The Keepers of Chaos: A Vault of Hell

Alekzandr Ikorov: IX

Diving: IX

Alekzandr could only focus on the ancient book before him. "So much of my people's knowledge... So much of it lost in Beda Groh Karaad." He began reading through the first few pages, intent on reading the large book before he even began its translation. "Jeckaterina Vekori's ring streamer... I can't believe they would ever use that. Thank goodness for Klavdia Vekori." He found himself fascinated as he read more about the historical advancements his people had once made. An entry of time and a bunker of knowledge separated from the destruction of their civilization. "Rishall, my comrade, I admit I did not expect something like this." Alekzandr chuckled to himself as he read about the inventions of Maksym Avamidir.

"Alekzandr!" He perked up at Asher's words. "We got to go soon, man." Alekzandr looked over to Asher, who was standing in the main room. And then to the window, which he could narrowly see, showing Markos outside the shop.

"Yes, yes.." He replied. "Just give me a moment. There is so much to learn from this book!" He felt himself become absorbed by the knowledge and information he was being shown through the book. It was a literal pathway through history, the history of his people.

"Alekz!" Asher yelled. Alekzandr sighed and rolled his eyes; what would he know of excellent knowledge, Alekzandr asked himself. Standing up, he nodded briefly, observing the small brown room where he was reading.

"Rishall.. I'll be heading out now, but I will be sure to come back tomorrow, as soon as I am done with a certain.. Er would say, task." Alekzandr left it brief.

"Of course, come back anytime. It is always a privilege to speak to a lover of information such as yourself." Rishall paused as Alekzandr followed Rishall's eyes to the front of the shop. "Just.. be sure to not bring him anymore.." Rishall said in a slightly less polite tone.

"If I may ask, comrade, what on Toril did he do?" Alekzandr swore he could see a flash of fear behind Rishall's studied eyes, a careful and calculating intelligence beat behind his face but something about Markos, something about what he said, unnerved the dragon born that much, he could tell.

"It is nothing he did.." Rishall said lightly. "He simply. Disrespected me. Yes." Alekzandr squinted, not entirely sure he believed that. "Just make sure to keep an eye on your friend. She.. he... It is dangerous the matters they intend to get into." Rishall concluded.

"I see," Alekzandr replied. "Well, I'd better get going.."

"Move your ass!" Asher yelled from the doorway. As he carried his newly acquired book.

"I'll see you again, comrade." Alekzandr walked through the shop, passing by various other readers who gave him a funny look before he avoided colliding with a drow man and exited the shop. Outside he found Asher speaking to Markos, trying to talk some form of reason into him.

"Honestly, threatening a shopkeeper?" Asher asked slowly. Alekzandr simply shook his head; Markos was a creature without reason, without a method to the evident madness that haunted his mind.

"Let's get going." Alekzandr pointed at the sky, signaling it was just about past noon. "We should grab a bite and meet back up with the others. I think we are to meet at the Yawning Portal, no?" He set a hand on Markos' shoulder. "Be a bit wiser, ok Markos?" Markos seemingly had no answer as he began to play with a black ring on his necklace. Something Alekzandr hadn't noticed before. He stared at his own ring on his left finger. He doubted Markos was married, but regardless there were few moments Alekzandr wasn't reminded of his own marriage.

"Sure," Asher added. "I know this great place on Rainrun Street; it's close to the yawning portal; I'm sure we're all sick of that food by now." Asher pointed off in the distance. "Let's grab a bite, and then we can meet up with the others. Asher signaled to the others to follow him. "Don't worry, Alekz, they got great ale." Alekzandr smiled softly before following.