An Old Acquaintance

The constant scratching of a pen on parchment was the only sound emanating from near lightless cavern. Hollow and empty, there would be almost no reason to even take second notice of it where it not for it's odd coloration and the faint glow emanating from the entrance. Should one be curious enough to venture inside, any expectations of the inside would definitely fail to match the interior. Carved out of the stone walls themselves was a seemingly endless series of shelves, each stuffed to the brim with various books. Random sheets of paper seemed to freely decorate the floor and shelves, each covered in a complex series of scratching and drawings. There seemed to be no organization to the library, instead objects freely flung into any slot they'd fit. Down on the right side of the sprawling cave was what appeared to be a small bed, made out of wood with a simple bedsheet lazily thrown on it. Then, perched in the opposite corner was a small wooden desk, covered entirely in more notebooks and papers. A series of ink flasks and quill pens laid on top of them, with little to care seemingly taken for anything in the room. It was lit by a series of "torches," if they could even be referred to as that, with simple wooden sticks shoved into holes in the wall.

The most notable feature of the cavern however, was the deep grey color the dirt beneath it took. The floor was clearly unnatural, and looked as if any trace of nature had been drained from it. It was clearly an unnatural shade, yet there would be seemingly no natural explanation for it. The outside of the cavern would give no answers, but instead more questions. In an forested area of Bellum, towards the border into Desertio, it seemed as if death itself had lived in the area. Random sections of ground and trees seemed all but completely drained of life; grass wilted, tree's leafless and dead, and the dirt the same lifeless gray as the inside of the cave. It all together formed a loss trail, leading from the entrance deep into the forest. One would wonder what sort of abomination could completely kill the land in such manner, and would often be surprised to find it was no more than a single man.

Strolling carelessly along the makeshift pack, the pale figure seemed unphased by it. His expression was completely blank and natural, and his white hair was tangled and unkempt. His robe fluttered and blew with his every step, the former ornate designs faded after countless years. Even though his eyes were alert and keeping track of everything, he seemed off in another world. Faint whispers of green smoke traced from him, barely visible to the naked eye without proper inspection. He carried several bags on him, as well as three buckets. Headed towards the cave, he stopped to take a moment and properly inspect the trail of death he followed. 'I think my time here may be starting to ear thin. It's taking much longer for nature to recover from my trips now. It's an obvious effect from such prolonged exposure on my own part, but with my trips out becoming more frequent as well, it may soon reach a point where it can no longer support my existence safely.'

A soft sigh escaped Alexnader's lips as he returned to his travels. 'I knew I'd need to move eventually, but I had hoped to try and get a few hundred years more out of his place before that. I guess I underestimated the effects of my presence here. Even if this is the most magically charged area in Earthland, it still rejects my existence.' These problems wouldn't exist if he could simply find a community he could live in, but his presence after too many years would draw too much attention, and the process of moving constantly enough to negate that would take too much effort. Still, he had all but double checked all of his research, and he'd be lucky if he could get 10 more years out of it. With such little time left, he'd need a solution soon, but that was a situation he couldn't rush any random solution at. He needed time to consider it, much less than he currently had. Reaching the entrance into his hermit hole, he pushed such thoughts aside for now, he'd deal with them in a year or two, after finishing the current study he was working through.

Lyserg's work was definitely not unnoticed by Alexander; even the small, narrow pathway leading into his abode had been affected, and it definitely had not escaped his attention. Part of him almost considered preparing for combat, or abandoning the hole in general. Still, maybe it was the affects of time on his psyche, but he felt no real fear entering the tampered room. He doubted it was something he couldn't handle if need be, but even then he felt no confidence in his ability to fight at this point in time. It was strange to him; he knew long ago he would have found himself in a panic, yet now he felt nothing. Times like these were when he truly wondered what he was; he often found himself thinking he was less and less of a human being. Still, none of this mattered right now, and he forced the thoughts form his mind, continuing forward to face whatever sort of creature lurked within.

The words that greeted his arrival brought the few pieces missing in his head as he pieced everything together. It made sense that Lyserg was the route cause; he was the one common factor in the multiple questions that Alexander had posed to himself; he knew his location, of his existence, and had the magic necessary to return the life Alexander had stolen. Truly, it all seemed obvious now that he had the answer before him. Sliding the faded cowl off his head, he gave Lyserg the small smile he had all but burned into his face during his life. Moving over towards desk, he dropped his various bundles before greeting the man in proper with a bow. "I can see that, my friend. And to what do I owe the pleasure?" His voice rang polite and formal, yet hollow; there was no real curiosity or emotion, for Alexander felt he already knew the answer to the question.

If Lyserg was here, then it meant he needed something, most likely Alexander himself. The two had only met a few times, and even then they weren't exactly lengthy by his standards, yet they had given him more than enough to understand the man, as he felt Lyserg understood him. There were very few that dwelled on the plant the length these two had, and while he had a strong feeling there were others, Lyserg was the only he knew of. He felt a strange connection because of that. He also seemed to handle the test of times much better than Alexander ever could, though he felt that element lied more so in his magic and understanding of it. Alexander took the brute force of times effect on him, while Lyserg controlled it. There was no surprise it's results lied heavier on himself really.

Grabbing the wooden chair behind the desk, he moved it slowly before Lyserg, taking a seat and facing the man. "I hope you can forgive the awful mess you discovered when you arrived, and I ask for more forgiveness since I am already destroying the hard work you put into cleaning it." There was a small trace of sadness in his voice as he spoke, a lingering phantom of when he was able to muster emotions well. Prolonged solitude had that effect on him, and even now he moved and spoke more as he knew to act than felt like. "Now, we both know you are here with something in mind; neither of us are the type to give a friendly visit for small talk. May I ask what your reason is now? Forgive me if I am rushing you, but I have several pressing matters I must resolve over the next few years."

As per normal, Alexander knew not even a single word Lyserg said now wasn't part of a practiced plan. He probably had at least three or four different ways to come at his solitude planned out depending on what he found her. Still, that fact alone somewhat comforted him. It was good to see Lyserg hadn't changed at all. One of the few people he could consider a friend, Lyserg was a breath of both comfort and safety to Alexander. "Well, I don't think my activities and studies would be possible without it. Besides, there have been less people who've come to my little home here than fingers on my hand. So I'd be surprised if I couldn't remember one of them."

Leaning forward, he rested his head in his palms. He eye'd Lyserg carefully, his practiced smile the only thing close to any emotion he showed. Even in such a simple situation, sitting across from each other making small talk, he knew even one small slip up would be enough to have him playing into Lyserg hands. It was these almost diplomatic encounters that he enjoyed, it was always a challenge. Still, he hadn't practiced this much at all, and wondered if he could keep up to Lyserg's skill. Alexander may have considered Lyserg a good friend, but he did not trust him as much as a wild animal. Lyserg was like him; he was the type to use others, and he somewhat doubted that Lyserg was above using him. So he tread carefully, not wanting to give Lyserg anything he could use to potentially ensnare him.

"I must say, you're timing is impeccable then; I was just tackling that issue myself. If it was anyone else I'd call it a wonderful coincidence, but I think we both know that you don't have coincidences." He couldn't say that dealing with his desecration wasn't a serious issue, it was his driving factor to his isolation. He had tried to find some kind of solution to it before, he realized that it wasn't within his means long ago. While he doubted Lyserg would lie; it wasn't his style, he wondered if he could truly do as he claimed. "My own attempts have, unfortunately, fruitless to resolve it. I decided it would be better to simply accommodate it than fight it wastefully."

Alexander's fingers tapped his cheek lightly, as if waiting for the rest of Lyserg's offer. He noticed that Lyserg had said nothing of what his project was, and Alexander was not to type to accept anything when there were still cards off the table. "So, what is this project of yours then? I doubt that it's something small if you not only need me, but took the effort to come out here and get me." That fact alone was Alexander's main reason for hesitation. He wasn't exactly in Lyserg's area, he took some time to come here and get him. While time wasn't exactly an issue with the pair, he knew Lyserg was not one to waste it, unlike himself.

Alexander remained completely still as Lyserg spoke, not even a sign of if he was paying attention. It was as Lyserg predicted; any thoughts towards the current time or their struggles washed through Alex's mind and out just as fast. Not even a single stray thought was spared to it. It was completely irrelevant to him, and not something he felt any need to get involved in. Lyserg wasn't someone who thought the same way, however. He always seemed to have a tension for that; for meddling from the shadows, intervening in the order of society. There was always some project, some ambitious goal, and it was just something Alexander couldn't perceive. Not for lack of trying, but more from the simple pointless he saw within it. Society was a chaotic, ever moving monster. Anything Lyserg did seemed to do little but scratch it. Yet, he always persisted.

When Lyserg had finished his formalities, alongside the minor insult he chose to ignore for the time being, Alexander finally began to gain an understanding of what his goal was. To be fair, it wasn't something unknown to Alexander; long ago even he had a disciple within his own kingdom. It was a short lived relationship, but he somewhat saw the need to raise a following generation. Still, it seemed like too much work to him, with too little pay off. What would he really receive to benefit from this? He had dealt with his desecration before, it was tedious for sure, but he believed that what Lyserg was asking would be so much more so. Leaning back into his seat, Alexander gave Lyserg the same smile, looking as if his decision was already made. "I see, so you're offer is for me to help in the raising and mentoring of these 'greenhorns' so that you can make sure you have a handle on them. While I understand your motives, I'm not sure how fair this deal you offer me is."

Standing, Alexander approached the exit to the cave, placing a hand tentatively on the wall. He stared at it for a moment, as he attempted to gather his thoughts. He was at a crossroads. Knowing Lyserg's ways, taking this offer would give him as close to a permanent home as he'd ever get. Even if the desecration itself wasn't directly dealt with, he'd most likely be in a place he wouldn't have to deal with it. On the other hand however, then he would have to deal with all of the other residents. He wasn't exactly sure he would be able to handle that. "I think if I accept your proposition, not implying I have yet, I will have to deal with much more hassle than my situation currently causes me."

He turned to face Lyserg, his smile now seemingly slightly more genuine. Small fragments of emotion seemed to return to Alexander now, his brow softening and his figure relaxing. Despite seemingly impossible, it made the small man seem even more delicate, his figure shrinking slightly. "I have a feeling this is also an attempt to make me deal with them though. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm not within the people you wish to develop as well." Maybe it was presumptuous of him, and in fact it probably was, but he couldn't shake the sneaking suspicion Lyserg was attempting to return him to society. The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed to him. "Considering it to be so, I think I can assume I'd be able to continue my research there, alongside a much larger pool of material which you will be providing?"

Alexander felt relaxed now. Despite the massive time between their last meeting, he felt as if he had returned to his stride. Lyserg's tactics haven't changed a bit; one of the few small constants in the world. Always patient, careful, watching every word to make sure no implication was left. One could feel the experience he emitted, years of backroom discussions with matters well beyond what one would expect. "Lyserg, I feel you think too little of me." His smile grew; somewhat cocky if possible. "We both know it's a fools errand to put blind trust in anyone, let alone you." He was entering into his rhythm again. Casual, practiced elegance, as if he talking to an old friend. He played an open book, his words almost oozing a sweet venom of endless thought beyond it's briefness.

The way he handled these situations was both similar and opposite of Lyserg. Both approached it cautiously, hiding every intent behind distance. However, the small shift in Lyserg's tone showed weakness. He was changing, attempting to match Alexander's methods. Perhaps it was almost a mockery, perhaps it was an attempt to comfort him. Regardless, Alexander felt proud, if he could identify the feeling as such. He was dictating the flow, and it was an advantage he wasn't going to give up. "Well, I can't say I don't miss it. The pressure was in fact a good motivator. There was much to learn from others I definitely cannot see here." Still, he had to be cautious. Give Lyserg too much and he would run with it. Truth be told, he knew there was no real threat here; he wasn't going to be forced to leave. But these debates were something he enjoyed, a game they both seemed to play. "Still, it would be quite the commitment for me regardless. I have been away for a long time. The adjustments to society alone might take me years."

He moved back to his seat, once more trying to get a read on Lyserg. But as always, he got nothing. Impassive as always, sometimes one could get more reaction talking to a wall Alexander felt. There was a certain restlessness it caused though. Something Lyserg's presence always seemed to cause within him. He was no fool; he knew that stagnation was his natural state. Yet somehow, Lyserg seemed to drive him out of that. Perhaps it was what Alexander saw in him; a man of similar means, and what he could potentially become as well. Not to say he was envious, but more so curious. There was no argument Lyserg was stronger, and much more magically gifted; the only thing Alexander had on him, if anything at all, was his more expansive studies. Unwelcome thoughts flew throughout his head. Ideas and theories, each all based on what he could gain from this action before him. Lyserg offered Alexander ways to overcome his shortcomings, but he wondered what lied beyond the good.

Resting squarely in his seat now, Alexander established eye contact. His expression once more blank, he felt they had all mostly said their peace, approaching the result of this meeting. He let a moment pass, preparing his thoughts properly. "I have no doubt in your ways. So far, they have yet to betray either of us. Yet, what you ask of me is, as you understand, radically different from my current way of life. I trust you understand, and are prepared to make sure my transition would be handled correctly, should I agree to this?" He paused a moment, taking note of Lysergs reaction before continuing. "As well, if this arrangement is to go through, I can expect suitable place to continue my studies and experiments, alongside your own?" Lyserg didn't answer his statement before, so he made sure to restate it. Alexander was on the edge of this whole arrangement. However, above all else, the ability to continue his studies and progress them was above all else. If he could be provided a better place to do such, he had no problem dealing with the tediousness of getting it.

Truly, Lyserg always did have a flare for the dramatic. It simply came with his character. He was a big man, both in statures physical and mental. He always looked for large; a grand scheme, an impressive speech. He was the type that kept the world progressive, always pushing for the nest development to lead to his every growing designs. Alexander was in every way the opposite. He was lowly, one to downplay not only himself but all that sprung from him. Not unlike an insect, he always felt small before Lyserg. But never threatened. So it was no surprise to him what Lyserg though of his ways. Of a humble fulfillment for himself and himself alone. It was contrary to his nature. Had it always been that way though? In honesty, Alexander saw not only what he could be, but what he once was within Lyserg. The man buried under the sands of time long ago. Forward, driven, seeking to rise out of the rut he was born from.

Perhaps that was what spurred his decision. Even now he didn't really understand. It felt so distant from his normal ways. Solitude was a value to him, and yet here it couldn't feel more appalling. Reality was though, he knew he was simply rationalizing something that couldn't be measured. He had finally placed what Lyserg brought with him; emotions. A human element Alexander thought faded from him long ago. Like slow trickles of water after snowfall, they pooled inside him, slowly driving him beyond what he considered optimal, and instead leading him to seek meaning in what was once meaningless. He stood, slowly meeting Lyserg's glare before him. Once more he was reminded of how small he was, and for the first time in ages, it bothered him. "Well, I suppose that is correct. There are many worse situations I could end up in, and there is nothing to stop me from simply returning to my ways should this fail." A small, courteous bow was the only movement he made, giving Lyserg the closest thing to a genuine smile he could muster. "That leaves me in your care then, for the time being at least."

Stepping away from Lyserg, he made a small glance around his now former home. He couldn't say he felt any particular attachment to it, yet it did feel strange to go beyond it. As if he was being liberated from shackles of his own design. Tracing his hand along the wall, he knew with certainty he wouldn't be returning here. It was now a relic of the past, and wherever he went from here, the past wasn't something he would relive. "So, I assume you have a plan as to get my research notes to my new abode then? I trust you can handle it as a personal favor." He waited at the door for Lyserg, a feeling he hadn't felt in years slowly forming in his stomach; excitement. The unknown was a favorite of Lyserg. From there, it was were all knowledge sprang from, and he was happy to consume it all. Still, he waited patiently for Lyserg, ready to follow him into a new horizon.