Eril's Story

Day 1

Stepping out of my house I breathed in deep, cool early morning sea air invigorated me as I paused - there is nothing like an end to make you savor the present. The pale blue stone of the city reflected brilliantly in the light, washing everything in a cold but illuminating glow, from the streets, twisted and narrow, to the spires like needles touching the sky. From my balcony I looked down into a chasm filled with intersections, each bustling with the traffic of cart and foot, people just starting their days. Grabbing my coat I walked out onto the Skyward road, not bothering to lock the door, the lock of which, as with all houses, was purely for symbolism at this point, an icon of darker times.

To descend, I had to go to a nearby courtyard where a few other people had gathered, and after a short pause, a tumultuous hissing began, and the floor lowered rapidly to meet us - the builder sages are true marvels at what they do, and every city has benefited greatly from their ingenuity. Tenora is a massive city built in a recess of a cliff face that borders great portions of the Sartharian Sea, the farthest Eastern body of water. Laying almost flush with the tops of the towering cliffs, are the equally impressive stone buildings that all seem to rise from sea, though supporting them is a spit of rocky land jutting out from the base - the entire place is a man-made ode to match the imposing nature and beauty surrounding it.

The city has three more or less distinctive major parts. A series of chambers and spaces, cut out of the rock face of the surrounding cliffs, and from those, terraces that extend and form walkways and suspended canals that lead to the second part. Tall and slender towers of differing heights, all with various angles to let the sun's rays through to the ground, dotting the available ground space, perched as if on a shelf - that land shelf then submitted itself to the third part. In a bay of epic proportions, the emerald green water hugs the city shores, nestled up and nearly flush with the land itself. From a small wall that holds back the waters, the docks emerge, modular flotillas that are always drifting about lazily. These are able to be rearranged into whatever configurations are needed for the host of diverse and wonderful ships in port at any given time.

The water in the bay is remarkably deep as well, dropping off steeply from the land into a depth that had never been able to be measured, far deeper than the surrounding ocean outside the bay - some said it was bottomless, a tunnel to a land at the center of the Earth.

One marvelous thing that makes the city very unique, is that from the rock that lines the waters, long tunnels have been bored out that run under the city and along the coastline - well under the sea level. And, along certain segments of these tunnels, the rock that would normally keep the water at bay, was replaced with clear minerals, able to hold back the enormous pressure of the sea. Through this a person was provided stunning views of the drop off and sea life below, as well as the underside of the carved hulls of the ships at rest in the harbor above.

It will take the better part of a day to see everything I have planned, and that is even with the various transport systems that connect much of the city. My home is roughly three quarters the way up the cliff side, which means I have to make many small descents to get to the ground level.

After a modest walk through some lifts, bridges, and staircases, a very pleasant jaunt because of all the greenery adorned throughout, I reached a mid level canal that served as one of the city's main transportation methods for both people and goods alike. I waited my turn for an appropriate ferry to come down the perfectly carved channel, and once it arrived I embarked with a small crowd that had been waiting beside me. It took me no more than an hour to reach the bottom, it was a gentle pace and smooth ride the whole way, and the time went by quickly as I shared some of my future plans with a few of the passengers close by.

As I walked the great outer water wall one last time I was struck with awe by the expanse before my eyes. Walking above the sea gave a simple kind of satisfaction and peace, but going down below and looking out offered a whole new sense of wonder, and feeding my fascination with deep waters. In the depths of the sea I could make out many murky shapes darting to and fro, playful sea creatures, some reaching the size of a large ship. These were of little concern for sailors as everything in these parts is friendly towards man, both living in harmony. The same could not be said for the distant lands though. I could only imagine meeting a ferocious beast and what my response might be - the thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I was glad I had a good spear to bring with me. It was a relic from another time and thankfully hadn't been needed for centuries.

The time spent within the carved rock tunnels staring into the abyss will long be remembered. After, with much less ado, and more gusto, I made my way into the inner parts of the city, intent on finding a satisfying meal. I found a vendor selling a personal favorite dish of mine and stuffed myself.

There is nothing like edible moss, that when cooked, turns into savory crunchy strands, drenched in a spicy sauce. After cleaning my hands and chin I was ready to head to one last place that I had a special fondness for.

Heading to the base of the cliffs I reached the place. I stood in front of a grand yawning entrance to a cave, the sides were intricately adorned with all kinds of mason work, carvings, and precious gems that made it feel royal in some way. Light was emanating from within, even eclipsing the light of mid day that was outside. Stepping inside was like entering another dimension. The sounds of the city faded away as noise was suppressed, and yet amplified, by the glassy walls. While light seemed to abandon all normality, as though it were unbound and finally free to show its true forms.

The cave had been set up in such a way as to take full advantage of the smooth, semi translucent walls, by hanging lanterns with erratic coverings, at specific intervals to enhance and create mesmerizing patterns and hues on every surface of the natural walls. There were multiple pathways a visitor could take, each branching off, leading deeper into the heart of the network of rock. Picking a random direction I let myself wander. Passages and caverns were strewn for miles, and I walked through as many as I could find, each unique in their geometry and lighting arrangements.

Some rooms had light that seemed to burst forth from the very rock itself, other rooms seemed as if you could stare into the colored minerals peer into infinity within them. Yet other passages contained stones that had been shaped into complex forms that spiraled the luminance of the lanterns into murals of light on opposing walls. I walked through to my heart's content, managing to get myself lost one or two times along the way, only getting myself back on track with the help of one of the monks charged with the care of this precious site.

Upon returning home in the evening I opened my door and was greeted by the sight of my travel supplies at the ready, strewn where I had left them. I didn't know what I was going to encounter, so I had packed light, choosing to carry only a few days worth of food and water, my spear, and a few essentials for making a functional camp. Most of the things I needed would be readily available in the more civilized and charted areas that I would have to travel through first - and I have the coins to pay for the things I might need should the time come. For now I will stay in the small towns and villages that are abundant, peppering the peaceful countryside, and sleeping under the spring stars when those aren't present.

Laying down in my bed my mind is racing and filled with thoughts of what lies ahead. Sleep won't be easy to come by, but as I toss and turn, it takes me in its hold and transports me through the night.