"How... did those arches get built?" Draegar asked, still looking at the incredible architecture.
My, she must truly love this city to be so full of enthusiasm about it... not that she's wrong to be. I suppose I won't get anywhere if I'm only interested from afar.
Despite what Benjamin was thinking clinically, Favonia's disposition was rather infectious and he couldn't deny that he was already in a better mood regarding the city overall. "Alright then Ms. Gavrus. Take us on your guided tour of your impressive city. Master Ironhide and I would enjoy hearing more, it seems.
That zoo you mentioned, just how near completion is it?"
Once he reaches his sister, Esdras rests his hand on her belly. "It is always good to make new friends, sister, especially of those outside our normal circle of influence, for we gain more perspective of what really happens around us... now, about getting worried about me, just don't be. Focus all your concerns and attention to my nephew or niece." He pays no attention to Raul, having understood that the man was beyond help.
Despite slow, he was actually pleased with the rhythm they were moving. He approached the guide, showing interest in what she was saying and even asking a question or two. Once he has the chance, he asks her. "Excuse me, lady, but could you tell me more about the history of your marvelous city? I have a weak spot for stories about the founding of the cities."
~Dreager & Benjamin~
"Wonderful! In that case, please make sure your things are gathered and follow me. Please do not hesitate if you have any questions or see something you would like to visit or know more about." She waits until the two are prepared to depart, then leads them off the boat and starts heading mostly directly west into the city, slightly south.
The city is a marvel to examine up close, as it was at a distance. The architecture is the traditional Briecan style, a very old and regal method that is expensive and time consuming, but makes very beautiful and durable buildings, full of marble and stone carefully crafted to blend seamlessly together. Each building has its own personality and seems to have gathered its stone from a different location, but if one looks closely they can see similar patterns and styles scattered throughout the city as they walk, but seldom next to each other. From the docks most of the walking is uphill mostly due to the nature of the mountains as they stretch above the shore.
As they walk Favonia begins by answering questions. "The arches are one of Brieca's greatest architectural achievements, a high honor given the outstanding competition. Each half of the arches were constructed simultaneously, mirroring each other as they rose to completion. Once the angle of the structure began to reach more extreme numbers, wooden supports were built to temporarily bear the weight of each side. Given the incredible height of the arches, the supports ultimately ended up taking more time than the stone itself to be made!" She says with a shocked expression, as if hearing about it for the first time herself.
"The supports doubled as scaffolding and were immense and a a marvel in their own right, and the original builders would spend incredible amounts of time simply climbing up and down the construct. Meals had to be brought to them else little progress would be made in a day. Eventually each arch reached their completion, and a keystone was placed in the center. Once completed, the arches could stand under their own weight, and the wooden supports and scaffolding were removed. Most of the wood was re-purposed as shipping vessels and in many of the buildings along the docks that you see today, although some sections and samples are preserved in museums for posterity. Two such museums are not too far out of the way of our brief tour and if you are interested we can visit them!" She offers. Notably she doesn't talk about the people that are clinging off the side of the arches.
The arch question answered, the moves onwards to Benjamin's inquiry. As she continues to talk, she seamlessly switches between walking forward and backwards, never hesitating or tripping, even when the levels of the city change she steps up and down as needed while glancing behind her only rarely. "The Frozen Peaks Reserve is well under way when it comes to construction, but various aspects of bringing the attraction to life are uncharted territory and make completion estimates difficult. Hostus Porphyrus as the founder has expressed the complications in transporting the various creatures, as well as having to create climate-controlled conditions for many of the creatures that normally thrive in low temperature and high altitudes. However he is hopeful that they can be open to the public within a month!"
~Esdras~
Esdras enjoys the leisurely pace set, and when about halfway to their destination the group takes a break where even the guide sits down for a moment to get some water. She is still happy to attend to the questions of the nobles but is taking a more passive and responsive approach, a perfect opportunity for Esdras. At his question she nods with a bright smile. "Of course! Theveste is the capital of Brieca's Yundalan colony, named after the capital of the homeland. It was the second settlement of the original Briecan colonizers, after Caranusca, who came in response to the revelation after Almor began colonizing. During the expansion of Brieca's colonial lands, Theveste was the rock upon which the efforts pivoted, a highly defensible position sheltered from much of the natural and neighboring threats of Yundal. The settlement serves important economic functions as a midpoint between Caranusa and the southern cities, in addition to transporting supplies between the inner and outer rings via it's paired city Geresa. But overall it's most important function is to maintain the cohesion of Breica, serving as the ruling authority, and cultural and spiritual heart of the colonies. With the cities so far separated it is important to maintain a connection to our roots across the sea, and Theveste serves as the bridge. This function of the city was founded by High Cardinal Gallio Centumalus, while the original founder of the construction of Theveste as a settlement (previously known as Salonae) has been lost to history, although it is still a pursuit among historians and scholars today."
Benjamin chuckled inwardly at Favonia's continued level of enthusiasm.
"That sounds like it's going to be a spectacular event come the time of opening!"
One would think she was the one getting the tour, not us.
"Well I do dabble a bit in history from time to time and have a passing knowledge of some architectural engineering, mostly from just studying written records though. Perhaps we could see these museums you spoke of, Ms. Gavrus. Tell us, what are the differences between the two museums? Does each have more focus in what it displays, or were they both created to simply show more history together?
What do you say, Master Ironhide, shall we go to visit the museums?"
"Sure, if they'll let me in," Draegar shrugged.
"Salonae... really interesting. As I mentioned, I love ancient history. If possible I'd like to learn more about it, so perhaps you could give me the name of some these historians and scholars, I'd be very grateful." He asks once more. "It amuses me how we always need to look past in order to move forward."
In another part of the city, Draegar was also musing about the past.
"Thane doesn't teach a lot of history. They claim the new ways are better than the old ways. It fascinates me though. Stuff like this? Those arches were built with only scaffolding and stone? No cranes. No steam drives. No automatons or engines. Just rocks, sticks, and math. It boggles the mind."
"From my understanding, Thane has always been striving to be at the forefront of cutting edge technology ever since the separation." he says, his voice hinting admiration. "They've made great strides mostly in recent times and this place was one of the earlier settlements, it makes sense they would have had to make do without such inventions."
~~~Benjamin & Draegar~~~
"Indeed! Before news of the High Cardinal it had been the most exciting and talked about thing in the city."
Favonia nods in agreement to Draegar's words. "Thane has a focus on progress. Many statesmen argue the danger in looking forward without learning from what came before you, an idea reinforced by the impact of The Terrible Lapse." She gives a sympathetic look and shakes her head, as if Thane simply doesn't know any better.
"The two museums I spoke of each have their own focuses. The Exhibition of Architecture is owned by the state, and as its name suggests is focused on preserving the long and colorful history of Briecan architecture. The Grand Gallery is owned by the Church and preserves much of our religious iconography, art, and history, telling the history of Brieca and its entwinement with the Church. The Exhibition is more of a historical record keeping experience while the Gallery is about telling grand truths through history and stories." She smiles, waiting for them to choose which option to take.
~~~Esdras~~~
The guide frowns in thought for a moment. "I fear I wouldn't know where to start, Lord Martalen. Dozens of historical scholars who have passed into Azgaar's grace, or the dozen notable ones we have now, or the hundreds of less notable ones? However I can point you in the right direction. I am told that you are an honored guest of His Holiness and will be having supper with him later today. In the Church of Theveste there is a grand library and many helpful librarians and historians who should be able to answer your curiosity far better than I. I am sure they would be happy to help you learn more of our history and culture."
Benjamin laughs lightly and then lets out a small sigh. "I think I've had my fill of religious iconography for a while now. It's very probable I'll visit it later anyway, so let's go the the Exhibition of Architecture. Given the context of our conversation, I think Master Ironhide will agree. After you, Ms. Gav-... Favonia."
He finally seemed to have relaxed as though a weight was finally off his shoulders.
Someone else is in charge.
Draegar grunted an affirmation, his preferences completely obvious.
Esdras nods in agreement and smiles. "Thanks, and sorry for the question. Thinking back, I realize how ridiculous such request was, for Theveste is such a large place... I believe it is a common misconception that when we meet someone of a different place we ilude ourselves in imagining such person would have to know everyone one there." He smiles once more. "I'd be happy to visit the grand library. Actually it was already in my plans."
He looked around at the nobles. "Oh, I believe the other nobles are already ready to move on. And sorry, I have not asked your name... that was specially rude, considering you appear to know who I am."
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~~~Benjamin & Draegar~~~
Favonia smiles, leading the two men further into the city. The walk does not take too long, in about fifteen minutes they see The Exhibition of Architecture. It is about as non-religious as a public building in Theveste gets, which is to say there are still prominent displays of Azgaar and the five-pointed sun, but the religious iconography seem to be more of gatekeepers and incidentals rather than the focus of the displays. Gorgeous halls lead to various rooms, showing off statues and carvings as well as intricately carved beautiful domes and arches. Various rooms are dedicated to different kinds of stone, as well as the ways they can be combined, and the practical applications. There are also areas showcasing more modern styles, still heavily inspired by ancient practices but making more use of natural light and having more curved structures. There is also a sprawling mosaic that shows up close the great attention and detail paid to decorations.
Throughout the museum Favonia provides some high-level information, but guides within the museum are more knowledgeable about details and help to fill in the gaps where Favonia's knowledge ends.
~~~Esdras~~~
"Please, there is no need to apologize. Theveste, and indeed all of Brieca, has a rich and wonderful history, recorded back farther than any other known nation. Pursuing enlightenment in its history and culture is admirable. I am sure all you will need to do is ask and they will be happy to grant an honored guest access."
She takes another long drought of water and stands. "Of course, I am Olvina Capraria, and no offense has been taken. I am but a humble servant of Azgaar and Brieca, as long as I have made your stay here more enjoyable than I am happy." She smiles again. she raises her voice and calls out over the small crowd of nobles. "Honored guests, we are nearly at your accommodations. One last stretch and you will be resting in the finest establishments that Theveste has to offer!" The nobles murmur their responses, some of the older (or more lazy) ones complaining, but all shifting to stand and continue the trek.
~~~Everybody~~~
Draegar is utterly fascinated by the stonework, his mind immediately working to reverse engineer the tools, techniques and mathematical principals the went into the construction and art.
Throughout the experience of The Exhibition of Architecture, Benjamin was impressed by the experience of the whole thing. He took in the sights, the history, and the implications such craft had in making all of the city which was a monument unto itself.
"Tell me, Favonia. You seem remarkably knowledgeable about all of this. Are you an avid scholar with a remarkable memory or is this your passion?"