My group assembled at a restaurant in Sultanahmet Square. We decided it would be a good idea to dine heartily before plunging ourselves into the depths that time had forgotten beneath the city. Our group consisted of four strong: Pokemon Master Hew, Cassiano the Conqueror, Jon the mighty, and myself. The entrance into Moria-I mean the Basilica Cisterns, was guarded by a gatekeeper. We may have been stopped at this point, but Carlos was able to persuade the gatekeeper to grant us passage with 40 lira. What we saw as we descended the dark stairs was truly amazing. A huge cavern with large stone pillars and about two feet of water was before us.
The cistern was built by emperor Justinian in the 6th century. Fish swam in the water, haunting music played, and dim lighting all added to the experience. To imagine that everything in the cavern was at one point completely submerged in water only added to its allure because it meant that it was all previously inaccessible. As we ventured deeper into the cistern, we came across a unique column that had tears carved into it. Some say that the tears represent the tears of the dead slaves who built the cistern. Two gorgons attacked us as we approached the far end of the cavern, but they were no match for us. We quickly decapitated them and placed one head sideways and the other upside down underneath pillars. The reasons for us doing this are unknown...
The time came for our group to make a hasty escape though since it appeared that we had awoken the Balrog. It was sad to have to leave such a beautiful place, but since no one really wanted to sacrifice themselves at the bridge for the rest of the group, we had no choice. I will look back fondly on my memories (and pictures) of this historical place and our journey into it.
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