Eril's Story

Day 14

The next day, in front of me, the mountains were clear and looming. A series of hills and ridges gave way to mighty insurmountable peaks, the tops of which couldn't be fully seen without tilting my head back. Around the bases, a few small villages and clusters of farms sprawled about - mostly elegant estates and the homes of those who didn't wish to live under the mountain, but still benefit from the riches that flowed forth from it.

These towns held little interest for me, and I was keen on powering through to make it to the foothills by nightfall, making it so that I could complete the incline in mornings light. I was able to easily find the main road, simply by looking for the most foot and vehicle traffic. I walked on my own, passing by groups or slower travelers every couple of minutes. There was a joyful and pleasant energy that permeated the area.

It was infectious and I reflected on the positive things in my life, enjoying being part of the bustle of a major city, especially one I had never experienced before.

Seeing the people pass by, I was struck by how different their dress and mannerisms were despite being so relatively close to Tenora. Humans had only been in this area for a few hundred years. First migrating from the coast and settling to the North, then from there inland to the West. This land wasn't as built up, the infrastructure being a shadow of elsewhere between the great cities. But I could see why those that had split off had picked this location. Ideal weather made for a fair and temperate climate for much of the year. Surrounding peaks absorbing most of the extremes. The surrounding land enjoyed the shelter and water flow from these giants, keeping the soil fertile and arable. Finding a network of caverns and expanses under the mountain, as well as vast quantities of gems and ore had just been a bonus for those already calling this area home.

I hailed a cart driver who was willing to take me the rest of the way for a small price. He had just finished a delivery of ore, and now was bringing back specialty trade goods from another town far away. Eager to get back to his home, he drove the cart at a quick clip and we made it to the town in no time.

With the time saved, I was able to find a comfortable inn to spend the rest of the day in. The particular one I chose, was hosting a modest tournament for one of my favorite table games. Over a drink and fine food, I played the night away, managing to come in second place, only losing to a far superior opponent, who used a strategy I had never seen before, but that I resolved to give a go in the future.

The evening ended in story as a skilled orator took to a small stage, proceeding to enrapture the crowd with wondrous tales, of times old. When great heroes lived, when spirits roamed a young world, and of the creation of Earth itself from the void. Everyone in the audience was mesmerized by the colorful descriptions and vivid details woven through speech. Listening intently, I felt invigorated and inspired in my own adventure, imagining what It may yet encounter. With my thoughts running wild, I took to my room, setting into a deep sleep.