The return trip to the city was easy, and generally fun. I stopped by many of the towns I'd passed before and briefly explored them again in search of change or new development. Sadly, these ghost towns remained as such. I did finally encounter a few other travelers, though they paid no heed but to speak an impersonal greeting. As they were the first I'd seen in my time here (almost a month, now!) I didn't want to press them for anything beyond what they might offer without prompting. There will be time enough to pursue the social atmosphere once I've learned my place.
Exploring the city, I found many regularly maintained structures. This was clearly an active location, and it would likely be a short time before I was discovered lingering, so I decided to claim my own space as seemed customary. I built a small shack near the city center among and similar to others close by. Afterward, I claimed land near some of the available city-only resources by constructing my own storage huts. I knew I would eventually need some way to fortify or protect them; for now, I just need to hope that anyone who finds them is inclined toward leaving them be.
It was not long before the first few denizens returned to their own structures and discovered that I had "joined" their ranks. During my journey, I had given great effort to preparing my mind for this day. As it turned out, that effort was rather ill spent. The denizens sought me out, approached me in the road, and bid me welcome. I had nothing to fear. I felt childish and meek. Oh, how I could have grown had I not run away before. Such opportunity I now had.
I was provided basic knowledge of the area and told the few rules of their city. Even their mayor greeted me and gave me insight. I wondered if I should be so accepting of these kindnesses: why did they seem so eager for me to stay? I, of course, remained pleasant while they to me, and reflected on our dealings to myself later. I still did not know how I got here, or even where I truly was. If I was to glean answers or hint from the people here, I needed to better understand them first.
The city contains a number of structures I had not seen in the abandoned towns. They give me hope as I feel they imply a civilized nature of those who keep them. A trading post stands near the city center, allowing locals and foreigners alike to buy and sell between them, though with a hefty fee on each sale. The proving grounds are where anyone can test their strength in sparring matches. There is a factory where gathered resources can be refined into more useful materials; they only ask you make food donations to the city for use of the service. And where in the abandoned towns there were only dull flags to mark territory, this city bears great towers to fend off invaders and denote its prowess.
I am confident I can earn good standing here, and I have much to learn. It seems these two things may coincide more often than not, which should make the going rather favorable. Currently, I am investigating the relationship with trolls, who have huts of their own at a few locations near the city, and their coveted magical feathers that come from a fearsome bird I intend not to encounter soon. Apparently, these feathers enable instantaneous travel to places one has visited, and some he has not. I hope not to offend the trolls in my probing, lest they deny my privilege to their prize.
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