Following the path Aknath had pointed out, the two arrived behind a collapsed tower.
Rock brought down from the cavern ceiling by the earthquake had piled up with rubble and ruined buildings into a small hill. From a distance, the place looked completely sealed off, with no possible way through.
Only when they drew closer did they spot a narrow fissure hidden in the shadows of the ruins, barely wide enough for one person to squeeze through sideways. Beyond it lay a curtain of white mist.
It seemed that after a series of crises-political turmoil, the Great Earthquake, the arrival of the demiplane, and widespread disappearances-the Ruling Council, already lacking the ability to manage affairs at the local level, had lost even more control over the city.
Under normal circumstances, a gap leading into the sealed-off zone could never have been left there. But now, with the Holy Day Festival and the earthquake occupying everyone's attention, no one had time for this remote corner.
The Great Elf City, which had stood for thousands of years, a nation of priests devoted to their deities...
Before the Mist Wall, Renato stopped and looked back at the magnificent city in the distance, unable to help feeling a little wistful.
Exquisite domes, stone walls carved with intricate patterns, multicolored magical lights...
Although the culture and customs of Drow society were twisted and sickening enough to turn his stomach, Renato was still awed by these artistic clusters of buildings and their exquisite craftsmanship.
That such an advanced civilization could have developed in the treacherous Underdark was a miracle of sorts.
Of course, besides the architecture, the magical bathtubs that heated and filled themselves had also left a very deep impression on Renato.
Perhaps the races of Ereel were not as ignorant and barbaric as Renato