Keepers - Prompt 1

"Now, you'll need info for information to share with the keepers, so start thinking now", Cailu said, as Vaskil and Cardamom traipsed along behind him.

"I'm sure there are many wonderful things from the surface you could tell them about."

They had left the watery caverns of the Depthstriders behind, and were now entering the domain of the Keepers. The bioluminescent plants had been replaced by intricate carvings that sprawled along the walls as they walked along. Cardamom lamented the lack of water, but personally Vaskil was glad to have dry feet.

Slowly, the tunnel they were travelling through narrowed, until they came to an entranceway bracketed by two haedians.

"Right, here we are." Cailu said. "Welcome to the Keepers of the Crystal Mind. Keep following me, and I'll take you to Khaldor." Cailu continued on past the two guards, signalling the two vayrons to follow. Cardamom and Vaskil nodded to the two guards as they passed, who responded in turn.

As the cave opened up ahead of them, the two vayrons looked around in amazement. They had entered a large hall, with rows upon rows of shelves etched into the stone. Rather than books, these shelves were stacked with various rocks and crystals, some glowing with the luminescence seen in the larger crystals throughout the underground. Several haedians were spread amongst the shelves. Some consulted the items within, while others conversed in small groups.

"This is the public hall." Cailu said, glancing back at the two. "If we have time, I'll take you back here afterwards. This is where most of the Keepers' records are kept."

"In rocks?" Cardamom asked.

Cailu nodded. "They find it better for maintaining knowledge. Paper is neither easy to come by nor long-lasting down here."

***

Leaving the main hall, they came to the entrance of the caverns where Khaldor was working. Another haedian was posted at the door. When Cailu approached, she waved them through, giving directions to where Khaldor was situated.

The room they came to was large, if cluttered, with a table situated in the centre. The base of the table was adorned with swirling carvings, and was heaped with stacks of flat stone and crystals. Almost hidden by the piles was a haedian – presumably Khaldor – who was making etchings into a crystal carefully balanced on several others. Hearing their arrival, he looked up, placing the crystal on the floor behind him.

"Welcome, all of you." he said, smiling. "I do hope your journey here wasn't too difficult. Come, take a seat."

Vaskil and Cardamom sat where Khaldor had indicated. Cailu thanked him for his hospitality but chose to sit by the door, stating he'd rather not interfere with the conversation.

"The two of you come from the land above, correct?" Khaldor asked. "Cailu may have mentioned, but we are somewhat lacking in unbiased reports. Our records are not exactly favourable of Vitalus."

"We're from the surface, but not Vitalus," Vaskil clarified. "Cardamom and I come from Roenden, which is a separate continent entirely."

Khaldor ran his hands across his chin as he listened. "I see," he said. "That's interesting. We do have records of the other continents, but they are even patchier and more outdated than those of Vitalus."

"What about your cities? Are they arranged in clans, such as us? Are they as densely populated as the underground? And what of their opinion as us?"

Cardamom huffed. "You’re sure not shy with your questions. I can see we'll be here a while."

***

The conversation takes several hours. Vaskil and Cardamom describe their life in Roenden, remarking on the difference in climate between there and Vitalus. They also explain the Caravan back in Warrenfall, and their seasonal trade routes around the continent. They make clear that much of the world isn't aware of the underground - it was only shortly before coming here that the two vayrons were informed of its existence at all. Khaldor inscribes their conversation into a crystal while they talk, his hands constantly moving.

At one point, a haedian enters with a pot of tea; a unique earthy blend popular amongst the denizens of the underground. Khaldor continues with his questions through this, his tea sitting cold beside him.

Eventually, Khaldor's hands still. Cardamom trails off from what she was describing, noticing the break in movement. Khaldor smiles at her. "Perhaps we should leave it for tonight," he says, gesturing to her right. Cardamom looks over her shoulder to where Vaskil's drooped over, her head resting on the table. The soft sounds of sleep can be heard in the silence. Khaldor looks at the two of them.

"Thank you for the information you shared with me today," he says softly, "and for your patience in answering my questions. You are welcome to stay here tonight - I can get another to show you to our guest quarters."

Cardamon gives her thanks, and nudges Vaskil awake when the haedain arrives. Gratefully, they let themselves be led to their chambers for the night.