Thread: Un-forbidding the Land {Wander x Echoplex}

When the augur raised the bridge, the denizens of the caravan virtually collapsed in awe. Its intricate lattice-work of stones ascended into their previous positions, having been fixed so they would not do so much as budge. The augur swore on his life that it would be a safe passage but the majority of vagabonds were skeptic. A farmer was the first one to test the augurs merit. He strode across with his horse cantering behind, driving his heel into the stone. He laughed and gestured for the others to follow. Its truly magical, he whispered the augur smiled, absentmindedly curling his mustache as the caravan gallivanted after him. The wind was sharp at such a height, nearly enough to cut cheekbones. The vagabonds shuffled in a single line across the bridges suspension, most shielding their eyes from the gale. The augur was strangely unscathedhed made this pilgrimage several instances before. Perhaps the wind was a warning to the Forbidden Lands visitors the last testament to drive them back, away from the evil that dwelt there, but humans were programmed to overreach. This place its so empty, commented another farmer. He was a stout man whose face was windburnt from his years in the field. He appeared to be directing his concern to a woman adjacent to the augurshe, unlike the survivors, was strangely exotic looking. Her hair was reminiscent of a lions maneblack as a starless night sky riddled in wavy tresses. She was swarthy-complected with striking ginger-hued eyes and high cheekbones. She shot him a peculiar glance and his smile only softened. It looks barren. Its not, I assure you, the augur interjected, There was an empire here epochs ago. The earth stole it back with time you will find remnants of it, but I implore you to explore its rich historywhich, may I add, is as rich as the soil. The augur had an obsequious air to him. He was tall and wore his hair in a bun decorated with tiny porcelain roses. He was handsome, some years shy of his forties and he spoke with a trustworthy trill. This place has been long forgotten by the remnants of its people. The myths are not quite concise, Im afraid, but the shamans in the east claim that a covetous presence dwelt here. When its first settlers erected their empire, it grew envious and lured the empires leaders in with promises of wealth and grandeur. In exchange for seemingly menial tasks, it granted them their greatest boons. Its all fucking hogwash. One of the masons was staring to the high shrines steeple when he growled, arms crossed. Look at this place. Its a peninsula. I can see the ocean from hereit probably rose during the rainy seasons and flooded the damn place, much like our home. Salt water probably made the place barren for gods know how long, but by the texture of the vines, that was some centuries ago. The augur laughed as they approached the shrines postern. A gaping, wide arch welcomed them light from the pale white sun slanted in through the crenels and illuminated the staircase winding down into the bowels of the shrine. And it is astute mind like yours, my friend, that will make this place a fitting home for you. Come. We will make camp in the shrine for the night and map out our direction of exploration in the morning. Water is most important, one of the architects chimed in. Youve been here before, augur. Have you seen a lake? Yes, I have. Several, in fact, all fresh water, pure as that of ice. But, as I mentioned, it is wisest to take rest. The land is empty, yes, but an expanseyou will tire easily if you dont brace yourselves. Mykonos. The shamaness, his guard, gestured to the bottom of the stairwell. It seemingly ascended into darkness but her eyes were well trained. The augur was drawn to her sonorous beckon he knelt down and looked, squinting, and threw his eyes open. There are people down there. Did any of you send scouts forward? Mykonos asked. The line of settlers looked at each other and shrugged. How could people be here with the bridge having been collapsed? Its not impossible. The cliff is steep, but with the right gear it could be descended, put in the skeptic mason. He pushed through the crowd and knelt next two the augur and his assistant. Hoy! he yelled. His voice echoed through the shaft. You, down there!