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Full text
A
Sightseer's
Guide
To Reddington
a modest account of our town by
Sir ANDREW DARLE
INTRODUCTION
The third-largest city in Fenn Aries, and site of its former capital, Reddington is synonymous with mountains, mystery, and magic. Most tourists head straight for the boardwalk and don’t get much further than the Botanical Gardens. However, Reddington has much more to offer.
Spectacular scenery, a historic castle, and a charming underground bazaar reward visitors who wish to explore further. Reddington is that type of unique, enchanting place that lingers in your mind and memories long after you leave her.
The Botanical Gardens
Reddington’s most popular attraction and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, the Botanical Gardens, is loved by both locals and visitors for its Ajeran canopy house and mausoleum, its petal-covered trails, and a mind-boggling variety of flowers. This is the reason springtime is Reddington's busy season.
Situated just east of town, the Botanical Gardens offer a scenic and captivating tableau of the natural countryside. A cobblestone trail meanders past over 1,000 species of tropical plants, each remarkable in its own right, yet even more stunning set against the spectacular backdrop of the Reddington mountains. Allow yourself at least an hour to indulge in this picturesque walk, which concludes at Mainway Station.
Ilex x meserveae
A specimen of Holly unique
to Reddington’s mountains
Featherfall Keep
You will find sitting at the base of Mt. Perma, Reddington's second highest summit, a historic site described by scholars as significantly important to the realm's past. Featherfall Keep, the former home of Lord William Epsen, has until recently always been a private residence, serving as a family home to the Epsens since before the third era.
After the death of Lord Epsen, his oldest son, Lionel Epsen, left the estate never to return; however, the daughter stayed, maintaining the residence and its staff until her marriage in 1951. At that point, Featherfall Keep ceased to be a family residence; it began operating as a historic house museum and tourist attraction, and the estate was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972.
It is still believed by many that Featherfall was built by the first king of Orinda Aries when Reddington was still the capital. However, surfaced documents containing conflicting dates have recently cast some doubt on the long-standing myth.
Trinsdale Lake
Close your eyes and imagine tranquil, serene stillness, rolling fogs, clear water, and gliding swans. In the midst of all that beauty, sits Trinsdale Lake, one of Fenn Aries' premier vacation destinations, exclusive for its more privileged citizens. The lakeside resort and cabins have been frequented by royalty and the realm's gentry for generations. However, on the southern shore of the lake, tourists are free to enjoy the views and rub elbows with the rich and famous in the Hundred Bells Tea Room, which is open to the general public for lunch on Mondays and Fridays.
Mount Holly
At an elevation of 11,220 feet, Mount Holly is the tallest mountain in the Reddington range and the highest peak in the entire realm. Beyond the physical challenge itself, climbing Mount Holly Trail is a beautiful experience and one that many hikers and explorers will want to do at least once.
It’s only a few hours from Reddington to get to the trailhead, and you won’t need any local guides or special gear if you tackle the trail during the summer season. However, those willing to give this mountain a significant amount of planning and research will be greatly rewarded, whether or not they actually summit.
On the opposite side of the peak, far from the trail, rests the Estate of Mount Holly, nestled between the summit’s northern slope and saddle. This 80-acre mountain residence is almost as old as Reddington itself, however, unlike Featherfall Keep, the property has been completely private since the closing of the Mount Holly schoolhouse in ‘66. Still, hikers will be able to appreciate the house’s unique architecture at a distance from one of the trail’s many north-facing overlooks.
Mainway Station Bazaar
For the sentimental tourists wishing to pick up a souvenir to remember their stay, one might try braving the Mainway Station Bazaar. But don't be too hasty. Without proper guidance, the Mainway Station can be a dangerous place. Located underground, this unique marketplace was once Reddington's central railway station, in a time when the realm's trains were still in service. Now the turnstiles, footbridge, and platform have been appropriated and turned into a cavern of tents and torches.
Whether you are bargain hunting, looking for adventure, or finding a memento to commemorate your visit, the Mainway Station Bazaar will be a worthy conclusion to your sightseeing adventure in Reddington.
Angel Tower
Aries River
Trinsdale Lake
Mt. Perma
Hundred Bells
Burrow's End
Featherfall Keep
Mainway Station Bazaar
Botanical Gardens
Mt.Holly
Tanner Fork