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Once upon a time there were ruins that lined the shores of the Golden Sands Beach. It was once the Shrine of Water when Rylin had been its Guardian. It had remained there for over two decades… until one day the sea’s waves rose up and swallowed them.
From the sea birthed an island long since forgotten to the world. Passing sailors and merchants told stories of the water moving and shifting things on this island. Ruins rolled out and into the island. Then, she came. The stories told of a woman with hair, skin, and eyes the pure white-blue of water. She moved with a fluidity rivaled only by water itself. She began her construction.
Passage to the Island
It is said that the island shifts its position in the sea depending upon the mood of the waters. It goes wherever the water wills it to be. At every dock that stretches out into the great sea there are finely crafted ships of white oak, decorated with hand-carved runes. Beneath it circles what appears to be a water elemental. Step into the ship and the water elemental will power the ship along an unnatural current to wherever the island may be.
The Island
The ships arrive directly on the shore of the island, allowing the passenger to leave before returning to its original dock. Beaches of white sand encircle the outer edges of the island. Inward the grass is green, littered with small streams and pools. At the dead center of the island is a gleaming shrine of white and blue swirled marble. Every now and then you may find a piece that looks much older than the rest. To some it may mar the appearance, but there is a great meaning behind this. The entrance is prefaced with a set of steps lined on each side by great steams of water drawn from the ocean. The two doors are silver and glowing with blue runes. Above the doors in the same blue color is an elven text reading Olia si sylaesal caes tae aelaes meaning ‘Only the tolerant heart may enter’. Water only allows those without ill intentions against its Guardian or any other guest/visitor to enter its doors.
The Shrine
Opening the silver doors reveals and very large and open interior room. However, the bottom is a deep and vast pit of water fed by the streams drawn from the ocean. Here the animals of the sea, namely fish, turtles, and dolphins meander in and back out to sea. A silver bridge arches and extends over this giant pool to waterfall. Safety rails along the side allow visitors to stop and gaze down at the sea creatures if they so wish it. As one nears the waterfall, it parts and reveals a silver door similar to the ones at the front.
This door leads into a room, though much smaller than the last, is interesting nonetheless. Watercolor paintings of the predecessors of the current Guardian line the walls. They are remarkably lifelike and every now and then you may see them move. One portrait in particular stands out among the others. Some may recognize this as Rylin Do’Rovarie, father of the Guardian. At the center of this room lies a single, small pool filled with the purest of water. It creates a living statue of a wave and sea creatures that alternate. If one has an offering for the element, it may be places here. Likewise, prayers and other such religious activity of Water followers may be conducted at this altar. Two silver doors are the only other things in this room- one at the right and one at the left.
The door to the left branches off into several rooms, among them is a library filled with white oak shelves that have been stocked with books on many subjects pertaining to water from the elemental magic to its sea creatures. Cozy white oak desks and chairs with sapphire cushions dot this library. Visitors are free to stay as long as their studies require them. Another of these rooms is a kitchen constantly stocked with food, and of course fresh water, which guests are always welcome to. Lastly there is a training room where the Guardian will conduct training sessions in magic in general or specifically water magic. It is a simple room with no decorations- however an open archway allows one to walk out on a grand balcony. It is a perfect place to look out to sea.
The door to the right leads to a hallway where several guest rooms are kept prepared and clean. They all contain the same basic set up with a plush bed topped with white sheets and a sapphire comforter. All have a lovely window that can be opened that is lined with white curtains. There is also a small white oak dresser and a wash table. At the end of this hallway is a small spiral staircase. At the top of it lies a silver door with a lock. Behind the door is the Guardian’s room. It is slightly bigger than the guest rooms with more windows, all facing the sea. The dresser is a more standard size and there is also a matching wardrobe and vanity. In the corner is a quiet desk with an ink well, quill, and oil lamp. Though the Guardian spends mostly just nights in her room, choosing to wander during the day. _________________
[Daughter of the Three Strands]
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