Come one and all!

Featuring: Shei Salavar & Digby Trent

By the time Shei made his way out of the wetlands in Northern Middterh, the clear blues of the afternoon sky had turned to the pale violets of evening. Just as he had planned, the setting Sun to the West would allow him to comfortably travel along the length of Highwall’s expanding shadow as he continued Southward to Con’ Coggra. Shei’s goal was to reach Crystal lake in Atlatoth within the next two days. By travelling across Northern Middterh, most would have considered traveling further North passing through the Heinddur Region to then reach Atlatoth. This path would have been considerably shorter. Unfortunately, for many years, Heinddur has been known to house all sorts of dangers as well as monsters. What’s more, recent reports have stated that sightings of monsters have increased along with attacks. The residents of the Triad crossroads are quite fortunate to have settled within the remains of an old fort. Otherwise, they might have suffered cruel fates. As for Shei, the idea of passing through such a hostile Region inspired little confidence in the success of his research. Additionally, this would be his first visit to the famous outpost.
At his current pace, Shei feared he may not be able to reach the settlement before nightfall. This caused for concern, even if this was the middle of the warm season, the night still brought a chill and with the marshes now behind him, there would be little else to make camp with. Unlike a Burroden, Shei couldn’t simply dig himself a borough anywhere he wished. And so, he’d decided to forgo his chosen path and cut through the fields of Western Middterh instead.
Along the way, Shei encountered few obstacles before reaching the shade of Highwall and the path running parallel soon after. His short stature would occasionally give him trouble while in the tall grass and he suffered a quick scare when he’d crept near to few horses whom hadn’t seen him until getting too close. Though the Sun’s rays weren’t too harsh, Shei felt it necessary to use some of his water to keep his skin moisturised. He also took this time to stop and eat some of his Heinden lakeweed along with an energizing draught given to him by his sister. To his left, Shei could see the magnificent Human capital of Grandalheim with the titular castle Grandalheim poised atop its hill. The evening sky, now burning orange as the Sun continued its journey to the West, painted the ivory walls of the palace and the light reflected off what must be glass-pained windows. Before long, Shei was on his way once again, leaving the wonderous sight behind.
Once the traveling botanist reached the baren earth road at the base of Highwall’s cliffs, his destination towered over him now only a mere kilometre away. Shei couldn’t help but notice what is considered the heart of Con’ Coggra; the lifts. From the base of Highwall, travelling to its very peak, the lifts have allowed countless people to easily come and go between the Atlatoth and Middterh Regions. History decrees that the Soarion people wished to find a way for others to access their land as easily as they could. With the help of the Humans, the two races set forth to create what would eventually become Con’ Coggra. While looking up to the port sitting above the cliffs of Highwall, Shei simply wondering just how it all operated?
After reaching the gate, Shei’s senses were immediately overwhelmed. Even if nightfall was just a few minutes away, the light of a thousand flames, big and small, illuminated the makeshift city just as if it were mid-day. The clamoring, shouting, singing was deafening to the ears. A cavalcade of unfamiliar smells filled Shei’s nose. Despite it all, the new arrival was shocked when noticing he’d walked pass the gates into a sprawling market-place filled with dozens of people browsing or haggling merchants. What’s more, Shei was also surprised at the absence of any sort of guards at the gate. In fact, people were seen coming and going as they pleased. Truly, this was unlike his familiar home of Lumeria.
As soon as Shei turned around to face the inside of the famous outpost, a barrage of strangers stepped over to him presenting all sorts of strange items, exclaiming prices and conjuring deals before the botanist could even respond! He swiftly made his way out of the center of the market area, heading to his right into a seemingly empty row. At this moment, a wave of fatigue passed over Shei. He’d realized just how long he’d gone without water. He pulled out his gourd which held very little water. He drained its contents half on his skin and the other half to drink. As soon as he finished, through the many voices, one stood out from the rest as it addressed him directly. “You there, good sir!” Shei turned to his left to see a rather tall Burroden sitting behind a kiosk. At a glance, it seemed the merchant had only just opened his stall. An array of different stones, geodes and even strange tools were stationed on his table. The Burroden merchant addressed him once more, Shei raising his head to meet his eyes. “First time in Con’ Coggra is it? Don’t be alarmed! I’ve seen the likes of you time and time again.” A wide grin appeared on the merchant’s face. Once more, before Shei could answer, the stranger spoke up. “How lucky you are to have stumbled on to me my friend. The name is Digby, world renown treasure hunter!” The Burrodonian expended his arm. Shei, a bit hesitant, grasped his hand and retorted. “I am Shei Salavar, a botanist of Lumeria.” The handshake was quickly finished only for Digby to continue. “Lumeria? Quite a ways away from home! What brings you halfway across the world my friend?” While waiting for an answer the merchant turned to his wares, liking his finger to polish one of them. “I am heading to Crystal lake on a survey.” Shei answered. Digby returned his gaze to the botanist before retorting. “Should have guessed. Sorry to say, but I have little knowledge on plants and herbs. As you can see, I’m much more in tune with precious minerals and gems.” He then gestured to his table with its many items.
At this, Shei now felt his fatigue once more. This time, no mere water would replenish his strength. Instead, what he needed was a good well-deserved rest. Gathering his courage, Shei addressed the Burroden merchant. “Pardon me Mr. Digby-”. The merchant raised a hand before interrupting him. “Just Digby is fine.” This made the botanist pause for a bit before continuing. “Yes, well… Digby, would you perhaps know where I could find lodging for the night?” At this, Digby gave a quick chuckle. “Why of course my friend! Lucky for you, Con’ Coggra is home to many all peoples of Terra; a true melting pot of cultures! And lucky for me, it is also the home of commerce where one can buy anything. Including information.”
Would Shei have been in better shape; he might have simply scoffed and leave the Burrodonian behind. However, his weary body and mind could hardly object. “Very well, how much?” “Worry not my dear Shei, as we’ve gotten to know each other, I’ll strike a special deal just for you. Two deals in fact!” Shei, feeling more and more fatigued as the conversation went on, could not help but frown a little. Digby continued. “For a measly 10 gems, I’ll point you in the right direction. And for 15, I’ll even accompany you there! How about it, friend?” Shei, somewhat surprised at the low demand not to mention the fact that this strange Burroden merchant requested gemstones instead of their usual item trades, agreed to the terms. “Directions will suffice, thank you.” The tired botanist reached for his gemstone pouch and removed a single yellow gemstone and offered it to Digby. The Burrodonian then removed a small hammer, placed the gem on the table and gave it a firm blow. The gemstone held in one piece.
Digby noticed the Lemouillite’s displeased expression. “Apologies my friend, but you can never be too careful around here. No matter how many times their wrists are slapped, some good-for-nothings will always try and use magic to produce counterfeits.” Digby then placed the gemstone in his own pouch emitting a hollow clink. Once both pouches were put away, the Burroden merchant provided directions. “The place you’re looking for is called the Lemouille villa and Is on the Southern side of the outpost. From here, you can go back to the center of the market and continue straight along the side of the inner wall. Though if you’d prefer to stay out of the commotion, heading down this way until you reach the Burroden villa and cutting across the lift-port will get you there as well.”
Shei thanked the merchant before setting off for the long way to the Lemouillite Villa. As he walked away, from behind came one final remark from the strange Burrodonian. “Take care of yourself Mr. Shei. I’ll be expecting you again sometime.” With that, Shei would reach the villa and finally be able to rest. Crystal lake would only be another day’s journey.
END