Eril's Story

Day 2

Rising early with the dawn I felt alert and refreshed, despite my restless night, and very eager to set out. Getting ready was a short affair. My pack and spear had already been set out beside the door, I thanked my past self for the foresight, I would have been in no mood to do it now. The remaining possessions in the house were being given to various friends and family, and the home itself I was gifting to a distant relative who had just begun a new family of her own, and would now need a larger space - starting out life and having a family is a challenge all unto its own. I had never had a particular interest in owning anything or material possessions, except maybe the odd heirloom or trinket, so I doubted I would miss anything from this place, making it an easy parting.

After a quick meal from my rations, I shouldered my pack and brushed the doorframe with my hand one last time, welcoming the sentimental feelings as I let myself out the door one last time. I made it to the city entrance without delay and walked through, admiring the gates as I went.

The gates to the city are a harmonious mix of sound engineering and ornate elegance, each shaped out of the surrounding rock, ushering travelers through a cleft in the rock that leads to the land above. Designs of the sea, and creatures that lived in it adorned the front, while the top was fashioned in the likeness of a crashing wave, looming tall over all passersby. Past the gate a steeply inclined road wound its way up through the cliff, wide enough for multiple carts and travelers to walk alongside - which at this time of day was already filled with a steady flow of foot traffic.

It was a draining ascent for anyone, and often there would be small groups taking breaks alongside the road. Then came the final incline. I made sure to take advantage of one of the numerous places set up to rest at the top before moving on.

To the West, and away from the sea the vista opened up, a wide rolling plateau stretching as far as the eye could see, sprawling and vast.

I set my sights Northward, where in the distance I could just make out a quaint little town, smoke drifting up lazily and intermingling with the clouds. It would take all day to reach, but walking among the swaying fields of grass and exotic looking wildflowers the time passed by pleasantly. On my way there, I passed by the remnants, now only a foundation, of a wall that had stood many years ago during the great war.

Now with most of the stones repurposed, it stood as a scar across the land where it had been built as a shield for a city that had been constructed without ever a consideration for defense.

The road I was traveling gently wound along the cliff side for miles. Not at a dangerously close proximity, but enough to offer stunning views the whole way to the village. After an uneventful walk for the rest of the afternoon, I came to the modest and cozy stone accommodations. People, almost all of whom were on their way somewhere else in the land, lounged about and hustled about, taking care of errands and the feeding of their animals, the cries of which were resounding. The energy of being with so many fellow travelers was comforting, and I paid for a night in the first place I found, and settling down, fell into an easy sleep.