Turmus

This Gorean fiction and illustrations were created or edited with AI.

 

5th Article for the Gazette

Turmus,, 5th Month, Year 10,174 Contasta Ar

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Plains of Turia, our ship finally docked at the bustling port of Turmus. The city, with its white, shimmering walls, stood majestically against the backdrop of the setting sun. I, Arealius the Sailor, known to my friends as Ar, felt a surge of excitement. Beside me stood Lady Sorana, or Ana as I affectionately called her, and our kajira, Fleur, whom we lovingly referred to as Ours.

We disembarked and made our way through the grand gates of Turmus, greeted by the sight of its winding alleyways and beautiful buildings. The streets were alive with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, children playing, and the general hum of a city steeped in rich culture. The architecture was a marvel, with intricate carvings and vibrant murals adorning the walls.

Ana and I were captivated by the city’s charm. We wandered through narrow alleys, discovering hidden courtyards and quaint cafes. Ours followed closely, her eyes wide with wonder at the sights and sounds around her. The scent of exotic spices filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers.

As we turned a corner, we stumbled upon a small art shop tucked away in a quiet alley. The sign above the door read “The Art Barn.” Intrigued, we stepped inside. The shop was a treasure trove of beautiful oil paintings, each one more stunning than the last. The walls were adorned with scenes of Gorean life, from majestic landscapes to intimate portraits.

Ana’s eyes sparkled with delight as she admired the artwork. Ours, too, seemed entranced by the vibrant colors and intricate details. We spent hours in the shop, losing ourselves in the beauty of the paintings. It was a joyous discovery, a hidden gem in the heart of Turmus.

As we prepared to find an inn for the evening, I noticed a particularly beautiful kajira standing in the corner of the bakery we had stopped at. She was a vision of grace and elegance, her eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that captivated me. Several citizens of Turmus entered the shop, each one addressing her with the endearing name of  “Beloved Ariel,” the name spoke of their love and appreciation for her service.

I couldn’t help but be fascinated by her. She moved with a fluid grace, her every gesture a testament to her multitalented nature. It was clear that she was cherished by the people of Turmus, a symbol of the city’s rich culture and artistic spirit.

As we left the bakery and continued our exploration of Turmus, I couldn’t shake the image of the beautiful kajira from my mind. Our journey through the city had been filled with joy and surprise, each discovery more enchanting than the last. Turmus had welcomed us with open arms, and I knew that our time here would be an unforgettable chapter in our travels.

Ana, Ours, and I walked hand in hand through the streets of Turmus, our hearts full of wonder and excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.



As I strolled into the city, whistling a cheerful tune, I couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning architecture and the warm welcome I had received the previous night. The morning sun bathed the city in a golden glow, making everything seem even more beautiful. I greeted the first person I saw, a lady who seemed deep in thought. “Thank you, Lady. I am Arealius. It is my pleasure to greet you.”

The lady, who I later learned was the baker, smiled and nodded to a man nearby. “Tal to you, welcome to the city,” she said. The man, who turned out to be the Magistrate, also greeted me warmly. “Tal, sir, and welcome,” he said with a chuckle.

I expressed my admiration for the city’s architecture and the friendliness of its citizens. “I am totally awed by your city’s architecture, and the friendliness of the citizenry by the way I was greeted last night and by you this very beautiful morning,” I said. I then asked the baker if I could approach her, to which she graciously agreed.

As I walked closer, I couldn’t help but be struck by her beauty and the way she carried herself. “Oh good lady, I am a professional listener! And have a curiosity barely permitted by the Priest Kings. How can one not be curious about a woman as striking as you?” I said, smiling at her with unashamed honesty.

The Magistrate, who had been observing our interaction, tossed a coin towards me and laughed. “She was speaking with me, sir… she is not alone,” he said, eyeing me with suspicion. I looked around, trying to spot the unseen person she had been talking to.

The baker blushed at my compliment and explained that she had been talking to the Magistrate, who was sitting above us. She invited me to join them if the Magistrate allowed it. “Sir, please walk around and enjoy yourself. If you get hungry, there is the Bakery restaurant as well as some other areas…” she said.

I introduced myself as Arealius of Port Olni and asked the Magistrate if he was a scribe. He confirmed this and allowed me to deliver a letter to the head of his caste. As we continued our conversation, the baker mentioned her travels to Olni and a parade in the city. She offered to make us something to eat and drink, which I gladly accepted.

I handed the scroll to the Magistrate, who agreed to deliver it. I expressed my belief in chance encounters and offered to take the baker’s announcement to Olni. She prepared drinks for us, and we discussed our connections to Olni and Lady Lucy. I introduced myself fully as Arealius Barbosa, a scribe known for my artwork and writings. The Magistrate, now revealed as Draco’no, reflected on his past connections to Olni and Lady Lucy.

The baker served the drinks, and I couldn’t help but feel that the Priest Kings had indeed blessed our meeting that morning. It was a day filled with new acquaintances, shared memories, and the promise of future connections.


Announcement from Turmus: Grand Parade to Honor Our Protectors in the War. 


The War Continues. 

With the esteemed approval of the Ubar, Turmus is proud to announce a magnificent parade to celebrate the Warriors, Defenders, Aiders, and Militia of Turmus and Genesian Port to build morale. This grand event will take place on Sunday, August 25th at 12:00 PM SLT and 3:30 PM SLT.

These parades are dedicated to honoring those who valiantly protect us in the ongoing war against our enemies and to uplift the morale of all citizens of our allied cities. We are calling upon participants from all ranks—city rulers, warriors, aiders, defenders, and militia members of Turmus and Genesian Port—to join us in this celebration. If you wish to participate, please contact Bea Lael (lifepath) or Willi Mycles (willilicious.georgette) immediately.

Please note that militia members from both cities, even if they hail from different home stones, are welcome to join as they contribute to our war efforts. We also need many spectators and street performers to make this event truly spectacular. Performers will be compensated in ZCS coins.

For those unable to participate in person, you may have a picture of yourself carried in the parade, or designate someone to walk in your place. This is an In Character Parade, so please ensure there are no modern balloons or vehicles. Imagine a medieval parade with bosk-drawn carriages and handmade floats.

For any questions or further information, please reach out to us. Thank you for your support and participation.

In service to Port Olni, Arealius



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Port Olni, the Sailor's Homestone

A Conversation with Nicholas Eel

The Lady in the Tower