Below the Sky (Day 312)

Jiendo is a city of sorts constructed in a large canyon in Caranda Plains. The canyon is ringed by a partial fence laid out with metal plates adorned with various decorations and artwork. The purpose of this fence is unknown since it would do very little to deter potential intruders. There are many gaps and openings in this fence that allow for easy access to the canyon, although the plates do provide a not insignificant amount of shade to the canyon's inhabitants.

A series of earthen pathways ring the canyon in a loose spiral pattern all the way down to the bottom where a few ramshackle cabins lie. Wood is reasonably hard to come by in Caranda, so wooden buildings are only rarely constructed. Most of Jiendo's citizens opt instead to live in hollowed out segments of the canyon's walls. Many of these rooms are very large and elaborate, although most are simple in design.

Many well-worn rope bridges are strung from pathways on opposite sides of the canyon. Despite the traffic these bridges experience on a daily basis, they hold up quite well. This is a testament to the woven glythe hair the ropes are constructed from. The bristly beasts are fearsome to behold but their fur commands quite the premium. Caranda is not exactly a land rich with natural resources, so the glythe is highly sought after by aspiring hunters due to its value as a item for trade--both domestically and for traders hailing from Kuroc, a large city to the south.

The people of Jiendo are peaceful, no-nonsense folk. They experience little conflict (or indeed any interaction at all) with surrounding cities due to the remoteness of Caranda. It is unclear to an outside observer how Jiendo has continued to prosper considering the harsh conditions under which its people live. A natural born citizen of the settlement might tell you that they stay out of tradition, out of a sense of loyalty to their families and to the old ways. Others will express discontent with their situation, but few actually end up leaving. The journey to Kuroc is a perilous one and any further is more dangerous still.

Although conditions are not ideal, Jiendo is livable, and home to a great number of content citizens. They survive by shielding themselves from the harsh rays of the sun, dressing light, and trading with the far-away city of Kuroc. Although it is difficult, it has proven to be a sustainable system for prosperity. Still, it is clear that the younger generation's discontent is growing. In the years to come, change might finally start to happen. Perhaps there will be a great migration to the south. Some have even suggested further exploration of the Stakes, an idea that had been forbidden only a few years before.

All these things are on Brea's mind as she finds herself leading a potentially dangerous stranger to the Jiendo settlement. This woman from an unfamiliar land--she'd seen the outside world. Who knew what sights she'd seen or how she had lived? There was only so much Sarah would tell her and Brea wasn't about to press. What if Casnie were willing to divulge more information? What if. . .what if. . .? She wasn't ready to think about that yet. She didn't know anything about this woman. Sarah seemed to believe she was a dangerous sorcerer. As ludicrous as that seemed, Brea wasn't yet prepared to discount the possibility.