Von, excited about having finished everything at the Bladesteel Forge long before he imagined and being able to improve his helm on the morrow, decided to teleport to the council chamber and read until Monica would finish her classes. First, he moved to the archway and placed his right hand upon its many runes.
Welcome back, Archon.
Von smiled. He wasn't sure what an archon was, but the archways made it sound important.
Thank you, guardian. Von paused. I am curious. What exactly is an archon?
An archon is the leader of the council. It is also the greatest defender of the council, and one who will judge fairly. We have long awaited one who wields those who went into the world. You have the potential to do anything you like, but you must learn everything. Your companions will guide you until you become what you need to be. Then, you can try to protect the knowledge from the creatures who would destroy it.
Try? You don't know if I will succeed?
The paths are too many, and in so many of them, you fall. Thus, try is the best we can hope of you. Our brethren left to remain in their chamber until the right one came along. One who could make changes and who had not been jaded by power. We are hoping you are the one. The other realms are dangerously close, and within your lifetime will break through to this one. We need our defender and our leader.
Nodding, Von thought back, I will do my best.
This is all we can ask.
As Von walked through the archway, as always, the various symbols lit in its kaleidoscope of colors. He made his way through the antechamber into the main council chamber causing his throne-like chair to appear in its place. He touched it and thought about how the archways said he was the ruler of the council. Maybe this really was his throne. A moment of fear washed over him while he considered everything he learned.
Deciding to leave the throne behind for a moment, he walked to the hidden door behind it. Opening and entering the library, he thought about the various occupations he could think of. Blacksmith, cobbler, cooper, tailor, butcher, locksmith, chandler, the list was long. He wanted to learn at least a little about all of them.
He touched the wall and thought of books about being a cobbler. The multicolored lines on the floor led his through the stacks to an area filled with books about how to repair shoes. He glanced at the those on the left—the ones which seemed the most basic—before moving to the next grouping.
He wanted to speed time so he could read more, but didn't want to waste his energy, nor lose the rest he dearly needed in the morning. The library, however, seemed to recognize his desire. How much faster do you wish time to go? A sweet feminine voice sounded in his mind.
"Um, how fast can it go?" Von asked aloud.
Do you wish to affect the entire library or just one reading room?
"How many people are in here?"
Only you at this time.
"Can you make time go fast enough I can read about being each of the professions including a cobbler, tailor, and locksmith and others, yet still be done before Monica finishes her lessons with Mistress Hellyne?"
The voice, now mirthful, giggled. Read away!
Von sat down and read several books on each subject from the basics to enough knowledge that he felt he could assist a master and not fumble too badly. He read about each of the three skills then chose to read through a book on tanning as well, just so he knew what he was doing a little better. Several notifications occurred during his studies.
This continued until he reached level ten at which point he was an apprentice. Next was cooping. The art of barrel making. This knowledge also halted at level ten. No matter how advanced the book was, he gained no additional experience.
The same occurred as he swiftly absorbed the knowledge of measuring, sewing, hemming, and everything which came with being a tailor until it too reached level ten.>
Tanning rose from a novice to apprentice, but again got stuck at level ten. He tried herblore next. It like the others halted when his system told he reached level ten. It seems there was a hard limit of being an apprentice until taught by something other than books.
Well, he always wanted to play an instrument. He began reading about the lute and how to play it. This skill stopped at level one, still a novice. The flute, the same, drums, he tried to tap on the shelves as he learned and was able to increase his level to two, but no farther. So, for some things, the skill locked earlier than others.
He began reading about using a shield. The techniques learned got him all the way to level two as well before he no longer gained experience. Swordsmanship was his next attempt. Using Marshfang and swinging at the air, he managed level four. Unfortunately, this meant he was still a novice.
He began reading about stealth, but he gained no experience at all even after three books. Swamp survival stopped at level five, as did forest survival, prairie, mountain, ocean, desert, hills, seacoast, arctic, and tropical areas. All were stuck at beginner. 'At least I know the basics of building a fire, finding water, building a shelter, (not that he needed these basics with magic), and finding food.'
Brewer stopped at level five, while luthier capped out once he reached level four. Hedge warder strangely allowed him to progress to level ten. 'It must not take a lot of practice to build fences.'
A strange thought occurred to him. He laughed as he remembered his conversation with King Garrett. Still laughing, he found a small section devoted to being a gong farmer. He began to glean every bit of information he could from the few tomes present. Here, he kept learning after level ten.
He learned everything he could about being a nightman, since they were only to work at night, and collecting night soil. Among this was the best night soil for fertilizer and how to mix other organics into it to make it better. He learned about being a hole man, a rope man, and a tub man. Among the other items he learned was the importance of the job to prevent contamination of the local water. He also learned the dangers of illness and suffocation which could occur in the course of the work. By the time he reached level fifteen, he found it quite fascinating as well as disgusting.
Having completed this education, he decided this was more than enough learning, besides, despite only reading about the occupation, he needed a bath, a long deep cleansing bath. Perhaps he would get one before he saw Monica.
"Library? Can you move me back to normal time?"
You have all the time in the world to spend with me, followed by a mental laugh. You might as well take a nap. She won't be done for about an hour. I completely paused time while you read so you could gain as much as you could from me. There are reading rooms if you follow the line. I understand some of them are quite comfortable. At least, many mages have slept in them, and a few have beds.
"I think I shall get a bath, instead, if you don't mind. After reading about life as a gong farmer, I feel filthy." Von said aloud.
Silly man, there is nothing unclean here, including you.
"I still want a bath. Don't worry fair lady, I shall return to see you."
You have yet to see me, and no one has called me a fair lady in many a year.
Von smiled. "You have been more than fair to me, so no matter what others think, you are a fair lady."
The library's response carried a soft undertone of amusement, a warmth that came from being appreciated. Very well, archon. You are always welcome here. I will let you return to the normal flow of time. Take your bath, and return when you are ready. I will ensure your reading list is properly organized.
With that, Von followed the path leading to the entrance through the hidden door and into the council chamber. The arches again wished him well as he exited the magical council building, grounding him back into the present moment.
Knowing he had some time before Monica finished her lessons with Hellyne. In his mind, he felt this just perfect because he really needed to get clean after reading about gong farming. Even just reading about it left him feeling grimy and disgusting.
During his walk to the Flooded Haven, he thought about the council chamber's subtle transformation since he had joined the council. His seat was at the center, with the other council members now arrayed around him. His title of archon must be the cause of this although it suddenly felt a little overwhelming, at the same time, the archway and the library made it feel like a privilege. Despite the privileges afforded him, he knew it came great responsibility in the future, and he hoped he would be able to live up to their expectations.