Micheal's Bridge

A simple bridge located in Tierhal, Micheal's Bridge is a nearly meaningless local landmark that was named after a man who drowned beneath it.

Purpose / Function

The bridge was created to allow local farmers, lumberjacks, and other forest workers to easily cross the stream without much hassle. Although it has retained its original purpose, it is also considered a small memorial to the descendants of Micheal's family.

Alterations

Originally, the bridge was made with rough-cut boards from nearby trees and assembled slowly. It was disassembled and rebuilt almost a hundred years after its construction, with new boards, nails, and Gifted-assisted sanding. Despite it being virtually a different structure, the bridge is still called by its name.

Architecture

The bridge is a very simple, unassuming structure that is made of regular wooden boards and nailed sturdily together. The bridge was disassembled and reassembled almost a hundred years after its construction to make it safer, although the original size and architecture have remained the same. There is also a sign a certain distance away that announces "Micheal's Bridge, Quarter Mile".

History

Created in 1834 AEA, this bridge was originally known as Northwood Bridge and was primarily used as a means of transport from one side of the stream to the other. In 1849, a local man named Micheal Loughty was traveling home from helping a friend with his house late at night when he slipped in a rain puddle and fell under the bridge. The fall would not normally kill someone, but Micheal was unlikely enough to hit his head on the support beam, pass out, and land facedown in the water.

The next morning, Micheal's wife sent a neighbor to look for him. The neighbor found Micheal's body underneath the bridge and called for help. Unfortunately, they were several hours too late. Micheal had drowned, and his neighbors renamed the bridge Micheal's Bridge in his honor. With the help of friends, the Loughtys managed to survive until Micheal's eleven-year-old son Konner was old enough to work with the men and provide for his family. In 1930, the bridge was remade, although the name remained. A sign was added

Underneath the bridge where Micheal Loughty died.

years later to announce the distance until the bridge, and the path that crosses the bridge was made safer and sturdier. Better railings were also added when the bridge was rebuilt.

Founding Date

1834 AEA

Alternative Names

prev. Northwood Bridge

Type

Bridge

Parent Location

Northwood Forest

A Royal Visit?

A tale of Northwood Forest tells that a king and princess of Tierhal once traveled through the forest. When they came to the stream, the bridge turned out to be under repair from a storm. Multiple members of their retinue attempted to ford the stream, but the princess refused to wade across. Drawn by the commotion, a group of peasants from the nearby houses came to investigate. The peasants offered to help and ended up carrying the king and his nobles across.
Despite her father already being on the other side, the princess refused to cross. Her attendees crossed to encourage her, but it was only after a young man started arguing with her that she agreed to go. Once the royal retinue arrived at their destination, the king granted the peasants an official commendation, and the young man later married the princess.
This tale is considered mostly fictitious, although a nearby family does possess a cloak with the royal seal. Likewise, a brief mention of a princess marrying a commoner around the time this story takes place exists, preventing the tale from being entirely disproven.