Library :: The Journals of Randal

By Randal

The 17th day of the Month of the Cold Burden, year 295

Well, I finally did it... I arrived in Turien after my long voyage from my hometown. All I've ever wanted to do was someday make it here, to the most glorious city in the lands, and live the life of a true adventurer. I've heard so much about this city... from the heros who reside here, to all the battles that have taken place around the city limits. I know that If I am going to fulfill my dreams, I must start my long quest here.

Oh, how do I even begin to describe all the events that took place today? I am just so excited, I don't know where to begin. I suppose I shall start from the beginning...

Upon stepping off the boat I sailed to this new land on, I received directions to Turien from a local guide. Luckily, it was only an hour's walk to the grand city from the dock, so I quickly gathered up my belongings and started off down the path in an excited hurry. While I walked down the path, all I could think of was what awaited me when I reached my destination... The image I had in my mind of Turien was of a huge, glorious city, but as I realized that I was only less than an hour away from it, I started thinking that maybe it wouldn't be as awe-inspiring as I had always thought. Maybe those who told me the tales of the city exxagerated a bit, and the city was just a normal city like any other. I tried to put the thought out of my head, just hoping that Turien was as magical as I had always thought of it as.

After quite some time of walking, I reached the top of a hill, and then off in the distance, I saw it... the city of Turien, and yes, it was just as I pictured it. I couldn't believe how BIG the city was! It seemed as if its huge stone borders stretched across the land for miles! The way the mid-morning sun glistened off all the marble buildings was such a beautiful sight that I had to take a short rest and just admire the city from afar. I was so excited by this point, my mind was racing a mile-a-minute, thinking of what awaited me once I stepped into those grand gates. After resting for a few minutes, I just became too excited, and ran down the path at full speed toward my destination.

I'll never forget the feeling I had when I first stepped inside the huge eastern gate. I was just so overwhelmed by all the activity taking place within the city. As I walked down Main Street, I was in shock as I witnessed what city life was like in the largest city in the known world. People of all different types were walking around the streets, going about their business. There were just so many of them... this was like nothing I have ever seen. Huge knights in gleaming armor patrolled the streets, making sure it was safe for all the citizens, while the citizens rushed back and forth going about their chores. I even passed by a few adventurers as I walked through the city, who were probably on their way out to go make history. As I walked down the street further, I came to the fountain plaza, which I had heard so much about. Just as I heard, this is the central spot in Turien where the city's heroes relax when they're not out exploring the lands. I was so excited to see these real-live adventurers that I giggling in joy, which caused a few of them to look at me in a funny way, but that's alright. I started chatting with a few of them, and they told me a bit about the sights to see in the city. They hinted that I may need some better equipment if I wanted to become a real adventurer, so they pointed me in the direction to the city's donation room. (That is where the adventurers leave equipment for the less-powerful adventurers, such as myself, to pick up and use) Luckily, it was right down a stairwell near the fountain, so I didn't have to walk very far... I was very tired from all the excitement that took place already.

As I first arrived in the donation room, I couldn't believe my eyes... the room was huge, and filled to the brim with adventuring gear! Gleaming swords and sets of armor were strewn about, along with all sorts of cloaks and other types of armor. I couldn't wait to get my hands on some of it and try it on, so I made a mad dash towards the nearest set of armor and tried it on in an excited frenzy. After an hour or so of playing around with all of the gear in the room, I found a set of gold armor which seemed suiting for me, and left the other items behind so that others like me could take advantage of them. I climbed the stairs back up to the fountain plaza, and walked to the edge of the fountain to take a quick drink of water. As I looked down into the crystal-clear pool, I caught my reflection, and I couldn't help but crack a huge smile as I saw myself standing there in such a beautiful set of armor, with my sword slung across my back. I am truly on my way now to becoming a real adventurer!

I started chatting with some of the local adventurers resting at the fountain plaza, collecting more information about the city. They pointed me in the direction of important sites such as the Bank of Turien, which is located right near the fountain plaza, and the Inn, which is just south a little bit from the plaza. Upon hearing about the Inn, I realized that it might be a good idea for me to get some rest... This was enough excitement for me for one day!

So, I started off south down Crestview Road and I entered the Inn and rented a room, where I am now writing this journal entry from. I am so anxious to go explore the city some more, but I know that getting some sleep for the night is the best thing I can do. I can only wonder I will come across tomorrow... I will just have to wait and find out.