touch things without asking. "Oh, excuse me. May I?"

Kiraen nods to Marlena. I'm Kiraen Nyrazzrin, a new student here, starting in a few week's time. I, we, wanted to make ourself useful, now and during our studies.
She frowns at Marlena as she is distracted by something shiny.
And mostly I can't wait to start learning here in Misthaven.

"I understand." Somewhat heeding Professor Lorridian's warning, Marlena takes the planar astrolabe into her hands and begins to examine it. Oh, what I'd do to take this apart and see what makes it tick! Of course, she knows she can't, but the thought is compelling. As she gets excited, the magic within the astrolabe starts to tremble uneasily at her touch, but she doesn't seem to notice.

She appears to be totally engrossed with the astrolabe, but she is listening nonetheless. She momentarily stops inspecting the astrolabe to look at the professor. "I don't think I'm well suited to gardening, so I'd like to be a book clerk." She wonders if her next question might come off as too eager, but after a moment's hesitation, she proceeds to ask it anyway. "I was wondering, would we have access to the archives as part of the staff? There is much I wish to research."

I would be happy to start as a book clerk. I was warned however about this job - that I would want to read all the book I got to handle. She laugh to Professor Lorridian
How and when can I start?
Access comes later through proven efficiency and reliability. Kiraen stops and reflects for a moment. That was drow spy teachings, but if it was done without ulterior motive, then it could not be that bad.

"I see... That's understandable." Marlena says after the professor explains the rules of the Biblioplex. She can't help but feel disappointed that she would not be able to access the full breadth of knowledge right away, but it was a necessary precaution. Hopefully I can find something out on the first floor.

She was done with the astrolabe, so she raises it up and lets it go. She watches as it returns to its original position, suspended in the air. "I'd like to start as soon as I can. Though, if I may... I don't believe I should be classified as 'untrained'. I have a moderate grasp on Excidium, and an elementary understanding in Creatio and Mutatio." To demonstrate, Marlena holds out her gloved hand and mutters a short Creatio incantation. A ball of gentle green light spawns just above her palm. It's not much to look at, but she then proceeds to shape it into the form of a small dragon.

Oh... I didn't realize that we were supposed to do magic here. If I knew I would have brought my wand. Illusio, Excidium and Tutela are the ones I have been trained in.
Kiraen looks embarrassed being so illprepared.
I promise that I will bring my wand everywhere I go now.
She looks down and it seems like she is hiding herself even more behind her tinted glasses.

Kiraen looks to Marlena and nods. I would like that very much. When should we meet your assistant?
She is planning to return to her room to get her wand.
Anything we should bring? Wear?

"Yes, Professor Lorridian... Forgive me if I got ahead of myself." Marlena dismisses the light she summoned within her hand. She initially sounds a little put out, but she predictably perks back up when she hears that they may get some sort of special sneak peek. She returns Kiraen's glance.
"I'm ready to begin as soon as possible! Thank you for this opportunity, professor. You will not regret this."

Well 400 would be magics, 420 elemental magics, 423 cold magic.... Kiraen is familiar with the DCC system of organising books in a libariy. It is after all the Drow Decimal Classification system*

Thank you Callador - I will see you tomorrow.

She turns to Marlena. I'm going to my room to get my wand as I want to visit the dueling club also. You are welcome to tag along

Marlena's a bundle of barely contained excitement! "Yes, Callador! I will be up bright and early."

Kiraen's invitation gives Marlena pause. On one hand, dueling isn't really her thing, but on the other hand, this half-drow intrigues her. She simply needs to know more. "Uh... Sure! I'd love to. Would you say you're good at dueling?" She asks curiously as she starts to leave with Kiraen. "What brings you to the surface, anyway? I thought drows despised the sun. Is that why you wear those shades? To shield your eyes?"

I wear glasses to shield my eyes. It's still very bright up here, but it's not painful anymore—just bright. The full-blooded draws could not adjust properly at all.

Kiraen opens the door to her room and finds a sheath with a slim dagger in it. She straps it to her thigh.
There! Now I'm ready to duel.
I have trained with some of the best, so I can hold my own with a blade. Especially this one.
She unsheaths the stiletto and twirls it expertly in her hand. It looks to be made entirely of silver, but the point is oxidised black. She resheaths the blade and sighs.
Close the door Marlena. Please...
After she does, Kiraen explains. My aunts got greedy and tried to make a kue. They failed, and now my mother is next inline for the succession. That makes me a pressure point, a target to influence my mother. Murder, kidnapping, seducing, two-parts-poisions the list is long and I'm not even pureblood drow.
So my father suggested that I came here to study, and to lie low while the dust settles back home.

"That's an interesting weapon. It serves as a magical focus too, I assume." Marlena passively observed the magic coming off the stiletto while it was unsheathed. She can tell it's a rather fine piece of work.

"You're royalty then? Wow..." Marlena did assume Kiraen to be some sort of noble based on how she carried herself, but this went beyond her expectations. She realizes that Kiraen seems to be putting a good deal of trust in her by telling her this. "I won't tell anyone. I swear it."

"Do you think anyone's going to be after you though? Obviously it'd be the height of stupidity to attack Misthaven directly, but judging from what you say, spies wouldn't be out of the question." Concern is evident in her tone. "Also... If you're only half drow, what's the other half? Human? Dwarf? Please tell me it isn't dwarf." She laughs.

It is both a wand and a dagger - yes a focus as you say. It was a gift from ZinZay Thaub... Kiraen bit off the last part of the name. My trainer. She finishes the sentence awkwardly. Kiraen slowly realises that some people at the palace have a different reputation topside.
I doubt that anyone is comming for me here. Besides my grandmother is still queen and my mother is getting into a role she was not prepared for. My human father thought that it would be beneficial for everyone if I was out of sight.

Kiaren leads them back the the hallway and towards the dualing gym. Wait! Why did you think I was half dwarf? Do you think I'm bigboned? She rushes to a polished surface on a nearby full plate armor. Do I have hair on my chin?

Though Kiraen refrains from saying the entire name, Marlena's mind automatically fills in the rest. Zinzay Thauber. She's read all about the trail of bodies he left behind in his prime, but for the sake of not making Kiraen uncomfortable, Marlena pretends that she didn't realize who Kiraen meant. "I see. It really suits you! I can't wait to see how you handle it." She smiles. I wouldn't want to face you though.

Human! I knew it. Marlena follows Kiraen. She can't help but poorly stifle a hearty laugh behind a closed fist when Kiraen takes her half-dwarf jest seriously. "Haha! Come now, I was only joking. You clearly don't have dwarven blood. After all, you're not a midget, nor do you reek of booze and underground mold."

As the duo nears the dueling gym's entrance, Marlena can hear the clash of weapons and see the flash of spells being slung. Her skin prickles from the concentration of mana. When sensing the presence of strong magic, it tends to bleed into her other senses as well. She picks up the heavy Excidium traces as a bitter but full-bodied taste, just like a freshly brewed cup of coffee. As she peeks into the gym, she sees a match already in progress. She follows Kiraen inside and sticks close for now.

The dueling gym loomed ahead, a structure of stone and reinforced wood, its exterior adorned with enchanted lanterns that flickered in hues of blue and gold, glowing brighter as the evening deepened. The doors, heavy and iron-bound, bore intricate carvings of arcane symbols and crossed weapons, an homage to the disciplines practiced within.

Inside, the gym was a vast, open space, its high vaulted ceilings supported by wooden beams etched with runes that pulsed faintly with protective magic. The air was thick with energy, a mingling of sweat, steel, and the sharp tang of Excidium, Creatio and Amplifico spells. Tutela magical wards shimmered faintly on the walls and floor, designed to absorb errant spells and ensure the safety of spectators.

At the center of the space were multiple dueling rings, each marked by glowing lines of light that shifted in color to indicate whether a match was in progress. Some rings bore scuffs and scorch marks, scars of countless training sessions and matches. Around the edges of the gym were racks of practice weapons—blunted swords, spears, and maces—along with mannequins that could be enchanted to simulate moving targets.

Above the floor, a second-story balcony circled the gym, providing seating for spectators. A handful of students still lingered, their conversations a low murmur as they watched the final match.

The last duel of the evening was fierce, though it was clearly more practice than competition. A broad-shouldered human wielding a staff exchanged blows with a lithe elf who darted and struck with two curved blades. Spells flared and fizzled, illuminating the space with bursts of light and heat. Marlena could taste the magic in the air—sharp and bitter, like dark roast coffee.

The clash of weapons rang out, sharp and metallic, followed by the hum of magic discharging against wards. As the match reached its conclusion, the human delivered a sweeping blast of energy, forcing the elf back to the edge of the ring. The glowing boundary flared, signaling the match’s end.

"Match over!" called a voice from the sidelines. A tall orc with a magic armor and an authoritative presence stepped into view, likely the gym’s overseer. His voice carried easily across the room. "That’s enough for tonight. Clear out, everyone. Gym’s closing in ten."



The combatants lowered their weapons, exchanging nods of respect, and began to gather their things. Around the room, students started to file out, though a few lingered to stow practice gear or finish conversations.

Weapon master? Dueling master? Kiraen begines, unsure of his title and name, but sure that the man deserves respect.
I would like to join the dueling club here. I have trained with... This time she corrects herself. With daggers and some Perceptio, Excidium and Illusio. Earned a fighting wand.
She smiles at the orc.
How do I join?

Deciding to momentarily occupy herself while Kiraen's talking to the orc overseer, Marlena approaches the elf combatant as he's gathering his things. "Excuse me! I happened to be watching your match. You were exquisite, even if you lost." She flinches a bit at her own bluntness. "Nothing wrong with that. It was very close," she amends quickly.

"So, uh, do you come around here often? To duel?" She tries to put on a charming smile, even as she kicks herself mentally for asking such a question. Of course he does, he's probably in the club...

The elf combatant, a tall and slender figure with angular features and bright emerald eyes, turned at the sound of Marlena's voice. His expression shifted from surprise to polite acknowledgment as she spoke. He straightened, tucking one of his curved blades into its sheath.

"Exquisite, you say?" he repeated, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. His tone was light but carried an undercurrent of humility. "Well, I suppose I’ll take that as a compliment, even if the result wasn’t in my favor."

When she asked if he dueled here often, he hesitated briefly, his expression growing slightly guarded. Clearing his throat, he gestured toward the practice ring with a small shrug. "I train here regularly, yes. It’s an excellent place to keep one’s skills sharp. My fiancée often tells me I spend more time here than at home."

He shifted the strap of his bag over his shoulder, his tone kind but firm as he added, "She’s not wrong, of course. It’s a demanding discipline, and I have to give it my all. But I’m afraid my heart—and my time—are spoken for. Still, thank you for your kind words about the match. They’re appreciated."

With that, he turned back to his belongings, clearly signaling the conversation was at an end.