Xylonia, 30th of Nexar, 542 ER
After Codex 50 received the dispatch from Brown, he made haste to the stronghold of Xerxes. The mustering hall lay hidden behind a black door, which Codex 50 pushed open to reveal a room reminiscent of a medieval tavern. The space bustled with fellow codices, some quaffing ale, others devouring victuals, and a few engaging in games of chance. A maiden of eighteen winters, with a slender form and beauty that rivaled the sun, moved with grace, her simple white gown and black apron a stark contrast to the boisterous atmosphere. She carried a metal tray laden with food and drink, her eyes sparkling like the morning dew. Nearby, a hostess matron of forty winters, her beauty tempered by the wisdom of age, oversaw the dispensing of sustenance, holding a ledger, its pages fluttering as she scans through.
Codex 50, having entered and shut the door, halted and surveyed the room. As the bustling activity continued to the left, his gaze settled on an opening in the wall, where two female codices stood. One, slender yet tall, exuded an aura of a battle-hardened warrior, her physique honed from countless conflicts and harsh trials. The other, shorter but more robust, had a bulky build, her muscles and chest resembling those of a seasoned fighter. Both wore white shirts adorned with the codex insignia, black jackets with a larger insignia emblazoned on the back, red leggings-like trousers, and silver boots with copper accents.
These two women, both in their twentieth year, stood as sentinels guarding the entrance to the chamber at the far end of the room, their stances steadfast and vigilant. Codex 50 spotted it and walked in a hurried manner to the opening. He reached it and then stopped at the opening, where the short woman stepped out of her posture and put out a hand, halting Codex 50.
"Codex 200: 'Hey, halt there. State your purpose.'"
Despite the authority he had over her due to his number, he still obliged, handing her the scroll due to him delivering the dispatch on time. Codex 200 collected it and looked at it, noticing the insignia. After turning it, she saw the name "Brown," nodded, and gave him the scroll. The two stepped to their different sides, opening the way for him to pass. He then hurriedly entered the opening, not acknowledging their actions, as delivering the dispatch was his utmost priority.
He entered the opening to a room that looked different from the one he was in before - half-rise walls colored white, fashioned into alcoves, ten in total, each containing a scriptorium bench, with four stools at each, where codices sat. Atop each alcove, an artifact with different colored sections lay flat. Each codex placed the palm of their hand on a section, fingers stretched out, eyes closed in meditation. The room was eerily quiet.
At the far end, where the alcoves stopped, a woman sat on a settle, a ledger covering her face as if sleeping or resting, her legs rested and crossed on the last alcove. Codex 50 scanned the room, spotted the woman - his destination - and hurried towards her silently, not disturbing the codices. He stopped before her, noticing her posture, and searched for a way to rouse her. After a moment's thought, he resorted to a normal greeting.
"Codex 50: 'Hello, Codex 20. Brown sent me with a dispatch for you.'"
Codex 20, who was deep in slumber, stirred as if startled by Codex 50's words, then fell silent, pondering before responding.
"Codex 20: 'Codex 190, fetch that dispatch from 50 and hasten to the dune hall, and ensure its purpose is fulfilled.'"
Codex 190 opened his eyes upon hearing the message, ceased his task, and strode forth with a grateful heart, relieved to be freed from his previous assignment. He approached Codex 50, prostrating himself with outstretched hands. Codex 50, pleased and content with his authority acknowledged, handed the parchment to him, nodding slightly. Codex 190 received the scroll, turned, and hastened towards the dunehall, eager to complete his mission with the same joyful spirit, grateful for this new task, far preferable to the previous one, he made his way to the chambers of the Dunehall to deliver the dispatch from Codex 50.
Codex 50, upon departing, halts as Codex 20 gestures with a slight hand motion. He recognizes the signal to stop, aware that obedience is paramount.
Codex 20, noticing his pause, speaks: "Codex 50, as usual, you are not excused from this task. Ensure Codex 190 completes it, or else..." Her tone shifts, taking on a commanding quality. "Your station will be revoked. You understand the consequences; I need not elaborate."
Codex 50 bows his head and responds, "Acknowledged, 20. I will see it done." Codex 20 motions him to proceed, waving her hand. Codex 50 sighs, turns, and hastens away to fulfill his yet another assignment.