[Nyka location] The bridge of the beginning

[Tarot]

The Bridge of the Beginning, or "the First Rib", as the population dubbed it in keeping with the belief that the city is a living and breathing entity, was the first attempt at crossing the Aperture at its narrowest. At the time, Nyka counted only a few hundred souls, but the Celestials felt that an expansion to the sea was needed. Back then, the bridge was little more than ropes and planks of wood, but it has since been remade in stone and connects the Celestial quarter with Laat's Eastern quarter. It is by far the quickest way to reach the harbor from the Celestial palace and vice versa. While it is only twenty feet wide, the bridge is loaded with deep symbolic significance. For the first time, the people of Nyka had dared cross the Aperture, the deep crevice that had somehow called out to the Celestials to settle here. From that moment on, the Celestials decreed that tribute should be given to the Aperture. Every day at twilight, the monks throw food and offerings from all twelve bridges, but especially from this one. It is common to see monks and ordinary people praying on the bridge, often staring down at the depths of the Aperture. At this latitude, the sun never rises high enough on the horizon to cast light on the bottom of the pit. At the crack of dawn, a long rope ladder is extended from the very center of the bridge for exactly ten minutes. Those wishing to explore the depths of the Aperture are free to do so, at their own risk. They will not be able to climb back until the next day, provided they are still alive.