*Biara's journal lies open next to a bundle of her clothing which has been lain out in the sand to dry. The Magistrix sleeps nearby, covered by a blanket.*
I write this as I sit within the shelter I've found deep within a sea cave near the bottom of the ocean. These caves dot the rocky outcroppings around the ruins of the city of Vashj'ir, and many of them have air pockets which have allowed me to make myself comfortable after my day of exploration. My clothing and things are drenched, so the privacy of the cave has allowed me to wring them out a bit and dry off. I'm writing beneath the glow of my enchanted lamps, and with my conjuration there is plenty to eat. All in all it's a pleasant outing thus far.
It took me some time before I was able to compose myself enough to sit and write in this journal. The sights I've seen are beyond my wildest imagination! The city of Vashj'ir was once vast and spectacular, and even in its ruined state the majesty of what it once was is clear for all to see. I've spent many hours wandering the remains of temples, gardens, simple dwellings and grand palaces, and I think I could spend a lifetime exploring such a place. I spent a similar amount of time in the Highborne ruins known as Dire Maul, but Vashj'ir surpasses that place by far in its breadth.
From the very first moment I entered the ruins and placed my hand upon one of the old marble walls, I knew that I was enchanted with the place. To stand there, touching stone that has not felt the hand of an elf for over ten thousand years was a thrilling experience. I began to find my thoughts wandering to what this place must have looked like when it was in its full glory. What plants and flowers lined the garden walkways? Who were the people that lived here, and how did they dress and act? I'm sure that many of our own customs and traditions were developed based on the actions and daily activities of those who lived here so very long ago.
I look upon statues of ancient heroes and wonder what deeds they performed to cause them to be captured in stone for eternity. Who were these legends amongst the Highborne? What dire threats did they prevail against? I often wonder where my own ancestors came from, and what Highborne cities they once lived in. By my reckoning, over three hundred and fifty generations of my people have come and gone to bring me back to this place where everything might have begun in antiquity. Did my own flesh and blood walk amongst these marble wonders? Did they live beneath the beautiful arches that grace even the ruins of this place?
My heart has been stirred by my time here. I look upon the ancient works of my distant ancestors and pray that one day we can build our civilization up to match the wonder that they created. I can feel the magic that they once commanded so long ago still haunting the stones, and I hope that we can create works like this which will last an eternity. My only regret is that my own blood is so far removed from those ancient ones that I cannot access the old spells and wards they placed upon their structures. If only I could reach out and touch them, I know I could learn so much more!
One day I shall have to bring Tyavel Moonblade here. Perhaps with her aid we can unlock more of the secrets of the ancients, and she can show me how the magic was employed. I long to learn more, to uncover the secrets hidden here, to learn of the people that once were.
One day we will rise to such glory, and my every task will be devoted to this. While the Highborne may have fallen, they ruled an empire for untold eons, and created wonders that will never perish from the face of this world. Queen Azshara may have made many fatal mistakes in her time, but the beauty that she helped create is not something to be dismissed entirely. Despite her mistakes, she was still a great ruler; these ruins are testament to that fact.
I will leave this place after I've taken my rest, but when I do, I know I will be leaving a piece of my very soul behind. I cannot remain untouched after seeing such sights.
I write this as I sit within the shelter I've found deep within a sea cave near the bottom of the ocean. These caves dot the rocky outcroppings around the ruins of the city of Vashj'ir, and many of them have air pockets which have allowed me to make myself comfortable after my day of exploration. My clothing and things are drenched, so the privacy of the cave has allowed me to wring them out a bit and dry off. I'm writing beneath the glow of my enchanted lamps, and with my conjuration there is plenty to eat. All in all it's a pleasant outing thus far.
It took me some time before I was able to compose myself enough to sit and write in this journal. The sights I've seen are beyond my wildest imagination! The city of Vashj'ir was once vast and spectacular, and even in its ruined state the majesty of what it once was is clear for all to see. I've spent many hours wandering the remains of temples, gardens, simple dwellings and grand palaces, and I think I could spend a lifetime exploring such a place. I spent a similar amount of time in the Highborne ruins known as Dire Maul, but Vashj'ir surpasses that place by far in its breadth.
From the very first moment I entered the ruins and placed my hand upon one of the old marble walls, I knew that I was enchanted with the place. To stand there, touching stone that has not felt the hand of an elf for over ten thousand years was a thrilling experience. I began to find my thoughts wandering to what this place must have looked like when it was in its full glory. What plants and flowers lined the garden walkways? Who were the people that lived here, and how did they dress and act? I'm sure that many of our own customs and traditions were developed based on the actions and daily activities of those who lived here so very long ago.
I look upon statues of ancient heroes and wonder what deeds they performed to cause them to be captured in stone for eternity. Who were these legends amongst the Highborne? What dire threats did they prevail against? I often wonder where my own ancestors came from, and what Highborne cities they once lived in. By my reckoning, over three hundred and fifty generations of my people have come and gone to bring me back to this place where everything might have begun in antiquity. Did my own flesh and blood walk amongst these marble wonders? Did they live beneath the beautiful arches that grace even the ruins of this place?
My heart has been stirred by my time here. I look upon the ancient works of my distant ancestors and pray that one day we can build our civilization up to match the wonder that they created. I can feel the magic that they once commanded so long ago still haunting the stones, and I hope that we can create works like this which will last an eternity. My only regret is that my own blood is so far removed from those ancient ones that I cannot access the old spells and wards they placed upon their structures. If only I could reach out and touch them, I know I could learn so much more!
One day I shall have to bring Tyavel Moonblade here. Perhaps with her aid we can unlock more of the secrets of the ancients, and she can show me how the magic was employed. I long to learn more, to uncover the secrets hidden here, to learn of the people that once were.
One day we will rise to such glory, and my every task will be devoted to this. While the Highborne may have fallen, they ruled an empire for untold eons, and created wonders that will never perish from the face of this world. Queen Azshara may have made many fatal mistakes in her time, but the beauty that she helped create is not something to be dismissed entirely. Despite her mistakes, she was still a great ruler; these ruins are testament to that fact.
I will leave this place after I've taken my rest, but when I do, I know I will be leaving a piece of my very soul behind. I cannot remain untouched after seeing such sights.
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