Three Gables
Log cabins in the woods have been a draw for humans since humankind clawed its way out of the primordial ooze. There is something primal about them. They are protective, and indicative of human ingenuity and hard work. An adult could readily protect themselves and several children from within one's own walls...except, of course, all of the burnings (refer back to 'human ingenuity') when it is other humans doing the attacking. Log cabins somehow conjure images and feelings surrounding cozy fires in river-stone hearths, sitting on a soft bear pelt with a loved one, sipping mulled wine while weathering a winter storm that rages outside. Candlelight flickering through frost-shaded windows, and smelling pine trees from somewhere. That kind of thing.
There is one particular log cabin, however. A very special log cabin. Oh it is well built, certainly, and it is designed and decorated well enough, but that is not what is so very special about it. This place, called magical by generations of boys and girls, occupies a large-ish clearing in a forest remembered as magical by generations of pre-teens and young adults. This cabin is the place where children become leaders in a world gone mad. Known as Three Gables, the roof does indeed boast three of the rooftop window enclosures in the front of the building. There is a Farmers' Porch, with the lower half of the supports covered in horizontal lines marking countless children's heights at different points in time. The kitchen within is equipped to throw lavish affairs for the royal children, though it has only ever been used for such a very few times. For the most part, this kitchen produces the best grilled cheese sandwiches on Tellus. There are three bedroom suites just for the royal lads and lasses; suites, because the children are allowed to bring one friend of their very own choosing. That friend stays in an adjoining bedroom, sharing in the royals' accoutrements and luxury for the entire time they are visiting. They dress in cotton fabrics and flowingly cut fashions while they are here, their comfort being much more important than their status for the length of their stay. Here, they are welcome and expected to be children. To build pillow forts and wage valiant snowball wars. Here, dreamers mold themselves into servants of the people; dreamers for the weary. The cabin, this log cabin, is where for four thousand years the royal children of The Greys have vacationed away from the constant stress and subtle savagery of the court. It is here, with the irascible and grumpy old landlord, Pep, that the children find a way to actually, for a time, just be kids.
There is one particular log cabin, however. A very special log cabin. Oh it is well built, certainly, and it is designed and decorated well enough, but that is not what is so very special about it. This place, called magical by generations of boys and girls, occupies a large-ish clearing in a forest remembered as magical by generations of pre-teens and young adults. This cabin is the place where children become leaders in a world gone mad. Known as Three Gables, the roof does indeed boast three of the rooftop window enclosures in the front of the building. There is a Farmers' Porch, with the lower half of the supports covered in horizontal lines marking countless children's heights at different points in time. The kitchen within is equipped to throw lavish affairs for the royal children, though it has only ever been used for such a very few times. For the most part, this kitchen produces the best grilled cheese sandwiches on Tellus. There are three bedroom suites just for the royal lads and lasses; suites, because the children are allowed to bring one friend of their very own choosing. That friend stays in an adjoining bedroom, sharing in the royals' accoutrements and luxury for the entire time they are visiting. They dress in cotton fabrics and flowingly cut fashions while they are here, their comfort being much more important than their status for the length of their stay. Here, they are welcome and expected to be children. To build pillow forts and wage valiant snowball wars. Here, dreamers mold themselves into servants of the people; dreamers for the weary. The cabin, this log cabin, is where for four thousand years the royal children of The Greys have vacationed away from the constant stress and subtle savagery of the court. It is here, with the irascible and grumpy old landlord, Pep, that the children find a way to actually, for a time, just be kids.
Purpose / Function
It was originally the meeting place for all six of the ancient dragon Travelers to come together during trying times. It is a place many of them have weathered the great sadness that can overtake them all from time to time.
Design
It is entirely built from felled trees.
Entries
There is a main 'great door', that has a set of red, carved wood moose antlers over the top. The back door, errand port and bulkheads are all built the same as the great door; sturdy wooden panels sandwiched between bolted steel plates. Large, iron rings hang at each sally point to act as knockers, and there is a large brass bell hanging to the right of the front, or 'great', door.
Sensory & Appearance
It smells of pine resin and maple syrup, and the aromatic wood fires that conjure the same feelings one gets while cuddled up in a comfy blanket during the depths of a winter storm.
Denizens
Contents & Furnishings
It is furnished in warm wood and cozy fabrics, boasting overstuffed chairs and an impressive dining room table made out of an immense slab of white oak. The floors are all hand planed hardwoods, set with granite hearths and brass fittings. There are reading nooks, breakfast crannies, a screened-in weather-deck on the roof featuring handmade rattan furnishings, and shelves simply crammed with books everywhere one looks.
Valuables
There is an ultra-rare Vekhettophyre in the carriage house, under an oily tarpaulin. Random chachkis and knick-knacks around the place are actually immensely rare or one of a kind items; gifts gleaned over centuries.
Hazards & Traps
This is probably the most dangerous place on Tellus, for those with nefarious intent. While Stevie Vekhet made it by hand to while away the hours during a period of great sadness, it is entirely subject to the travelers' will.
Special Properties
It is 'timeless'; a condition only Vekhettebærdolax-Bayard (the god of Time) can grant.
Alterations
It has remained virtually unchanged (to our eyes, at least), for four thousand years.
Architecture
A dugout log cabin, complete with mud-packed weather sealing and horsehair plaster inside. The chimney and hearth are made of riverstones from a nearby brook. There is an impressive Farmers' Porch surrounding the large building, which sits in a clearing on the side of a little hill.
Defenses
Well, as far as defenses go, nobody except The Greys are allowed anywhere near the joint, unless they are accompanied by a Grey of Unsullied Intent.
History
Stevie Vekhet built it during one of his periods of great sadness. Creating a thing of respite for his friends and family gave him a something real to think about, other than his predicament and eventual loss.
Tourism
Naw man-refer to "defenses".
* This scholarly work is a copy of the original. At the time of its writing (Fedus 19, 5406NG), there were no other ethnicities living within Pax, just after the Elven Purge. Pax was 'exclusively human', as far as the humans were concerned.
Founding Date
It has never been confirmed, but rumored to have been more than four thousand years ago.
Alternative Names
Vekhettimoot
Type
Lodge, Cabin
Parent Location
Environmental Effects
While here, children remain children and do not age. There is a air of respect and cheeky fun about the place. In a very real sense, it reminds everyone who goes there about their childhood.
Owner
Additional Rulers/Owners
Compartment of Vehicle
Owning Organization
Comments