A Stand of Hazelnuts
The light reaching your eyes has been filtered through prisms of
leaves, refracting the sun's gift into a spectrum from jade to olive.
Hazelnut trees grow here, rooted in the luxurious earth and reaching for
the vibrant sun. Like an alchemist, they will take these basic elements
and turn them into higher forms: leaves to protect, nuts to nourish, rare
beauty to please. These trees do not loom and overwhelm; they grow only
as they need to achieve their purpose. Branches are within easy reach,
perfect perching places to rest and chat, while the moss at the roots of
the trees invites you to sprawl in comfort.
A tree endures here, a promise of strength and support in all weather.
look tree:
The roughness of the bark meets the smooth freshness of the young
leaves, showing the cycle of eternal Nature.
look north:
Peering between the broad trunks here, you see a rainbow where the sun
refracts against a light mist. The mist appears to be rising from a
small waterfall that feeds an inviting pool. A particularly broad branch
arches over the glimmering pond. The leaves delicately dip their tips
into the cool water. The pool is welcoming and the branch is exactly the
right height to dive off of, joining the birds and other animals playing
among the lilies and reeds. There is a slight indent further along that
looks extremely comfortable; it's exactly the right sort of spot to sit
and relax in while the breeze rustles the leaves around you and your
toes just graze the water.
look east
A glimmer of the rising sun welcomes you to new adventures. The path you
took here beckons you back; the cool moss rises to meet your feet and
speed you on your way.
The lattice of vines is open.
Look South
A tiny bird swoops dangerously close to your head on its hurried way to
a nest snug in the lower branches of the closest hazelnut tree. Clutched
in the chickadee's beak is a tiny bit of glinting gold. Upon closer
examination, you note that the bird has lined its nest with scraps of
parchment. The material appears to be covered in childlike writing, as
though the author was unused to holding a quill. It is easy to surmise
this is the work of the goddess; what need has a dryad for paper and
ink?
Look West
The sunlight illuminating the shifting leaves creates patterns on the
moss beds ahead of you. The kaleidoscope of verdant tones is
hypnotizing, but gradually your mind succeeds in creating sense out of
the shifting shades. The forms of five immortals, all beloved of this
glade and its mistress, take their places before you. You sense these
are memories of the mortals Rhina cherished, rather than the powerful
beings they became. First, you are faced by Solanthas, the years of war
and strife softened from his face; he is generous and kind, strong and
full of hope. Nicademus' wings appear to set the leaves to quivering
with echoes of his ready laugh. Elladan ducks in and out of the shade
lines, his eyes alight with wisdom and cleverness. Tamar stands, half
illuminated, her eyes already full of the dreams that led her to
immortality. Myronides' energy thrills through you, as you catch a
glimpse of his elven face, proud and protective, yet alive to the
wonders you have already seen. Slowly the shapes fade back into green
static, and it is merely sunlight's game with leaves that skips over the
mossy ground.
Look Up
A vast canopy of hazelnut leaves shades you from the heat of the sun.
The wind that rustles the leaves cools the air. A perfect balance of
light and shade, of heat and chill, has been reached in this elusive
stand of trees.
Look Down
Soft, almost luxurious, moss carpets the ground. Hazelnuts lie beside
their more developed brethren, the light green saplings that reach
hungrily for the sun. Shy white flowers are visited by plump bumblebees,
promising sweet strawberries to come. Fat mushrooms grow beside wide trunks.
These all beg to be gathered for a delicious buffet of wild treats.
l parchment
You are able to piece together the following words scrawled on the
parchment:
We are a Lawful Neutral following. Pacifism requires great
self-restraint and strict adherence to those laws to which I find
necessary to bind you. Your choices to a great extent will be your own,
but I require absolute obedience to my will when expressed. Neutrality
is the hardest route of all; you have not picked a simple life. We must
walk between the two great powers of existence without being drawn into
the blinding glare or shadow of either side. Read further for rules to
guide you.
l rules
1) Never take life. You will be provoked, you will be angered, you will
watch companions fall. Always stay true to the pacifist ideal.
2) Never take sides. You are as neutral as the world herself. You ally
yourself with individuals, but no cause but our own.
3) Never show disrespect. Mortals and immortals alike are deserving of
utmost courtesy, if not for their own sakes, then for yours.
4) Always adore your goddess.
5) Always, but always, enjoy yourself. Take the time for the small
pleasures.